LESSONS FROM MY TREASURE CHEST

Several years ago, I accidentally bought journals from a religious bookstore, the name of the journal is Documentation Service, published in December of 1991 (Volume 4, No.12). At that time I was a mere 21 years old and never had any idea what the TLM is, having been born and lived with the Novus Ordo Missae and the revised Liturgy. Perhaps it was by Divine Providence that despite the typhoons and house repairs undertaken I still have these journals in my collection of books. Never realizing then that today I will experience a personal attraction to the Traditional Roman Rite. But this edition of the Documentation Service has provided me some insights that helped me understand the issues surrounding these things.

I believe that no one who is attracted to the spirituality of the Traditional Rites is oblivious to issues surrounding it. On the extreme end we see the schismatic tendencies of some groups opposed to the reforms undertaken in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council. Some even have fallen into the erroneous belief of Sede Vacantism. On the other extreme end there is the ultra liberal and progressive groups who wish to do away with everything associated with pre-Vatican II church.

But reading the article "Lessons from the Lefevbre Schism" by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now PP Benedict XVI, has given me a good insight about the issues. No one who has read this article will fail to notice the vividness and the erudition by which Cardinal Ratzinger articulated a correct interpretation of the Liturgical Reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Indeed the illicit episcopal consecrations undertaken by Archbishop Lefevbre in 1988 is a sad episode in the History of the Church, because it has consummated the brewing tendencies toward schism. Episcopal consecrations without papal mandate is a grave offense because it tears the cloak of unity of the Body of Christ. Defying the Authority of the Supreme Pontiff is defiance to Christ Himself. Reading the article from the Documentation Service gave me new insights. And I would like to quote some of the passages that served to enlightened me:

"One of the basic discoveries of the theology of ecumenism is that schisms can take place only when certain truths and certain values of the Christian Faith are no longer lived and loved within the Church. The truth which is marginalized becomes autonomous, remains detached from the whole of the ecclesiastical structure, and a new movement then forms itself around it." [p17].

Moreover, the cardinal wrote that while there were myriad reasons why some Catholics seek refuge in the Traditional Liturgy, one of the obvious reason is that "they find the dignity of the Sacred preserved there" [18] In that article, the Cardinal underscored the fact that there were even some priests who considered desacralization on the level of a parish program. Using the argument that Christ has abolished the temple and rent the veil from the Holy of Holies. Thus the desacralization of the Liturgy has manifested itself in many forms. Among these are the disregard for the sacred vestments used for the Mass. They regarded the Mass as an opportunity to get together and have good time. The parish priest pre-occupied with thinking of innovative ways to somewhat entertain the parishioners to get their attention. This is also the main reason why inappropriate gestures at mass were introduced in some parishes. What I mean by inappropriate gestures are the non-liturgical gestures, the common gestures of friendships, the clapping of hands as if the faithful are applauding the speaker. Thus in refuting these tendencies toward desacralization, the Cardinal underscored the importance of the Liturgy thus: "The grandeur of the liturgy does not rest upon the fact that it offers us interesting entertainment, but in rendering tangible the Totally Other, whom we are not capable of summoning" [p18]. Here the Cardinal deeply leads us to realize that the symbols, such as vestments, sacred vessels, and even liturgical language and gestures are designed to help our senses grasp the mystery of God and the paschal mystery. The dictum holds true that nothing comes to the mind without first coming through our senses. The rites and ceremonies helps us grasp reality. By bringing the truths of religion to our senses we are more equipped to reflect and to go deeper into the realization of eternal truths. This is the reason why the Church celebrates the Eucharist with rites.

Furthermore, the Cardinal mentioned this: "The Second Vatican Council defined no dogma at all: and yet many treat it as though it had made itself into a sort of super dogma which takes away the importance of all the rest." [p19]. I would think that this is the root cause of the problem. The Second Vatican Council should be seen as a continuation of sacred tradition. The Second Vatican Council did not define any dogma, it was particularly a pastoral council. Thus, "The only way in which Vatican II can be made plausible is to present it as it is: one part of the unbroken, the unique Tradition of the Church and of her faith." [p20]

As we observe and analyze the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI we see how the Holy Father is doing his best to fulfill his pastoral task of implementing this continuity. His apostolic letter Summorum Pontificum is a giant testimony to this. He thereby inaugurated the "Reform of the Reformed". To bring to light more clearly the Treasures of the Vatican Council II and to correct the erroneous interpretation of Vatican II. His encyclicals and exhortations have focused on this. The recent papal liturgies have demonstrated this "Reform of the Reformed". The Pope has celebrated the Liturgy in Ad Orientem direction and using Italian [the following line is my personal interpretation, not official]to demonstrate that even the Vernacular Novus Ordo can be celebrated in Ad Orientem direction. During the Good Friday Services he wore the Full Roman Chusable and the traditional Miter. He also began to use the Throne of Pope Leo XIII. If we will notice further the arrangement of the altar is now more traditional and in line with sound theological perspective. Once again the Altar Crucifix is now set in the middle, no longer at the sides, because the true liturgical orientation must look up to Christ our rising sun. It is absurd to place the crucifix at the side because how can we place the symbol of Him who is the rising sun on the side of the altar?

Now that the Holy Father is implementing the "Reform of the Reformed", let us pray that the Holy Ghost will lead us into full realization of the truth and contribute to the Mission of the Church. Then we shall see the "Springtime of the Church" realized after all these years.

ECCE HOMO!

Photos & Narration by Dr. Herbert unless otherwise indicated.

Pilate, Presenting Jesus in front of the Jews. Pilate said "ecce homo". The Jews replied " Crucify him! crucify him!"

This is one of the most beloved images of Christ I have seen. This is part of the tableau for the Lenten Celebration in our town. The owner of this tableau lives right across the street where I live. So I ask permission to have the photo taken. Take note of the workmanship of this piece of art. The parts of the bodies and facial features are clearly drawn, including the fingers. It has Spanish features, an evidence of the Spanish influence in Philippine Catholicism.

The image of Mater Dolorosa. The heart of the Sorrowful Mother pierced with a lance.

"O, Mother, in this hour of desolation, the sword prophesied by Simeon has pierced your heart. Let me join you in this doleful night of pain. I am filled with remorse for the many sins I have committed. It was because of my sinfulness that Our Lord suffered this pain. But my soul shall hope in the Lord. My soul why are you sad? Hope in the Lord."

VISITA IGLESIA: LESSONS IN STAIN GLASS WINDOWS

Pictures and Narration by Dr. Herbert unless indicated.

Several years ago, because of successive typhoons, repairs were undertaken in our parish church. The issue of improving ventilation was also addressed. One very important innovation I noticed were the way the stained glass were done. The new stained glass windows were designed to depict episodes from the gospel. The inscriptions were written in Bicolano, the native tongue of Bicol. Indeed stained glass windows are works of art whose purpose is to enhance the beauty of the Gospel. Here are some photos I have taken using my mobile phone.

Depicted below is Christ's conversation with the Woman of Samaria. Our Lord declared that Salvation comes from the Jews, if only to emphasize that the Samaritans are in error regarding their belief. But even as Christ rebuked the sectarian errors of the Samaritans, He also declared that the Samaritans are welcome to draw that water from Him who is the source of life. He invited the woman to seek for this water that brings eternal life. The converted woman has become an example of zealous convert eager to share to others the blessing she received from the Lord.

Prayer: Lord just like the Samaritan Woman, we long for this water of life. Come to our hearts and satisfy our longings so that with you we might find eternal rest and peace. Amen.

Nicodemus, the member of the Sanhedrin who sought Christ at night. Christ said, Unless a man is born of water and spirit he will not enter the Kingdom of God."

Prayer: Lord, like Nicodemus inspire us with the desire to know the truth so that like him we may diligently search for it even at the most inconvenient time. Amen.

The wonderful catch. Lower you net, and lo they gathered a bountiful catch. Peter said, Lord, stay away from me for I am a sinful man.

Prayer: Lord, like Peter we are assailed by our unworthiness, but wee your wonderful works. Thank you Lord for being good to us even if we are stubborn and unbelieving. Amen.

The multiplication of the Bread.

Prayer: Lord as you fed the hungry of Capernaum, fed our hunger and multiply yourself in our hearts that we may savor the bounty of your grace. Amen.

VISITA IGLESIA (AGAIN?)

Pictures and Narration by Dr. Herbert unless indicated.

Today is Good Friday. may I once again invite you to visit our parish church where I grew up. This is the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Tabaco City, also the first vicariate of the Diocese of Legazpi. "Built in the 19th century by the secular clergy; the bell tower features rocaille elements dated from an earlier time. The church has an unusual floor plan, with compartments that are inexplicable as of now. The stones on the walls bear masons’ marks, rarely seen elsewhere in this country."

[Reinerio Alba. "Restoration of 26 Philippine Churches." NCCA. http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_cultarts/articles.php?artcl_Id=17 ]

The front Facade. The Stained Glass Window depicts the Mystical Eye to symbolize the all knowing quality of God. Also inscribed in the window is the Greek Letter for Alpha and Omega, to symbolize that God is eternal.

The Bell Tower is detached from the body of the Church. It has several windows that accommodates lesser bells aside from the major Bell at the center of the Tower. The bells of this tower has served many purpose in the past and even now. Although at present we seldom hear these bells. Primary bells are blessed for the purpose of calling the faithful to prayer.

The Nave of the Church. The Nave of the Church represents the body of Christ. Catholic Churches are traditionally built in the shape of the Cross, the symbol of Man's redemption.

The Baptismal Font located in a side chapel near the entrance. Traditionally baptismal fonts are situated near the entrance to dramatize the fact that Baptism is the entrance to the Church, it is the sacrament of initiation.

Side View of the Facade as seen from the left.



The Confessional.


The Sanctuary where located are the Tabernacle and the Main Altar.

The Side Altar on the right, where the Image of St. John the Baptist is located. The Old Altar has not been demolished (still good for Tridentine Low Mass, and even ad orientem Novus Ordo)

The Side Altar on the Left, with the image of Our Lady of Salvation, patroness of the Diocese of Legazpi.

NOVENA TO THE DIVINE MERCY

Words of Jesus as revealed to Sister Faustina, as written in her diary.
"I have opened My Heart as a living fountain of mercy. Let all souls draw life from it. Let them approach this sea of mercy with great trust. Sinners will attain justification, and the just will be strengthened in goodness" (Diary, 1520). [http://www.faustina-message.com/index.htm]

Today Good Friday is the start to the novena to the Divine Mercy as revealed to the handmaid of the Lord St. Faustina of Poland. Pope John Paul II promoted this devotion and as a sign of election to God's Favor, he passed away on the Vigil of the Feast of Mercy.

Let us pray for the Catholic Church that the Lord will give us the grace of eternal perseverance until He comes to Judge the World.

Intentions of the Novena

First Day - for all Mankind and for Sinners
Second Day - for priests and Religious
Third Day - for the Devout and Faithful
Fourth Day - for the Unbeliever and for those who do not know God
Fifth day - for the separated Brethren
Sixth Day - for the Humble souls
Seventh Day - for the Devotees of the Divine Mercy

Sister Faustina was also instructed to recite the chaplet. [http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/mercy/dmmap.htm]

FOR THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

Reflections By Dr. Herbert

Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday and one thing that really moves me is to witness the Chrism Mass live from Rome via Television. This is time of the year that the priests gathered around their Bishop celebrates the Eternal Priesthood of Jesus Christ.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church poignantly explain this priesthood thus: "Christ, High Priest and unique mediator, has made of the Church 'a kingdom of priests for His God and Father." The whole community of believer is , as such, priestly. The faithful exercises their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ's mission as priest, prophet, and king..." [CCC 1546] Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as Head of His Body, Shepherd of His flock, high priest of the redemptive sacrifice, Teacher of Truth. That is what the Church means by saying that the priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, acts in persona Christi Capitis...[CCC 1548 b].

The visible presence of Christ is made more manifest among the faithful through the ministry of Priests, the bishop being the High Priest of the New Covenant. This does not mean however, that priests are perfect, like everyone of us they have their own weaknesses to conquer. But the virtue of Christ's action through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, makes the ministerial priesthood relevant in the service of the Church.

Who is the priest? A priest is someone taken from among the people to offer sacrifice and to stand as mediator between God and His people. In the Old Testament, this ministry was manifest in the Levitical Priesthood. The Almighty has made His visible presence to in the midst of His people by means of the Temple, its priesthood and sacrifices. The strict regulations imposed by the Torah in the manner of Temple celebrations speaks of how the Lord would like to manifest more perfectly the heavenly worship to His people on earth. The Priest occupies the central figure in this cult of God. For unlike the tribes of Israel, the sons of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance from the Lord. For the Lord said that the inheritance of Levi shall be the Lord [meaning the splendor of His service]. And indeed the Lord is the greatest of inheritance. But all these Levitical regulations points us to a more perfect priesthood and a more perfect sacrifice. St. Paul speaks of this eternal priesthood in the New Covenant thus: "...we have such a high priest, who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty of heaven, a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle that the lord, not man, set up. Now every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices, thus the necessity of this one also to have something to offer. If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are those who offer gifts and sacrifices thus the necessity for this one also to have something to offer..." (Hebrews 8:1-3, NAB)

Through the Sacrifice of the Mass, we see the Priest performing the highest function of his ministerial priesthood, a minister ordained for God's people, a servant of the servants of God, alter Christus, an oblation and a victim. To offer sacrifice of propitiation for both the living and dead. To forgive sins, to bury the dead, to heal the sick and to counsel. As the Bible said, "How beautiful are the feet of them that brings good tidings!".

Let us pray for our Bishops and Priests, support them with our prayers, help them in their ministry, and by our generosity contribute to the sustenance of the Divine ministration.
[photo above from Armand La Morte]

HAIL TO THE GUARDIAN OF THE HOLY FAMILY AND THE CHURCH

If there is any saint beloved by many of the faithful including me, it is no other than St. Joseph. St. Joseph is always dear to my heart. I can always feel his power and protection over me and my family. This is what makes our Catholic faith wonderful. We who believe in the Communion of the Saints can trust that the Church militant (We who are baptized and still alive on earth), the Church suffering (the souls in purgatorial fires) and the Church Triumphant, (The Saints who are with the Lord) are united in one spirit and one heart. It is the Charity of God that binds us all together as one. When we seek the intercession of St. Joseph, we state the wonders and power of this doctrine.

This is the Parish Church of Catubig, Northern Samar. The Titular is St. Joseph. I took this picture three years ago on a field research.



[Photos by Dr. Herbert]