Vol 11 Christmas 2014

REGINA Inspiring. Intelligent. Catholic.

The Secret Catholic Insider’s Guide to

Christmas

Volume 10 | Christmas 2014 1 Christmas Special 2014 | www.reginamag.com Regina Magazine

Editorial Editor: Beverly De Soto Webmaster: Jim Bryant

Photography

Arrys Ortanez Harry Stevens Teresa Limjoco Patrick Michael Clark Fr. Peter Irving Cynthia Ostrowski Beverly De Soto Jack Oostveen Bridget Green Jamal Zayyad Michael Durnan Yume Delegato Alex Dealy Amy Proctor

Writers

Patrick Michael Clark Teresa Limjoco Bridget Green Donna Sue Berry Meghan Ferrara Michael Durnan Ed Masters Matthew Plese Losana Boyd Beverly De Soto ​Benedict Nguyen

Special Thanks Our Lady of Guadeloupe Seminary, Denton, Nebraska Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest Newman College Ireland George Cardinal Pell CatechismClass.com St John Chrysostom Church, Inglewood, California Holy Innocents Church, Long Beach California Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina

Advertising Contact

Designer Helen Stead

Duncantlee@reginamag. com

Volume 10 | Christmas Special 2014 www.reginamag.com REGINA MAGAZINE is published five times a year at www.reginamag.com.

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REGINA draws together extraordinary Catholic writers, photographers, videographers and artists with a vibrant faith.

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REGINA MAGAZINE is under the patronage of Our Lady, Mary Most Holy. We pray that she lays our humble work at the feet of her Son, and that His Will be done.

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Contents 70 Newman College Debuts in Rome

AMAZING CATHOLIC STORIES A Gift from New York........................................................... 04 Christmas in a SoCal Barrio.................................................46 Restoring the Glory of Jerusalem.....................................172 Father Christmas Comes Home to Preston.....................212 Out of the Wilderness in Nebraska..................................160

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Out of the Wilderness

Room at the Inn at MiraVia

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UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE A Most Unusual Christmas Gift.......26 A Christmas Carol.............................62 Rocking Basic Black & White..........64 Top 10 Children’s Christmas Books...............................................186 One Slim Volume at a Time..........226

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS The Real Santa Claus..........................................................202 There’s Room at the Inn at MiraVia.....................................18 The Ancient Mystery of the Star of Bethlehem.................40 Our Lady of Guadalupe.....................................................140 REGINA’S CHRISTMAS FICTION The ‘Try-On’ Wife................................................................110 She Lost her Purity Ring at Chrismas................................118 Merry Christmas Catholic Girl...........................................124 CATHOLIC REALITIES A Catholic Divorce..............................................................196 THE CATHOLIC TRAVELLER Along The Way in Portugal................................................132 Philadelphia: An Oasis of Beauty......................................146 Christmas in Harvard Square.............................................100 Newman College Debuts in Rome.....................................70 Hollywood and the TLM....................................................228

A Gift for New Yo

How Holy Innocents Was

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ork:

s Saved

By Teresa Limjoco, MD. It seemed a strange choice for closure.

Holy Innocents is a landmark of Manhattan’s historic Garment District, an 1870 Gothic Revival treasure. It is also home to a thriving, debt-free parish of Catholics from the four corners of the world.

In the massive Archdiocese of New York, this is the only church offering a daily Traditional Latin Mass, which in recent years has drawn a growing, diverse parish to the parish’s vibrant spirituality. So, in April 2014, when word got around NYC that their parish was facing possible closure by the Archdiocese as part of its down-sizing project ('Making All Things New'), the community was incredulous.

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How Holy Innocents was Saved

‘As an art historian, I was alarmed at the possible loss to posterity,” said Don Reynolds, a parishioner. “Holy Innocents is architecturally significant, recognized by former pastor Father Thomas Kallumady. Designed and built in 1870 by Patrick Charles Keely, the foremost US Catholic architect in the 19th century, the sanctuary was restored, 20101013, at a cost of $700,000, which included the restoration of its monumental mural of The Crucifixion by Constantino Brumidi, America’s foremost muralist of the 19th century.

I served as a pro bono consultant in its restoration. So, I had the sense of personal loss at the threat of Holy Innocents’ demolition.* “I could not believe that a church with such a rich liturgical and outreach program, which was self-sustaining, could close,” Mr. Reynolds continued. “Nor could I believe that the only church in the archdiocese that offered, on a daily basis, both the Extraordinary and Ordinary Forms would be closed, depriving the archdioceses’ 2.8 million Catholics of such a unique treasure--the epitome of the new evangelization: coexistence of the two forms. Such coexistence reflects the spirit of Vatican II and the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. I was mystified at the possibility of the termination of that coexistence.”

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It was an anxious few months for Holy Innocents. How did you feel when you learned that the parish might be closed?

Eddy Jose Toribio: ‘Devastated.’

Ed Hawkins: ‘I was not surprised. I was disappointed that the extreme value of this property in midtown Manhattan might have contributed to a mindset to ignore all the good at the church. In a simple phrase, I felt that the monetary value of the property corrupted the Archdiocesan view of this vibrant and inspiring church. I was also furious that Holy Innocents which is highly visible from Broadway, might be lost as a visible presence of the Catholic Church in New York City. Most of all, I could not understand why the diocesan powers would consider “cashing out” a consecrated Catholic Church with a very active daily parish and spiritual life, when most of the major money could be still gotten through the process of selling off the church’s air rights.”

Velia: ‘Something had to be done about it. I decided there and then to devote my time fully to Holy Innocents -- to be part of a community and help build it, thus make a stronger case to keep Holy Innocents open.

It was a time of reawakening, to be more active, to do something.’

Lucie de Percin: ‘My heart cried; my whole being became numb when I heard of the possible closing of Our Beloved Holy Innocents. The original bloody massacre of the Holy Innocents unfolded before my eyes. Our Crucifixion tableau in the Sanctuary seemed to be on fire.’

Cecilia Castelino: ‘I felt more drawn to prayer for the Will of God to be accomplished…”

WHILE THEY AWAITED THE ARCHDIOCESAN DECISION, Holy Innocents parishioners were not idle, conducting a 54-Day Novena and requesting prayers via social media. They also produced an online video created by film director/producer Jim Morlino to draw greater attention to the potentially calamitous future of Holy Innocents.

'The widespread response to the little video I produced was positive and immediate,” said Jim Morlino, head of Navis Pictures. “As a filmmaker this is quite gratifying. I was pleased to know that my work may have helped in some small way to galvanize the effort to save this beautiful church, and all it stands for. And the results underscore for me the obvious power of Social Media. Deo Gratias.'

The New York Times, The New York Observer and Fox News, --even The Voice of America picked up the story, and petitions, emails and letters in support of saving Holy Innocents flooded the New York Archdiocese’s office.

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After a long, nervous wait, the official announcement was slated for the 11 am Sunday Mass on November 2. No one was nonchalant at the Mass that morning.

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How Holy Innocents was Saved

What was the atmosphere at Mass like on Sunday morning?

Ed Hawkins: ‘There were two “moods” sweeping the congregation -those fearful of “bad news,” and others who held onto a confidence that their dedicated prayers were going to be answered. I was in the vestibule at the Knights of Columbus table that morning, and at least half of those arriving asked if we had gotten the official word yet.

No one entered with a casual, run-of-the-mill attitude that morning.

It was on all of our minds and most of our lips.’

Lucie de Percin: ‘On Sunday morning before the announcement the praying at mass was very serene, and I could feel the Holy Innocents praying with us.

Eddy Toribio: ‘Many of us heard rumors that the church was staying open in some capacity, so we were cautiously optimistic.’

Velia: ‘Solemn; full of anticipation; joy for those who knew beforehand; and anxiety for others.’

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When the Archdiocese announced that Holy Innocents was to remain open - at least for the time being -- the people of the parish and their supporters everywhere were overjoyed.

How did you feel when you heard the announcement from the pulpit? What was the atmosphere in the Church like?

Eddy Toribio: ‘We were rejoicing and praising God. Our prayers and many letters paid off. It was a wonderful reinforcement to how prayers work.’

Cecilia Castelino: ‘Overjoyed and very grateful to God, the Cardinal, Our Lady of Pompeii, Archangel Michael, all the Saints, the Holy Innocents, the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and all the reporters, photographers, researchers and surveyors.

Ed Hawkins: ‘My reaction was one of relief. There was an uproar of joy at the actual announcement. While the administrator talked more about the “special situation” at Holy Innocents, I looked at the almost 200 people in the pews for this Sunday morning Mass, recalling that before this Mass there was only one Sunday Mass with about 30 people.”

Velia: ‘DEO GRATIAS. It felt like the heavens suddenly opened up with God grinning from ear and ear and the whole celestial choir singing “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus”, followed by the Alleluia!! The announcement was greeted with applause (so untraditionalist!), tears and joy.

Lucie de Percin: ‘Upon hearing the announcement complete jubilation, unending thanksgiving to God - Our Lady of Pompeii - the Holy Spirit - all Celestial Beings and tears of joy.’

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“ON THAT SUNDAY THERE WERE 30 PEOPLE AT THE ORDINARY FORM PLUS ANOTHER 200 FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY FORM, so I thought ‘this is what the New Evangelization is all about- Lay people creating a movement and situation that will draw the faithful to the altar of the Lord,’ and not just talking about it. “ – Ed Hawkins, Holy Innocents Parishioner Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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And so this Christmas there are a lot of happy parishioners at Holy Innocents, right? What you would like to say to other faithful Catholics around the world about working to save your parish?

Eddy Toribio: ‘I feel like we bought a few years before the archdiocese may consider closing churches again.

Never give up. Pray.’

Cecilia Castelino: ‘In all trying circumstances send appeals to the respective Authorities, resort to prayer & fasting, stay in a state of grace with very frequent confession, pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet with confidence for increased humility, perseverance, endurance, and for total resignation to God’s Will. And persist in all the above even after the trial passes even if the outcome is desirable – because as appealing as the outcome may be to us, we can only hope the Cardinal’s decision is aligned to God’s Will. And IF it is God’s Will then there’s likely to be stronger forces against us in the near or distant future.’

Velia: An overwhelming gratitude. We have a God who will never, never abandon us, so long as we put our complete trust in Him and his Divine Providence. However, we have to do our part, through intense prayer, prudent action with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and perseverance. We cannot remain complacent, even now, as the future still remains uncertain. We should always be mindful that the devil will continue to attack us and with vigor. He will try everything to create division, conflict, etc. The key is to pray continuously and to persevere — the rosary is our strong weapon.”

Lucie de Percin: ‘To all brothers and sisters in such situations, I would advise them to pray with strong faith constantly, always trust in Jesus, Our Beloved Mother, keep hope alive and try not worry. Remember Jesus Christ constructed His church and made us custodians. We can do it because Jesus loves His church; He loves us and will never abandon us!

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Ed Hawkins: ‘For others working to save their parishes, I would say (and do as I am outspoken part of a group trying to keep my residential home church open the church of all of my sacraments) to take the lead and not follow pastors and diocesan officials. See the future and find out what you have to do to face that future and all of the challenges that come with keeping a church open. Be imaginative and fearless. Be sure to promote and pray that powerful 54 Day Rosary Novena.’

Eddy Toribio: ‘Facebook, blogs, newspaper articles, etc., show that many people were expecting to hear what the future of Holy Innocents would be. Thanks to the great work of many, particularly the spiritual and corporal works many decided to do, as well as the incessant novena prayers of many, what seemed almost impossible.The fervent and sincere prayers of many did not go unheeded -- Benedícta sit sancta Trínitas, atque indivísa únitas!’

Editor’s Note: Constantino Brumidi was an ItalianAmerican artist whose other works include The Apotheosis of Washington, the fresco painted in 1865 on the dome in the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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IN NEW YORK CITY, THE DAILY TRADITIONAL MASS WILL CONTINUE AT THE CHURCH (PARISH) OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS. As the spiritual home to many, it will remain a very special place, and I would even say that we should make sure to make it an even more special place.

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There’s Room at Mir

A new mother’s not “You didn’t take away from my future. You

By Beverly De Soto

What is the truly Catholic response to a scared, pregnant girl? Here woman who suffered through an abortion at university – teamed up something really revolutionary: create a home for pregnant college

In 20 years, MiraVia has taken in 485 moms and babies; since 2004 classes. In this hopeful interview, Jeannie Wray and Debbie Capen they have worked to make ‘room at the inn’ that may well serve as a 18

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m at the Inn raVia

te to her daughter: u gave me a new one. I love you, Mommy.�

e’s what happened when two determined ladies – a biologist and a p with the monks at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina to do e students and their babies.

4, they have served more than 7000 mothers through their outreach n sat down with Regina Magazine to tell the remarkable story of how a model for Catholic efforts in the future.

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There’s Room at the Inn at MiraVia

How did you learn about MiraVia? Debbie: At MiraVia’s annual banquet one year they announced their plans to open the nation’s first on-campus maternity and aftercare residence for college students. I wanted to leap out of my seat with excitement because I had been carrying around the tragic secret of an abortion when I was a sophomore in college. I thought, “Oh my goodness, they get it! They understand that women like me exist!”

What is your job today?

Jeannie: Debbie is the Assistant Director and I am the Executive Director now, but I was actually hired to be the Development Director. My primary charge was to raise the funds to build the new College-based Maternity and After-care Residential Facility adjacent to the campus of Belmont Abbey College. Now, eight years later, we raised the funds, and the dream of a place built specifically for pregnant college students is a reality.

What drew you to work there?

Debbie: I called MiraVia to ask how I could help, and they asked me to share my abortion testimony in the video that would be shown at the fund-raising banquet. It was surreal to sit in a room of 1,000 people (including dozens of friends and colleagues) and watch myself on a giant screen as I told my deepest secret.

Little did I know that God had even bigger plans and that I would eventually work at MiraVia. Jeannie: Quite honestly, I came to work here because I sincerely felt that the Lord expected this of me and I wanted to be of service to Him. When I joined the staff of MiraVia I suddenly came face-to-face with the old adage that “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.”

You see, I had spent 26 years working in the museum field so had lots of experience with how non-profits work. Helping with fundraisers and writing grants were a big part of my job in my latter years there. But I was educated as a biologist and really had no idea why I had to learn those kinds of skills.

Now of course it’s obvious…so that I could help young women like those I encountered when I was in college. I saw so many who quit school to have their babies and others who chose to terminate their pregnancies.

They all suffered and I knew there had to be another answer. When I heard about MiraVia’s College-based residence, I knew that this was the answer and I wanted to be a part of it. It was what He was asking me to do.

What’s it been like to take on this enormous challenge?

Jeannie: There are so many wonderful moments when a project like this comes to life. Debbie and I happened to be at the site when the bulldozer arrived and cleared the first trees. As those trees cracked and broke and yielded to that monstrous machine, I knew for sure that the residence would become a reality and that college students would no longer be cracked and broken down and have to yield to the pressures of choosing their dreams over the lives of their children.

Debbie: On the morning of August 12, 2013 I got the call that Bianca (our first resident in the new facility) was in labor. I hopped in my van and headed to the hospital to be with her. As I drove to the hospital, I was praying for Bianca and the baby and tears began to stream down my face. The magnitude of this event began 20

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to sink in and I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for this young mother who was taking the path that I had been too afraid to take myself. I cried and prayed all the way there and later that day her beautiful son, Kasen was born. It was a day that I will never forget.

Jeannie: Yes, when our first baby came home from the hospital, I knew the program was working. My heart swelled to bursting at the love that I saw on his mother’s face and I felt a peace that I had never known before.

The dream was indeed a reality.

Debbie: Last spring, I was invited by the director of the Health Clinic of my alma mater to come and give a presentation to their staff. This is the same health clinic where 20 years earlier I had been told by their staff that I could look up “abortion” in the yellow pages to take care of my unplanned pregnancy.

Now, this university regularly gives MiraVia brochures to pregnant students and even called me to seek help for a post-abortive student who came to them because she was traumatized by her abortion. It is proof that college staff see the need for MiraVia and are desperate for positive alternatives to offer these pregnant students who come to them.

Jeannie: Finally, when one of our residents said that the day she was admitted to MiraVia was the day she knew for sure that there is a God and I realized that God was being glorified through what we were trying to do because isn’t that what we try to do each day? Accept His will and be instruments for His use?

Any ‘aha’ moments?

One day recently, we had some visitors appear at the front door. It was the family of a young man who attends Belmont Abbey College. The family had travelled from California to visit their son and wanted to see MiraVia while they were here. They had two younger siblings who were ages 6 and 8 -- and these two sweethearts had spent their own money to buy donations for MiraVia the night before at Wal-Mart. They came in carrying bags of precious baby outfits and goodies.

As I gave this family a tour through the building and we witnessed all the small moments happening around us, I was truly moved by the reality that the vision of MiraVia had become what we had hoped. For example, we saw a young father who had come after his classes for a visit with his new family.

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There’s Room at the Inn at MiraVia

He was sitting in the childcare room gently rocking his infant son.

In another room, a mother sat at her laptop frantically working on a term paper like any other college student. In another room, a mom came out with her baby girl to personally thank the family for their donations and to see if they would like to hold her child.

The building was filled with laughter, love and anticipation. It was an “aha” moment that MiraVia is really working and that God is working through generous hearts of all ages to fulfill his kingdom.

What is your greatest challenge at MiraVia? Jeannie: As with many charitable organizations, ongoing funding is our greatest challenge. Helping people to understand that the numbers of women served will not be in the hundreds per year like crisis pregnancy centers but we invest 24 intensive months in each mother not just a few days or weeks. Each and every young woman who is college educated breaks the downward spiral of poverty that claims more than 1/3 of single mothers in this country and becomes a productive citizen; and that the investment is worth it. Sometimes I feel like I am swimming upstream but then I try to remember that each day, each student mother, each precious baby is a gift and I offer a quick prayer of thanks for being what and where we are.

Debbie: The greatest challenge is staying focused on the big picture; and that is seeking God’s will in every present moment. It is easy to get caught up in the myriad of daily duties and unexpected obstacles. Each day flies by because there is so much to do and so many things yet undone. But thankfully we have a beautiful chapel on site with the True Presence of our Lord in the tabernacle and so we can take our cares to Him and trust in his Divine Providence.

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Do you think Miravia could be a model?

Jeannie: I absolutely believe that our program could be a model for other universities and countries. As a matter of fact, we’ve heard from people in 9 states and 4 foreign countries about duplicating this project.

With the property and the welcoming culture of life of the monks of Belmont Abbey, Miravia has been nurtured by so many who have stepped out in faith and accepted us and those we serve. I believe that our project is the first of many like it – at least, I hope it is.

Debbie: Every time I meet with staff of ANY college, they nod their heads profusely when we talk about the need to help pregnant college students. Many schools now even have “retention” departments that work with students who are at risk of dropping out of school and we have received multiple requests for our materials because this is such a critical need.

I believe that Catholic colleges should be the pioneers in this work just as the Catholic Church has always paved the way in education and health care. Once we get it right, it will be much easier for others to follow suit. This is not just about a small non-profit organization in North Carolina, this about transforming our society’s attitude that pregnancy during college means either dropping out or having an abortion. The change has to begin somewhere, and we are grateful that Belmont Abbey is an agent for this change by not only welcoming MiraVia on its grounds, but enthusiastically embracing this work to build a culture of life on campus and beyond.

Find MiraVia here: http://www.mira-via.org/ Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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A Most Unusual

Christmas

Gift

A Feast for the Catholic Spirit ALL PHOTOS: CAMPION MISSAL & HYMNAL

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Jeff and Cynthia Ostrowski have created a masterwork.

There is simply no other way to describe their Campion Missal & Hymnal, which has been released this year to great acclaim. Richly illustrated with great works of Catholic art, the Campion Missal is destined to be a classic for many decades to come.

Jeff, who has just moved to new position as music director for a parish being formed in Los Angeles by the Fraternity of St. Peter, took time out of his busy holiday schedule to tell us all about this feast for Catholic eyes – and the Catholic spirit.

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A Feast for the Catholic Spirit

Why did you undertake this?

We felt that too many resources for the Extraordinary Form were lacking beauty.

Many Traditional parishes were making Xerox copies of this or that item and frantically passing them out before Mass.

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Your Campion Missal & Hymnal is revolutionary in some ways, isn’t it?

The Campion Missal & Hymnal provides a number of firsts: (a) The first Extraordinary Form CONGREGATIONAL hymnal; (b) The first Extraordinary Form Missal to contain Low Mass & High Mass—separately—in their entirety; (c) The first Extraordinary Form Missal to contain ancient manuscripts—dating back to the 7th century—in full color; (d) The first Extraordinary Form Missal to contain full-color images of the priest & sacred ministers to help the congregation follow the ceremonies.

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Anything else?

Additionally, the complete Gregorian KYRIALE (19 Masses), simple chants, and the full Sunday Mass Propers in Latin/English are printed in exceptionally large type.

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A Feast for the Catholic Spirit

What has been the reaction so far?

The response has been overwhelming, but one complaint has come at us constantly: “How can you sell such a huge book, including 120 full-color pages, for such a low price?”

Many people have told us each copy should be sold for a minimum of $55.00, whereas we sell this book for slightly over $20.00 each—since there’s currently a 15% discount—because we want to SUPPORT the Traditional Latin Mass and help spread it.

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How many pages does it have?

It has 992 pages, and 120 are in full-color.

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How long did it take to assemble these photos? To create the Missal?

My wife, Cynthia Ostrowski, took all the photographs. The first set (Fribourg, Switzerland) was taken at one session, and the second set (Rome, Italy) was taken during another session.

Creating the Missal took several years, owing to the rare woodcuts we had to locate, digitize, and process.

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A Feast for the Catholic Spirit

People especially like the Missal for three reasons: (a) The beautiful line art we use for each feast; (b) The fact that this is CONGREGATIONAL book means families do not have to carry their Missals back and forth to the Church, which is hard with young children; (c) It contains inside one book the full Mass Propers as well as the only CONGREGATIONAL hymnal for the Extraordinary Form.

Where can people learn more about the Campion Missal & Hymnal?

Go to: http://www.ccwatershed.org/Campion/ ALL PHOTOS: CAMPION MISSAL & HYMNAL

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The

Ancient Mystery of the

Star of Bethlehem "There's a star in the east on Christmas morn Rise up shepherd and follow It'll lead to the place where the Savior's born Rise up shepherd and follow" A Star In The East

By Ed Masters An enigmatic celestial event that has engaged speculation for more than 2000 years, the Star of Bethlehem was an epoch-changing heralding of the Messiah's birth. For centuries saints, scholars and astronomers have wondered about this heavenly body. Was it a comet? A supernova?

A conjunction of planets, possibly in constellation? A moon or dwarf planet briefly captured by Earth's gravity? A free floating planet or star? Was it a heavenly body that defied the known laws of physics and nature, such as the solar eclipse of the full moon on the first Good Friday? Or did it have divine origin like the shekinah glory that led the children of Israel out of Egypt during the time of Moses?

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DRAWING FROM RECORDED HISTORY AND SURPRISINGLY WELL-KEPT ASTRONOMICAL RECORDS FROM LANDS AS DISTANT FROM JUDEA AS CHINA, THIS ARTICLE SURVEYS THE CENTURIES FROM THE VANTAGE POINT OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY FOR REGINA MAGAZINE What the Bible Says

4 B.C, which fact alone eliminates Halley’s The Star of Bethlehem is mentioned in only one Comet as a possibility. But what about other book, the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2, "When comets? Chinese and Korean astronomers reJesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in corded comets in the years 5 and 4 B.C. respecthe days of king Herod, behold, there came wise tively, in the Constellation Capricorn. These were men from the east to Jerusalem. [2] Saying, Where observed for 70 days and noted that “it did not is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have move.” (The Chinese called it a ‘sui-hsing’ or a seen his star in the east, and are come to adore star with a sweeping tail. To the ancient Koreans, him..." [9] Who having heard the king, went their it was ‘po-hsing’ or a bushy star.) way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and Giotto di Bondone in his painting Adoration of stood over where the child was. [10] And seeing the Magi depicts a comet as the Star of Bethlethe star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." hem; Giotto had seen Halley’s Comet in A.D. 1301. Even the early Church Father Origen (who This star was foretold in the Old Testament, fell into heresy) said, “The star that was seen in "A star shall rise out of Jacob and a sceptre shall the east we consider to have been a new star, unspring up from Israel: and shall strike the chiefs like any of the other well-known planetary bodof Moab, and shall waste all the children of Seth. ies, either those in the firmament above or those And he shall possess Idumea: the inheritance of among the lower orbs, but partaking of the nature Seir shall come to their enemies, but Israel shall of those celestial bodies which appear at times, do manfully. Out of Jacob shall he come that shall such as comets…” rule, and shall destroy the remains of the city."

Numbers 24:15-19.

However, in the ancient world, comets were seen as bad omens. In A.D. 66, Halley’s Comet Was it a comet? was recorded by Flavius Josephus as “hanging over Jerusalem like a bloody sword”; the first Halley’s Comet appears above Earth every 76 Jewish-Roman war began that year. It is unlikeyears; it appeared in the night skies in the year 12 ly, therefore that a comet would have been seen B.C. or 11 B.C. As Jesus of Nazareth is thought to by the ancients are an omen of good news – the have been born between the years 7 and 4 B.C, birth of the Messiah. Certainly the Magi would which is considered too early for it to have been not have rejoiced ‘with exceeding great joy’ upon the Star. Herod the Great is believed by most seeing a comet, a harbinger of bad things to scholars and historians to have died in March of come.

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"They looked up and saw a star, Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!"

Was it a planetary conjunction?

Was it an ancient supernova?

Was the Star a planetary conjunction, possibly in a constellation of significance to the ancients?

The famous astronomer Johannes Kepler proposed this theory in 1614 when he determined that three conjunctions of the planets Jupiter and Saturn occurred in the year 7 B.C. However, Kepler incorrectly thought that a planetary conjunction could create a supernova. Also in that year Saturn and Jupiter were far enough apart that such a conjunction would not have been notable.

The possibility that the Star of Bethlehem was a supernova or hypernova is an intriguing one. A supernova is an explosion of a massive super giant star that can shine with the brightness of over ten billion suns; a hypernova is even brighter.

The supernova seen in the year 1054 -ironically the same year the Catholic and Orthodox Churches split -- and now called the ‘Crab Nebula’ was bright enough to be seen in the daytime. Furthermore, supernovae that can be seen with the naked eye are quite rare, so this also supports the theory that the Star was this natural, but rare, phenomenon.

Today we know that in 6 B.C there was a conjunction of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn; and in 3 B.C. Jupiter and Venus came close to one another in the constellation Leo. Jupiter also came close to the bright star Regulus in late 3 and 2 B.C. However, while there were any number of notable planetary and stellar conjunctions within the accepted time frame of Jesus' birth, this theory has to be rejected in spite of the significance it held for astronomers and astrologers in ancient times.

Firstly, conjunctions were not and are not that rare. Secondly, the Bible specifically uses the singular "star" and not the plural "stars." Thirdly, both the Bible and the Church condemn astrology and the notion that the stars guide our destiny. There must have been something extraordinary and unusual about this star for St. Matthew to mention it in his Gospel.

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The problem is that other than the possible appearance of a supernova in the year 5 B.C. (though most observers have decided this was a comet) the first known definitive recorded observance of a supernova was in the year 185 A.D. by Chinese astronomers; it is now known by astronomers as the gaseous shell RCW 86.

A supernova also leaves a nebula visible to astronomers over certain regions of the sky, and none can be found that would have been in the region over Bethlehem. Almost two hundred years late, with no tell-tale aurora -- these factors disqualify this supernova as being the Star of Bethlehem.

Was it an orphan planet? A rogue star?

Possibly the most convincing explanation from a scientific viewpoint is the theory of a free-floating planet or star. Also known as a rogue planets,

nomad planets, orphan planets or interstellar planets, these are extraterrestrial spheres which have either never been captured by the gravity of a star or have been the victims of a cosmic ejection from the solar systems they have been formed in. They continue to wander throughout the galaxy aimlessly. So far, a handful of these planets have been discovered by astronomers and there may be many more. The closest to Earth is WISE 0855–0714, around seven light years away.

Rogue or intergalactic stars are thought to be the result of colliding galaxies tossing stars out into the vastness of space; they have been observed in the Constellation Virgo. The only problem with this theory is that neither a rogue planet or star could come close enough to Earth without severely disrupting the atmosphere, planetary winds and oceans – all major geophysical events which there is no record of. though if they were bright enough, naturally they could be seen from quite a distance away.

But what of other non-scientific explanations?

Could the Star have had a strictly divine, supernatural origin?

Certainly this was the opinion of some of the Church Fathers. A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of Which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all.

And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else in the heavens. St. Ignatius to the Ephesians St. John Chrysostom (A.D. 347-407) and St. Thomas Aquinas after him also believed it was a miraculous event. He wrote in his Commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew:

For if ye can learn what the star was, and of what kind, and whether it were one of the common stars, or new and unlike the rest, and whether it was a star by nature or a star in appearance only, we shall easily know the other things also. Whence then will these points be manifest? From the very things that are written. Thus, that this star was not of the common sort, or rather not a star at all, as it seems at least to me, but some invisible power transformed into this appearance, is in the first place evident from its very course. For there is not, there is not any star that moves by this way, but whether it be the sun you mention, or the moon, or all the other stars, we see them going from east to west; but this was wafted from north to south; for so is Palestine situated with respect to Persia.

The apocryphal Protoevangelium of St. James (ca. A.D. 125) has the Magi saying to Herod: We have seen a star of great size shining among these stars, and obscuring their light, so that the stars did not appear; and we thus knew that a king has been born to Israel, and we have come to worship him.

Pope St. Leo the Great (d. 461) described it in his thirty-first sermon: To three wise men, therefore, appeared a star of new splendour in the region of the East, which, being brighter and fairer than the other stars, might easily attract the eyes and minds of those that looked on it, so that at once that might be observed not to be meaningless, which had so unusual an appearance.

But perhaps St. Ephraem (a.k.a. Ephraim), d.

373, describes it best in his “Hymns for Epiphany”: In the Height and the Depth the Son had two heralds. The star of light proclaimed Him from above; John likewise preached Him from beneath: two heralds, the earthly and the heavenly. The star of light, contrary to nature, shone forth of a Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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“We three kings of orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

O, Star of Wonder, Star of night, Star of royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.”

We Three Kings of Orient Are - The First Noel sudden; less than the sun yet greater than the sun.

Less was it than he in manifest light; and greater than he in secret might because of its mystery.

In her visions of the life of Jesus and other Biblical revelations, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich mentioned that during the daytime the Star appeared much as the moon does when it can be seen in the daytime at certain phases or times of the day.

Was the Star like the pillar of fire?

Given all the evidence presented I would have to side with the Church Fathers et. al. who asserted that the Star was of supernatural origin, a miraculous event not unlike the pillar of fire and smoke that led the Jews out of Egypt. It’s interesting to juxtapose such events; in the Old Testament Book of Joshua, Joshua commanded the Sun to stay still in the sky during the day (the name Jesus is the Greek version of the Hebrew Joshua); at Our Lord’s birth, a Star seemingly defied the known laws of astronomy and physics to stay motionless over the cave in Bethlehem where He was born (traditionally at midnight).

The Star shone with great brightness on one of the darkest nights of the year, just after the beginning of winter. At His death upon the Cross, the light of the sun was obscured during a solar 44

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eclipse, impossible during a full moon just after the beginning of spring. One wonders whether or not a Star or some other otherworldly sign might herald His Second Coming.

Other points of interest to note: The three stars that make up the belt of the constellation Orion (Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka -- Arabic in origin) are often called “The Three Kings” or “the Magi” in honor of the men who sojourned from afar. On a clear night in the northern hemisphere, this constellation can be seen in the winter’s southern sky. Bundle up and give yourself a treat: a view of the alluring starry symbol of the men who followed the Star of Bethlehem. If you follow the line of Orion’s belt southward, you will see the dazzling bluish-white star Sirius (the Dog Star), the brightest star in the night sky. It’s as if “the Magi” are following the “Star of Bethlehem” forever.

During Christmas week, the Beehive Cluster (in Latin Praesaepe, “hive,” “Manger”, or “Crib”) in the Constellation of Cancer can be seen in the eastern sky, while the Constellation Cygnus (‘Northern Cross’) can be seen in the west. It’s the only time of the year in which the Manger and the Cross can be seen in the sky at the same time.

PHOTOS BY AMY PROCTOR

The Ancient Mystery of the Star of Bethlehem

"Said the night wind to the little lamb, do you see what I see Way up in the sky, little lamb, do you see what I see A star, a star, dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite With a tail as big as a kite" Do You Hear What I Hear?

"Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar; Seek the great Desire of nations, Ye have seen his natal star" Angels From The Realms Of Glory "There were three wise men from afar Directed by a glorious star And on they wandered night and day Until they came where Jesus lay And when they came unto that place Where our beloved Messiah lay They humbly cast them at his feet With gifts of gold and incense sweet" Wexford Carol "Star of the East, Oh Bethlehem's star, Guiding us on to Heaven afar!

Sorrow and grief and lull'd by thy light, Thou hope of each mortal, in death's lonely night!"

Star of the East Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Miracle on East 20th Street

Christmas in a SoCal Barrio

By Beverly De Soto

It is a sweet parish, in the whitewashed Spanish California mission style, with a well-loved rose garden fronting the rectory. As you step outside, you’re likely to see a young Hispanic woman pushing a baby carriage; she makes the Sign of the Cross as she traverses the church’s threshold.

Holy Innocents Church is located smack dab in the depressed Long Beach neighborhood made famous by the rapper “Snoop Dogg.” Father Peter Irving has been the pastor here since 2006. Before that, he was pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Wilmington, CA, where he was involved in an extensive restoration of that exquisitely beautiful Romanesque-style church.

Battling a plan that would have sold the little church and a neighborhood that initially couldn’t care less, in the last eight years Father and his parishioners have bravely bucked the tide and heroically restored Holy Innocents.

In this candid interview with REGINA Magazine, Father shares the story of the barrio church that refused to die – and the ripple effects emanating from Holy Innocents today.

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VENERABLE MOTHER MARIA LUISA JOSEFA OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT, foundress of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart, was a parishioner of Holy Innocents -- a refugee from the bloody persecution of Catholics in Mexico. She attended daily Mass and taught catechism.

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Christmas in a SoCal Barrio

CARDINAL WILLIAM LEVADA, A LONG BEACH NATIVE, WAS BAPTIZED IN OUR CHURCH and spent the first 11 years of his life here. He has faithfully served the Church and most recently worked alongside Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.Â

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ON MY FIRST VISIT TO THE PARISH RECTORY, I SAW A DRUG DEAL go down just a few feet from me. I always dress as a priest; the dealer and customer saw me as plainly as I saw them but they were completely unabashed. All my priesthood I have served in parishes of this type where, unfortunately, this kind of activity is a part of daily life.

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Christmas in a SoCal Barrio

MY FIRST MASSES AT HOLY INNOCENTS were on a sweltering July 1-2 weekend in 2006. The number of Mass-goers was very low; no more than 35 at the Sunday English Mass and some more at Spanish Mass. But the little church was nowhere near full.

Why was this?

These low numbers did not really surprise me. To be honest, Holy Innocents, at the time, was not a very welcoming place. Everything, inside and out, was ugly, dirty and dilapidated. It is difficult for me to describe in words just how shameful the conditions were, but I will make an attempt.

The rectory was in shambles and became temporarily uninhabitable on account of an infestation of bird mites. I recall offering Mass and being distracted by the incessant cooing of pigeons. For decades, pigeons literally ruled roost at Holy Innocents, nesting in the attic above the altar boys’ sacristy, and leaving in their wake thick cakes of excrement. This unhealthful residue brought on the infestation of bird mites and also produced a distinctly pungent odor.

Because the church was not insulated in the long, warmer season in Southern California the church was hot and smelly. During the shorter winter season the church could be quite cold -- and all the while that unpleasant odor was always in the air.

I was convinced of two things. First, I would not be the pastor who would stand up one day to tell my parishioners that the Archdiocese had sold their neighborhood church.

Second, Holy Innocents church could be turned into a beautiful place for the glory of God and the salvation of many souls.

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Sounds horrible. Was the church always like this?

No. The original interior design was simple but decent -- a Gothic-style altar attached to the wall, with two marble statues of adoring angels flanking it, a communion rail, side altars to Our Lady and the Sacred Heart, and two smaller statues of St. Therese and St. Anthony.

So, what happened to Holy Innocents?

The interior of the church suffered over the years but the most radical of damage was in the 1970’s. The beautiful Gothic altar was reduced to chunks of marble by a sledge hammer. Fortunately, someone had the forethought to find a home for marble sculpted angels in a convent of nuns.

An austere altar/table comprised of two rectangular pillars and a long, thick and heavy slab of Carrera marble for the mensa (the “table top”) replaced the original altar. This new altar was moved away from the wall to allow for Mass facing the people. In place of the former altar (with its tabernacle) the celebrant’s chair was placed on a raised platform.

A rather unsightly tabernacle was obtained and situated on a wood platform in a niche where the side altar of the Sacred Heart once stood. I don’t think I need to mention that the architects of this renovation—let us presume with the best of intentions—also removed the communion rail and carpeted the entire sanctuary floor.

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IT BECAME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS TO EVERYONE that Holy Innocents was moving in a new direction. This attracted more people and by then it was necessary to add more Masses.

Sounds like a ‘wreckovation.’

The wall behind the celebrant’s chair was covered from floor to ceiling with bronze colored contact paper.

This became the “reredos” to which was affixed a cheap and somewhat odd crucifix of the type one would purchase in Tijuana, with a nail in each of Lord’s feet. Everything else in the church—pews, doors, ceiling— was painted a light beige. They covered the severely water damaged natural wood floors in the nave with tan-colored linoleum. In the sanctuary they laid a mustard-colored carpet.

Thirty years later when I arrived, that linoleum had turned dark brown. In the sanctuary, they had installed blond colored, wood-simulated plastic flooring (Pergo). By this time the sanctuary flooring was beginning to peel and sections of it had begun to break loose. There was significant wood rot and evidence of termite damage just about everywhere.

Again, I presume that those responsible for this “make-over” were acting with the best of intentions. But this does not alter that fact that that the end result of their efforts was a total “uglification” of a simple, but decent, Catholic church.

For a good portion of the years I have served here as pastor, this was what I faced day after day, weekend after weekend, as I offered Masses, witnessed marriages, baptized infants and all the rest.

So, did the Archdiocese have a plan?

Well, the previous pastor had concocted a plan to sell the little church and the property on which it stood to the City of Long Beach. Negotiations with the City had progressed along and preliminary papers were already signed by the Archdiocese and the City of Long Beach while I was still at SS. Peter and Paul.

This information was disclosed to me shortly before I began my term at Holy Innocents and I was not pleased. According to this plan, the monies gained from the sale of the church property would go toward building a new, modernistic church on a property adjacent to our parish school located about a mile away. I energetically fought this proposal and it took some time to convince the Archdiocesan officers to abandon it but in the end—thanks be to God—I prevailed.

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THROUGH ALL THIS, our parishioners were amazing. I think they enjoyed watching everything unfold.

THEY WERE GRATEFUL that their poor, virtually abandoned church was being restored.

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I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE A SKILLFUL TEAM OF WORKERS (carpenters, painters, plasterers, floor layers, etc) who flawlessly executed the architectural plans.

Wow, that’s really great!

Most people thought I was crazy. After all, the church and rectory were in such a deplorable state that very few could see the little gem that lay hidden beneath an old, unsightly and disintegrating church building which looked and smelled more like a barn than a house of worship.

You certainly took on a huge project.

By January 2007, six months after my arrival, we began in earnest to remake Holy Innocents church. In those early years this work consisted of mostly cleaning, patching and painting. Methodically, and over several years, we sent the pigeons packing, fixed the leaking roofs, cleaned the filthy floors, fumigated, tore down the tall iron fences that circumscribed the church building, re-wired the entire building, re-plastered the exterior and did some minor landscaping.

So, for four years it was all about the cleaning and fixing.

“Yes, it wasn’t until August 2011, however, that the work of beautifying the interior of the church began in earnest. A long-time friend (who is a Notre Dame-trained architect) and I devised the plans and set out with great enthusiasm.” The Church never closed for Sunday Mass during the four months of intense labor. Daily masses were offered in the church hall located behind the church.

By Christmas Eve 2011 the sanctuary was 95 percent complete as the stained glass window above the altar as well as the new statues for the sanctuary niches were not yet ready.

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THE BULK OF THE MONIES CAME FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES but parishioners made donations and contributed to occasional second collections.

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Christmas in a SoCal Barrio

MIDNIGHT MAS, DECEMBER 24, 2011, SAW THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS offered on a new, ad orientem altar which incorporated the mensa of the original altar remnants.

THE FINANCING OF THIS ENORNMOUS PROJECT was nothing short of miraculous -- a project that lasted over (and continues!) many years.

The labour of many years of beautifying this house of God on the corner of 20th Street and Pasadena Avenue in the heart of Long Beach continues.

People love their church. It is so conducive to prayer. They are very grateful to the Lord that this now very beautiful and always historic church was not sold to the City of Long Beach.

I should note that it has been several years since I’ve seen drugs being sold openly in the vicinity of the parish church. I am convinced that this is in part attributable to the fairly dramatic spiritual and physical renewal that Holy Innocents has undergone over the last 8 years.

Before, the church was closed most of the week. Now, the church is open every day and there are many Masses and confessions. In my experience as a priest I have found that when a parish’s Sacramental life becomes more intense there is a positive ripple effect in the community.

Today, Holy Innocents has an active pro-life apostolate.

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AN INFAMOUS, LATE TERM ABORTION CENTER is within the parish boundaries, but in the last eight years 845 babies have been saved.

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A Regina Films Classic

Charles Dickens’

‘A Christmas Carol’ An old miser who makes excuses for his uncaring nature learns real compassion when 3 ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve.

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Regina Writer and Photographer Michael Durnan reads Charles Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ in this delightful classic for all ages. A Catholic Primary School Teacher in his native England for the past 27 years, he now works as a Supply Teacher and a Film and TV Support Artist, often in films and BBC TV costume dramas.

Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Rocking Basic

Black & White for the Holidays

It’s the season. With holiday festivities coming up -- liturgical, secular and family get-togethers – it’s time to talk about fresh ways to maximize your wardrobe, without spending a fortune!

Regina Magazine Fashion & Style Editor Sequoia Sierra

WORKING WITH THE BASICS: Chances are that you own black and white clothing, so here’s a styled set to show how you can combine two basic items very likely to be found in your wardrobe: a white blouse and a black skirt.

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2 3

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Basic Steps: 1 No matter what the length, whether full or slim, a black skirt can be paired with a white blouse for a polished look.

2 Now to jazz up your old black and white outfit -- and to avoid looking like a concert singer or choir member -- add a little pizzazz!

3 Pair it with a statement necklace, a great pair of heels, a fun clutch, or better yet, all three!

*You may be surprised, but nearly any clutch of any pattern and color will complement a black and white outfit. The same goes for jewelry and heels.

Keeping it Classy: Not sure if you can rock a new trend? Then don’t do it.

I’m not saying don’t be adventurous or not to try new things, but if you’re headed for your husband’s work Christmas party, now’s not the time to be experimental!

Stick with a classic look, a style that you know to be flattering for your body type—you can’t go wrong.

It’s all in the details: If you haven’t quote gotten the hang of pulling together complementary items from your wardrobe to create fresh and fun outfits, just remember this simple phrase: “It’s all about the details.”

For beginners venturing into style, this is the best place to start.

When you select an item to wear, do it because of the detail.

• Pick a pair of shoes because of some interest or detail about them that you love- maybe it’s the particular hue of burgundy • Pick a beautiful silk scarf to wear with a plain outfit.

• Whatever detail you choose, don’t leave out that little something special that gives your outfit some character!

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Do you need to display your wares in a beautiful shop window?

Sell your products at Regina’s Facebook Christmas Fair! Nov 29-30 Click HERE for more information 66

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October 2014 France | Regina Magazine

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Newman College Ireland Debuts

-in Rome ~

The Irish have been accused of being dreamers. If so, this time they are dreaming BIG -- a dream which they are sharing both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora numbered in the tens of millions around the world ~

By Beverly De Soto This Irish dream is to build Newman College Ireland (NCI) to respond to the challenge of atheism in today’s Irish society and to defend the Faith at the highest intellectual levels.

What’s more, it appears that this Irish dream has just become a reality.

NCI’s fledgling class of Irish students converged on Rome in September, there to begin their studies at a university modeled on the ideas of the brilliant 19th century Anglican convert, John Cardinal Newman.

Happily ensconced in a place shared with Thomas More College (New Hampshire) for their first year, they hope to return to Ireland to a school property that is even now being sought.

And what a class they are – articulate, serious, and full of life. But we’ll let you be the judge of that, as they say in Ireland. Herewith, the thoughts of the first class of Newman College Ireland, from the vantage point of their first weeks spent just steps away from the Vatican.

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Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Newman College Ireland Debuts in Rome

“When I found out (about NCI in Rome) I was absolutely over the moon; not only was I moving away for the first time but I would be moving to the Eternal City of all cities!�

- Fiona Quinn

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“In Ireland the Faith has significantly deteriorated, particularly among my peers. Even those who affiliate themselves with being Catholic don't practise, or even know that much about it. Most wouldn't attend weekly Mass, and those who do attend because they are pressured by their parents. It is more seen a family ritual as opposed to a religious ceremony. Now I not only live in Rome, but I live on the doorstep of the Vatican, where everyday thousands of people gather around St. Peter's square in testimony of the Faith. You see people drawn from all four corners of the world to witness the very heart of the church, and every day it gives me real hope for Ireland, that it may one day be revitalised in its Christian faith, hope and charity.�

-Maria (Mia) Dovel (Front, Center)

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“How do I describe being in Rome? Awesome, not in the bastardised destruction of the word originating in the U.S., but rather the true meaning of the word, i.e., something that inspires awe in the beholder. The absolute and utter magnificence being the cause of awe in this case, the sheer size and intricacy of Rome’s great architecture and art.”

Fiachra Ó Leacháin

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Newman College Ireland Debuts in Rome

“The crowds of people I have seen in the Vatican on a daily basis have given me a small idea of the large number of Catholics across the world that I share something in common with…I think my fellow students are great. I get on with them really well and feel that if I was in trouble I could turn to them for help.”

-Maria Begley (left) “Newman College Ireland has a foundation primarily built on a Catholic ethos, something which is completely unique to Ireland. It’s completely different from what I myself have experienced after spending three years in college. I would compare it to a dream, something that I wouldn’t have seen coming my way, at least not in my youth.”

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“The quality of art and architecture in Rome is absolutely unparalleled. It makes me proud of my Catholic heritage.”

- Brendan Crowe

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Newman College Ireland Debuts in Rome

“Catholicism was ultimately what attracted me to Newman College Ireland. The chance to learn, not only about the Faith and understanding it, but to learn more about myself as a child of God.” - Brendan Crowe (front row, center) “The difference that I have noted would be the demeanour of the people. Relationships here are based on common beliefs and this I believe makes the bonds between us all stronger.”

- Fiona Quinn (second row, far left) “My lecturers and peers have inspired me the most so far. The depth of their faith and their enthusiasm for Catholicism has greatly inspired me.”

- Michelle Moitie (Second row, second from left) “My fellow students are all really good craic. We all get on very well with each other. Looking at us, you would think we had known each other for years instead of six weeks. They are all ‘sound’ as we say in Ireland.”

- Joseph Dunniece (Second row, far right)

“The main factor that attracted me to Newman College Ireland was the fact that I could freely practice my faith while at college without being scorned by my fellow students.” Colm Begley (left) “This is completely different to my college experience. Here people want to learn but in other colleges they just study to pass exams. The catacombs have inspired me the most. They reaffirm the Catholic Faith by proving the early Christians venerated Mary and celebrated Holy Mass.”

Cathal Beglin (center) “In Ireland, university life is dominated by the drinking and party culture, now so prevalent in Irish society. Catholicism, in its true sense, is rarely found in such an environment. In Newman College Ireland, we are surrounded by other people living this same Catholic way of life, and striving for the same goals.” Fiachra Ó Leacháin (right)

Newman College Ireland Debuts in Rome

“My fellow students? Ah, they’re grand! Basically we are building a community-like feel amongst the group. A really good feeling that we can bring back to our family and friends. I do not believe this is offered at secular establishments.” Brendan Crowe (far left) “My experience with Newman so far compared to the college experiences of friends, in a secular college, feels all that more wholesome. Also we all get along so well and our college community is small but awesome.” Seamus Doherty (second row, center)

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“Most of my friends have had very subject specific educations… focused on getting them out and into the world of work, not that there is anything wrong with that. At Newman, though, it’s more about developing critical thinking skills, and that is a novel idea to a lot of my friends.” Erin Maria Brennan Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Newman College Ireland Debuts in Rome

“I was attracted to NCI because it’s a Catholic college with Catholic subjects, and lecturers as opposed to so called ‘Catholic’ colleges that are in Ireland.” Joseph Budds (far left) “The Catholic Church in Ireland statistically could face extinction if a reversal of the tide doesn’t take place. The young people of Ireland need to rise up, get educated and begin to fight the culture of death, atheism and secularism. It was once a land of saints and scholars and there is no reason it can’t be once more.” Niall Beglin (Second row, right) “Both of my siblings have studied at a highly ranked University in Dublin. Their overall experiences have been plagued by negative episodes due to their religious standing. They have found that due to the lack of general morals in modern society, many of their classmates have fallen behind in their studies due to their “lack of responsibility in life.” Colm Begley (Front row, center)

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“I also get to study the universal language of the church - Latin. Our college is in its first year and there are only 14 of us. We are like a small family, united in our faith.” Michelle Moitie (left) “So far the most inspiring thing has been the deeply rooted faith on campus, seeing fellow students rise at 6am to get mass before class and attending holy hour several times a week is just so uplifting.” Seamus Doherty (right)

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“Newman College is simply the fairest chance you have of discovering the Truth about your faith. It is the best way of equipping yourself to return home to Ireland and pass it on, still in its full truth.�

Rebecca Quinn

“I think I’ve surprised myself a bit, by opening up to ideas that I once would have been very closed to. Not that my convictions have changed in any great way but I’ve learned to appreciate the fragments of truth in, and the motivation behind, ideas I consider to be wrong. I’ve become more tolerant, really. That is largely due to the quite diverse group of people I’m studying with but it definitely surprised me. I didn’t expect to become more tolerant of people while studying at a Catholic Liberal arts College!”

- Erin Maria Brennan

“Well, up until now I think I’ve always felt guilty that I didn’t go into studying something practical and useful, like law or medicine. I genuinely felt a gnawing sense of guilt about that, like I was wasting myself or my time, that there was something wrong with being interested in ideas and meaning and things like that. This semester we’ve talked a lot about the importance of good ideas, having a sense of who we are and what it’s all about, as well as what can happen when we have really bad ideas that are allowed to take hold. I think all of my teachers have talked about that and it’s inspired me.

I don’t feel embarrassed for liking poetry anymore, I think it can actually be important.” Erin Maria Brennan 86

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A Regina Photo Essay

“Many of my family have gone through Catholic liberal arts colleges, and yet none of them have had the opportunity to spend an entire year in Rome, as a freshman in the first year of the first Catholic, Newman Guide college brought to Ireland. The ones who studied in the States absolutely loved their courses, and to an extent their course was very similar to my own. However they didn’t get the feeling of being an initiator of something greater than their own education. Because really, we fourteen Irish are the beginning of higher level Catholic education and re-evangelisation in Ireland.” Maria (Mia) Dovel (left) “The ethos and the idea behind the creation of the college really appealed to me. I really wanted the opportunity to be able to study at a Catholic university alongside other young committed Catholics, without having to travel to the USA. I also wanted to be part of this new college which will hopefully regenerate the faith in Ireland.” Joseph Denniece (right) Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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“What is the most surprising thing that has happened so far?

Being able to go to the Tridentine Latin Mass every morning around the corner in St Peter’s Basilica.”

Joseph Budds 88

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“The greatest inspiration for me personally has to be Cardinal Pell. His talk with our class really gave me an insight into the internal workings of the Vatican and how things in the Catholic Church are so precariously balanced with today's society.� Colm Begley

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Newman College Ireland Debuts in Rome

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“The city of Rome is so incredibly rich with history. Every corner has another relic of the days past, where other men walked. The more that I learn about Roman culture, the more I realise how incredibly alike we are to the ancient Romans. It puts into perspective the incredible vastness of God’s splendour, to have created so many marvels, and yet each person has infinite value.”

- Maria Dovel

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Newman College Ireland Debuts in Rome

“A truly great group and a great mix of personalities. Not a single fight in over a month. That must be a record!”

- Niall Bergin “I felt that after one day that I knew my three roommates for years. There was a great natural friendship made instantly between our whole class and I know that our religion has much to do with the friendly atmosphere around the college.”

- Colm Begley

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“It’s just a blessing every day to wake up and be here. People save and wait so long to come on holiday for a week or two and here we are here for a year studying in the heart of the church. I’ve lived in America and Australia and they don’t hold a candle to this place.

Its unexplainable, you begin to fall in love with it all. There is so much more to Rome then pizza, wine and gelato.”

- Rebecca Quinn

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.

Niall Bergin: Honourable. Breathtaking. Educational It has been a great and humble honour to live in a place so rich in Catholic History and tradition.

Fiona Quinn:

Fulfilling, astounding and flourishing

Cathal O’ Haimheirgin: Life

overwhelming

changing, incredible and

Joseph Budds: Interesting.

Fascinating, Engaging.

Brendan Crowe: New.

Exhilarating.

Reassuring

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Seamus Doherty: Gratifying, Exciting, and

Rewarding.

Joseph Dunniece: Amazing. Interesting. Enriching.

Maria Dovel: Formative. Community. Cultural Erin Maria Brennan: Informative, enjoyable, breathtaking Michelle Moitie: Beautiful. Exciting. Adventurous.

We are so lucky to have the opportunity to study in this beautiful city. This is a life-changing experience that I will never forget.

What three words best describe how you feel about your Newman College Ireland experience?

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R

An after-work gathering of REGINA subscribers.

Click HERE to subscribe FREE. 98

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THE STAFF AT REGINA MAGAZINE

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Christmas in Harvard Square The Boys of St Paul’s Choir School

By Donna Sue Berry

T

he ethereal sound of young voices fills the air and evokes a vision. Incense at midnight Mass. A night sky lit with choirs of angels in glory. Christmas beauty.

The angelic voices that you’re hearing, however, belong to the earthly boys of St. Paul’s Choir School in Harvard Square, Boston. Their newly released album CHRISTMAS IN HARVARD SQUARE is a major debut label and international recording by

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AimHigher Recordings.

Founded in 1963 by Theodore Marier, an internationally acclaimed scholar of Gregorian chant, St. Paul’s Choir School is a musically-intensive, academically-rigorous Catholic day school that forms and educates boys in grades 4 through 8; they sing the week-day masses at St. Paul’s Church.

St Paul’s accepts boys from the greater Boston area and beyond. The boys develop their diverse musical talents for the great glory of God, enrich-

“Still, still, still, let all the world be still.”

ing the liturgical services at Saint Paul Church and serving the community at large by the performance of master works of choral literature.

Once a boy’s voice changes, he enters the Schola Cantorum, singing several times each month and rehearsing each week. The full Choir of St. Paul’s includes professional male altos, tenors and basses who sing the 11a.m. mass on Sundays.

The Choir frequently tours the U.S. and internationally, including performances with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra. They also sang in a papal audience for Pope Francis in 2013.

Here, Regina Magazine interviews the Choir’s English director John Robinson, and the American producers Monica and Kevin Fitzgibbons about the making of this extraordinary Christmas music.

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MR. JOHN ROBINSON: “Boys at St. Paul’s School are seeing everything through new eyes, and the legacy of great and beautiful Catholic music which has been left to us is a truly remarkable gift.”

John Robinson is responsible for the Choir of St. Paul’s in daily sung Mass and oversees the thriving church and school music departments.

Mr. Robinson initially was a chorister and organ pupil of Dr. Roy Massey at Hereford Cathedral in England, later Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral and subsequently at St John’ College Cambridge. On graduating Cambridge, he worked at Carlisle and Canterbury Cathedrals, and has also directed Catholic Youth Music festivals.

Mr. Robinson, the Choir’s music is beautiful; such amazing young men. What is it like to do this work?

Thank you very much for your kind words, which mean so much. I have to say that really this is work which is my favorite thing to do in the world. I have felt that my vocation is to train young singers for as long as I can remember, and everything has come into focus for me so much more since getting the opportunity to work at this unique Choir School.

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Christmas in Harvard Square

“OUR BEST EXPERIENCE TO DATE WAS SINGING IN ROME FOR POPE FRANCIS. Of course, as Catholics, it doesn’t come much better than that, but that whole atmosphere in which the prayers of thousands of people are lifted up is an unforgettable feeling.

Tell us about your work today.

The work is very enjoyable because the boys are coming to this music for the first time. It takes great care and preparation to sing this kind of music, and we always feel that we should try to do our best because this gift from God should be offered up as well as we are able.

I think my biggest thrill is always when things go well with the music at Mass. There is truly no situation that is more important, and so when you think about it, that daily routine of singing at Mass is what keeps us going. Sometimes we see people in tears during a Communion Motet we might be singing, and we are thankful for being given the opportunity to worship with such beautiful music.

The Choir School recorded during the time the ‘Black Mass’ was scheduled to be held on Harvard’s campus. What was the emotional atmosphere within the Choir school during that time?

Whilst we were certainly shielding the boys as much as possible, it was important they understood the severity of the situation, and that we were called to respond prayerfully and peacefully.

As a community we were so utterly horrified by the situation, I still really don’t like talking about it. Of course, God is good and gave us the most moving procession and holy hour I have ever seen.

There was literally not a dry eye in the Church, as the Blessed Sacrament was brought over from the MIT Chapel in a show of Catholic solidarity, which was truly impressive to everyone.

During the making of the recording I think there was a clear sense of doing something good and beautiful in the face of this evil, which only served to intensify our efforts to show the world how good God is. I was very glad the boys saw the immense strength of the Church that evening.

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FATHER MICHAEL DREA

St Paul’s seeks to embrace the great cathedral school and rich music tradition of the Church as well as teaching faith and moral tradition.

The Choir school is closely tied to St Paul Parish in Cambridge and both are overseen by Father Michael Drea, who additionally oversees the Harvard Catholic Center.

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Christmas in Harvard Square

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Christmas in Harvard Square

MONICA AND KEVIN FITZGIBBONS, cofounders of AimHigher Entertainment

With several No. 1 Billboard Classical Traditional albums under their belt, this year De Montfort Music teamed up with sister label Aim-Higher Recordings and Decca Records to record the angelic music of the boys of St Paul’s Choir School.

Monica and Kevin Fitzgibbons, founders De Montfort Music and AimHigher Recordings, spoke with REGINA Magazine about their hands-on experience with the Choir.

What have been your most memorable moments on this project?

I remember one evening when the boys were preparing to sing in Harvard Square for the lighting of the Christmas tree. The event had many different moving parts and at one point we learned that battery-operated candles needed extra batteries. I was preparing these, when I suddenly heard the boys in the next room praying the Hail Mary before they warmed up their voices. It was a small moment but a large and a special one. I prayed along with them in thanksgiving for what Our Lady was doing to bring us together in this way.

Also, when we started to hear the takes from the recording sessions and we realized how extraordinary and true to life their recording was going to be. We had talked about recording them for quite some time but wanted it to be very spectacular and capture that emotion one experiences at St. Paul’s during the Mass or any situation in which they sing there. Knowing we were going to be able to share with others this special experience we had been so blessed to have in our own lives…hearing it unfold was thrilling!

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CHRISTMAS IN HARVARD SQUARE is a 19-track album featuring both traditional and contemporary arrangements such as O Come, All Ye Faithful, Dominus Dixit and Angels We Have Heard on High.

Ordering from St. Paul’s Choir School’s website will ensure that a portion of the proceeds will go towards St. Paul’s Choir School Click here

Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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T

he history of the Catholic Church has taught us that real renewal movements start small and they come from the ground up. The latest example comes to us from St. Louis, where Veils By Lily, an enterprise producing traditional Catholic veils is inspiring a deeper love for the Holy Eucharist and a strengthening of family life.

Veils by Lily

Mantilla-Style Chapel Veils

Lily Beck Wilson is a cradle Catholic who had a “reversion” experience five years ago. “I was lukewarm…” she admitted.

“I received the Eucharist as if it were something trivial.” During her reversion, Lily studied Catholic doctrine on Christ’s Real Presence. “My husband is Protestant, and I had to think about what I believed and why”, she recalled. “I was blown away by John Chapter 6—how literal and forceful Jesus was.”

The truth of the Real Presence was overwhelming to Lily—“the God of the universe wants to be personally united to us—to me.” Lily added that in a world where all of us long to be loved, it is in the Holy Eucharist that Jesus Christ Himself wants to give us all that love and more.

Lily wanted to acknowledge Our Lord’s love—“to shout it from the rooftops”, as she put it. The veil became her way of metaphorically doing just that. It wasn’t easy—there were few, if any, at her parish who wore the veil, and wearing one had the disadvantage of bringing unwanted attention. When Lily saw a beautiful veil and thought “I could wear that”, the inspiration for her business took hold.

What if the veil could be made truly beautiful—a garment whose physical beauty would be a small reflection of the Divine Beauty

that it seeks to honor and proclaim? Maybe more women would feel as Lily did and think “I could wear that.” She put up a website and started to sell her own homemade veils.

The business came in quickly, but there were challenges, including one pretty big hurdle before she ever went public-Lily didn’t know how to sew. But she taught herself to use a sewing machine and the orders came in fast enough that it replaced her part-time job.

Giving up the part-time job led to another fruit of her venture: more time near her husband and what was then three children.

When she worked part-time she was starting work as her husband was coming home. “Family life was non-existent” she said. Now they could eat dinner as a family and rest on Sunday.

Those good fruits extended to the families of others. Business increased to the point where Lily hired a seamstress and a shipping assistant, who each work part-time, along with several freelancers who cut veils. “It’s flexible work with flexible schedules, and we ask everyone not to work on Sunday,” Lily told Regina. “If I need something on Tuesday, it can wait until Wednesday if it means taking Sunday off. Family comes first.”

Lily’s family-first policy is a demonstration of a truly Catholic business, one that is Catholic at its soul, not just its exterior, and something that can be emulated whether one sells veils or widgets.

Lily’s husband is now in the RCIA program and preparing to enter the Church at Easter Vigil. The couple has had two additional children since the starting of the business, it was those births that showed her the need to hire help. When she needed office space to store the lace, she found it in the same building as Liguori Publications. The office has been blessed by a priest from The Institute of Christ The King. The building has a chapel, with the Blessed Sacrament. It seems quite appropriate for a venture encouraging Catholic women to take their faith in the Real Presence and shout it from the rooftops.

www.veilsbylily.com 108

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y with Seamstress Diane and Baby Rose

This is a special paid advertisement section of Regina Maga

REGINA’S Christmas Fiction Section

Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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The

Try-on Wife

After 15 years, they were breaking up. And it was Christmastime.

I

stood in the spacious bedroom of the brick Mc Mansion, admiring my surroundings.

The expensive furniture. The adjoining ‘master bath’ with every imaginable luxury, all in marble. The carefully-matched carpets and silk drapes — not too girly, but elegant, sober and respectable.

Just the kind of place that a successful St. Louis businessman might lay his head every night. And well he might, it seemed. He had earned every penny, as they say.

The ‘Try-On’ Wife Drew would continue to sleep there, too. It was my sister who was moving out.

She was nineteen when she began working for Drew as a secretary. He was five years older, a fledgling builder in a real estate market poised on the brink of expansion. A year later, they’d moved in together, and proceeded to build a spectacularly successful business.

Megan is very pretty – slender, blonde, sweet-natured, she takes after my mother’s side of the family. I take after our dad – darkhaired, solid, hard-working. Mom tried to warn her about living together, but Megan wouldn’t hear a word of it.

Truth be told, we laughed about this in private. Bitter laughter, really. After all, our parents divorced when we were kids, so neither of them really had the right to say anything about our life choices.

As for Dad, he knew better. Never said a word.

I stood at the window, looking at Megan’s brand-new Volvo SUV outside, gleaming in the winter sunlight. This was Megan’s ‘consolation prize,’ for her non-divorce.

“Pretty nice, right?” she asked, her voice heavy with the unaccustomed irony. She was packing, her matching Coach luggage overflowing with the loot of her 15-year relationship. A dozen expensive handbags lay on her bed.

I picked one up, a $2000 beauty – all creamy beige luxury.

Megan snorted. “That was for Christmas last year. About the same time he started dating Gabriella.” She turned away from me then, but I thought I saw a tear gleaming in her eye.

I sighed.

Gabriella was pregnant. That happens pretty fast when you’re 23 years old, especially if you’ve been having sex regularly with some else’s boyfriend. Like Megan, Gabriella is a delicate blond. Unlike my sister, Gabriella 112

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hasn’t been on the Pill for 15 years.

So, Drew and Gabriella will be married in a local mega-church next Saturday. Gabriella is barely showing, so her dewy youth will be resplendent in her strapless gown – a feast for the eyes of the 500 invited guests. Their wedding photos would be taken against ‘a stunning backdrop of brilliantly-lighted holiday trees,’ too.

We knew this because Drew had inadvertently forwarded Gabriella’s breathless e-mail to my sister, in the chaos which had immediately ensued after his own email announcing his upcoming nuptials to his live-in girlfriend, my hapless sister.

This was uncharacteristic of the careful, business-like Drew. But he was so giddy with joy these days that Drew was making mistakes.

This morning on the way out, he’d forgotten himself for a moment with Megan.

Would it be okay, he’d asked, if Gabriella’s gown could be delivered to the Mc Mansion that day?

My sister, normally the accommodating type, had drawn the line there.

No, she told Drew. Not until she moved out.

“Can you believe they’re going to use my dressing room as a nursery?” Megan said suddenly. I stood in the doorway of her pearwood-lined, ultimate luxury statement. The hushed lighting softly illuminated the thick carpet, now heaped with a messy pile of designer shoes.

To be honest, I was awash in a sea of gut-wrenching emotions, myself. Rage at Drew for his callousness. Pity for Megan in her helplessness. Indignation at how this was how it had to be.

And something else, too. Something even more uncomfortable.

On the way over in her Volvo, Megan had said something uncharacteristically big-sister like.

Thomas More College of Liberal Arts A school for all seasons.

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“You don’t think this can happen to you, right?” she’d said, backing out of my condo driveway.

I was taken aback. Far more street-wise, I’d made sure I got my degree in finance. At 29, I had a good job and a stable relationship with Brendan. We were talking about moving in together, in fact. Though now obviously wasn’t the right time to discuss this with Megan.

“I was a ‘try-on’ wife, you know,” she’d continued quietly, as the beautiful car swept through the suburban streets decorated for Christmas. “Drew is a conservative guy. He wasn’t sure he could handle a wife and kids, so he used me to see whether he could do that.”

“And now he is. All ready, that is,” I replied bitterly. I hated conservative rich guys.

Brendan wasn’t like that. He was a regular guy, proudly wearing his scruffy beard to his night job in a cubicle – answering IT questions for idiot baby-boomers.

“I thought about leaving him when I was your age,” she said simply. “I really wanted kids. And he didn’t.”

“That sure has changed,” I snapped. Drew was positively glowing with pride when he’d stopped by the Mc Mansion.

How could a man change so much? It wouldn’t have been so bad for Megan now if she did have kids. At least she would have something, now, besides a pile of luxury goods.

“You know,” Megan said quietly, “I know three other women who this has happened to.”

Three other women stupid enough to become a rich man’s plaything, I thought. As if reading my thoughts, she smiled sadly and looked at me.

“They didn’t even get a Volvo. Two of them 114

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had to pay for the movers themselves. All of them are in their mid-thirties…”

“You can have kids until you’re fifty now,” I said stoutly. “You have time.”

Megan smiled sadly. “I’m thirty-six years old.

The chances that I will find a man who wants kids in the next couple of years are pretty slim.”

“So, you don’t need a man,” I retorted. “You can get pregnant without one.”

Megan didn’t say anything. We drove in silence for a few minutes. When she finally spoke, her voice was choked with emotion.

“Listen to me. I am in no shape to have kids on my own. I’ve been on the Pill for 15 years.

It would take me months of hormone therapy to get pregnant now. I am a secretary looking for a job in a bad economy. A secretary that’s moving back in with her divorced mother.

Get real. This sucks.”

“I know it does,” I said soothingly, trying to head her off at the pass. “You’re just upset now.”

“No,” Megan replied sharply. “This is about you, too. Don’t tell me you’re not thinking of moving in with Brendan.”

“Brendan’s different,” I said shortly. The conversation was going in the wrong direction for me.

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

“You don’t know.”

“Mind your own business.”

Her breath drew in sharply at the rebuke. I was instantly apologetic.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. It’s just that I don’t want to talk about Brendan now.”

She’d sighed, then, and said no more, as we pulled into the driveway of the Mc Mansion.

The front door was beautifully decorated, by Megan, of course, who never failed to make a fuss over the holidays.

The ‘Try-On’ Wife

“The hushed lighting softly illuminated the thick carpet, now heaped with a messy pile of designer shoes.”

Five stressful hours later, my sister burst into the library, where I was packing books.

“You think you can’t get him unless you let him move in with you, right?” Megan said suddenly, her arms full of linens.

“No,” I said reflexively. Though, of course she was right.

“And you think you’re better than me because you went to college, too.”

“No!” I replied heatedly. But Megan was too far gone to listen. She dropped the linens on the polished wooden floor. Her face was red.

“You think that because you and Brendan are ‘equals’ that none of this can happen to you. You think I’m just a dumb blond who got used by a rich guy. You think your college degree will protect you. Well, let me tell you something, little sister. Your job can disappear like that. Your man can, too. And you will be just like me. Middle-aged. Alone. No

kids. Nothing.”

Mascaraed tears were coursing down her face, but Megan didn’t care. She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand.

“You think you’re above all this, right? Smarter than me?”

I didn’t quite know what to say. Of course, she was right. I gulped, and took the plunge.

“So what should I do? Wait until he asks me to marry him? We’ve been together for a year…” “… and if he hasn’t asked, then he’s not gonna just because you are living together! TRUST ME! I KNOW THIS!” I looked at Megan, surrounded by the detritus of her life. It was true. The tears came to me, unbidden.

“What the hell am I SUPPOSED TO DO?” I shouted suddenly.

The question hung in the air between us.

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The ‘Try-On’ Wife Megan shook her head slowly. She sighed heavily.

“Listen, I know exactly how you feel. You think somehow your love will be different.

That everything will work out. And you keep taking the Pill, because it’s the responsible thing to do. And you work, and you hope... lemme tell you. It’s NO GOOD. And Brendan is no different than Drew. They get married when they get to a point when they feel like they can support a family. IF they get to that point,” she looked at me meaningfully.

“Brendan works for a living!” I said hotly.

“Yes. But does he earn enough to support you and a baby?”

“No, but I’m not expecting him to.”

“So, you think that you’ll do it all, right?

You’ll get pregnant when Brendan comes around to the idea. You’ll take the hormones.

Endure the pregnancy. Have the baby. Then you’ll go out and support the baby – and maybe Brendan too, right?”

I knew she was right. But I really didn’t want to admit it. I stood there glaring at her defiantly, tears coursing down my own cheeks.

“Listen,” she began, more kindly. “I know you’re scared. You’re at a make-or-break point with Brendan now, right?”

“Y-yes,” I said, miserably.

“You think it’s time to get to the next stage, right?”

“He does, too,” I said helplessly. “It’s his idea.

He says we can save money. And be together.”

“Right. This way he doesn’t have to worry about you going out on him. And his rent bill goes down by half.”

I looked down, ashamed. Brendan had said almost these exact words.

“Plus, you’ll probably do his laundry, right?” she laughed humorlessly. “Look, I’m not saying Brendan is a bad guy. I’m saying he’s 116

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a baby. And he doesn’t want to step up to the plate.”

“H-his parents are divorced, too,” I mumbled.

Megan let out a sudden peal of laughter.

Shocked, I gaped at her.

“Everybody’s parents are divorced!” she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with merriment.

“That’s no excuse for not growing up.”

Later, as we drove slowly through the dark, snowy streets, Christmas lights sparkling at every door, I found myself wondering aloud how many unhappy couples lived behind the facades of these Mc Mansions.

“Who knows?” Megan shrugged, carelessly.

“What are you going to do now?” I asked, curious.

“Now?” she echoed, sighing. “I’m going back to Mom’s. Back to where I started when I was nineteen years old. And I’m going to Mass.”

“Ch-church?!” I spluttered, taken aback.

“W-why?”

“Because I want to. I’ve started going to a Latin Mass, downtown.”

“In downtown St Louis?” This was not normal for my suburban sister. I would’ve bet she could count the number of times she’d been downtown by herself on one hand. “Why there?”

“Because it’s beautiful,” she sighed. “And right now, I need some beauty in my life.”

I thought about that. I could understand how she was feeling. The ugliness of the stripmalled road we had turned onto suddenly seemed oppressive.

“Why don’t you come with me?” she said quietly. “We could go, for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Bring Mom, too.”

Maybe I will. Though Brendan probably won’t want to come.

But maybe I will, anyway.

“Extremely valuable compendium of Bible passages” for the seriously ill —Msgr. Ignacio Barreiro, Rome Director, Human Life International Die Andacht des Grossvaters. Albert Anker, 1893

This collection of the favorite 73 Scripture excerpts of the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Frederick Ozanam, has long and inexplicably been out of print. Help us, please, to keep it very much in print for Catholics in the 21st century who might have fallen out of touch with the Church’s traditional teaching on sickness and death.

With a substantial introduction by noted Archdiocese of New York professor, translator and priest Joseph Bruneau, this beautiful cloth-bound volume lends itself to simple spiritual reading-—a little each day—or prayerful meditation, just as it was employed by Frederick Ozanam himself in his waning years. Featured:

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Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine www.BooksforCatholics.com

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She Lost Her Purity Ring at Christmas Living in ‘The Graveyard of Hearts’

By Beverly De Soto

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M

y name, in case it’s important to anyone, is Grace. I just turned 30 years old, and I have lost my Purity Ring.

What, you would like to know, is a ‘Purity Ring?’

Well, you wouldn’t ask this if you were brought up as I was, in an Evangelical Christian family. We spent a lot of time at church, and when I was 16 I took part in a little ceremony wherein my sister and I pledged our purity to God, publicly. Yes, I stood up in roomful of other girls and pledged my virginity to the Lord, until the time might come when I would find the husband that Jesus intended for me.

That was almost half my lifetime ago. Today, I and my fellow Purity Ring wearers live in what I call ‘a graveyard of hearts.’ We prayed earnestly for a husband. We worked hard at honing our domestic skills.

We sought each other’s advice and solace when, one after another, the men we loved chose other girls. Or simply wandered away. Or whatever.

What must God be thinking? I know it’s not my place to question the Almighty, but what, actually?

Is. He. Thinking?

My sister Heather does not have my problem.

Oh, she is man-less, too. But she has Jaden, my 8 year old nephew, a product of her ‘relationship’ with a fellow student at the state university she attended briefly before becoming pregnant. Jaden’s dad told her to ‘get rid of it’ – a singularly monstrous response, if I do say so myself.

But to my sister’s credit, she did not. Unsurprisingly, Jaden’s ‘dad’ disappeared immediately.

My sister has not lived happily ever after, in case that’s what you’re thinking. She’s got a job that doesn’t pay much, so she lives with my folks. She goes to a different church, though, where the coffee is better and ‘people aren’t so judgmental,’ as she likes to say these days, in a particularly severe tone of

voice. I think she’s talking about the fact that she is quite fat now. Or maybe it’s the tattoos.

So, if you’re thinking that I am jealous of my sister, think again. Exasperated, maybe. But not envious.

Sometimes she doesn’t come home until very late at night, my mom tells me, worriedly. Apparently, my sister’s Purity Ring is lost somewhere, possibly permanently.

This is not to say my life is any great shakes. My Master’s Degree in Library Science earns me about $125 more per week than my sister makes working the baggage counter at the airport. (To be fair, Heather doesn’t have student loans to pay off.)

I have a completely different attitude towards my job, though. I am proud of being a librarian. My dream was always to combine being a librarian with being a wife and mother. I know this is politically-incorrect, but my faith in the Lord allowed me to hold this dream, even when most of my friends from college have shrugged it off. In fact, I would say that my Purity Ring has allowed me to keep this dream alive.

Every time I looked down at my hand, that simple silver ring on my right hand was a reminder of the vow I made as a teenager.

And now I have lost it.

I should be clear. By the time I lost my Purity Ring, I had also lost faith in the idyll of Romance that I held for so long. Call me ‘jaded,’ but what I have seen of my friends’ lives has made me quite cynical.

There’s beautiful Rose, who married fat little Jason, who of course is very rich. Then there’s successful Jessica, who moved in with Spencer a few years ago.

She tries to act like the fact that he hasn’t asked her to marry him doesn’t matter. Oh, and how could I forget my BFF Christian? She has divorced Tim, whom she says is ‘boring.’ (She decided this after she went off the Pill to try and get pregnant, strangely.

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She Lost Her Purity Ring at Christmas Now she’s dating a married man.)

By the time I lost my Purity Ring, I had also lost faith in the idyll of Romance that I held for so long.

Call me ‘jaded,’ but what I have seen of my friends’ lives has made me quite cynical.

So where is God in all this, anyway? My friends and my sister have all screwed up their lives, as far as I can see. And I am now without my Purity Ring.

The strangest thing is, I don’t know where I left it.

Did I take it off to wash my hands someplace? I honestly can’t recall.

To tell the truth, I can’t even recall what my ‘purity’ actually was. I haven’t had sex. Haven’t allowed myself to get sucked into the maelstrom of emotions and betrayals that everyone else has. The few men that got close enough simply disappeared once they learned about my purity vow. It seems they didn’t value my purity.

Did I, for that matter?

All I knew is that it was December, again. And I was, once again, alone — with my purity.

So two weeks before Christmas I did something highly uncharacteristic. I went out to a bar. (Yes, with Christian, who is normally alone on weekends, as her ‘significant other’ is of course otherwise engaged.)

We took turns talking about our troubles, drank Cosmopolitans, and – again uncharacteristically — wound up talking with some guys at the bar. One of them was a good-looking and intelligent house painter.

Dominick was of medium height, in his middle thirties, with a shock of unruly brown hair. He wore a clean shirt under a black pea coat, and he had an engaging grin.

Unfortunately, maybe because it was Christmas, before long our conversation turned to God. Now, I don’t spend a whole lot of time in bars. So maybe that is why I let the conversation get steered in this direction.

He was, it turned out, a Catholic. But he was warm, and funny. And he seemed to be intrigued by my Christianity.

At first, I thought that he might be good for Heather.

Unlike most of the guys she ‘dates,’ Dominick is a successful house painter, with a couple of offices in two cities. He specializes in corporate work, he told me. Also, his friend announced with a wicked grin 120

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that Dominick’s live-in girlfriend had moved out, so that he was a ‘free man,’ available to date.

“Actually,” Dominick sighed to me quietly, once the laughter died down and Christian and the other guys went back to their own conversation. “She moved out about a year ago. I have had plenty of time to think.”

And then I forgot all about Heather. I don’t know what came over me. I just blurted it out.

“I’m sworn to keep my virginity until I get married.”

I couldn’t believe it. I don’t think he could, either. We just looked at each other.

“Well,” he began carefully. “That’s interesting.”

But he didn’t look away, like he was looking for an escape route. In fact, he cocked his head and regarded me with interest.

“So you don’t feel like you have to take a guy for a ‘test drive’ first?”

Now it was my turn to be shocked.

“N-no.”

He nodded carefully.

“I’ve been going to a Latin Mass. Do you know what that is?”

I shook my head, slowly.

“Never heard of it.”

“Yeah, well, it’s made a big, ah, difference in how I see things.”

I didn’t know what to say. That’s when he read my mind.

“You don’t think a house painter is on your level, do you?”

It must have been the Cosmopolitans. In vino veritas.

“Um, it’s not that.”

He saw right through me, and laughed like it was a great joke. Through my embarrassment, I liked the way his eyes crinkled. He had a manly laugh.

“Honestly, it’s not that!” I protested, feeling stupid.

“Young lady, I am a house painter with a master’s degree in philosophy,” he declared suddenly, and drained his beer glass. He placed the empty glass carefully on the bar.

“Really?” I said. It came out in a squeak.

We both laughed, then.

“Okay, so now we have discussed sex, religion and social class,” he said, grinning. “I’d say that’s not bad for a few minutes at the bar.”

Between the Cosmopolitans and the conversation, I was feeling a little light-headed, so I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room. When I came back, Dominick was waiting alone, for me.

“The others went to shoot pool,” he said, pulling up a bar stool next to him. I sat down, somewhat primly.

“I don’t want you to think that I announce my, uh, convictions to every stranger I meet, “ I began.

This made Dominick laugh again.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, piqued.

He looked contrite.

“I just want to say something,” he said.

His eyes were hazel and kind.

I waited.

“I’m really glad there are women in the world like you, still,” he said gravely, looking with great seriousness into my eyes. “I actually thought there weren’t any, any more. I want you to know that I respect you.”

I took a deep breath, and swallowed hard, suddenly aware that ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ was playing in the background.

“Do you know what a ‘sacramental marriage’ is?” he asked me.

So, that was Friday night. Dominick invited me to his church for Sunday Mass. When I arrived, he was waiting for me, shivering in a suit and tie in the snowy morning air. He stood somewhat self-con-

sciously, waiting, as I ascended the steps of this incredibly beautiful 19th Century architectural gem in a run-down neighborhood that I have, frankly, never dared to enter.

Inside was a riot of gilding and color like I have never seen before. Saints glowed from stained glass windows. The pews were filled with Catholics – lots of young people, and families with many children.

Many of the women wore lace mantillas.

By then, I had noticed that my Purity Ring was gone.

Somehow, inexplicably, ever since the night I met Dominick, it was no longer on my right ring finger.

And my Purity Ring has not re-appeared, either.

I can’t understand it, at all.

But I don’t miss it too much, really.

Perhaps it has served its purpose.

As I now have a man who prizes my purity.

And my immortal soul.

Photo Credit: Yume Delegato

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Regina’s Christmas Fiction

Merry Christmas,

Catholic Girl ~ This is my fourth Christmas as a divorcee.

F

our Christmases ago, my so-called husband left me with a broken-down house, a five year old Chevy van, a basement full of water and an utterly empty bank account. Plus a frightened seven year old, and a very angry teenaged girl.

When he threatened us, I made several trips to the police station to beg for help. Finally, one cop took pity on my terror. He solemnly advised me to change our locks and to keep the outside lights on.

Also, never, ever, to let my ex back in the house.

“If he, ah, does something you don’t like once he’s inside,” he told me, burly arms crossed in front of him.

His warm brown eyes were sympathetic. “Then our hands are tied. Because you let him in. You understand my meaning?”

I swallowed the tears welling up in my eyes, hating my weakness. Yes, I nodded soundlessly. I understood. Despite the fact that I was a highly educated professional, I understood. My husband, an alcoholic, a vain actor and a cowardly sociopath, was a man. He could hurt me, even rape me. I understood that.

Officer Donzella looked concerned, and handed me his card. “You call us if he shows up again, okay?

We’ll be watching the house.”

I didn’t have to, thank the Lord. My ex disappeared as soon as the divorce was final.

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“He just dove into the bottle and disappeared, right?” said my best friend Jan. Which is about right, I suppose. After all those years of marriage to a raging alcoholic, I was just about finished, myself.

That was four years ago.

Today, my basement is dry. Our house is repaired.

We own a sensible, un-sexy car. After 18 months without health insurance, with great relief I began work as a bank manager. I continue to moonlight on weekends as an SAT tutor.

I have a very Catholic housekeeper. She cleans and cooks, and makes sure the kids are taken care of, closely guarded. Nancy is in a Catholic girls’ high school. David is in a small Catholic grammar school.

My nightmare, hard to shake off, is that he will kidnap them.

I work seven days a week to maintain this life. After a year on Paxil, I now control my stress and anxiety with exercise. I sleep soundly at night; we have two dogs who bark at the least provocation, and they have slept quietly by our sides for about two years now.

Nancy has been accepted at a very good university for next year. David is a happy-go-lucky 11 year old. I have righted the ship.

My best ally in all of this has been my Catholicism.

This may seem surprising to some; our parish was

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Regina’s Chistmas Fiction the center of a national scandal when our priest and his boyfriend the wedding planner were arrested for stealing $1.4 million. Many people lost their faith in the wake of that scandal, among others.

I did not. My faith was not dependent on our suburban parish; in fact, I had years before begun to attend a Latin Mass in a small chapel at a nearby nunnery.

It was the Gregorian chant that attracted me. But it was the sound Catholic orthodoxy of the brilliant priest that kept me returning, week after week. There, my kids learned to sit still during Mass. Soon, they learned the thrill of the Sacred. And finally, safe in the arms of Mother Church, I could let down my hair and cry for hours in the little chapel. The Sisters understood. Occasionally, I would be aware of the rustle of their habits as they genuflected in the chapel to visit their Lord.

So you can imagine my surprise last week when Officer Donzella – sans police uniform – knelt in the pew opposite us on the first Sunday in Advent. Of course my kids had no idea who he was, but afterwards at the coffee and doughnut hour, I approached him.

“Hello!” I began, all smiles. I wondered if he would know me.

He stood drinking coffee in his pressed khakis, looked at me blankly for a moment, then blinked suddenly in recognition.

“Well, hello!” he said, smiling back. David – now an altar boy — was distracted by the doughnuts and his Sunday playmates. Nancy was swallowed up in a group of laughing, homeschooled teenagers.

“I’m surprised to find you here!” Officer Donzella blurted out, then looked abashed.

I laughed merrily.

“Why?” “Well, ah, you didn’t seem like the Catholic type to me,” he said, truthful, but reddening.

“No?” “Well, maybe ‘Catholic.’ But not actually Catholic, if you know what I mean. What’s it called? ‘Catholic In Name Only’?”

I let out a peal of laughter.

“I’m pretty Catholic,” I replied wryly.

We both laughed.

“Yeah?” he said, and I noticed his eyes were twinkling.

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“Yeah,” I said straightforwardly. “Actually. So what are you doing here?”

“I live here. Always have,” he said, and then said grimly, “But I had enough of that business at the parish…”

“No kidding,” I agreed, and waited.

“Somebody told me the nuns have Mass here,” he said. “About the music…”

“The chant?” I supplied.

“Beautiful,” he shook his head, a little dazed. “Outta this world.”

“Yes, it is,” I ventured. There was a short silence.

“So, no more trouble from your ex?” he asked tentatively. “I mean, it was a few years ago…”

“No more trouble,” I said, and knocked on the wooden table next to me. He chuckled again. I noticed that his eyes wrinkled, and wondered how old he was.

Somewhere around my age, I decided. Early 40s.

“These your kids?” he asked, indicating Nancy and David, now bearing down on us, dressed to leave.

The after-Mass crowd had dispersed.

“Yes,” I said shortly, suddenly shy. Then I recovered myself, quickly shook his hand, and turned to go. He did not try to stop me.

Jan was unimpressed.

“He’s a cop,” she intoned. “They are all nuts.”

“Oh come on, he goes to the Latin Mass.”

“Great. So he’s a religious nut,” she said. “Even better.”

I resisted.

“I like him. He’s the first guy I have liked in years.”

“Yeah? So what’s his story? Does he have kids?”

“I don’t know.”

“Okay, listen, just be careful,” she said. “Go have yourself a little fun.”

“I don’t want to have a little fun,” I said, somewhat piqued. “I want to get married.”

I couldn’t believe I actually said it.

Jan eyed me uneasily.

“Really? After all you’ve been through? Why?” “I don’t actually know, except that it has something to do with the way a life ought to be lived.”

“Ought to be lived? Sounds awfully judgmental to me.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s what I am,” I countered, chuckling. “Call me ‘judgmental.’”

I surveyed myself critically in the mirror before leaving the house tonight. I am still slender, and

somewhat stylish, in a muted kind of way. My shoulder-length brown hair is attractively cut. My face is unlined, except for the deep furrow the stress of recent years has worn across my forehead.

I sighed and wrapped a warm red shawl around over my ankle-length black woolen coat. It would be cold tonight at the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.

As David and I walked by the police cars stationed at the edge of the crowd, I suddenly heard a voice call out.

“Hey!” Donzella detached himself from his fellow cops.

He was imposing in his policeman’s winter coat, his weapon on his belt. As I looked up at him, our breath fogged the frosty air.

“Will you be at Mass at the convent on Sunday?”

“Uh, yes. Yes, we will.”

“Me, too.”

We eyed each other awkwardly.

“Okay, so we’ll see you there!” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. David tugged on my arm, and I turned to go.

“That’s Trevor’s dad,” he stage-whispered as we walked away. “Trevor Donzella, in my class.”

My heart constricted.

“Yeah?” I replied, crestfallen. The Christmas lights around me suddenly seemed garish, and I shivered in the cold.

“Yeah,” echoed David, “Gotta go!” He patted me solicitously on the arm, and took off to join his friends at the base of the tree.

“Um, listen, would you like to have coffee or something afterwards?”

I sighed, and turned around. Officer Donzella was standing behind me.

“Listen, I’m not sure.”

His face fell. When he spoke, his voice was hurt.

“Oh sure, I understand. It’s okay.”

“I’m not sure you do understand.”

“Y-you have plans. It’s okay.”

“No, I don’t. But I also don’t know anything about you.”

His face softened, and he grinned.

“I’m a cop. A Catholic cop.”

“Right,” I smiled in spite of myself, then shook my head. “But that’s not what I mean.”

His face grew hard.

“You don’t date cops?” He said. The words fell like stones between us.

“No,” I returned, with some annoyance. “I don’t date married men.”

“Married? What makes you think I’m married?”

“My son goes to school with your son.”

“Okay, I’m divorced. Like you, right?”

“I’m divorced, yes. But I wasn’t married in the Church.”

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“ So you will have coffee with me after Mass at the convent?”

He nodded.

“Does all this really matter to you? I mean, I just asked you for coffee.”

I sighed.

“You asked me if I was Catholic. The answer is yes. It matters to me.”

“Okay, so I was married in the Church. We had one child. She left me for another guy. Now we’re divorced. It’s a mess, like everybody’s life is, these days.”

“Right. And you are going to Mass?”

“Yeah, I felt like Trevor needed to go to Mass. So when I don’t have him, I go anyway.”

“Why?” “Why?” he echoed, puzzled. “Because it’s the right thing to do.”

“Because Mass is where you’ll find a nice girl?”

The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he held my eyes steadily.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “That’s what I want. Though that is not my main reason for going to Mass.”

I nodded. To my intense annoyance, my heart was beating wildly.

“What did you mean when you asked me if I was Catholic?”

He chuckled.

“I didn’t think someone like yourself, uh, would be. I mean, with following the rules and everything.”

I didn’t understand.

“Following what rules?”

He took a deep breath.

“You’re a professional woman. Professional women don’t believe in the Church’s rules about, well, stuff.”

Before I could answer, he added in a flat tone, “and they don’t date cops.”

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He snickered, then, without humor and turned to look at the multicolored lights of the Tree.

“What are you talking about, the rules?” I was incredulous. “You mean the rules about sex before marriage? Well, you’re wrong. That’s exactly how Catholic I am. I don’t date married men, and I don’t have sex before marriage.”

I was way louder than I meant to be. People were looking at us as they passed. His face was unreadable, but I thought I detected a glint of humor in his eyes.

“Would you date a cop with an annulment? Without having sex before marriage?”

There was another silence. Then I lifted my chin and smiled gently up at him.

“I would be honored to date a cop. With an annulment. Under the usual conditions.”

The grin spread across his honest face, lighting up his eyes as it went.

“OKAY, then! So you will have coffee with me after Mass at the convent?”

I smiled broadly. “Yes, but only at the convent…”

“Until I have an annulment?”

“Yes.” “Even if it takes months and months?”

“Yes.” Pure joy lit his face. Or maybe it was the tears in my eyes that made it seem so. In any case, we stood there on the pavement under the Christmas lights, grinning at each other like fools.

“Merry Christmas, Catholic girl,” he whispered, gazing down seriously into my eyes.

“Merry Christmas,” I replied, and turned to intercept David. “See you at Holy Mass.”

I wrapped my red shawl tighter around me, and together with my son, headed for home.

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The following is excerpted from ‘Along the Way’ by Losana Boyd – the first e-book published by Regina Press.

Coming this Christmas, on Amazon Kindle!

Click here to pre-order & save 20%!

DAY ONE PORTO

I

t is Monday morning, following a city-wide party in honor of St. John the Baptist’s birthday in Porto. I arrived from Fatima on Sunday afternoon to find the place awash in alcohol (ironic, as the great saint himself never drank it ), noise-making, and the sure signs of all-night partying ahead. The contrast between the serenely quiet Fatima and the rambunctious energy of Porto is at first a little jarring. Tables stocked with beer and wine have been placed outside many of the cafés and restaurants I pass.

A mostly young crowd with plentiful tattoos and piercings, hair of every imaginable color, and wearing the barest of summer apparel, is already gathering. Walking back to my hotel from an early Sunday supper, I note that they have provided me with a blue and yellow plastic noise -maker for the evening’s celebration. I pick it up, rattle it around a bit, and set it back down. It won’t be making any of the noise on the street tonight.

At check-in I have my pilgrim passport stamped.

This is a Camino tradition, where particular stops made along the Way are recorded in a small booklet. These stops include Camino albergues, hotels, churches, some bars, and cafés. At the conclusion of the walk, this passport is presented to the Compostela office in Santiago. If the pilgrim can demonstrate having walked at least 100 kilometers, he is eligible to receive the Compostela certificate.

The friendly front desk clerk, an attractive young man who speaks excellent English, suggests a place

close by for me to have dinner. On the recommendation of the waiter, also a great speaker of English, I order my meal. Martinho was right— there do seem to be more fluent speakers of English here in Portugal than there are in Italy.

When the dish arrives, I explain that there must be some mistake. A family-sized casserole dish filled with fish and potatoes has been served to me.

“This must be meant for another table,” I said.

“No, this is your order . This is the single serving,” the waiter replied. I looked incredulously at him and then down at this huge portion that I would never be able to finish. He just smiled.

In retrospect, I probably should have been looking just in the appetizer section, but it was too late now.

Anyhow, my meal was absolutely delicious; the fish was fresh and succulent, the potatoes and other vegetables cooked perfectly. When the waiter came to clear my table, I was sorry to have to leave most of it.

I certainly did not want to offend the kitchen.

“Please explain to the cook how delicious this was,” I said. “I just can’t . . .” He smiled and assured me it was fine.

After dinner, I went out looking for the trail markers for the Camino— those yellow arrows or blue ceramic scallop shells that mark the path to Santiago—thinking I will be a lot more confident in the morning if I can at least locate a few of them tonight.

Turning onto a large boulevard just past the restaurant and walking a short way. . .yes!

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Regina’s Chistmas Fiction

I see one, now two of the Camino arrows! There they are, the first yellow arrows of my journey, in all their bright presence, painted onto the sidewalk and city walls, amid the street graffiti. I follow the trail for several arrows, confident now that I have found the Way. Heading up to my room, I am both relieved and excited, though neither of those emotions has anything at all to do with tonight’s upcoming festivities. Having seen the first of the Camino markers, I can begin the journey in the morning with certainty in my step.

I prepare for bed, lay out all my hiking gear so I can be efficient in the morning, and turn out the light.

It is still dark when I wake up. Actually, I am awakened often throughout the night, the sounds of an exuberant street party having no difficulty coming through the baffles of a high fan setting on the air conditioning unit. Then, a particular sound of running water gets my attention. At first I think it is perhaps a shower running in the room next to mine.

I listen further; now the sound seems to be coming from within my room. I get up and turn on the light.

The running water turns out to be a significant leak in the air conditioner, streaming water all over the stuff that I had left on the desk. Fortunately, my pack is pretty water resistant, and I figure out what’s going on just in time to miss having all my hiking clothes soaked through. Thanks for the wake-up call, Camino angels!

I return to bed, and doze off and on for a bit. Really, I am too excited to expect much sleep anyway. In the morning, I am up, dressed, and downstairs by 7: 30 a.m. After an ordinary breakfast of coffee, juice, and a roll, I leave the hotel and head for the yellow Camino arrows I had sighted yesterday.

There’s almost no one on the street at 8 a.m. as I make my way amid the clutter of empty bottles, food wrappers, over-stuffed trash bins, and all the dismal remains of partying. Cafés are closed for the holiday, stores are shuttered, a few unsteady youngsters still wobble along the road, holding one another up in their last gasps of hurrahs.

As I walk I think: this is the world. The attractions and appeals from this passing world end up much 134

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like this, in things we discard and stumble over as we move on. This is my life, too. I can remember times of big partying in my younger days— perhaps not tossing bottles onto the street, but plenty excessive all the same. Sure, wild partying is fun, right? It seems adventurous and daring, an expression of freedom from restrictions. But there is a dark side, a tragic side that tells more a story of despair and heedlessness. Too many lives are sunk under the weight of alcohol and drug addictions. Hedonism demands focus on the self, one’s own pleasures, pursuits, agendas, anxieties, hangovers. It is a vortex to an unholy trinity of me, myself, and I. I look back on some of the poor choices and decisions I made while I was caught up in the partying life. Maybe I was “just young, restless, and bored,” as Bob Seger wrote. But recreational drug use carries with it a more serious and sinister underside. I grew up in a suburb, and even in that seemingly benign environment, families were undone by the impact of drugs and alcohol. How hard reality can come crashing down.

It seems providential to be starting here on this worn-out pavement. The Lord takes us as we are.

Here as well is evidence of human impact on God’s creation, the disorder we make of things, our need for redemption.

John the Baptist, whose feast day it is, after all, sought no glory for himself. Instead, the great saint gave us the most telling six words of discipleship: “I must decrease; He must increase.”

Saint John the Baptist, I am reminded especially on this day, and on this particular pathway , that you were sent to make us fit for the Kingdom. And here in front of me now is a straight and narrow path that stretches all the way to the shrine of the great St. James. Keeping to this path is the sure way to reach my destination. In a larger way, walking this path is like my life in Christ, the effort, the focus, the faith.

Walking through the center of the city and beyond, the suburbs begin to appear: paved roads, neat and orderly apartment complexes— suburbia, the sprawl of human organization. The first day’s journey is beginning to feel like a little snapshot of my life, from

“The restrained heat of the early morning Portuguese sun moves steadily toward the warmer hours of late morning.”

strained youth, through unsteady adulthood, marriage, and raising children, to times of crisis and uncertainty, to ultimately coming home to the Catholic faith, to the peace of God’s Holy Church.

My trekking shoes feel comfortable and secure; the three weeks of breaking them in at home in Florence seem to be serving me well. The restrained heat of the early morning Portuguese sun moves steadily toward the warmer hours of late morning. I’m glad I opted for long shorts over trousers. As I walk, heat from the exertion builds, but the real impact of the day’s summer temperature is still several hours away.

The experience of Fatima is with me; I am calm and confident as I proceed into the unknown . How fortuitous that preparatory weekend of prayerful retreat in Fatima feels just now.

And still the world is always with us. I’m not sure when I realize I have lost the yellow arrows. I am being very careful not to let too much time go by between sightings; nevertheless, I have to acknowledge that it’s been a while since I have seen the welcome yellow direction signs. I walk on cautiously for a bit longer, but no yellow arrows appear, and now it seems more prudent to turn back and re-trace my steps than to continue to pursue what might well be a wrong way.

Then, in backtracking , I receive a great gift. A group of three pilgrims, identifiable by their backpacks and trekking shoes, is heading towards me. “Camino de Santiago?” I ask. “Si’!” is their reply, almost in unison.

We smile and introduce ourselves and I turn around to walk with them.

I have actually been going in the right direction,

something I am sure will surprise my children who know well my directional impairment— I am one who often doesn’t see the trees for the forest— but the signage on the Camino Portuguese isn’t all that great. The American tour operator was right about that. And as the day progresses, it proves providential that there are four of us looking for the often hard to locate yellow arrows or scallop shells.

The pilgrims, Adrian, Monique, and Rafael, are a family from Brazil, a father, daughter, and her husband— and blessedly for me, all speak English!

Especially Adrian, who, as it turns out, spent a good number of his adolescent years in England. They, too, have begun the Camino that morning from Porto, which seems to connect us in some important way, as if we were meant to find each other here on the path.

And how perfectly in keeping with the focus for my journey that the first pilgrims I encounter are, in fact, a family. We team up and enjoy a great day of walking together, sharing food, life stories, goals . How quickly the effort of the Camino dismisses the otherwise small talk that might prevail amongst strangers.

My thoughts turn naturally to my own children, to the travels we have shared. Those experiences and events become part of the family archives, certain expressions are now code, enhancing our connection with one another. “Greek cruise!” for example, in one phrase recalls our vastly different preferences for waking/ sleeping schedules, learned while the four of us were on holiday together a few years ago.

Throughout the thirty-plus kilometers we share together, we see no other pilgrims on the path. As the afternoon sun advances toward the horizon, and as Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Regina’s Chistmas Fiction I have entered a lush haven.

Et in Arcadia ego comes to mind. Gentle lawns of perfect green roll out in front of me, interspersed with clusters of flowering trees.

Adrian, Monique , and Rafael are staying in one of the Camino albergues, and I am booked at a hotel, we make tentative plans to re-convene on the path tomorrow and part company late in the day. It is a superb feeling of connection, to meet as strangers in the morning and leave as friends in the afternoon.

And I think what a great experience for them to be encountering the Camino together as a family.

The last few kilometers of the day, I am by myself again. The silence following an afternoon of great camaraderie and easy conversation feels somewhat abrupt. I pray the rosary as I progress, invoking the intercession of the Holy Family and the company of the saints. And on I walk. There is no sidewalk as the road narrows. After a few more kilometers, the day’s heat is catching up with me. I start to wonder, where is the road to my hotel?

I check the map again, and can’t make sense of it. It seems I am following everything exactly as I should, which means I should be there by now. But this is me , who wasn’t born with a great internal compass, to say the least. Anyway, I keep walking. I miss the Brazilians! It feels suddenly lonely out here.

In the distance I see a young man walking toward me on the other side of the street, and I wave and cross over to his side. He reads the address, and explains that I am still some distance away, and shows me ahead the road where I need to make a turn. I smile and thank him. At least I am in the right direction, even if the map shows a miscalculated distance.

Still, it takes the help of two more people, this time in passing cars, even after I make the turn. The thirty-plus kilometers I have walked today are weighing on me. My weariness is becoming so extreme I am almost numb, but eventually I arrive here at Quinta das Alfaias. Standing outside the large solid metal gates, the sun scorching down on my sore shoulders, wondering where on earth I am, I ring the buzzer, and wait in the boiling heat.

After a few minutes, I hear a lock being turned.

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The gate swings open, and I am greeted by a friendly gentleman and a sweet-faced mutt with large expressive eyes. And then my eyes take in the amazing landscape.

I have entered a lush haven. Et in Arcadia ego comes to mind. Gentle lawns of perfect green roll out in front of me , interspersed with clusters of flowering trees. Passing by the screened hacienda, I walk down a small lane where the guest rooms are set quietly off to the side. Curly headed toddlers and their attractive and attentive parents are here from Spain and the Netherlands to enjoy a bucolic holiday.

The proprietor, Teresa, walks with me to my room, and on the way across the lawn my eyes take in a patch of bright blue— a swimming pool!

While I change into my swim suit, Teresa brings me a pitcher of cold water and a bottle of chilled white wine— sweet relief after my long journey.

The families are gathered by the pool-side. I step into the pool; the water is freezing cold. Bliss. I submerge slowly and soak in the comforting cool, deep into my sore muscles and over-heated skin.

A refreshing shower follows my invigorating swim, followed by more wine, and the opportunity to use the house computer to email my children and let them know I am alive. Teresa turns out to be an excellent cook and prepares a delicious meal of the local specialty, bacala , which is a dried and re-hydrated cod fish in cream sauce. Dried cod fish probably doesn’t sound all that appealing at first, but in the hands of a good chef it becomes something quite tasty. Actually, I’d had bacala earlier in the trip; Martinho’s step-mother had prepared this delicious dish for our evening meal one night.

Fresh vegetables, salad, more wine, and a berry and cream tart complete the meal.

It is dark by the time I wander down the starlit lane to my guest room and I am soon deep into a sound sleep.

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Our Lady of

Guadalupe ~ Roses in December Bring the Faith to Mexico

By Meghan Ferrara

I

n the early 16th century, at the height of the Protestant Reformation sweeping across Europe, another reformation was embracing the American Continent. It began with a simple man and a spectacular miracle.

In the cold, early morning of December 9, 1531, 57-year-old Juan Diego, an Aztec convert, was en route to Mass in Tlatelolco on Tepeyac Hill, near Mexico City. Suddenly, he saw a beautiful woman surrounded by a bright, golden light. She was dressed as an Aztec princess and spoke to him in his native tongue, Nahuatl.

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The lady identified herself saying, “My dear little son, I love you. I desire you to know who I am. I am the ever-virgin Mary, Mother of the true God who gives life and maintains its existence. He created all things.

He is in all places. He is Lord of Heaven and Earth. I desire a church in this place where your people may experience my compassion. All those who sincerely ask my help in their work and in their sorrows will know my Mother’s Heart in this place. Here I will see their tears; I will console them and they will be at peace. So run now to Tenochtitlan and tell the Bishop all that you have seen and heard.”

“1531 Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe anagoria” by unknown (1531 presented by Juan Diego) - Nueva Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Our Lady of Guadalupe

In the Bishop’s Office Though Juan Diego had never been to Tenochtitlan, he immediately traveled there and asked to meet with the Spanish Archbishop of the area, Juan de Zumárraga, a Franciscan and the first bishop of Mexico. Some of the bishop’s staff were suspicious of the rural peasant. After keeping him waiting for hours, Juan Diego was finally admitted to the Bishop’s office, where he reported his experience to Zumárraga.

The Bishop heard him out, but instructed Juan Diego to return and ask the lady for a sign to confirm her identity. Juan was unsatisfied by the bishop’s response and felt himself inadequate to persuade someone of the bishop’s stature of the veracity of his claims. He returned to the hill, and found the lady there waiting for him.

She responded to his pleas for a replacement, “My little son, there are many I could send. But you are the one I have chosen.”

The First Miracle Though the Blessed Mother told Juan Diego to meet her the next day, he was unable to do so because his uncle, Juan Bernardino, was extremely ill. When he passed by Tepeyac Hill two days later on his way to find a priest to administer Last Rites to his uncle, Juan Diego again received an apparition of Our Lady.

She assured him that Bernardino would recover, “Do not be distressed, my littlest son. Am I not here with you who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Your uncle will not die at this time. There is no reason for you to engage a priest, for his health is restored at this moment. He is quite well.”

The miraculous recovery of Juan Bernardino was the first proof that she offered in response to Archbishop Zumárraga’s request. Then, the Virgin directed Diego, “Go to the top of the hill and cut the flowers that are growing there. Bring them then to me.”

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Castilian Roses in December Although it was very late in the growing season and the top of the hill was usually barren, he found Castilian roses, not native to Mexico, in bloom.

The Blessed Mother arranged these in Juan Diego’s cloak, or tilma. When he opened it in front of the Archbishop, the fragrant roses fell to the floor. On the tilma’s fabric appeared the miraculous image of the Virgin of Guadeloupe. It is reported that the archbishop and witnesses dropped to their knees in wonder.

The Most Visited Marian Shrine in the World Juan Diego passed away on December 9, 1548, seventeen years after the first apparition. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on July 31, 2002 and his cloak is displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited Marian shrine in the world.

On October 12, 1895, by decree of Pope Leo XIII, the Image of the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe was crowned with great solemnity. On October 12, 1945, the fiftieth anniversary of the crowning, Pope Pius XII proclaimed her Patroness of all the Americas.

The depiction of Our Lady on Juan Diego’s tilma is Mexico’s most popular religious and cultural icon, and under this mantle the Blessed Mother has garnered such titles as Queen of Mexico, Empress of Latin America and the aforementioned Patroness of the Americas.

Through the unshakeable faith of one, humble man, this single image became integral to forging the Catholic identity of Mexico and the Americas.

Editor’s Note: Up until this apparition occurred, the Spanish were having very little success in converting the Aztecs to Christianity. Within five years of this event, one of the greatest mass conversions in history occurred, with millions -- virtually all of present-day Mexico – converting to the Faith.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass According to the Roman Missal of 1962 “What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too. Pope Benedict XVI “Summorum Pontificum” July 7, 2007

Rediscover the tradition of prayer and worship which has sustained the Church Faithful for centuries…

Hear the ancient Gregorian chant, traditional hymns and sacred music composed by the great masters…

Experience the timeless beauty and richness of your Roman Catholic Liturgical Heritage.

Sundays, 9:00am St. Anthony of Padua Church Monmouth St. between 6th and 7th Sts. Jersey City, NJ 07302 stanthonyjc.com Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Philadelphia

An Oasis of Catholic Beauty Holiday visitors to ‘the City of Brotherly Love’ may be astonished to learn that the city is in fact a hidden gem of Catholic beauty.

Two hundred years of immigrant Catholics have left their mark on Philadelphia with several nationally- known Shrines (St. John Neumann, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Rita of Cascia), the National Centre for Padre Pio, and the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul.

Matthew Plese is the President and Chief Cathecist of www.CatechismClass.com. Matthew is a national speaker on catechesis and the Traditional Form of the Roman Rite.

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PHILADELPHIA’S HUGE CATHEDRAL BASILICA features truly breathtaking paintings and world-class sculpture.

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MAGNIFICENT ART: A larger-than-life painting of the Adoration of the Child Jesus by the Magi by is surrounded by images of the angels. The Stations of the Cross were sculpted by Constantino Brumidi, who painted and sculpted most of the interior of the Cathedral.

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VISITORS MARVEL AT THE BEAUTY of inlaid marble floors, confessionals, side altars, devotional candles, and in the distance, a lovely side altar in honor of the Holy Mother of God. (Nearby, notice the red and yellow papal umbrella, present in all Basilicas.)

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THE CATHEDRAL’S SANCTUARY is replete with the beauty of the traditional art and architecture of Roman Catholicism. Crowning the marble altar is an impressive baldachin of Italian marble. The altar is made of Botticino marble with Mandorlato rose marble trim – a fitting material for the holy place on which the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ is re-presented. Visible on the underside of the baldachin’s dome is a Latin phrase: “In every place there is offered and sacrificed in My Name a clean oblation.”

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POSSIBLY THE MOST FASCINATING OF PHILADELPHIA’S SHRINES is the National Shrine of St. John Neumann, one of the first canonized Americans. Neumann was a professed priest of the Redemptorists, a bishop of Philadelphia (1852-1860), and founder of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia. The holy saint is clothed in his pontifical vestments because a Bishop’s body at burial is to be dressed in his vestments with his pontifical insignia -- including the pallium if he is a metropolitan Archbishop, but without the crozier.

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DIRECTLY BEHIND THE BODY OF ST. JOHN NEUMANN is the resplendent High Altar. The front features the image of the Last Supper. The altar itself is traditionally arranged with the placement of the 6 Candles for High Mass as well as the two candles for Low Mass. St. John Neumann, pray for us who have recourse to thee! PHOTOS BY Jamal Zayyad Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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Out of the Wilderness

By Patrick Michael Clark

A Visit to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter’s Seminary in Denton, Nebraska Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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G

od called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses.” And he said, “Here am I.” And He said, “Draw not nighhither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”

In the early spring the Great Plains are dry. The tall grasses and scattered knobs of earth that make up the vast expanses in the center of the American continent are a dull brown, with only rust-colored farmsteads and silos to break up the endless sky. Soon the life-giving rains will come and bring a miraculous green but for the time the deep-planted roots are simply waiting.

The airport just outside Nebraska’s capital is a simple place, just two terminals and a strip of asphalt at the entrance for the idle cab. Jackson saw a white hatchback waiting at the end of the line with its signals on and started walking.

They drove for half an hour, the young man behind the wheel intently watching the road that led past quiet farms wrapped in barbed wire. Jackson watched the strange empty land around him pass by. He asked his driver if Nebraska was different from what he had known growing up.

“It’s practically the other side of the world,” the other young man said. They were in the same boat then.

Soon they were down a winding private road. Beyond a small thicket sitting atop a gently rising hill was a large beige and copper-colored building, four stories against the empty sky, with a grand basilica dominating one end.

Once inside his companion said he had duties to attend to, but Jackson was soon greeted by Mr. Geoffrey, the man who kept the keys and made arrangements for travelers.

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but comfortable, and with the same surreal quiet as the halls. Once he had put his things away Jackson went to look around.

The Seminary was an intricate maze within stone walls and Romanesque arches. He found the chapel, the long basilica church he had seen coming up the road. It was as large and gilded as any of the grand churches he had seen in Baltimore or Philadelphia, with altars about the walls and intricate stained glass in the rounded windows.

There were a few black-robed priests and seminarians in the tall choir praying silently. One finished his meditations and approached Jackson, who was craning his neck to look at a pair of stone angels in a niche.

“Have you heard Mass today?” asked the seminarian.

“No, just got in from the airport.”

“Well I’ll tell the Rector and you can go to his daily Mass. It’s in the chapel over there in five minutes.”

The Rector was a tall man with an Old World disposition. Jackson was disappointed there wasn’t a sermon at the Mass, but he was surprised to hear some of the usually silent prayers, as he was the only one in the small side chapel dedicated to Joseph the Worker.

The saint himself looked down from a window above the Rector’s balding head. Jackson wondered about the Josephs who had built this church.

After Mass he met another visitor, a traveler from Georgia, and was strangely happy to meet someone else from the South. But the Georgian soon corrected him for carelessly saying hallelujah.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary is located within the territorial boundaries of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska.

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An initial “year of spirituality� introduces the candidate to the Fraternity, its community life, and a disciplined life of prayer and penance.

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English-speaking men (18 to 35) who are considering a priestly vocation, or who are ready to apply to the FSSP, may make a short visit to the seminary during the academic year.

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“Nobody says that here, at least not in Lent. It’s the a-word or h-word until Easter.”

Jackson thought that sounded sensible.

Later the entire school gathered in the refectory for a feast, as it was the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, the blessed scholar who was so fat that his Dominican brothers had to cut an indentation into the table for him. There were at least fifty seminarians, plus the priests and other staff at their long table at the end of the hall. Jackson sat at a table with a group of students, some in cassocks and some in plainclothes.

“Where are you from?” asked one of his neighbors, a short deacon with a thin face.

“Virginia,” Jackson replied.

“Anywhere near Washington?” said one of the young men in plainclothes. He couldn’t have been older than nineteen.

“Nope. I’m from the Shenandoah Valley. Up in the mountains.”

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“So you live in a holler or something?” asked the Deacon.

“Nothing that exciting,” said Jackson drinking his beer from a water glass. Beer was very important to the Seminary and was changed seasonally. Everyone also had a helping of pan-cake, which had nothing to do with breakfast, as it was really cake baked in a pan.

There would be some entertainment that night, a Socratic debate in honor of Aquinas. It was won almost singlehandedly by a second-year seminarian that calmly invoked examples from Tolkien. His opponent, when he knew he was unable to win, demanded him to confess to being a vampire and sleeping a coffin. The refectory shook with laughter and the point was conceded.

The next few days were made up of class, study, and the singing of the Divine Office. There would be daily Mass beneath the vaulted ceiling of the Chapel and

Out of the Wilderness

afterwards Jackson would join the seminarians for class. He enjoyed the Music and Spirituality courses, and took copious notes during Catechism instruction.

The students took recreation for two hours in the afternoon and Jackson went walking along the grounds of the Seminary. He went along the site of a future orchard and back around the basilica. A high wind drove him into a cluster of trees below a short hill, when he heard something strange.

It was definitely pipes, and sure enough, a hearty man in gray running clothes was playing a set of bagpipes along a dry creek. After he had finished playing the strains of The Minstrel Boy the two talked about the strangeness of the Great Plains and roots music, which shares so much in richness with traditional sacred music, as well as what the Seminary was trying to achieve.

“It’s really a place of peace,” the piper said.

That night at Compline, Jackson listened to the seminarians chant the psaltery in Latin and thought of how truly peaceful it was within the Seminary walls.

The wars they prayed for an end to seemed another universe away, and even the distant light atop the State Capitol in the city beyond seemed a lifetime apart from the dormitory window.

On his last day at the Seminary he accompanied one of the priests, the dry and soft-spoken Spirituality instructor, and a group of the fifteen or so first-years on a walk. They passed a small pond which supposedly contained a dozen snapping turtles and went along the hillside around the back of the school.

As they walked Jackson noticed there was a patch of burned up ground nearby. He turned to the priest and asked, “Was there a brushfire here?”

“Oh we burned some trash the other day,” he replied.

The group kept walking, but Jackson stopped for a moment alone. He saw a couple pieces of charred paper caught in some grass near the fire site. He wondered what sort of things had been committed to the flames.

Then he saw something he’d never thought possible.

Growing from blackened ground, amid the remnants of whatever had been burned, was a flower. A single iris. A bloom of color that had managed to come up from the seemingly dead earth. Jackson thought he’d pick it, but he saw that the group was further off and left it be.

He turned to go and looked up at the basilica against the deep orange sky. The sun was setting and he could hear the steeple bells ringing the call to prayer.

Patrick Michael Clark is a published writer and produced dramatist. A recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, he lives in Richmond, Virginia where he contributes to various local publications and serves as editor of Trouble Come Home, an independent literary publication. His writings have been published in Regina Magazine and Quail Bell Magazine, with his original adaptation of G.K. Chesterton’s Manalive receiving its premiere in Richmond in April 2014.

He is currently working on a narrative piece for the Jonestown Report Bulletin to be published in 2015. Visit him if you like at: www.patrickmichaelclark.wordpress.com.

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Restoring the Glory of Jerusalem in Los Angeles PHOTO: “THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE FIRST TABERNACLE OF THE INCARNATION -- THEOTOKOS -- is enthroned at the center of the mural above the earthly tabernacle in the sanctuary. The throne and tabernacle are encircled by seraphim, who are described in the Apocalypse as continually praising Our Lord with the “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus.” Enzo Selvaggi. Designer

In 1909, a small community of farmers purchased some land for a Catholic mission church; after World War II, the area boomed with aviation and aerospace industries. St John Chrysostom Church in Inglewood, California, which seats at least 1,000, was finished in 1959 to accommodate this growing, thriving Catholic population. It is located minutes from Los Angeles International Airport and the 405 freeway.

An “Art Deco Revival” edifice built entirely of reinforced concrete, St. John’s 182ft carillon bell tower can be seen from miles away.

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are used throughout the church, and the 42ft walls house intricate, Celtic stained glass windows based on the Irish Book of Kells.

The church remained a humble, yet beautiful space until a series of renovations began in 1995. In the last two years, however, the parishioners of St John’s have entrusted the sensitive restoration and decoration of the church by Enzo Selvaggi of Heritage Liturgical.

In this interview, Enzo discusses this enormously successful project.

“THE BLESSED VIRGIN PRESENTS THE CHRIST CHILD, HER SON, TO THE WORLD, who in turn holds the orb of His power and dominion in one hand, while he blesses and heals with the other. It is to remind us that it is to this end – eternal glory and praise to God in heaven – that all of history and life is oriented. Even more, the mural is meant to depict how our adoration of God in the Holy Mass is a participation in this cosmic and historic event.”

- Enzo Selvaggi, Designer

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WHAT THE RENOVATORS DID “The original balustrade had long been dismantled, its solid marble supports and cast bronze decoration tossed into storage closets, or piled as stands for pamphlets in the vestibule.

“No portion of the sanctuary was left unscathed. The sanctuary floors had been covered with a seafoam green carpet glued directly to the terrazzo and the marble -- some stains on the Calacatta Gold marble are visible to this day.

“The altar was demolished and a table-style altar was created at the bottom of the steps. A Jacuzzi-style tub was placed in the sanctuary.”

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MORE ‘RENOVATIONS’ “The original baptistery was converted into a prayer chapel, decorated with a giant mustard yellow “plussign” on the avocado green walls and ceiling. This avocado green and mustard yellow color scheme would continue, in varying shades, throughout the church. Even the individual coffers 45 feet up were painted mustard yellow, each with burgundy borders, with the soaring avocado green beams intersecting on the ceiling.”

Wow, this sounds like a mess!

Unfortunately, the 1990s “renovation” took Saint John Chrysostom many steps backwards, so considerable restoration had to occur before our decorative phase could begin.

The full scope of the renovation project has always been to restore the church to its original design and function and to complete the decoration. It was never truly decorated. Statues had been housed in niches and stained glass windows were commissioned when it was first built, but the rest of the church was left with simple, white plastered walls and little to no ornamentation.

The mural is really a third phase of a multi-phase program.

Who provided the initiative for this ambitious project?

The pastors at St. John Chrysostom are inspired men. Their intention has always been to create something for the glory of God, to bring people to prayer, and to sanctify the space. They never wanted to simply make an updated and pretty space that would make the magazines. The spiritual value of this work is always at the forefront, which is why the first phase of our project was to restore the sanctuary itself.

It was entirely the enthusiasm and outpouring of positive reaction from parishioners during the sanctuary renovation, and their donations, that allowed the mural decoration project to become a reality.

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“MY FIRST REACTION WAS WONDERFUL AMAZEMENT AT ITS BEAUTY. Then I realized, ‘this is a wonderful teaching painting.’ ​MY PARISHIONERS REACTED WITH INCREDIBLE JOY. Some people actually cried upon seeing it for the first time.

They are most grateful and proud of the growing beauty of their church.”

- Father Marcos Gonzalez

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Restoring the Glory of Jerusalem

What was your inspiration for the work?

Inspired by the existing Art Deco Revival architecture of the church, we wanted to find a style that would not clash with, but enhance, the existing architectural design -- and also speak to today.

With this in mind, our composition was influenced by the Beuron school (from the Bauron Benedictine Abbey of Bavaria), which preceded Art Deco. This is an iconographic style with a certain static, two-dimensional quality to images, with some similarities to ancient and Byzantine sacred art. All of its symbols are clean, graphic, and direct.

This created a deep well of inspiration to combine two seemingly disparate art styles – ancient Byzantine and contemporary Art Deco – into a cohesive design scheme that is relevant for the present age.

How long did the work take?

Creative development took several months and execution was done in five weeks during Lent.

How did the work proceed?

The logistics of the implementation of the mural allowed us to hide the mural from the parishioners as we worked in view of the Easter unveiling. A scaffolding platform that covered the entire space underneath the apse was hoisted above the sanctuary, and with the use of tarp curtains, our work was obstructed during the entirety of the painting. Some of my fondest memories are of people coming to pray while we were working.

On one occasion, a lady approached me and asked what we were painting. I showed her a picture of the work in progress I had taken on my phone. She didn’t speak any English, but when she saw the picture she exclaimed, “La Virgen!,” and started crying.

How the parish priest react?

Father Marcos Gonzalez has been one of the best clients a designer could ask for. From the very beginning, Father’s mission and focus of the scope of the work was Apostolic. His commitment was strong, and always open to our development of a cohesive narrative, design plan, and color scheme.

His reaction was very positive. He was very moved and said it was “magnificent” and that it reminded him of walking into an ancient Roman basilica.

The people of St John’s supported this project with donations. How did they react?

The night of the Easter Vigil was the dramatic unveiling. It was such a joy to hear the gasps and whispers amid their upward gazing eyes. A lot of people have been really moved. This is not a wealthy parish, by far.

The parishioners have driven the funding for these projects at every stage. I have been continually humbled and honored by their positive words and efforts.

If they can do it, any parish can.

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“THE MURAL IS A DEPICTION OF THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, where the Incarnation, presented in glory, is surrounded by the Church Triumphant offering their crowns of glory to their divine source of grace.”

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In depicting the constellations, one of my desires WAS TO PAY HOMAGE TO JOHN PAUL II’S TREATISE “CHRIST: THE BEARER OF THE WATER OF LIFE: - Enzo Selvaggi, Designer

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Restoring the Glory of Jerusalem

FATHER GONZALEZ SAYS THAT HIS ULTIMATE GOAL IN RESTORING ST JOHN’S is, “to make the church a true temple of worship of Almighty God. It should be a "Domus Dei" where hearts are lifted and inspired and the Faith is taught in all its beauty.”

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“HONORIFICENTIA POPULI NOSTRI” FROM THE BOOK OF JUDITH on the fin-

ished apse mural. The Incarnation, depicted

by Christ as Child and King in the arms of His Mother, is the central element to the mural as it is the fundamental element of our faith and liturgy: without the incarnation, made present to us in the Eucharist, there would be no redemption, and no access to heaven. In a particular way, we underline the Blessed Virgin as this “Ianua Coeli”, this door to heaven.

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PROCESSIONS OF THE BLESSEDS offering crowns of glory to

the Christ Child, to paraphrase St. Augustine, “If then your merits are God’s gifts, God does not crown your merits as your merits, but as His gifts.”

PALM TREES, HISTORICALLY SYMBOLS OF ETERNITY,

symbolize that this scene depicts a heavenly/eternal reality. The astronomical constellations of Aquarius and Pisces are a reminder not only of Our Lord’s redemption of nature itself, but that even the astronomical constellations foretold the story of our redemption.

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REGINA’S

Top 10 Children’s

Christmas Books For Advent and Christmas 2014

By Bridget Green Ah, Christmas. That magical season that starts in late October and ends promptly on December 27th.

Oh, wait. No. That's the secular season that I like to refer to as "Chrissssmas."

Christmas, the liturgical season of the Catholic Church, begins on December 24th and goes at least until January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany. Some of the more hard-core folks even celebrate straight up until Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation, February 2.

This doesn't mean that the weeks leading up to Christmas are nothing. Liturgically speaking, they are, in fact, quite important. Advent is a time of preparation and even of reparation. Advent is a time for us to make ready our homes and hearts to receive Jesus in a special way. It's a time for us to sit back from the craziness that is our busy world, take a breath, and renew our commitment to living a Christian life.

And this is why I think it is so important to keep Advent in our homes, especially with our children. At our house, we try our best to stay focused on expectant preparations during the weeks leading up to Christmastide. We stay busy by cleaning our apartment, making treats and presents to put away until the blessed day, and by reading, a lot. I find the reading is what really helps my own kids remain in Advent rather than allowing their little hearts to skip all the prep work and jump straight into the much-awaited party.

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Here’s my top 10 list of great Advent and Christmas books to share with the childr their lives. These books are beautiful and funny, sweet and silly, and most of all, focused true meaning of Christmas.

1. The Jesse Tree Kit

By Lynn M. Simms and Betsy Walter

Okay, I know I just said they were in no particular order, but this one is actually at the very top of my list. We will be doing a Jesse Tree for the third time, and I’m honestly not sure who is more excited, me or the kids. I put off doing a Jesse Tree for several years because it just seemed like so much work, not to mention the space it would take up in our apartment. Then, my sister-inlaw mailed me a copy of this beauty from Pauline Press and it all became infinitely easier. There are pre-printed “ornaments” to color in, and it even includes a poster sized “tree” to hang up anywhere there’s enough wall space.

The whole program is laid out for you, including the prayers and Bible verses you’ll need for each day’s ornament. All you need to add is crayons, tape, and your child’s imagination.

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2. Who Is Coming to Our House?

By Joseph Slate and Ashley Wolff

A delightful little board book where each animal shares how he will prepare the barn for the mystery Guest of Honor who will soon be making an appearance. By the end of the book, all of my children are repeating the refrain of the little mouse: Who is coming to our house?

RATING: 4/5 Advent Wreaths because it can get a tad bit repetitive.

3. The Drumm

Illustrated by E

This is less of a story an illustrated song. A an illustrated song, b trations are done by one of the best loved last century, that’s m The pictures are gorg the end of it, your ki singing “Pa rum pum tops of their lungs, to

RATING: 3.5/5 Advent Wreaths beca pum pum pums” can nerves sometimes, an make up for so much

Top 10 Childrens Christmas Books

ren in d on the

Little mer Boy

Ezra Jack Keats

4. The Christmas Bird

By Sallie Ketcham & Illustrated by Stacey Schuett

y book and more of Actually, it’s exactly but when the illusEzra Jack Keats, d illustrators of the more than enough. geous and bonus: by ids will probably be m pum pum” at the oo.

The Christmas Bird. By Sallie Ketcham.

Illustrated by Stacey Schuett. This is tale of a little bird who takes on a big job, and earns himself (and all his descendants) a beautiful red breast for his trouble. His self-sacrificing love is something even the youngest child can appreciate, plus it gives them a renewed interest in the world around them. The vibrant illustrations also help to hold their interest throughout the tale.

ause those “pa rum n really get on my nd the pictures only h.

RATING: 4.5/5 Advent Wreaths because it’s different from the standard Christmas book fare.

5. The Donkey’s Dream

By Barbara Helen Berger

Told as a dream of the humble donkey who carried Our Lady to Bethlehem, this book is actually introducing young children to much of the traditional symbolism surrounding Mary and several of her titles. The illustrations are gorgeous, especially those of the Blessed Mother, making it well-worth the read.

RATING: 3.5/5 Advent Wreaths because it can go a bit above the heads of the young audience for which it is intended.

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Top 10 Childrens Christmas Books

6. Four Friends at Christmas

By Tomie DePaola

I know, I know. Tomie DePaola. The controversy. The “secularness.” But, this one is, quite simply, adorable. It’s a charming tale friendship and giving in the spirit of Christ.

It’s sweet, and sometimes, that’s enough.

RATING: 3.5/5 Advent Wreaths because it is, just a little, too sweet at times.

7. An Angel Came to 8. Mortimer’s Nazareth: A Story of Christmas Manger the First Christmas By Karma Wilson and

By Anthony Knott.

Illustrated by Maggie Kneen.

Jane Chapman

Maggie Kneen. Another book about the humble donkey and his precious cargo, this one highlights the dichotomy between the lowly beast of burden and the King of the Universe he carries, not because he is great but because he is lowly. Plus, the illustrations are not only textured, but gilded, which is pretty close to glitter, and we all know glitter makes everything better.

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a cute mouse with a quirky name. This sweet story follows little Mortimer’s attempt at making a home for himself only to realize that making a place for Jesus is far more important. Nothing earth shattering, but not every story needs to be earth shattering.

RATING: 4/5 Advent Wreaths because -sparkle.

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RATING: 4/5 Advent Wreaths because this little book keeps all of my kids, even the nine year old, entertained from start to finish.

201 5 Calendar SUNDAY

MONDAY

The Holy Trinity

29 S 1 8 15 22 29

March 2015

M 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

5 The monks participate in the town-wide Corpus Christi procession right down main street in Norcia. The Nursini spend hours the night before preparing the lovely and ornate flower decorations on the streets in honor of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

W 4 11 18 25

T 5 12 19 26

F 6 13 20 27

The Holy Angels

S 7 14 21 28

Easter Sunday— Resurrection of Our Lord (New, Trad.)

St. Vincent Ferrer (1419), Pr., R., “Angel of the Apocalypse” (New, Trad.)

Bl. Juliana of Mount Cornillon (1258), V. (Hist.)

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May 2015

S M T W T

F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

6

Easter Monday (New, Trad.)

TUESDAY The Apostles

31

abstinence on Holy Saturday end with the Easter Vigil service. ** Friday penance is not obligatory on solemnities. The seven days of Easter Week are solemnities.

7

Easter Tuesday (New, Trad.)

St. Marcellinus of Carthage (413), M. (Hist.)

St. Julius (352), P. (Hist.)

St. Sabbas the Goth (372), Pr., M. (Hist.)

St. Martin I (665), P., M. (New) St. Hermenegild (585), M. (Trad.)

Bl. Margaret of Castello (1320), V. (Hist.)

St. Justin (165), M., Pt. of lecturers (Trad.)

Sts. Tiburtius, Valerian & Maximus (230), Ms. (Valerian— bridegroom of St. Cecilia; Tiburtius—his brother) (Trad.)

St. Lydwina (1433), V., Pt. of ice skaters (Hist.)

St. Lambert of Lyons (688), Ab., Archb. (Hist.)

St. Elphege (1012), B., M. (Hist.)

St. Leo IX (1054), P. (Hist.)

St. Agnes of Montepulciano (1317), St. Anselm (1109), B., D. (New, V., R. (Hist.)

Trad.)

St. Marcellinus (374), B. (Hist.)

St. Conrad (1894), R. (Hist.)

12

19 26

3rd Sunday of Easter (New) 2nd Sunday after Easter (Trad.)

4th Sunday of Easter (New) 3rd Sunday after Easter (Trad.)

Sts. Cletus (88) & Marcellinus (304), Ps., Ms. (Trad.)

Our Lady of Good Counsel (Trad./ some places) St. Alda (Aldobrandesca) (1309), W. (Hist.)

13

20

1

Saint Joseph

Wednesday in Holy Week (New, Trad.)

** The recommended fasting and

St. John Baptist de la Salle (1719), Pr., F./Bros. Christian Schools (New) St. Herman Joseph (1241), Pr., R. (Hist.)

2nd Sunday of Easter (New) or: Divine Mercy Sunday (New) Low Sunday; Domenica in albis; Quasimodo Sunday (Trad.)

WEDNESDAY

14

21

27

28

St. Peter Canisius (1579), Pr., D. (Trad.)

St. Zita of Lucca (1278), V., Pt. of domestic workers (Hist.)

St. Peter Chanel (1841), Pr., M. (New) St. Louis Marie De Montfort (1716), Pr., F., author of True Devotion to Mary (New) St. Paul of the Cross (1775), Pr., F. of the Passionists (Trad.)

Month of the Holy Eucharist

PRAISE FOR THE FIUV PAPERS

Spy Wednesday (Hist.)

St. Hugh (1132), B. of Grenoble (Hist.)

8

Easter Wednesday (New, Trad.)

THURSDAY

2

Holy Eucharist

FRIDAY

3

SATURDAY

The Passion

First Friday

4

Our Lady *

First Saturd

Holy Thursday (Maundy Good Friday—Day of Fast and Thursday)—Institution of the Abstinence (New, Trad.)

Holy Eucharist (New, Trad.) St. Richard (1253), B. of Chichester Holy Saturday—Easter Vigil (New, Trad.)

(Hist.)

St. Francis of Paola (1507), R., Hermit, F. of the Minim Friars (New, Trad.)

9

Easter Thursday (New, Trad.)

St. Irene of Thessalonica (304), V., M. (Hist.)

10

Solemnity

**

Easter Friday (New, Trad.)

St. Isidore of Seville (636), B., D. (New, Trad.)

11

Easter Saturd (New, Trad

St. Gaucherius (1140), Ab. (Hist.)

Bucolic surroundings near Norcia. In the photo, the popular tourist attraction, Castelluccio and Il Piano Grande.

In June, there’s the lovely Fioritura or theMary flowering of of Castelluccio.

St. Julie Billiart (1816), V. (Trad./ St. Cleophas (1st C.) some places) (Hist.)

15

16

St. Fulbert (1029), B. (Hist.)

St. Ezechiel (6th C., B.C.), 1 of 4 major Old Testament Prophets (Hist.)

St. Stanislaus of Cracow (1079), B M., Pt. of Poland (New) St. Leo the Great (461), P., D. (Trad.)

St. Gemma Galgani (1903), V., Stigmatist (Hist.)

Sts. Basilissa & Anastasia (68) (Hist.)

St. Paternus (550), B. (Hist.)

St. Bernadette Soubirous (1879), V., R., Saint of Lourdes (Trad./ some places) St. Benedict Joseph Labre (1783), Beggar (Hist.)

St. Anicetus (175), P., M. (Trad.)

St. Stephen Harding (1134), Ab. (Hist.)

St. Apollonius (185), M. (Hist.)

Sts. Soter (175) & Caius (296), Ps., Ms. (Trad.)

Sts. Epipodius & Alexander (326), Ms.; Epipodius, Pt. of victims of betrayal & torture (Hist.)

St. George (303), M., Pt. of England & skin disease sufferers (New, Trad.)

St. Adalbert (997), B., M. (New, Hist.)

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1622), Pr., M. (New, Trad.)

St. Euphrasia Pelletier (1868), F. of Good Shepherd Sisters (Trad./ some places)

St. Mark (74), Evangelist, M., Pt. notaries (New, Trad.)

The Greater Litanies (Trad.)

22

Administrative Professionals’ Day

29

Fr. Cassian’s Priestly Ordination (1984) St. Catherine of Siena (1380), V., D., Pt. of Italy & fire prevention (New) St. Peter of Verona (Peter Martyr) (1252), Pr., R., M. (Trad.)

St. Hugh of Cluny (1109), Monk, advisor to nine popes (Hist.)

SS. Odo, Majolus, Odilo, and Hugh (Benedictine)

23

30

17

24

1

18

25

2

St. Pius V (1572), P., R. (New) St. Catherine of Siena (1380), V., D., Pt. of Italy & fire prevention (Trad.)

April 2015

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BONUS BOOK

9. The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicolas Tale

By Aaron Shepard Illustrated by Wendy Edelson

As Christmas stories go, it doesn’t get much better than this one. It has equal parts enchantment and history, and tells the tale of how a “baker’s dozen” came to be counted as 13 out of one baker’s realization that generosity of spirit matters more than strict legality. Bonus: There’s a killer cookie recipe and a template for a St. Nicholas cookie cutter in the back of the book. A story plus cookies? How could I not have this on my list?

10. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

By Susan Wojciechowski Illustrated by P. J. Lynch

This book should come with a warning label: Do not read without Kleenex. A beautifully written story of the redemptive quality of love and its ability to heal all wounds, the real miracle may be the uninterrupted silence from start to finish as your children sit still and listen, rapt in the tale.

RATING: 5/5 Advent Wreaths because I love a tearjerker with a happy ending.

RATING: 4.5/5 Advent Wreaths because -cookies.

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11. Our Lady of Guadalupe

Retold by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand.

Illustrated by Tonya Engel.

While not strictly either a Christmas or an Advent book, Our Lady of Guadalupe is perfect to read on her feast day, December 12th, which just so happens to be right smack dab in the middle of the Advent season. Also, since she is the only known apparition of a pregnant Mary, it makes sense to read about her as we prepare once again for the birth of the Savior.

RATING: 5/5 Advent Wreaths because Our Lady of Guadalupe is my favorite. So sue me.

There you have it. My top 10 11 books to read to children during the Advent and Christmas Seasons. May they bring you as much joy (and peace and quiet) as they have brought me and my little ones

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The weathered old Virgin statue, Next to the garden stairs, Stands in silent witness to So many whispered prayers.

Wrapped up in frozen stillness As sleet is raining down, Icicles form around her like An icy winter gown.

Harsh arctic winds and frigid cold, The worst this year has seen, Blast frosty crystal snowflakes on Our placid holy Queen.

She stands there in the frozen yard A statue all alone, On this first day of winter, In ice cold concrete stone.

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‘A

Catholic

Divorce’

Fifteen Myths About Annulments One interesting side-effect of the recent synod on the family in Rome is that media reports have laid bare the fact that a real lack of clarity still exists among many people -- both inside and outside the Church – about the Catholic declaration of nullity (“annulment”).

Benedict Nguyen, a canon lawyer in Naples, Florida, recently sat down with Regina Magazine to shed some light on what is actually going on when the Church examines and declares that a marriage is invalid.

MYTH #1

authority that an act of marrying was null.

That is, when a man and a woman tried to It is not a Catholic divorce – there is no such thing. The Church in this process is not end- get married, there was an essential necessary element that was lacking thus making their ing or terminating the marriage bond. Because of this, the term “annulment” is actually act of marrying invalid. In other words, it is a determination that a marriage bond was a misnomer. In fact, the term never appears not entered into validly by one or both of the in the Code of Canon Law. parties and thus never established from the beginning.

MYTH #2

An annulment is a Catholic divorce.

Annulments are just treated like Catholic ‘divorces’ with a different name.No. A “declaration of nullity” is a

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MYTH #3

An annulment pins the blame on the guilty party.

No. It is not a process to determine guilt or sin or to assess blame. It does not determine a “winner” or a “loser.” Rather, it is a fact-finding process.

MYTH #4

An annulment makes children illegitimate. Not true. In most countries, like the

United States, there are no civil effects on property, assets, legitimacy of children, etc.

Furthermore, canons 1137 and 1139 are clear that children born of a marriage in which at least one party entered it honestly (called a “putative” marriage in canon 1061 §3) are legitimate under canon law. A declaration of nullity simply does not change this.

MYTH #5

An annulment determines whether a marriage was ‘sacramental.’

God created marriage to be a natural institution between a man and a woman. Jesus Christ, through His Church, raised the marriage bond between two baptized persons to the level of a sacrament, that is, to be a channel of sanctifying grace. This is a beautiful reality, however, the sacramentality of a marriage is not what a declaration of nullity is trying to determine.

MYTH #6

\ MYTH #7

Annulments are granted without much investigation these days.

Again, not true. This conclusion is reached only after the appropriate ecclesiastical procedures are followed. These procedures, developed by the Church over centuries of pastoral experience, are designed to gather evidence as objectively as possible.

Unlike civil judicial procedures, the Church’s process is not an adversarial process with a winner and a loser. Rather it is a fact-finding process to help the tribunal judges determine if one of the essential elements necessary for a valid act of marrying by the parties was lacking.

MYTH #8

Annulments are granted on the basis of pretty flimsy evidence.

No. Canon law requires explicitly that a “declaration of nullity” conclusion must be reached to “moral certainty” (cf. canon 1608) and not just that it was “probably” or “must have been” so. If the judges are unable to reach moral certainty, a declaration of nullity is not issued and the presumption of the validity of the marriage continues (cf. canon 1060).

The Church does not consider non-Christians to be validly married.

MYTH #9

baptized persons establish a marriage bond validly, Christ has chosen to make that valid marriage bond also sacramental, that is, being one of the seven Sacraments by which His sanctifying grace is poured out.

Not at all. It must be stated clearly that in order for an ecclesiastical tribunal to declare an act of marrying null from the beginning, it must have lacked a specific necessary element which the Church’s law has strictly identified as being necessary for validity (cf. canon 10).

No one, including the tribunal judges or

Bishops or tribunals can ‘make up’ Not true. Non-Christians can and do new grounds to declare marriages marry validly, but when (and only when) two null.

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Fifteen Myths about Annulment

even the diocesan bishop, can make up new grounds upon which a declaration of nullity is based.

make their marriage invalid.

Untrue. This falls under the third category -- which binds if at least one of the parties is Catholic -- whether the parties married MYTH #10 according to the canonical form of marriage Being ‘too young’ to marry does not required by the Church. Dating from around make a marriage invalid. the time of the Council of Trent, the eleNot true. The specific elements necessary for ments for Catholic canonical form are now a valid act of marrying are divided into three found mainly in canon 1108 and include the categories of consideration, and the first cat- requirements of marrying before a validly egory is whether the parties had the requisite delegated Catholic minister, two witnesses, capacity to marry. For this category, there are and, under normal circumstances, following 12-13 specific grounds listed in canons 1083- the Catholic Rite of Marriage.

1094 and include requirements such as being at least of age (canon 1083), not being already MYTH #13 married (canon 1085), not being in holy orTribunals are pretty lax these days, ders or vows (canons 1087-1088), etc. and there is very little oversight on MYTH #11

If a person marries without intending to remain faithful, this does not make their marriage invalid.

Also not true. This falls under the second category, which is whether the parties had the proper consent to marry. There are about 12-15 of these grounds listed predominantly in canons 1095-1107 and include specific things such as whether a party lacks the use of reason or left out of the marital consent an essential element or property of marriage such as the intention to be faithful, to permanence, and being open to having children.

MYTH #12

If a Catholic marries outside of the Church’s requirements, this does not 196

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their decisions.

Actually, the opposite is the case if a tribunal is applying canon law correctly. Catholics need to understand that each of these categories has specific requirements that must be followed by the tribunal judges, and a declaration of nullity cannot be issued unless one of these elements are morally certain to be have been lacking at the time of the attempted act of marrying.

Yet, even if a tribunal reaches moral certainty that a particular act of marrying was null, objectivity in the process is valued so much so that an appellate tribunal is required to review the case (cf. canon 1682). Only after a conforming affirmative decision is issued from the appellate tribunal can the process be said to be completed and a declaration of nullity issued. Parties are also always free to appeal to the Roman Rota.

A Miracle in St Louis

~ Gaudete Gala 2014 to benefit St. Francis de Sales Oratory St. Louis, Missouri 12.14.2014

Gala ticket includes a festive pre-concert hors d’oeuvres reception click here

MYTH #14

MYTH #15

The Church should not allow people to Catholics don’t really need to underapply for annulments. stand all this Church legal stuff.

Since marriage is a natural and a supernatural reality, everyone has the right to approach the Church via her tribunals to request a clarification of his or her marital status in the eyes of the Church. In addition, everyone who goes through the process has a right to a canon lawyer to assist them. To be clear, though everyone has the right to request an investigation into the validity of one’s marriage, no one has a right to an affirmative or a negative decision. The decision must be based on the truth of the evidence reached to moral certainty.

On the contrary, today more than ever, it is necessary that Catholics have a good grasp of what and why this process is what it is.

Without a good understanding of marriage and what a so-called “annulment” really is, there is a true danger of more confusion when parties petition the Church for a possible declaration of nullity or when calls are made from various quarters in the Church to reform the “annulment” procedure.

Benedict Nguyen is a canon and civil lawyer and is the Communications Director and Director of the Office Sacred Worship for the Diocese of Venice in Florida.

He also serves as an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology for the Institute for Pastoral Theology of Ave Maria University.

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The Real

Santa Claus

Muscular and Generous, A Saint For Our Time

By Ed Masters If your name is Nick or Nicole, there are a few things you should know.

First, your name means “Victory of the people” from the Greek Nike (victory) and Laos (people). Second, you’re in good company. There have been many saints with this illustrious name: Nicholas of Flue, Nicholas of Tolentino, Nicholas Owen and Pope Saint Nicholas the Great to name a few. Finally, you’re named for Santa Claus — St. Nicholas of Myra and Bari – and your Saint’s feast day is December 6, kept by both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

This is quite a distinction. The real St. Nicholas was a legendary figure – a muscular and generous Christian bishop — in his own time. He saved girls from sexual slavery, raised people from the dead, was thrown into prison for his Christianity, and even punched a famous heretic at a church council. His deeds and miracles put him head and shoulders above any red-suited jolly old elf with a sleigh full of toys and flying reindeer – though of course the red-andwhite suit derive from the traditional colors of a Christian bishop’s robes.

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The Real Santa Claus

Early Years

Nicholas was born to wealthy parents in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) around the year 260 A.D. His parents had long been childless and their prayers for a child were finally answered. Tragically, they were not to enjoy the company of their son for long, as Nicholas was orphaned while still a young child.

Even then, he showed signs that his future was one that was to be filled with holiness and sanctity. He was said to have had little interaction with his peers, preferring to dedicate himself to learning and holiness. From the beginning, he disdained worldly pleasures, preferring to use his inherited wealth to help the less fortunate, the innocent and the oppressed.

The legends that have come down through the ages about Nicholas reveal how he became known as the Patron Saint of children, sailors, brides, bankers, and the poor.

Nicholas Stories

Murder, corruption and decadence characterized the times in which Nicholas lived. One grisly story that comes down to us was of three young men murdered and their bodies thrown into a barrel of brine. This occurred not long after Nicholas was ordained a priest, and the legends say that he raised the young men to life.

Another story says that a poor Christian widower with three daughters had no dowry to offer any prospective husbands, thereby all but guaranteeing they would be sold into slavery. St. Nicholas threw bags of gold through the man’s window — or placed gold coins in their shoes,depending on the source — thereby saving his daughters from a lifetime of sexual bondage.

As a young man, Nicholas made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land; like many young men of the times, he longed to escape the rampant corruption around him and decided to spend the rest of his life in solitude as a hermit. But God had other ideas. He in-

spired Nicholas to go to Myra, where the bishops had gathered to elect a successor to the recently deceased bishop. In a vision, God revealed to one bishop that they should choose the first man who would enter the church the next morning, whose name would be Nicholas.

Nicholas, knowing nothing of this, entered the church. When asked his name, he was led into the assembly of bishops and it was related to him all that had happened. In spite of his protestations, the bishops consecrated him. This turned out to be a great choice – an exemplary bishop, Nicholas visited the poor, prisoners, the sick, and all the churches of his diocese. He stoutly encouraged his people to remain faithful in spite of the terrible anti-Christian persecutions they had to endure under Licinius and Diocletian.

Nicholas and the Emperor

For his pains, Nicholas was thrown into a dungeon.

After many years, he was released when Constantine became Emperor and legalized Christianity. When the new Emperor ordered the demolition of pagan temples and idols, Nicholas assisted with great zeal and didn’t rest until all pagan temples and idols were eradicated from his Diocese.

But he was no sycophant of the powerful Emperor – and he apparently had the same power of bilocation and soul-reading attributed to St. Padre Pio in the 20th Century. In 325 A.D, when Constantine was set to execute three soldiers on false charges, the hapless prisoners beseeched God to send Nicholas to help them. The Saint – who was attending the Council of Nicea at the time — appeared before Constantine and threatened him with Divine vengeance if the sentences were not overturned. Apparently, Nicholas also appeared before the lying accuser, who immediately recanted. The prisoners were set free, and the Emperor sent many rich gifts to Nicholas.

In fact, another story tells us that at the same Council (the origin of the ‘Nicene Creed’ that Catholics recite at Mass) Nicholas became so irate at the heresy of Arius that he punched Arius in the presence of the Christmas Special 2014 | Regina Magazine

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The Real Santa Claus In punishment, Nicholas was stripped of his bishop’s garments, chained, and thrown into prison. Jesus and Mary were said to have appeared to him in prison and given him the Book of the Gospels and omophorion (Editor’s Note: In the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic liturgical tradition, the omophor is the distinguishing vestment of a bishop and the symbol of his spiritual and ecclesiastical authority.)

At the Council of Nicea -the origin of the ‘Nicene Creed’ that Catholics recite at Mass- Nicholas became so irate at the heresy of Arius that he punched him in the presence of the Emperor Constantine and all assembled.

When the prison guard checked on Nicholas in the morning, the Saint was free of chains, dressed as a bishop and reading the Gospels. When Constantine was told of this, Nicholas was released immediately.

During that same Council, sailors who were on their way to the Holy Land encountered a storm and were in danger of being shipwrecked. They called upon St. Nicholas to help them — as stories about his miracles spread even during his lifetime. Nicholas appeared to the sailors and guided their ship to land.

When they gave thanks to him, he told them, “My children, give honor to God. I am but a poor sinner.”

He then told them of the numerous sins they committed which had been the cause of the near-disaster they experienced and urged them to repent.

It is especially interesting that these remarkable legends should be so persistent, as we’re told that throughout his life Nicholas did most of his good deeds in private, trying his best follow the command of Christ to “do not do your justice before men” and “let your right hand not know what your left hand is doing.”

The Death of a Saint – and More Miracles

As a special boon, God revealed to St. Nicholas the day and hour of his death. Nicholas prepared himself and after a short, intense bout of fever, died in the year 342 A.D. But death would not be the end of his miracles.

Yet another story tells of his intervention on behalf of a couple’s only child, who had been captured by pirates and sold into slavery as the cup-bearer of an Arab ruler. After the boy’s parents sought the intercession of St. Nicholas, the boy was taken from his captors in the blink of an eye and restored to his parents.

In the year 1087 A.D., after Myra had been conquered by Muslims, Italian sailors rescued the Saint’s remains to preserve them from being desecrated. His relics are in the church of San Niccolo in Bari and to this day an oil flows with many healing properties, the ‘manna of St. Nicholas’ (‘Manna di San Niccolo’).

At one time St. Nicholas was the most popular Saint in Europe, and his fame stretched from England to Russia, Germany to Greece, and Italy to the Netherlands. More churches were built and named after St. Nicholas at one time than any other saint; there were three hundred in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands and more than four hundred in England.

For some Catholics –especially in the Eastern Catholic Churches – December 6 is the day when many give gifts, including gold chocolate coins which are given to children, who place their shoes in front of a fireplace or outside to be filled that morning. A spicy Dutch cookie called a Speculaas cookie is made and eaten this day and shaped into coins, mitres, ships, moneybags and balls — all painted with colorful icing.

For all of us, it’s also a good idea to display a holy card with St. Nicholas’ image on his Feast Day. (Or to share his image and this story on Facebook!)

For some Catholics –especially in the Eastern Catholic Churches – December 6 is the day when many give gifts, including gold chocolate coins which are given to children, who place their shoes in front of a fireplace or outside to be filled that morning.

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Thomas More College of Liberal Arts A school for all seasons.

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Christmas comes home to Preston

By Michael Durnan Canon Altiere is a newly-ordained priest with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign priest (ICKSP) at the new Shrine of St. Walburge in Preston, a historically Catholic town in northern England.

A year ago, however, Saint Walburge’s fate hung by a thread. Though a most beloved landmark – and a center of faith going back 150 years -- changing demographics had rendered its future very uncertain.

The heart-breaking truth is that Saint Walburge’s was a church no longer able to sustain parish life; it was threatened with closure when Bishop Michael Campbell made a creative and forward-looking decision. Saint Walburge’s would become a “shrine”-- giving a new lease on life to a church where generations of Prestonians have worshipped and received the sacraments.

Now this young priest, ordained in August by Cardinal Raymond Burke, is entrusted with the daily administration of this new shrine. A senior confrere not far away in New Brighton helps keeps an eye on things and two seminarians are an indispensable help, says Canon Altiere in this look at how things are going in Preston’s wonderful new Christmas gift.

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THE OPENING SOLEMN HIGH MASS AT ST. WALBURGE IN SEPTEMBER was very moving: seeing the church filled to capacity, witnessing the high altar being used once again for the liturgy for which it was built, the fatherly welcome and touching sermon by Bishop Michael Campbell, the kind welcome by the local people and clergy.

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“WE HAVE RESTORED ONE OF THE ORIGINAL CONFESSIONALS -- a pressing concern since the church offers the sacrament every day -- and refurbished the dining room in the presbytery, making a welcoming place for tea and coffee after Mass. Our volunteer choir contributes greatly to the beauty of the liturgy. We have also begun a fortnightly adult catechism class: I have been very pleased by the turnout for the first few meetings.”

“A NEW PROJECT SUCH AS THIS IS NATURALLY CHALLENGING but with patience and with help from dedicated local volunteers – and above all with God’s grace – we have been able to make a lot of progress after our first few weeks here.”

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GOD HAS GIVEN US THE CONSOLATION OF SEEING PEOPLE GROWING IN THEIR SPIRITUAL LIFE because of the providential opening of the church: from non-Catholics coming to learn more about the Catholic faith, to people coming to confession or Adoration after happening to chance upon the open doors, to people asking to be received into the Church.

God willing, we will have two adult baptisms this Easter.

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WITH A UNIVERSITY NEXT DOOR IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A CHURCH WITH OPEN DOORS in order to minister to the young people who, at this important time in their lives, are exposed not only to new opportunities but also to many temptations and challenges to their faith.

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GIVEN OUR EMPHASIS ON THE SOLEMN CELEBRATION OF THE SACRED LITURGY WE NEED TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE SACRISTY as time goes on, especially since hardly any of the original vestments remain. Someday, we hope to be able to restore to the church to its original glory: stencilled east wall, marble communion rails, etc.

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WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO THE FORMER PARISHIONERS WHO CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER IN THE CHURCH BY CLEANING, giving tours, arranging flowers and so on – ensuring the continuity between this new endeavour with the proud history of Saint Walburge’s.

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Father Christmas Comes Home to Preston

LITURGICALLY, ADVENT IS ONE OF THE HIGH POINTS OF THE YEAR, NOT ONLY WITH THE PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS BUT ALSO FOR THE GREAT FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION which providentially falls during this time.

Our Institute celebrates this feast with particular solemnity, as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is our principal patroness, and so at Saint Walburge’s we will be following the same custom as at our motherhouse in Gricigliano, Italy: a solemn Novena of preparation in honour of the Mother of God. Every evening beginning November 30th there will be a different guest preacher to give a sermon on Our Lady, followed by Benediction. The Novena will conclude with a visit from Bishop Campbell on the eve of the feast.

THIS IS SAINT WALBURGE’S PATRIMONY, BUT AS CATHOLICS WE KNOW THAT A CHURCH SHOULD NEVER SIMPLY BECOME A TOURIST ATTRACTION. It is the other way around: the fact that a beautiful and historic church has the power to attract not only practicing Catholics but also the lapsed and nonbelievers provides a wonderful opportunity in terms of evangelisation. And we know that the final goal of evangelisation is not simply spreading a message of culture or goodwill but bringing people into contact with the truths necessary for salvation. This is the mission we hope to accomplish, in our own small way, with the help of divine grace: working for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

WE ARE ALSO PLANNING AN ADVENT RETREAT DAY FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 13TH People are starved for the traditional devotions that are the lifeblood of the popular practice of our religion. We held October devotions every

day for the month of the rosary, and we hope to see a similar enthusiasm in Advent.

At the beginning crowds are small, but the important thing is to provide these devotions and then to let providence do the rest.

THE PARISH PRIESTS WHO PRECEDED US AT SAINT WALBURGE’S HAVE DONE WONDERFUL WORK in undertaking the restoration of the church’s magnificent stained-glass windows. We intend to follow the same path and see this project to its completion. We naturally need to raise funds in order to take care of the church.

“THE EXPERIENCE OF THE OPENING MASS SHOWS US THE POWER AND BEAUTY OF THE CHURCH’S TIMELESS LITURGY: in the weeks following the Mass we have had young people coming to the shrine who told us how happy they were to discover this liturgy for the first time, and other people of another generation returning to the sacraments after being touched by the grace of this beautiful opening ceremony.”

BOTH THE BISHOP OF LANCASTER AND THE SUPERIORS OF THE INSTITUTE HAVE BEEN VERY CLEAR in establishing the shrine that their primary intention is to enable the church to be open every day as a setting for liturgical and personal prayer.

Everything else must flow from this. Our major short-term goal is simply to increase our visibility in Preston: we were very pleased by the large turnout at the opening Mass, but many people still do not know the church is now open every day.

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OUR PRINCIPAL MISSION IS TO MAKE SAINT WALBURGE’S A HOUSE OF PRAYER Already the Divine Office, the Church’s continual “sacrifice of praise,” is celebrated daily in the church.

In addition to daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, we sing the offices of Lauds, Vespers and Compline every day.

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AT 309 FEET, THE BELLTOWER AT SAINT WALBURGE’S IS THE THIRD TALLEST IN ENGLAND -- In fact, the tallest independent bell tower, since the two cathedrals with taller spires have belltowers that spring from the roof. Every Saturday we have guided tours – given by the church caretaker, a longtime parishioner – which include the possibility to visit the spire.

The church is also noteworthy for its impressive war memorial, which includes a medieval Crucifixion scene -- it predates Preston city’s official war monument.

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One Slim Volume At A Tim

A Christmas Meditation on Catholic R

By Peter Gallaher

“Nicholas, old beast, have you that slim volume of verse to hand?”

“Bertie, you perfect dunce! Why ever do you ask?”

“I’m off to Millicent’s for a delightful lunch. ‘Thought I’d have it handy to show I have a lover’s heart. Don’t they always dearly love a fellow who’s got one about?”

It’s a conversation that never took place, of course.

Wodehouse would never make Bertie that hard- hearted and crafty. Wode he, now? But, they do exist, those slim volumes! We know because we have them for sale, every one an artful gem.

These little books from Kaufmann Publishing stand quietly by while New York Times bestsellers cram the shelves of airport bookstores then fill the bins of second market sellers and finally clog the

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shredders of rag traders.

Kaufmann’s slender volumes call the reader to a quieter and more reflective time, an authentic encounter with another mind and an invitation to the soul to open itself to Beauty and Truth.

Leslie’s runs are small, 500 copies of any one book at a time. And, her authors often sell their books themselves as they travel about — leading Catholic retreats and giving Catholic talks that keynote Catholic conferences.

The eldest of six children whose parents married after the War, Leslie remembers “Daddy” as an Army man who started his own advertising business near St. Simon’s Island, GA. Educated as a classical harpist herself, Leslie later joined her father and brothers in the family business learning all about printing, design, and

me

Reading

production.. Then in the jubilee year of 2000, she launched her own firm. Kaufmann Publishing‘s first book appeared in 2004 -- defining Kaufmann’s signature genre: the slim volume of verse.

Written by Pavel Chichikov, Mysteries and Stations in the Manner of Ignatius is bright and beautiful, a many-faceted gem that holds the heart’s gaze in waves of fascination. An excerpt from Pavel’s poem for The Baptism of the Lord follows.

“From heaven too comes One from Nazareth, Down by grace to give His flesh as bread, To irrigate the deserts of our death, To bleed the salty river of His blood.”

Gifted authors just somehow discover Leslie: people like Joseph Pearce, and Fr. Dwight Longenecker, both of whom she finds charming, personally, and fascinating writers. The Kauffman coterie also includes Fr. Peter Milward, S.J., author of a number of works of deep scholarship, amazing gentleness and incandescent beauty; David Craig, professor at Franciscan University; William Dunn, poet and essayist from the Diocese of Tulsa and Eleanor Bourg Nicholsen from Virginia whom Leslie describes as connected to a “veritable Who’s Who of Catholic Young People.” Then of course there’s Kevin O’Brien —in her words “a hilarious person who’d give you the shirt off his back.”

Leslie Kaufmann is that most odd yet wondrous Catholic

thing: someone who loves what she is doing and would continue doing it simply for that reason, all monetary considerations aside.

She’s a perfect fit for us at The Christian Book Corner -- where we tend to specialize in the “little guys” – often young yet solidly traditional Catholic publishers like Sophia Institute Press, Scepter Publishers, In the Arms of Mary Foundation, Bezalel Books, Summa Enterprises, and more.

Though we wouldn’t mind in the least breaking even, we’re not in it to make a buck either; it’s a labor of love, to put you in touch, closer to Truth and Beauty, one slim volume at a time.

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Hollywood and the TLM An Interview with George Sarah

By Teresa Limjoco, MD

He is a well-known film score musician, a former atheist who had a near-death experience and the head of the Una Voce chapter in Los Angeles. George Sarah recently sat down with Regina Magazine to discuss his conversion, his music and the growth of the Latin Mass in of all places, Hollywood!

What is your cultural and religious background?

I was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to the United States at the age of five. My Mother is Korean and my Father is German by heritage though he was born in Kansas. He was an attorney who practiced Law in Japan. I did not have a lot of religion growing up.

My family attended a protestant church now and then about three or four times a year but I really was not interested.

Before you became a Catholic at Easter 2006, what were your beliefs?

I was an Atheist. In 1995 I was in a very terrible car accident. My car was completely totaled and I was blessed to be alive let alone have any injuries. I truly felt there was divine intervention at that moment and I knew there was more. After that night, I started reading spiritual books and attending different religious services. I read books about near-death experiences as well as participated in Buddhist workshops but none of it felt complete.

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“I was an Atheist. In 1995 I was in a very terrible car accident.�

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Then I stumbled upon a book about Fatima in a New Age bookstore called ‘Lucia In Her Own Words” and it seemed so interesting that I bought it. I finished the book in a few days and I felt this undeniable connection to Mary, so I prayed to her.

There is a lot more to this story but I wanted to give an idea of how it happened. I want to add that most of my relatives including my Mother, Aunt and Uncle all have become practicing Catholics all on their own.

As a composer and musician, could you tell us about your musical background and influences?

I wrote my first song when I was 8, it’s an a cappella piece. My big break came in 1999 when I was asked to appear on the TV show ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’. Since then I’ve had my songs featured on numerous TV/Films including CSI, Chris Rock’s Everybody Hates Chris, HBO, and I have scored 28 episodes for the Discovery Network. I was commissioned to write a 14 minute piece to be performed at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. I’ve released 10 Albums and have written a new score for Carl Dreyer’s 1928 silent classic ‘The Passion Of Joan Of Arc’ which I have performed twice accompanied by members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Some music I like to listen to includes Bach, Aphex Twin, Bjork, Baroque era (1600-1750), The Jam, Film scores from the 60’s and 70’s. Early Autechre, electronic music with melodies, Bowie, The Bad Plus, 20th Century concerto’s, sonatas and chamber. Satie, Gorecki, Part, Barber. 80’s Hip Hop. Anything released on 4ad, Mute, Factory records. There is a lot of great music coming out of L.A. at the moment especially bands like Warpaint. Film composers Clint Mansel, Philip Glass, Bernard Herman, John Barry.

How did you learn about the TLM? My first TLM was in 2005 while I was still in RCIA. My friend Dr. Chris Curry and his late wife Jeannie invited me. At the time they were both teaching at Loyola Marymount University and they have been attending the TLM most of their adult life. I attribute my learning about the TLM as well as Catholic Church teachings to them.

What piqued your curiosity?

I was attending RCIA at the time and they encouraged everyone to go to different Masses at different churches. I don’t think they meant a TLM because the following week when I told the Sister who was in charge that I had attended a TLM, she scolded me. (Sorry but it’s a true story.)

What was your first experience of the Latin Mass like?

The first TLM I attended was celebrated at Santa Teresita Chapel in Duarte, California. The beauty, 228

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“I’ve learned all this incredible music, some of which I was already familiar with but had no idea it was for the Mass.”

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the reverence, it was like I was at a ‘Great Prayer’. There was a sense of seriousness to it all. Prior to that my Mass experience was at St. Monica’s in Santa Monica where there was liturgical dancing, protestant ministers giving the sermons and musicians performing in the Sanctuary.

I didn’t mind any of these things; I didn’t know any better since my first Catholic Mass ever in my life was in 2005.

Would you say the TLM has deepened your faith?

Yes. Learning the liturgy that goes back centuries, learning Latin which is still the official language of the Catholic Church, learning all this incredible music, some of which I was already familiar with but had no idea it was for the Mass by Mozart, Schubert, Vivaldi, and many others.

It’s helped me feel more detached from this world and has helped me with my Prayer life. I spend two hours in Prayer and Meditation everyday. I prefer the sermons at a TLM, and I learn more about the Doctors of the Church like Thomas Aquinas, and there is such a strong love for the Virgin Mary and for me that is so pivotal as she is responsible for me becoming Catholic.

Do you bring others to the TLM? I usually go by myself however I have brought a few folks from the Russian Orthodox Church. They seem to love the TLM. I don’t think I can mention their names.

My secular friends have responded very positively. A dear friend of mine and a fallen-away Catholic who didn’t care for the Novus Ordo attended a TLM and she felt a deep connection; she ended up coming back to the faith before she lost her battle with cancer.

Have you encountered any resistance?

Since you asked I will answer. A lot of the resistance has come from other TLM attendees who feel they should compromise with the TLM. Collections by women, lay people reading the Gospel, a vigil TLM at 5 PM. I was in charge of a recent petition to bring the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter to Los Angeles, and I would say about a third of the Catholic people I asked to sign refused because they felt it was causing a division in the Church.

Has anyone derided you for attending the TLM? Yes. Sadly, it was a few Seminarians I know.

How did you become the president of Una Voce LA? I was asked to be President in 2010. After the Motu Proprio by Pope Benedict XVI I asked the Pastor at St. Victor’s in West Hollywood if I could organize a Latin Mass. He said yes and with the help of Fr. 230

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Don we had the first TLM in Hollywood in over 30 years, which drew over 300 people; the Church was at capacity. I started asking around with other churches about organizing a TLM and at that point I was contacted by Una Voce LA to be involved with their group.

What is it that Una Voce does?

Una Voce Los Angeles is a branch of Una Voce America--a part of the World Wide Una Voce Federation founded by Michael Davies. We have been wholeheartedly devoted to the education, spread and use of the Traditional Latin Mass in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We have organized lectures explaining the Mass, Chant workshops and assistance for Parishes interested in having a TLM, as well as assisting the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter with their recent petition drive requested by the LA Archdiocese. In the past four years we have had over a dozen lectures, workshops and hundreds of TLMs in Los Angeles.

Have you noticed any trends in attendance and interest in the Latin Mass in your area since you became president of Una Voce LA? More and more people are going and more and more parishes are offering them. There have been 12 or 13 churches that have had a Latin Mass either once or monthly and in some cases like St Anthony’s in Pasadena requested a TLM for the 125 year anniversary.

How can people interested in the TLM learn more about it in LA? http://www.unavocela.org/ https://www.facebook.com/UnaVoceLA

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