December 2018 – Page 2

Duodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

Published on 21 Dec 201821 Dec 2018 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Duodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Twenty-First Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Calamínæ natális beáti Thomæ Apóstoli, qui Parthis, Medis, Persis et Hyrcánis Evangélium prædicávit; ac demum in Indiam pervénit, ibíque, cum eos pópulos in Christiána religióne instituísset, Regis jussu lánceis transfíxus occúbuit. Ipsíus relíquiæ primo ad urbem Edéssam, in Mesopotámia, deínde Ortónam, apud Frentános, translátæ sunt. At Mylapore, the birthday of the blessed Apostle Thomas, who preached the Gospel to the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and Hyrcanians. Having finally penetrated into India, and instructed those nations in the Christian religion, he died pierced with lances at the order of the king. His remains were first taken to the city of Edessa in Mesopotamia, and then to Ortona.

Fribúrgi Helvetiórum item natális sancti Petri Canísii, Sacerdótis e Societáte Jesu et Confessóris, doctrína et sanctitáte præclári; qui, difficíllimis Germániæ tempóribus, fidem cathólicam strénue deféndit ac propagávit. Eum vero Pius Undécimus, Póntifex Máximus, Sanctórum catálogo adscrípsit, simúlque Doctórem universális Ecclésiæ declarávit, et ipsíus festum quinto Kaléndas Maji agéndum esse decrévit. At Fribourg in Switzerland, the birthday also of St. Peter Canisius, priest of the Society of Jesus, a confessor famed for his sanctity and learning. He defended and spread the Catholic faith with the utmost zeal in Germany during its most difficult times. Pope Pius XI added him to the list of the saints, and at the same time declared him to be a doctor of the universal Church, appointing his feast to be observed on the 27th of April.

Antiochíæ sancti Anastásii, Epíscopi et Mártyris; qui, Phocæ Imperatóris témpore, a Judæis, in seditióne ab ipsis contra Christiános facta, sævíssime necátus est. At Antioch, St. Anastasius, bishop and martyr. During the reign of Emperor Phocas he was cruelly murdered by Jews in a riot which they had instigated against the Christians.

Nicomedíæ sancti Glycérii Presbyteri, qui, in persecutióne Diocletiáni, multis torméntis vexátus, demum, in ignem conjéctus, martyrium consummávit. At Nicomedia, St. Glycerius, priest. During the persecution of Diocletian he was subjected to many torments, and finally fulfilled his martyrdom by being cast into the flames.

In Túscia sanctórum Mártyrum Joánnis et Festi. In Tuscany, the holy martyrs John and Festus.

In Lycia sancti Themístoclis Mártyris, qui, sub Décio Imperatóre, pro sancto Dióscoro, qui quærebátur ad necem, se óbtulit, et, equúleo tortus, raptátus ac fústibus cæsus, martyrii corónam adéptus est. In Lycia, St. Themistocles, martyr. In the reign of Emperor Decius, he offered himself to take the place of Dioscorus, whom they were seeking to slay. He was tortured on the rack, dragged over rough ways and scourged, and thus obtained the crown of martyrdom.

Tréviris sancti Severíni, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Treves, St. Severinus, bishop and confessor.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:

St. Thomas, Apostle

St. Edburge, Virgin

ORCCE Ordo: S. Thomae Apostoli ~ Duplex II. classis; Commemoratio: Sabbato Quattuor Temporum in Adventu

Nota Bene: Video: Dutch politician Geert Wilders named politician of the year by the people Examiner.com 19 December 2013 On Monday, Dutch news outlet the Volkskrant reported that Dutch politician Geert Wilders was named the 2013 politician of the year. The Dutch news program, ‘EenVandaag’, asked its viewers to vote for who they believed was the Netherlands best politician. There were approximately 35,000 viewers who cast a ballot, Wilders received 16% of those votes.

Video: December 10th: The Day of Genuine Human Rights Gates of Vienna 19 December 2013 By Baron Bodissey Hatune Dogan is a Turkish-German Orthodox Christian nun. In the video below, recorded on December 10th in Vienna, Sister Hatune gives a shocking description of the situation for Christians in Syria, Iraq and Turkey.

Prince Charles warns Christianity disappearing in Middle East birthplace Ecumenical News 19 December 2013 By Peter Kenny The heir to the British throne, Prince Charles has warned that the decline of Christians in the Middle East is a major blow to peace as they often act as bridge-builders…

Tertiodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna

Published on 20 Dec 201820 Dec 2018 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Tertiodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Twentieth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Vigília sancti Thomæ Apóstoli.

The Vigil of St. Thomas, Apostle.

Romæ natális sancti Zephyríni, Papæ et Mártyris. Ipsíus tamen festum recólitur séptimo Kaléndas Septémbris.

At Rome, the birthday of St. Zephyrinus, pope and martyr. His feast is celebrated on the 26th of August.

Ibídem pássio sancti Ignátii, Epíscopi et Mártyris; qui, tértius post beátum Petrum Apóstolum, Antiochénam rexit Ecclésiam. Hic, in persecutióne Trajáni, damnátus ad béstias, Romam vinctus míttitur; ibíque, circumsedénte Senátu, immaníssimis pœnárum supplíciis primo est afféctus, dehinc objícitur leónibus, quorum déntibus præfocátus, hóstia Christi effícitur. Ejus vero festívitas Kaléndis Februárii celebrátur.

In the same city, the martyrdom of St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr. He was the third after St. Peter the Apostle to rule the church of Antioch, and in the persecution of Trajan was condemned to the beasts. By order of Trajan he was sent to Rome in fetters, and there tortured and afflicted with the most cruel torments in the midst of the assembled Senate. Finally he was cast to the lions, and being ground by their teeth became a sacrifice for Christ. His feast is observed on the 1st of February.

Item Romæ sanctórum Mártyrum Liberáti et Bájuli.

At Rome, the holy martyrs Liberatus and Bajulus.

In Arábia sanctórum Mártyrum Eugénii et Macárii Presbyterórum, qui a Juliáno Apóstata, cum ipsíus impietátem arguíssent, sævíssimis plagis affécti sunt, atque in vastíssimam erémum relegáti, et gládio cæsi.

In Arabia, the holy martyrs Eugene and Macarius, priests. For reproving Julian the Apostate for his impiety, they received severe stripes, were banished to a vast desert, and finally were put to the sword.

Alexandríæ sanctórum mílitum et Mártyrum Ammónis, Zenónis, Ptolemæi, Ingenis et Theóphili; qui, tribunálibus astántes, cum quidam Christiánus, in supplíciis pósitis, trepidáret et jam prope ad negándum declináret, vultu, óculis ac nútibus illum conabántur erígere. Cumque hac de causa clamor totíus pópuli in eos prosilíret, prorumpéntes in médium se Christiános esse testáti sunt; per quorum victóriam Christus, qui suis eam ánimi constántiam déderat, gloriosíssime triumphávit.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Ammon, Zeno, Ptolemy, Ingen, and Theophilus, soldiers. Standing near the tribunals, and seeing a Christian under torture and almost ready to apostatize, they endeavoured to encourage him by their looks and by signs. When on account of this the crowd raised an outcry against them, they stepped forward and declared themselves Christians. In their victory, Christ also who had given them fortitude triumphed.

Géldubæ, in Germánia, sancti Júlii Mártyris.

At Gelduba in Germany, St. Julius, martyr.

Antiochíæ natális sancti Philogónii Epíscopi, qui, Dei nutu ex causídico ad eam Ecclésiam regéndam accersítus, advérsus Aríum, una cum sancto Alexándro Epíscopo et Sóciis, primum pro fide cathólica certámen íniit, clarúsque méritis quiévit in Dómino; cujus ánnuam festivitátem sanctus Joánnes Chrysóstomus præcláro encómio celebrávit.

At Antioch, the birthday of St. Philogonius, bishop, who was called by the will of God from the office of lawyer to the government of that church. With the saintly bishop Alexander and his companions, he engaged in the first contest for the Catholic faith against Arius. Renowned for merits he rested in the Lord, and his feast was commemorated by St. John Chrysostom with an excellent eulogy.

Bríxiæ sancti Domínici, Epíscopi et Confessóris.

At Brescia, St. Dominic, bishop and confessor.

In Hispánia deposítio sancti Domínici de Silos Abbátis, e sancti Benedícti Ordine, miráculis in captivórum liberatióne celebérrimi.

In Spain, the death of St. Dominic of Silos, abbot of the Order of St. Benedict, renowned for the miracles which he had wrought for the liberation of captives.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.

R. Deo grátias.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Thanks be to God.

December XX.
		St. Philogonius, Bishop of Antioch, Confessor
		St. Paul of Latrus, or Latra, Hermit

FOR NEWS OF CONTEMPORARY MARTYRS…

Open Doors – The world’s largest outreach to persecuted Christians in the most high-risk places.

Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East – providing humanitarian relief in Iraq through St George’s Church and Clinic.

Voice of the Persecuted – Informing the world of Christian persecution, one of the worst humanitarian crises on the planet, today.

Conference “Renew & Revive”: personal holiness, it’s all about love

Published on 19 Dec 201811 Apr 2023 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Quartodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

Published on 19 Dec 201818 Dec 2018 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Quartodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Ninteenth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

In Mauritánia sancti Timóthei Diáconi, qui, ob Christi fidem, post diros cárceres, in ignem conjéctus, martyrium consummávit. In Morocco, St. Timothy, deacon, who after severe imprisonment for the sake of Christ was cast into the fire and achieved martyrdom.

Alexandríæ beáti Nemésii Mártyris, qui, primo per calúmniam quasi latro Júdici delátus, eóque crímine absolútus, mox, in persecutióne Décii, Christiánæ religiónis nómine accusátus, cum latrónibus jussus est incéndi, Salvatóris déferens similitúdinem, qui una cum latrónibus pértulit crucem. At Alexandria in Egypt, blessed Nemesius, martyr, who first was denounced before the judge as a robber, and being freed from that charge, soon after, in the persecution of Decius, was accused before the judge Emilian of being a Christian. He was twice subjected to torture and condemned to be burned alive with robbers, thus bearing a resemblance to our Saviour, who was crucified with thieves.

Nicææ, in Bithynia, sanctórum Mártyrum Daríi, Zósimi, Pauli et Secúndi. At Nicaea, the Saints Darius, Zosimus, Paul, and Secundus, martyrs.

Nicomedíæ sanctórum Mártyrum Cyríaci, Paulílli, Secúndi, Anastásii, Syndímii et Sociórum. At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Cyriac, Paulillus, Secundus, Anastasius, Sindimius, and their companions.

Gazæ, in Palæstína, pássio sanctárum Meuris et Theæ. At Gaza in Palestine, the martyrdom of Saints Meuris and Thea.

Romæ deposítio sancti Anastásii Papæ Primi, viri ditíssimæ paupertátis et apostólicæ sollicitúdinis, quem (ut ait sanctus Hierónymus) diu Roma habére non méruit, ne orbis caput sub tali Epíscopo truncarétur; nam, haud multo post ejus óbitum, Roma a Gothis capta et dirépta fuit. At Rome, the death of Pope St. Anastasius I, a man who was rich in his poverty and filled with apostolic zeal. St. Jerome says that Rome did not deserve to possess him long, lest the capital of the world should be devastated under so fine a bishop, for shortly after his death Rome was taken and sacked by the Goths.

Antisiodóri sancti Gregórii, Epíscopi et Confessóris. At Auxerre, St. Gregory, bishop and confessor.

Aureliánis, in Gállia, sancti Adjúti Abbátis, prophético spíritu illústris. At Orleans in France, St. Adjutus, abbot, famous for the spirit of prophecy.

Romæ sanctæ Faustæ, quæ fuit mater sanctæ Anastásiæ, ac nobilitáte et pietáte éxstitit insígnis. At Rome, St. Fausta, mother of St. Anastasia, renowned for her noble birth and her holiness.

Avenióne beáti Urbáni Papæ Quinti, qui, Sede Apostólica Romæ restitúta, Græcórum cum Latínis conjunctióne perfécta, infidélibus coércitis, de Ecclésia óptime méritus est. Ejus cultum pervetústum Pius Nonus, Póntifex Máximus, ratum hábuit et confirmávit. At Avignon, blessed Urban V, who deserved well of the Church by restoring the Apostolic See to Rome, by bringing about a reunion of the Latins and the Greeks, and by suppressing heretics. Pius IX approved and confirmed the veneration which had long been paid to him.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:

St. Nemesion, Martyr, &c.

St. Samthana, Virgin, Abbess in Ireland

ORCCE Ordo: Feria V infra Hebdomadam III Adventus ~ Feria major

Nota Bene: Jihad: Muhammad Did It, the Koran Says It, So Muslims Do It Crossmap Christian News 18 December 2013 By Bill Muehlenberg A good Muslim not only obeys the Koran to the letter, but he also sees Muhammad as the perfect example. Thus if he killed for the faith, then so should they. So when we see…

EU divided over French plea for CAR military aid The Independent 18 December 2013 By Charlotte McDonald-Gibson France’s appeal for more help with its military operation in the Central African Republic (CAR) and a common fund for future interventions received a lukewarm reception on…

Nigeria: Islamists attack Christian principal Worthy Christian News 17 December 2013 By Joseph DeCaro ABUJA, NIGERIA (Worthy News)– Educational reforms in Nigeria’s Osun state have resulted in religious violence after Islamist youths beat a Christian principal unconscious last…

O Adonai

Published on 18 Dec 201818 Nov 2022 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

The second great “O” is: O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti, et ei in Sina legem dedisti: veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.

English: O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

It reflects the following prophecies and Scripture:

O Adonai…

“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; he will save us.” Isaiah 33:22 “Adonai” means “Lord” and was the Hebrew word used to replace God’s name YHWH held to be too sacred to pronounce aloud; the repetition of “Adonai” three times is common in the Scriptures, here preceding judge, ruler and king. These attributes summarise the ideal theocracy, to be realised by the Messiah alone; the judicial, legislative, and administrative functions as king to be exercised by Him in person (Isa 11:4; 32:1; Jas 4:12). Jesus came to inaugurate the reign of God on earth “The kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news” (Mark 1:15), primarily by His rule in the hearts of men (Luke 17:20-21) through His saving redemptive sacrifice on the Cross (Hebrews 9:28). Ultimately we will live with Him in the fullness of the kingdom of God (John 6:40; 1 Corinthians 15) when it comes to earth “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). For as was revealed to St John the Beloved concerning the kingdom of God at the end of the ages, when Christ shall reign “Look what I have done,” Christ says from His throne “I have made all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
“[…] but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.” Isaiah 11:4-5 This refers to the kingship of Christ as “Adonai”. Only Our Lord Jesus Christ could possess all these properties, for only He as the Son of God could possess the divine judgement: for He it is who touches the hearts of the faithful and mortifies their concupiscence: and to those who will not repent, He alone can pass sentence, so that all the world will be smitten with His rod, which is His Word, He who is life itself [cf O Sapientia].

and leader of the House of Israel…

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2 echoed in St Matthew’s Gospel “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” Matthew 2:6 Both Christian and Jewish scholars have long held this prophecy referred to the birth-place of the Messiah. Bethlehem is called by Micah, Bethlehem Ephratah, and by Matthew, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, both are one and the same place. Bethlehem Ephratah was in the land of Juda, as appears from the prophecy of Micah itself, from Ruth 1:2 and the Septuagint version of Joshua 15:60 and is described in this manner by Matthew, partly to distinguish it from another Bethlehem in the land of Zebulun, Joshua 19:15 and partly because its other name Ephratah was now disused. This prophecy is relevant regarding “leader of the House of Israel” in the antiphon (above) for the Messiah would be “born of David’s line” and Bethlehem Ephrathah is the town and clan from which king David was born (1 Samuel 16:18-23). Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush…

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:2 This was no ordinary angel, no created being but in fact “the Angel of the Covenant”, the Second Person of the Trinity Himself, the eternal Word and Son of God i.e. Christ! If we read on we find the “angel” describes Himself as YHWH, and calls himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, a created angel would never do that! Some scholars believe this was a prefigurement of the Incarnation, for certain the Divine Presence is indicated by Moses taking off his sandals. This would seem to tie-in with the proto-martyr Stephen’s own preaching to the Sanhedrin concerning Christ (cf Acts 7:30-53) and the Old Covenant. Consider too these words of the prophet, Isaiah 63:9 “In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.” Consider also the “angel of the Covenant” referred to in the Canon of the Mass, “…We most humbly beseech Thee, Almighty God to command these things be carried by the hands of Thy holy angel to Thy altar on high, in the sight of Thy divine majesty; that as many as partake of the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy Son at this altar, may be filled with every heavenly grace and blessing. Through…”

and gave him the law on Sinai:

And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. Exodus 24:12 Jesus said, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 25:44). In the Exodus God gives Israel new life; they are redeemed not only from the physical oppression of Egyptian slavery but the spiritual bondage and deceit involved in worship of the Egyptian gods. God commands them to worship Himself alone as their true life (Exod. 20:2-3). Accordingly, the law in its total scope sets forth the way of life. True life comes from God and involves fellowship with Him. If the Israelites obey the commandments, they will live (Lev. 18:5; Deut. 28:1-14), and if they disobey they will die (Exod. 19:21-22; 32:9-10; Deut. 6:15; 28:15-68). The ten commandments embody the core of this life. They express what true life is like in our relations directly to God (primarily commandments 1-4) and in our relations to fellow human beings (primarily commands 5-10). Christ then who “is Wisdom” i.e. “life” (see O Sapientia) is “the way of life” encapsulated in the ten commandments.

Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:24-25) “ ‘Now is the judgement of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to Myself.’ But He said this to signify by what death He was about to die” (John 12:31-33). “Dogs have surrounded Me; a band of evildoers have encircled me; they have pierced My hands and My feet…” (Psalm. 22:16). “And they crucified Him” (Mark 15:25).

Quintodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

Published on 18 Dec 201818 Dec 2018 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Quintodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Eighteenth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Philíppis, in Macedónia, natális sanctórum Mártyrum Rufi et Zósimi, qui ex illórum número discipulórum fuérunt, per quos primitíva Ecclésia in Judæis et Græcis fundáta est; de quorum étiam felíci agóne scribit sanctus Polycárpus in epístola ad Philippénses. At Philippi in Macedonia, the birthday of the holy martyrs Rufus and Zosimus, who were of the number of disciples by whom the primitive church was founded among the Jews and the Greeks. Their happy martyrdom is mentioned by St. Polycarp in his Epistle to the Philippians. Laodicéæ, in Syria, pássio sanctórum Theotími et Basiliáni. At Laodicea in Syria, the martyrdom of the Saints Theotimus and Basilian. In Africa sanctórum Mártyrum Quincti, Simplícii et aliórum; qui sub Décii et Valeriáni persecutióne passi sunt. In Africa, the holy martyrs Quinctus, Simplicius, and others who suffered in the persecution of Decius and Valerian. Ibídem sancti Moysétis Mártyris. In the same country, St. Moses, martyr. Item in Africa sanctórum Mártyrum Victúri, Victóris, Victoríni, Adjutóris, Quarti et aliórum trigínta. Also in Africa, the holy martyrs Victurus, Victor, Victorinus, Adjutor, Quartus, and thirty others. Mopsuéstiæ, in Cilícia, sancti Auxéntii Epíscopi, qui, olim sub Licínio miles, pótius elégit cíngulum exúere quam uvas Baccho offérre; factúsque Epíscopus, præclárus méritis quiévit in pace. At Mopsuestia in Cilicia, St. Auxentius, bishop, who, being at first a soldier under Licinius, preferred to surrender his military insignia rather than offer grapes to Bacchus. Having been made a bishop, he was renowned for his merit, and died in peace. Turónis, in Gállia, sancti Gratiáni Epíscopi, qui, a sancto Fabiáno Papa primus ejúsdem civitátis Epíscopus ordinátus est, et multis clarus miráculis obdormívit in Dómino. At Tours in France, St. Gratian, appointed first bishop of that city by Pope St. Fabian. Celebrated for many miracles, he calmly went to his repose in the Lord.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum. And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

R. Deo grátias. R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
SS. Rufus and Zozimus, Martyrs
St. Gatian, First Bishop of Tours, Confessor
St. Winebald, Abbot and Confessor

ORCCE Ordo: Feria IV Quattuor Temporum in Adventu ~ Feria major

Nota Bene: Nigeria: Islamists attack Christian principal Worthy Christian News 17 December 2013 By Joseph DeCaro ABUJA, NIGERIA (Worthy News)– Educational reforms in Nigeria’s Osun state have resulted in religious violence after Islamist youths beat a Christian principal unconscious last…

The European crusade against Christianity The Voice of Russia 16 December 2013 By Milena Faustova The Christian civilization is in great danger. Today about 100 million followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ are being persecuted. People are suffering or sometimes even…

Jihad on Jesus: Militants Firebomb New Christ Statue and Ancient Monastery, Syria Raymond Ibrahim 16 December 2013 By Raymond Ibrahim Earlier this month, the Islamist-led opposition in Syria broadcast a video clip of a militant threatening the nation’s Christian minority, with a focus on the Cherubim…

O Sapientia

Published on 17 Dec 201818 Nov 2022 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Today marks the beginning of the great “O Antiphons” marking the passing of the “Golden Nights” as the Church prepares herself for the final octave (eight days) towards the Feast of the Nativity. They are recited at Vespers as the Magnificat antiphons and each emphasises a title of the Messiah. They express the hope of the prophets of Israel and the expectation of the Church.

The first great “O” is of Wisdom. O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviter disponens que omnia: veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.

English: O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.

It reflects the following prophecies and Scripture:

O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,

“I came out of the mouth of the most High, and covered the earth as a cloud.” Sirach 24:3 explicates the meaning of St John’s opening verses of his Gospel John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It also reflects the nature of “Wisdom” that IS Christ, who as the “logos” (Greek: Word) is the “ruach Elohim” (Hebrew: spirit of God) referring to the creative activity of God (Genesis 1:2), and active power (Isaiah 40:13), in providence (Job 33:4, Psalm 104:30), in redemption (Ezekiel 11:19 & 36:26-27 ), in upholding and guiding the chosen ones (Nehemiah 9:20, Psalm 143:10, Haggai 2:5), and the empowerment of the Messiah (Isaiah 11:2; 42:1 & 61:1);

reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things:

“Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily: and sweetly doth she order all things.” Wisdom of Solomon 8:1 The most basic knowledge of Biblical symbolism reveals that any reference to the female gender in scripture points us to the head of that gender. The head of the woman is the man (Gen 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man), the head of the man is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.) , and “the head of Christ is God”. Now which of these is ‘wisdom’? ‘Wisdom’ certainly is not the woman, because her head is the man. Wisdom is certainly not the man because his head is Christ. But since God “by wisdom founded the earth” (Prov. 3:19), and since wisdom “is a tree of life unto them that lay hold upon her” (Prov. 3:18), and since “the head of Christ is God” (1 Cor 11:3), then it only follows that it was by Christ that the earth was founded, and it is Christ who is a tree of life (cf Isaiah 11:2) to those who lay hold on Him, and it is Christ, who was with God “from the beginning” (John 1:1-2; Prov. 3:19). It is only Christ that can be this ‘wisdom’, because it is Christ who we are told, was used of God to create all things, “For by him [Christ, wisdom] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17

Come and teach us the way of prudence.

“The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:2-3 At His baptism by St John the Baptist, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–23); here the human nature of our Lord required, and received abundantly, the sanctifying and enlightening influences of the Holy Ghost; “Wisdom and understanding,” or intellectual and moral apprehension (εὐσυνεσία) the ability to perceive moral and abstract truth; “counsel and might,” or the power at once to scheme and originate, and also to carry out thought into act; “The knowledge and the fear of the Lord,” or acquaintance with the true will of God, combined with the determination to carry out that will to the full (John 4:34; Luke 22:42; Hebrews 10:7).
“[…] he is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom.” Isaiah 28:29 Christ is the “husbandman” described in this chapter of Isaiah, the wonderful Counsellor, qualified to give suitable and proper advice to the sons of men; and of “might” or “power”, to preach the Gospel with authority; in giving counsel to man, both with respect to things temporal and spiritual; and whose counsel is always wise and good, and for the best; he is “wonderful” in forming wise plans and schemes of operation; the wise plan of his works of creation and providence was formed in his vast and infinite mind from eternity; the wise scheme of our redemption and salvation by Christ was concerted by him, wherein he has abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence; and the manner, means, time, and place, of his gathering and the effectual calling of his people, are all wisely fixed by him; and he does all things after “the counsel of his will”, Ephesians 1:11; Proverbs 3:19 “The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.”

Nota Bene. Sometimes the character of “Wisdom” is mis-attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, largely because of an assumption concerning the use of the feminine gender and perhaps because the Church often uses readings from the books of Proverbs and Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) on Marian festivals in the liturgy. It’s important to appreciate that it is about the Messiah, her son, that the allusion to “Wisdom” is ever made in connection with Our Lady; Our Lady certainly employed “wisdom” and chose “wisely” in accepting and applying herself to the Will of God for her, but it is her son, Christ, who is “Wisdom”.

Sextodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

Published on 17 Dec 201817 Dec 2018 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Sextodécimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Seventeenth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Romæ natális sancti Joánnis de Matha, Presbyteri et Confessóris, qui Ordinis sanctíssimæ Trinitátis redemptiónis captivórum Fundátor éxstitit. Ipsíus tamen festívitas, ex dispositióne Innocéntii Papæ Undécimi, ágitur sexto Idus Februárii. At Rome, the birthday of St. John of Matha, priest and confessor, founder of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Redemption of Captives, whose feast, by decree of Pope Innocent XI, is observed on the 8th of February.

Massíliæ, in Gállia, beáti Lázari Epíscopi, sanctárum Maríæ Magdalénæ ac Marthæ fratris, quem Dóminus in Evangélio appellásse amícum et a mórtuis excitásse légitur. At Marseilles in France, blessed Lazarus, brother of the Saints Mary Magdalene and Martha, of whom we read in the Gospel that our Lord called him his friend and raised him from the dead.

Eleutherópoli, in Palæstína, sanctórum Mártyrum Floriáni, Calaníci, et Sociórum quinquagínta et octo; qui, témpore Heraclíi Imperatóris, a Saracénis ob Christi fidem occísi sunt. At Eleutheropolis, the holy martyrs Florian, Calanicus, and their fifty-eight companions, who were slain by the Saracens because of the faith of Christ, during the reign of Emperor Haraclius.

In monastério Fuldénsi sancti Stúrmii, Abbátis et Saxóniæ Apóstoli; quem Innocéntius Papa Secúndus, in Concílio secúndo Lateranénsi, in Sanctórum númerum rétulit. In the monastery of Fulda, the holy abbot Sturmius, apostle of Saxony, who was ranked among the saints by Innocent II, in the second Lateran Council.

Bigárdis, prope Bruxéllas, in Brabántia, sanctæ Wivínæ Vírginis, cujus egrégiam sanctitátem mirácula crebra testántur. At Bigarden, near Brussels, St. Wivina, virgin, whose eminent sanctity is attested to by frequent miracles.

Constantinópoli sanctæ Olympíadis Víduæ. At Constantinople, St. Olympias, widow.

Andániæ, apud Septem Ecclésias, in Bélgio, beátæ Beggæ Víduæ, quæ fuit soror sanctæ Gertrúdis. At Andenne, at the Seven Churches, blessed Begga, widow, the sister of St. Gertrude.

Eódem die Translátio sancti Ignátii, Epíscopi et Mártyris; qui, tértius post beátum Petrum Apóstolum, Antiochénam rexit Ecclésiam. Ejus corpus ab urbe Roma, ubi ipse, sub Trajáno, glorióse martyrium tertiodécimo Kaléndas Januárii consummáverat, Antiochíam delátum, ibídem, in cœmetério Ecclésiæ, extra portam Daphníticam, pósitum fuit; in qua celebritáte sanctus Joánnes Chrysóstomus conciónem ad pópulum hábuit. Póstmodum vero ejus relíquiæ rursus Romam translátæ sunt, et in Ecclésia sancti Cleméntis, una cum córpore ejúsdem beatíssimi Papæ et Mártyris, summa veneratióne recónditæ. Also, the translation of St. Ignatius, bishop and martyr, who, the third after the blessed Apostle Peter, governed the Church of Antioch. His body was taken from Rome, where he had suffered martyrdom under Trajan on the 20th of December, and deposited in the church cemetery near the Gate of Daphne at Antioch. St. John Chrysostom, on that solemn occasion, preached the sermon to the people. Afterwards his relics were carried back to Rome and placed with the highest reverence in the church of St. Clement, together with the body of that blessed pope and martyr.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Olympias, Widow
St. Begga, Widow and Abbess

ORCCE Ordo: Feria III infra Hebdomadam III Adventus ~ Feria major

Nota Bene: The European crusade against Christianity The Voice of Russia 16 December 2013 By Milena Faustova The Christian civilization is in great danger. Today about 100 million followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ are being persecuted. People are suffering or sometimes even…

Jihad on Jesus: Militants Firebomb New Christ Statue and Ancient Monastery, Syria Raymond Ibrahim 16 December 2013 By Raymond Ibrahim Earlier this month, the Islamist-led opposition in Syria broadcast a video clip of a militant threatening the nation’s Christian minority, with a focus on the Cherubim…

Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna

Published on 16 Dec 201815 Dec 2018 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Décimo séptimo Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Sixteenth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Sancti Eusébii, Epíscopi Vercellénsis et Mártyris; cujus dies natális Kaléndis Augústi, et Ordinátio décimo octávo Kaléndas Januárii refértur.
St. Eusebius, bishop of Vercelli and martyr. His birthday is commemorated on the 1st of August and his ordination on the 15th of December.

Sanctórum Trium Puerórum, id est Ananíæ, Azaríæ et Misaélis; quorum córpora apud Babylóniam, sub quodam specu, sunt pósita.
The three young men, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, whose bodies are buried in a cave near Babylon.

Ravénnæ sanctórum Mártyrum Valentíni, magístri mílitum, ejúsque fílii Concórdii, atque Navális et Agrícolæ; qui, in persecutióne Maximiáni, pro Christo passi sunt.
At Ravenna, the holy martyrs Valentine, an officer of the army, Concordius, his son, Navalis, and Agricola, who suffered for Christ in the persecution of Maximian.

Fórmiis, in Campánia, sanctæ Albínæ, Vírginis et Mártyris, sub Décio Imperatóre.
At Mola di Gaeta in Campania, St. Albina, virgin and martyr, under Emperor Decius.
In Africa pássio plurimárum sanctárum Vírginum, quæ, in persecutióne Wandálica, sub Ariáno Rege Hunneríco, suspéndia, póndera laminásque ignítas perpéssæ, martyrii agónem felíciter consummárunt.
In Africa, many holy virgins who reached a happy end of their martyrdom in the persecution of the Vandals under the Arian king Hunneric by having heavy weights tied to them and burning plates of metal applied to their bodies.

Viénnæ, in Gállia, beáti Adónis, Epíscopi et Confessóris.
At Vienne in France, blessed Ado, bishop and confessor.

In Hibérnia sancti Beáni Epíscopi.
In Ireland, St. Bean, bishop.

Gazæ, in Palæstína, sancti Ireniónis Epíscopi.
At Gaza in Palestine, St. Irenion, bishop.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.
And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

December XVI.
		St. Ado, Archbishop of Vienne, Confessor
		St. Alice, or Adelaide, Empress
		St. Beanus, Bishop in Ireland

FOR NEWS OF CONTEMPORARY MARTYRS…

Open Doors – The world’s largest outreach to persecuted Christians in the most high-risk places.

Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East – providing humanitarian relief in Iraq through St George’s Church and Clinic.

Voice of the Persecuted – Informing the world of Christian persecution, one of the worst humanitarian crises on the planet, today.

Décimo nono Kaléndas Januárii. Luna.

Published on 14 Dec 201814 Dec 2018 by TheOldRomanLeave a comment

Décimo nono Kaléndas Januárii. Luna. The Fourteenth Day of December. The Night of the Moon.

Ubédæ, in Hispánia, natális sancti Joánnis a Cruce, Presbyteri et Confessóris, sanctæ Terésiæ in Carmelitárum reformatióne sócii; quem, a Summo Pontífice Benedícto Décimo tértio Sanctis adscríptum, Pius Papa Undécimus Doctórem universális Ecclésiæ declarávit. Ipsíus tamen festívitas ágitur octávo Kaléndas Decémbris.

At Ubeda in Spain, the birthday of St. John of the Cross, priest and confessor, and the companion of St. Teresa in the reform of the Carmelites. Pope Benedict XIII placed him on the list of the saints, and Pope Pius XI declared him a doctor of the universal Church. His feast, however, is observed on the 24th of November.

Rhemis, in Gállia, pássio sanctórum Nicásii Epíscopi, ac soróris Eutrópiæ Vírginis, et Sociórum Mártyrum; qui a bárbaris Ecclésiæ hóstibus cæsi sunt.

At Rheims in France, holy Bishop Nicasius, his sister, the virgin Eutropia, and their companions, martyrs, who were put to death by barbarians hostile to the Church.

Alexandríæ sanctórum Mártyrum Herónis, Arsénii, Isidóri, et Dióscori púeri. Horum tres primos Judex, in persecutióne Deciána, cum eos, váriis torméntis dilánians, pari armátos constántia vidéret, tradi ígnibus jubet; Dióscorus vero, multiplíciter flagellátus, divíno nutu ad consolatiónem fidélium dimíssus est.

At Alexandria, the holy martyrs Heron, Arsenius, Isidore, and the boy Dioscorus. In the persecution of Decius, the first three were subjected to all the refinements of cruelty by the judge, who, seeing them displaying the same constancy, ordered that they should be cast into the fire. But Dioscorus, after repeated scourgings, was set free by the intervention of Providence to the great consolation of the faithful.

Antiochíæ natális sanctórum Mártyrum Drusi, Zósimi et Theodóri.

At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Drusus, Zosimus, and Theodore.

Eódem die pássio sanctórum Justi et Abúndii, qui, sub Numeriáno Imperatóre et Olybrio Præside, conjécti in ignem, et, cum inde evasíssent illæsi, gládio percússi sunt.

On the same day, the martyrdom of Saints Justus and Abundius, who were cast into the flames in the time of Emperor Numerian and the governor Olybrius, but escaping all injury, they were smitten with the sword.

In Cypro natális beáti Spiridiónis Epíscopi, qui unus fuit ex illis Confessóribus, quos Galérius Maximiánus, dextro óculo effósso et sinístro póplite succíso, ad metálla damnáverat. Hic prophetíæ dono et signórum glória ínclitus fuit, et in Nicæno Concílio philósophum éthnicum, Christiánæ religióni insultántem, devícit et ad fidem perdúxit.

In the island of Cyprus, the birthday of blessed Spiridion, bishop. He was one of those confessors who were condemned by Galerius Maximian to labour in the mines, after suffering the loss of his right eye and cutting of the sinews of his left knee. This prelate was renowned for the gift of prophecy and glorious miracles, and in the Council of Nicea he confounded a heathen philosopher, who had insulted the Christian religion, and brought him to the faith.

Bérgomi sancti Viatóris, Epíscopi et Confessóris.

At Bergamo, St. Viator, bishop and confessor.

Papíæ sancti Pompéji Epíscopi.

At Pavia, St. Pompey, bishop.

Neápoli, in Campánia, sancti Agnélli Abbátis, virtúte miraculórum illústris, qui obséssam urbem sæpe visus est Crucis vexíllo ab hóstibus liberáre.

At Naples in Campania, St. Agnellus, abbot. Illustrious for the gift of miracles, he was often seen with the standard of the Cross, delivering the city besieged by enemies.

Medioláni sancti Matroniáni Eremítæ.

At Milan, St. Matronian, hermit.

Et álibi aliórum plurimórum sanctórum Mártyrum et Confessórum, atque sanctárum Vírginum.
R. Deo grátias.

And elsewhere in divers places, many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
R. Thanks be to God.

Butler’s Lives of the Saints:
St. Spiridion, Bishop and Confessor
SS. Nicasius, Ninth Archbishop of Rheims, and His Companions, Martyrs

Nota Bene: