CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY

“WHOEVER EATS THIS BREAD WILL LIVE FOREVER!

Because of fallen human nature, we frail mortals need constant reminders of the reality of the supernatural mysteries of our faith. Precisely for this reason, on Corpus Christi Sunday, the Church contemplates the Eucharist as Sacrifice and Sacrament. The Eucharist is at the heart of our holy religion. The Second Vatican Council identifies the Blessed Sacrament as: “The source and the summit of all the sacraments."

The Mass Sequence for Corpus Christi Sunday is the Lauda Sion, written by Saint Thomas Aquinas. In this splendid expression, the Church prays practically all of her Eucharistic beliefs. Let us consider some of the Thomistic reflections found in the Lauda Sion.

1) "CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS KNOW BY FAITH THAT BREAD IS CHANGED INTO HIS FLESH AND WINE INTO HIS BLOOD."
At the Consecration of the every Mass, when the Priest says, “THIS IS MY BODY”, the entire substance of the bread is changed into the Body of Christ. With the words, “THIS IS MY BLOOD,” the entire substance of the wine is changed into the Blood of Christ. This mystery of Catholic faith is known as transubstantiation.

2) "MAN CANNOT UNDERSTAND THIS."
As with the Blessed Trinity, the Eucharistic mystery is beyond our understanding. Yet, Our Lord Jesus demands our faith, just as He did of the Israelites in the sixth chapter of John.


3) "HIS BODY IS OUR FOOD, HIS BLOOD OUR DRINK."
Our Lord also says in the sixth chapter of Saint John's Gospel: "Unless you eat my Body and drink my Blood, you will not have life in you." Our reception of Holy Communion must be a frequent occurrence throughout our lives. Weekly reception is of the greatest importance; it is only exceeded daily reception. Without frequent Communion, one would be literally starving to death, spiritually.

4) "CHRIST REMAINS ENTIRE UNDER EACH SPECIES."
When a person receives the Sacred Host, he or she receives the whole Christ, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. The same is true of the Precious Blood. If one were to receive only from the Cup, that person would also receive the whole Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, as well. This is know as the Church’s Doctrine of Concomitance.

5)"THE GOOD AND THE WICKED ALIKE RECEIVE HIM BUT WITH THE UNLIKE DESTINY OF LIFE OR DEATH."
It seems as though a blight of reason has set into the minds of many modern Catholics. Perhaps some have reduced religion to a mere sentimentality. Sad to say, some folks refuse to acknowledge that Holy Communion cannot be received in the state of mortal sin. Moreover, as Pope John Paul II was quite clear on numerous occasions, one CANNOT merely make an act of contrition and go to Holy Communion. If one is in mortal sin, a person one must go to sacramental confession before Communion.

Saint Thomas is painfully clear on this matter. The "destiny" of those who receive Holy Communion in mortal sin is "death." Saint Paul is equally precise. "Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily sins against the Body and Blood of the Lord" (1Cor 11: 27).

If there are any among us who have been receiving the Holy Eucharist in the state of mortal sin, I urge them, as a Priest of Jesus Christ, to go to sacramental confession to a Priest as soon as possible.

6) "REMEMBER THERE IS AS MUCH IN A FRAGMENT AS IN AN UNBROKEN HOST."
The Church teaches that as long as any particle of the Host is visible to the eye, no matter how small, the Real Presence is in that particle. It is precisely for this reason, that the Priest, or a duly authorized minister, must conscientiously and meticulously purify the sacred vessels after Holy Communion.

7) "JESUS, GOOD SHEPHERD AND TRUE BREAD, HAVE MERCY ON US!"
In the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord has entrusted Himself to us, completely. Our Divine Savior is present in the Church until the end of time. He is present with us with us as our food and drink. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, nourishes us, sanctifies us and sustains us with the Living Bread so that we can attain eternal life in heaven.

Our Lord is also with us so that we can adore Him, love Him and console His Sacred Heart. Our Divine Savior is with us in the Blessed Sacrament because He loves us. He wants to be with us always, really, truly, and substantially.

In reflecting of the Eucharist, let us be mindful that, in another sense, the Lord Jesus is with us through the ministry of Priests. In the Holy Sacrament of Confession, we receive from the Priest, forgiveness of our sins and the divine mercy of Jesus Christ, which is beyond our poor comprehension.

On this Corpus Christi Sunday, let us unite with Pope Benedict XVI and the Universal Church in adoring the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist. "O! Sacrament Most Holy! O! Sacrament Divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!"
May Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, teach us to know, love, and serve Our Eucharistic Lord with ever greater love and devotion. Amen!

Father Richard J. Rego

“GLORY TO THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT”

Today is Trinity Sunday. On this Sunday, we honor and revere the Most Blessed Trinity in a special way. The Blessed Trinity is the most profound and incomprehensible truth of our holy religion. The Preface of today’s Mass succinctly defines the essence of this mystery and our response in faith. "We joyfully proclaim our faith in the mystery of your Godhead. You have revealed your glory as the glory also of your Son and of the Holy Spirit: three Persons equal in majesty, undivided in splendor, yet one Lord, one God, ever to be adored in your everlasting glory."
In the First Reading, Moses, holding the two tablets of the law, assures the Israelites of God’s mercy: “The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity.” Today’s Responsorial Psalm, taken from the Book of Daniel, proclaims the Church’s unending praise and adoration: “Glory and praise forever!”
In all of its rituals and prayers, the Church invokes and exalts the Most Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, One God in Three Divine Persons.
The Israelites, immersed in the belief in the, One True God, were not aware in the least, of the Blessed Trinity. It was Our Lord Himself who revealed this. Jesus made know to the Apostles that, in the One God, there are Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit confirmed this truth on Pentecost.
For centuries, the Fathers, Doctors and theologians of the Church have pondered this mystery. Saint Augustine, for example, wrote a profound book called De Trinitate (Concerning the Blessed Trinity). Yet, despite our efforts to explore the mystery, the Blessed Trinity is totally beyond our limited, human intelligence. Therefore, understanding must yield to faith. We believe that which God has revealed for, God can neither deceive nor be deceived.
Trinity Sunday reminds us of God’s splendor, majesty and glory. What are we in comparison to God? Today, when sins of pride abound, man must reflect constantly upon our Almighty God. Pagan culture, has fed man's pride with inordinate notions of "self-esteem." In days of faith, students were taught to know, love and serve God. Now, the emphasis is on the ego. Me! "I am number one!" This mentality obscures the truth that: "The Lord is God and there is no other."
Scripture reminds us that God hates pride and hears the humble. Instead, Jesus taught us: "Learn of me, for I am gentle and humble of heart"(Matt 11: 29). True self-esteem must lead us to humility and not pride.
Saint Thomas Aquinas defines for us a true, well-ordered self-esteem. The Father, the First Person of the Blessed Trinity, created us and destined us for eternal life as His adopted sons. When man strayed from God by sin, the Father sent the Son to be our Redeemer. He is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity who became man. After dying on the Cross and rising from the dead, the Son sent the Holy Spirit, the Third person of the Blessed Trinity. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and maintains the Catholic Church in truth.
Saint John says: "See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God! Yes! That is what we are" (1John 3: 1). Of ourselves, we are nothing. We are like grains of sand of the beach of the universe. Yet, in God's loving plan, we have the infinite worth of sons of God. See how God loves us! He made us His sons and daughters.
On this Trinity Sunday, in adoration, let us fall on our knees in union with Our Blessed Mother, the Angels, Archangels, and the whole heavenly host. Let us worship the One True God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. SANCTUS! SANCTUS! SANCTUS! HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! Lord God of power and might. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Amen! Amen!

Father Richard J. Rego

'IN PERSONA CHRISTI"

In his Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul us that a "Priest stands daily at his ministry." He declares that a Priest is one who offers sacrifice. What does that mean? What is a Priest?

On Holy Thursday night our Savior offered, Sacramentally, the first Mass. In an unbloody manner, He offered the same Sacrifice of Himself which He would offer the next day on the Cross of Calvary in a bloody manner. Then He ordained the Apostles to be Priests of the New and Eternal Covenant, the Church. Ever since, the most respected of men have been the Priests of Jesus Christ.

I remember my days as an altar boy in Philadelphia. The Priest was larger than life. Men tipped their hats to him on the streets. As the women of the Gospels ministered to the Lord, so too good Catholic women didn't know what to do next for "Father." He Baptized us, heard our Confessions, gave us Holy Communion, and offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily. He was there when we were sick, had an ever open ear to our problems and always presented himself as a man of God. Never did he utter a word that was contrary to the teachings of the Church. He dressed like a Priest, looked like a priest, and acted like a Priest. Truly, he was an "ambassador of Christ" [2 Cor. 5: 20].

In its document on the ministry of Priests, Vatican II says, "The Priest receives a special Sacrament by which, through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, he is conformed to Christ the Priest in such a way that he can act, in Persona Christi, that is, in the very Person of Jesus Christ."

Being "conformed to Christ" means that the Priest must identify with Jesus Christ and not with the pagan world. He must be an alter Christus ----- another Christ. Vatican II reaffirmed this definition. When people see the Priest, they must see a reflection of the Lord. They must see His charity, His patience, His love, and, of course, they must see His purity.

The Council taught that the Priest is conformed to Christ in such a way that he can act "in the Person of Christ." This is Sacramental identification with Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest. My friends, we are living in days of grave crisis. As Pope Benedict XVI has said, "a filth has entered the Church." Grave shame has come to the Priesthood because of the evil lust of a few. Despite this shame, what a profound privilege it is to be a Priest! When he says, "This is my Body," or "I absolve you," or "May Almighty God bless you," the Priest is not acting in the place of, or as a representative of, but rather, he acts, "in the very Person of Jesus Christ."

Pope Pius XII put it beautifully in his encyclical letter Mediator Dei: "The indelible mark on the souls of Priests comes with the power of the Priesthood and it conforms them to Christ. Their hands have been consecrated so that whatever they bless may be blessed, whatever they consecrate may become holy and sacred in the name of the Lord Jesus. Only the Priest can offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Let all who would live in Christ flock to their Priests. By them they will be supplied with the comfort and food of the spiritual life. From them they will obtain the medicine of salvation ensuring their care and happy recovery from the fatal sickness of their sins. The Priest finally will bless their homes, consecrate their families, and help them as they breathe their last across the threshold of eternal happiness."

This is the Priest of Jesus Christ! This is who he must be! May God grant that we never forget it! Let us pray that the day will return when the Priest will have regained that which was lost because a few have forgotten who they are. Perhaps, the day will come again when we tip our hats to the Priest of Jesus Christ!

Father Richard J. Rego

"CUM PETRO ET SUB PETRO"

Pope John XXIII identified the Church as Mater et Magistra, Mother and Teacher. What does the Church teach concerning the Papal Magisterium? Since the Church "prays what she believes," she teaches Christ's faithful primarily through the liturgy. Thus, the liturgy of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, February 22, provides us with deep insights concerning the Teaching Authority of the Bishop of Rome, the Holy Father. In various expressions, this Mass formulary repeatedly recalls the promise of our Lord to St. Peter: "Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. And I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you shall declare bound on earth shall be bound also in heaven. Whatever you declare loosed on earth shall be loosed also in heaven" (Matthew 16: 18-19).
Reflecting on this power of Peter, Pope John Paul II taught the following: "This does not mean only the power to formulate points of doctrine or general norms of action according to Jesus. It is the power of "binding and loosing," that is, of doing whatever is necessary for the life and development of the Church. The opposing terms "binding-loosing" serve to show the totality of the power." The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is a liturgical reminder of this undeniable reality. At the offertory of the Mass, the priest prays: "Lord, accept the prayers and gifts of your Church. With St. Peter as our shepherd, keep us true to the faith he taught and bring us to your eternal kingdom."

THE SUPREME MAGISTERIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER
St. Paul was clear: "Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church" (Colossians 1: 18). He is the Invisible Head of the Church who we cannot see. By the will of Jesus Christ, the Bishop of Rome, the Successor of Peter, is the Visible Head of the Universal Church who we can see. As Pope Pius XII taught in the encyclical, Mystici Corporis: "Our Redeemer also governs His Mystical Body in a visible and normal way through His Vicar on earth."

Pope John Paul reaffirmed the Church's ancient belief regarding the Petrine Primacy. "The fact that Peter's authority was calmly recognized in the Church is due exclusively to Christ's will. It shows that the words with which Jesus assigned to the Apostle his unique pastoral authority were understood and accepted without difficulty in the Christian Community."

The First Vatican Council focused its teaching on the Supreme Authority of the Holy Father. It was emphatic that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ on earth and that when he teaches the Universal Church, he teaches in Christ's Name. "This power obliges shepherds and faithful of every rite and dignity, both individually and collectively, to hierarchal subordination and true obedience, not only in matters of faith and morals, but also in those pertaining to the discipline and government of the Church throughout the world."

When the Pope teaches, he does so with the authority of Jesus Christ and under the guide of the "Spirit of Truth" (cf. John 14: 16-17). "For the Holy Spirit was promised to the Successors of Peter not that they may manifest a new doctrine by His revelation, but rather that with His assistance, they should religiously preserve and faithfully teach the revelation that was handed down through the Apostles---the Deposit of Faith" (Pope John Paul II, General Audience of December 16, 1992, N. 2).
Every member of Christ's Mystical Body, bishops, priests, religious, deacons and laity must be united in the faith and moral teachings of the Holy Father. Can a Catholic dissent from the Papal Magisterium and still claim to be a Catholic in good standing? Can one refuse to render a "religious submission of mind and will" to the Pope's teachings? No! Absolutely not! Vatican II was clear on this fundamental point.

Moreover, Catholics must obey the teachings of the Pope both from his Ordinary and his Extra-Ordinary Magisterium. Too often, I believe, the mistake is made of restricting the infallible teaching charism of the Holy Father exclusively to the ex cathera forum. Dissident theologians have capitolized on this misinterpretation, leading many Catholics to believe that they are bound to follow only the de fide or ex cathedra teachings of the Roman Pontiff. This limitation was never the mind of the Church. It certainly was not the mind of the Fathers either of Vatican I or Vatican II.

Pope John addressed this fallacy in his discourse to a group of bishops from New York State on Octobers 15, 1988: "The Magisterium is not above the divine word but serves it with a specific carisma veritatis certum. This includes the charism of infallibility which is present not only in the solemn definitions of the Roman Pontiff and of Ecumenical Councils but also in the Universal Ordinary Magisterium (cf. Lumen Gentium N. 25). Thus, the Universal Ordinary Magisterium can truly be considered as the usual expression of the Church's infallibility."

"CONFIRM YOUR BRETHREN!"
Recall the words of our Lord to St. Peter: "Simon, Simon! Remember that Satan has desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith will never fail you. And you, when you have been converted, confirm your brethren" (Luke 22: 31-32).

"Confirm your brethren," Pope John Paul II tells us means: "Teach the faith in every age, in different circumstances and amidst the many difficulties and contradictions which preaching the faith will encounter in history; by teaching instill courage in the faithful---spread the message of faith, preach sound doctrine, reunite the "brethren"---These words of Saint Luke are very significant for all who exercise the munus Petrinum in the Church; they continually remind them of the kind of original paradox that Christ himself placed in them, with the certitude that in their ministry, as in Peter's, a special grace is at work which supports man's weakness and allows him to "confirm his brothers."

THE MAGISTERIUM OF THE BISHOPS
The Magisterium of the Bishops is an undeniable part of the Deposit of Catholic Faith. There are some well intentioned Catholics who staunchly profess their obedience and loyalty to the Holy Father. Yet, they would withhold loyalty to the bishop. Frankly, this is a grave error. The Second Vatican Council makes the following analogy between the College of Apostles and their successors, the bishops. "Just as in accord with the Lord's decree, St. Peter and the rest of the Apostles constitute a unique apostolic College, so in like fashion the Roman Pontiff, Peter's Successor, and the Bishops, the Successors of the Apostles, are united to one another."

Indeed, the Council teaches that the Pope has full, supreme and universal power over the entire Church. Our Lord placed Simon alone as the rock and bearer of the keys of the Church and made him the shepherd of the whole flock. Nevertheless, in hierarchal unity, "individual bishops, who are placed in charge of a particular diocese, exercise their pastoral government over the portion of the People of God committed to their care . . . Bishops (must) promote and safeguard the unity of faith and the discipline common to the whole Church, to instruct the faithful to love the whole Mystical Body of Christ" (Lumen Gentium, N. 13).

This ecclesial understanding closely follows the teachings of Vatican I and previous Councils. According to Pope John Paul II, the bishops, as Successors of the Apostles, were given the mission of preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth. They are "united among themselves by the will of Christ and under Peter's authority. "The Second Vatican Council," he further taught, "does not present this doctrine (of Episcopal collegiality) as something new, except perhaps in its formation, but as the content of a historical reality which receives and fulfills the will of Christ, as it comes to us in Tradition."

THE "OBEDIENCE OF FAITH"
"Bishops by divine institution have succeeded to the place of the Apostles as shepherds of the Church. He who hears them hears Christ, and he who rejects them, rejects Christ and Him who sent Christ (cf. Luke 10: 16). In the bishops therefore, for whom priests are the assistants, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Supreme High Priest, is present in the midst of all who believe." Catholics must render the "obedience of faith" (Romans 1: 5) to the Holy Father and the bishops as they defend and proclaim the Deposit of Faith which the Lord has entrusted to His Church. The faithful Catholic must be obedient to the Magisterium.

Moreover, we read in the Council's Decree on the Office of Bishops: "Individual bishops who have been entrusted with the care of a particular church---under the authority of the Supreme Pontiff---feed their sheep in the name of the Lord as their own, ordinary and immediate pastors, performing for them the office of teaching, sanctifying, and governing."

"NEVER APART FROM THIS HEAD"
The Papal Magisterium is a divine gift to the whole Church which guarantees that it will never fall into doctrinal error. It is precisely for this reason that Vatican II, more firmly and consistently than previous councils, recognizes and affirms the supremacy of the Papal Magisterium. It teaches that: "The college or body of bishops has no authority unless it is understood together with the Roman Pontiff, the Successor of Peter as its head. The Pope's power of primacy over all, both pastors and faithful, remains whole and intact---The order of bishops, which succeeds to the College of Apostles and gives this body continued existence, is also the subject of supreme and full power over the universal Church, provided we understand this body together with its head the Roman Pontiff and never apart from this head."

Therefore, bishops must teach in solidarity with the Holy Father. Individually or as a body, they cannot go off on their own, so to speak, rendering opinions that contradict or conflict with the teachings of the Successor of Peter. Thus bishops, either as a body or as individuals, always must teach CUM PETRO ET SUB PETRO, (With Peter and Under Peter).

A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF TEACHING "CUM PETRO ET SUB PETRO"
Let us take the question of abortion as a specific example. When Bishop Rene Gracida, Bishop Emeritus of Corpus Christi, Texas, taught that every direct abortion is an, "intrinsic evil---which violates both the laws of nature and of God," he was teaching Magisterially. As the first teacher of Catholic faith in his diocese, he stood in full collegiality with the Supreme Pontiff. Bishop Gracida was teaching "CUM PETRO ET SUB PETRO." Therefore, to remain a Catholic in good standing, one must obey this teaching of Bishop Gracida.

Conversely, at times, we have heard from a few bishops who, either explicitly or implicitly, have advocated the ordination of women to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. This absolutely is opposed to constant Church teaching. Repeatedly, the Holy Father and his predecessors have taught that the Church, in fidelity to Sacred Tradition, "calls men to the Priesthood and does not call women."

A Bishop who opposes this papal teaching does not teach, CUM PETRO ET SUB PETRO. Therefore, Catholics are not bound to observe these dissenting speculations. Moreover, with due respect to the dignity of the episcopacy, views of this nature must be resisted. The Holy Father is the highest authority in the Church. In fidelity to Catholic faith everyone in the Mystical Body, including bishops, always must remain united to the Pope in his faith and moral teachings.

Thus, the true test of orthodox Catholic faith is unity with the Holy Father in all of his faith and moral teachings. Can one truly be Catholic and pro-abortion or pro-contraception or advocate same sex marriages? Of course not! Always, in all questions of faith, morals and the discipline of the Church, we must render the "obedience of faith," to the Vicar of Jesus Christ on Earth, the Holy Father. In our day, we must be united with Pope Benedict XVI.

The expression of the Second Vatican Council, CUM PETRO ET SUB PETRO (see the Council documents, Ad Gentes N. 38;cf. Christus Dominus, N. 2 & 3) has deep and profound significance. Catholics do not have the liberty of following any wind of change that comes along and tickles their fancy. Catholic politicians cannot vote for abortion legislation. No, if we are to be Catholic, we must be united with the Vicar of Chriat on Earth, the Holy Father. May God grant that we always have the humility required to have the "obedience of faith," (Romans 1: 5).

Father Richard J. Rego

REPUDIATE HIS PREDECESSOR! REALLY! WHAT A DECEPTION!

We have heard from more than a few so called Catholic theologians that the reason our new Holy Father took the name Benedict was because Pope Benedict XV brought peace and calm to the Church. The claim is made that his predecessor had ruthlessly stifled dialogue in the Church. Legitimate theological opinions, they claim, were suddenly silenced. Benedict XV, in his very first encyclical letter, put an end to this and once again restored peace to the Church.

This is a distortion that is filled with half-truths and, sad to say, outright deceptions. Indeed, Pope Benedict XVI took his name in memory of Benedict XV. He did indeed try to bring peace to the world and prevent World Wat I. That part is true. The rest is a false.

The truth is that in his very first encyclical, Pope Benedict XV, not only praised his predecessor, but affirmed his teachings. Thus we read in: Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum: N. 25 "Besides, the Church demands from those who have devoted themselves to furthering her interests, something very different from the dwelling upon profitless questions; she demands that they should devote the whole of their energy to preserve the faith intact and unsullied by any breath of error, and follow most closely him whom Christ has appointed to be the guardian and interpreter of the truth. There are to be found today, and in no small numbers, men, of whom the Apostle says that: "having itching ears, they will not endure sound doctrine: but according to their own desires they will heap up to themselves teachers, and will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables" (2 Tim. 4:34). Infatuated and carried away by a lofty idea of the human intellect, by which God's good gift has certainly made incredible progress in the study of nature, confident in their own judgment, and contemptuous of the authority of the Church, they have reached such a degree of rashness as not to hesitate to measure by the standard of their own mind even the hidden things of God and all that God has revealed to men. Hence arose the monstrous errors of "Modernism," which Our Predecessor rightly declared to be "the synthesis of all heresies," and solemnly condemned. We hereby renew that condemnation in all its fullness, Venerable Brethren, and as the plague is not yet entirely stamped out, but lurks here and there in hidden places, We exhort all to be carefully here and there in hidden places, We exhort all to be carefully on their guard against any contagion of the evil, to which we may apply the words Job used in other circumstances: "It is a fire that devoureth even to destruction, and rooteth up all things that spring" (Job 31:12). Nor do We merely desire that Catholics should shrink from the errors of Modernism, but also from the tendencies or what is called the spirit of Modernism. Those who are infected by that spirit develop a keen dislike for all that savours of antiquity and become eager searchers after novelties in everything: in the way in which they carry out religious functions, in the ruling of Catholic institutions, and even in private exercises of piety. Therefore it is Our will that the law of our forefathers should still be held sacred: "Let there be no innovation; keep to what has been handed down." In matters of faith that must be inviolably adhered to as the law; it may however also serve as a guide even in matters subject to change, but even in such cases the rule would hold: "Old things, but in a new way."

26. As men are generally stimulated, Venerable Brethren, openly to profess their Catholic faith, and to harmonize their lives with its teaching, by brotherly exhortation and by the good example of their fellow men, we greatly rejoice as more and more Catholic associations are formed. Not only do We hope that they will increase, but it is Our wish that under Our patronage and encouragement they may ever flourish; and they certainly will flourish, if steadfastly and faithfully they abide by the directions which this Apostolic See has given or will give. Let all the members of societies which further the interests of God and His Church ever remember the words of Divine Wisdom: "An obedient man shall speak of victory" (Prov. 11:8), for unless they obey God by showing deference to the Head of the Church, vainly will they look for divine assistance, vainly, too, will they labour. "

It is amazing to witness how folks like Father Richard McBrien can refer to this encyclical, "Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum," and make the outlandish claim that Pope Benedict XV repudiated his predecessor's policies. Clearly, the implication is that Pope Benedict XVI will do the same and, in some way, repudiate the teachings of his predecessor. Let me assure one and all that this is wishful thinking. By the way, Benedict XV's predecessor was Pope Saint Pius X, one of the greatest Popes in the history of the Church. Historians tell us that Pope Saint Pius X was the kindest of men, but did not tolerate, for an instant, false teachers or false doctrines. It is amazing to behold how far some modern theologians will go to further their falacious views.

Giacomo della Chiesa, (His name translated into English, means, James of the Church) was ordained in 1878, named Vatican Secretary of State in 1901, Archbishop of Bologna in 1907, and created a Cardinal in 1914 by Pope Saint Pius X. That same year, after the death of St. Pius X, he was elected Pope. To our detriment, this outstanding pope has been lost in the shadow of the great popes of modern times. His encyclical were short, to the point and profound. Perhaps the most famous of these was Spiritus Paraclitus, commemorating the life of Saint Jerome and the correct study of Sacred Scripture.

A common complaint these days is the emptiness of many of the sermons that we hear. It is interesting that Pope Benedict XV addressed the subject of preaching in his encyclical, Humani Generis Apostolorum, November 1, 1914. After reading it, I was deeply moved. "Wow," was my first thought! Pope Benedict XV was VERY clear about the grave responsibility of preaching the truth of Catholic faith. It indeed gives pause to all of us who are entrusted with preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For an eye opener, look it up and read it. Then, pray for us priests that we may indeed preach the Gospel, "in charity and truth."

Father Richard J. Rego

"COME HOLY SPIRIT, FILL THE HEARTS OF YOUR FAITHFUL!”

MY DEAR PARISHIONERS!
The Alleluia Verse for Pentecost Sunday echoes an ancient prayer of the Church. It implores the Holy Spirit to lead the Church in all truth. On the night of the Last Supper, Our Blessed Savior promised to send us the Holy Spirit: “I will send you the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth. He will lead you in all truth” (John 16: 13).
This promise of the Holy Spirit is Our Lord’s guarantee that His holy Church will never lead His followers into doctrinal or moral error.
Jesus did not set up the Catholic Church as a conglomerate of opinions and positions, which are subject to change in conformity with the world in which it lives. It is true that customs that are subject to Church Law can, and often, should change. But divine truth is unchangeable. We believe today that which Peter, Paul and the other Apostles taught from the very beginning. We are bound to live by the same moral code that bound the early Christians. This will be true until the end of time.
Can the Catholic Church teach falsehoods in faith or morals? No! Absolutely not! Such a claim is utterly bogus. Why? The Teaching Church, that is its Magisterium, consists of the Holy Father and/or the Bishops, teaching in union with the Pope. When the Church’s Magisterium proclaims and defends the Sacred Deposit of Faith, she teaches in the Name of Jesus Christ and under the guide of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Church cannot teach error.
This is precisely the reason that the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Pentecost. It is a reminder to Christ’s faithful of this fundamental truth. Our Lord founded the Catholic Church to carry on His work of Redemption until He comes again in glory.
The Church's mission is the salvation and the sanctification of souls. Saint Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, insists that followers of Jesus must have the "obedience of faith” (see Romans 1:5). If we render this "obedience of faith" to teachings of the Catholic Church, we have the "sure hope of eternal life.” How can God demand that we obey false teachings? How could Jesus, the Son of God, establish a Church, which would lead the sheep of His flock into falsehood and perdition?
Jesus Christ is the Way, the Life and the Truth. He is the Son of God and, thus, He cannot deceive us. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Spirit of Truth who cannot teach error. God can neither deceive nor be deceived, as the First Vatican Council taught. Any claim that the Holy Spirit would allow the Church to fall into error as it unfolds the Deposit of Faith, is nothing short of blasphemous. One is not free to make God a liar!
Do not be deceived by those who would divert us from the teachings of the Catholic Church. Saint Paul denounced these deceivers: “They oppose the truth and with perverted minds they falsify the faith. Stay away from them" (2 Tim 3: 5, 8).
In the Sequence of Pentecost Sunday, the Church prays: "Come Holy Spirit come! Bend the stubborn heart and will. Melt the frozen, warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray." The Church implores the Holy Spirit to, “enkindle us with the fire of your love.”

Father Richard J. Rego

BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER!

Without doubt, the most revered and honored title in the english language and every other language is that special title for the most special people in the whole world---that beautiful title, Mother!  On Mother's Day, we honor mothers in a special way. It is quite fitting that Mother's Day falls during may, the month of Mary, who is the Mother of God and Our Blessed Mother!

 Mothers are so marvelous that even God Himself wanted one.  When the Heavenly Father decided to send his Son into the world to save us, he willed him to have a mother just as we all do. And Mary was that mother! Of all of the worlds mothers she is the most tender, the most understanding, the gentlest, the most full of sympathy and compassion---the most motherly. Our Lady was all of this for her Divine Son.

Woman Behold thy Son, Son Behold thy Mother!

Each one of us has a special place in his heart for his or her mother whether they are living or dead.  And so today we honor all mothers. 

In paying tribute to mothers, the great Cardinal Mindzenty of Hungry put it so well.  His Eminence said:

"The most important person on earth is a mother.  She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. No!  She need not.  She has built something much more magnificent than any cathedral---a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body.  The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.  They cannot share in God's creative miracle to bring new saints to heaven.  Only a human mother can do that.  Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any human creature.  God joins forces with mothers in performing his act of creation... What on God's earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother."

It is sad in our day, however, that we live in an era when motherhood and the family are under attack. That attack, I believe, stems from, Satan himself, the father of lies.  The pagan world about us, under the lead of Satan, tells us that women will find their true greatness and fulfillment only when they are liberated from motherhood and are able to go out of the home. And so motherhood is out---careers are in!  Ask any young girl these day what she wants to be when she grows up.  Because of the influence of society, the answer will be a doctor, a lawyer, an Indian Chief---every and anything, but very seldom a mother.  How sad that is!  As a result, we are witnessing the destruction of the family. The true love of children and family is being replaced by a worldliness that is immersed in sins of greed, lust, avarice and the like.

And so my dear Catholic people, let us not be taken in by the false values of this world.  Let us not sell short the great gift of motherhood for there is nothing so wonderful and important as to be a mother.  This was made very clear to me several years ago when I attended a conference in Willow Grove, Pa.  One of the speakers was Dr. Wanda Poltawaska. The Master of Ceremonies introduced her and told of her wonderful accomplishments---of her life in a concentration camp in Poland during the war---how she went on to be a doctor of science and an author, a famous lecturer, etc.  When Dr. Poltawaska began her address she said to the master of ceremonies: "I thank you kindly but you forgot my most important title!"  She said: "You see, I am a mother!  Seated out front are my children and with them are my beautiful grandchildren."

Our Blessed Mother has many titles.  She is Gate of Heaven, Refuge of Sinners, Tower of Ivory, Mystical Rose, Mary Most Chaste, Mary Most Pure, Queen of Angels, Queen of the universe, and more.  But the one title that she likes the best is that of mother.  Why?  The same reason that you good mothers like to be called mother.  Because you are proud of your children and you love them.  Our Lady likes to be called mother because Jesus, Our Lord, is her Son.  And because all of us are her children.  And she loves us all.  And like any other mother, she wants us to love her. 

On this Mother's Day, in honor of our tender heavenly mother and in honor of all mothers, in the words of the poetess Mary Dixon Thayer, we say to our Lady, we say to her:

Lovely Lady dressed in blue, teach me how to pray

God was just your Little Boy, tell me what to say!

Did you lift Him up, sometimes gently on your knee?

Did you sing to Him the way mother did to me?

Did you hold His hand at night

and, did you ever try telling Him stories of the world?

And oh! Did He cry?

Do you really think he cares if I tell him things---little things that happen?  And do angel's wings make a noise?

Can He hear me if I speak low? Does he understand me now?

Tell me, for you know! Lovely Lady dressed in blue

teach me how to pray!

God was just your Little Boy and you know the way!

Treasure in Clay by Mary Dixon Thayer: The Child On His Knees.

Welcome, in the Name of the Lord!

Dear Friends in Our Lord, Jesus Christ,

Welcome! It is my hope and prayer that my writings will bring you closer to Our Lord, Jesus and Our Blessed Mother, through the mystery of the Holy, Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church. I look forward to hearing from you with your questions and comments. Also, I am working on improving my web-site. Nevertheless, I welcome your visits there as well. May God's blessings be with you.

Stay tuned for more articles.

In Christ Jesus,
Father Richard J. Rego, S.T.L.