New Cardinals?

There has been much talk over the last year or so about new Cardinals being appointed to the Church; when, where, who, etc. Today I read with interest an article on one of my favorite blogs Whispers in the Loggia. Reprinted here is a portion of that article:

Come the first days of July, B16 will literally head for the hills, remaining in residence at the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo until late September. And on his return, one key decision the pontiff will face is the creation of new cardinals and the date of a consistory to elevate new members of the college which advises him in life and, upon his death, will elect his successor.

As of today, the voting complement of the "Pope's Senate" numbers 108 -- twelve short of its maximum 120; the figure's next drop will come on 7 July as Washington's Cardinal Theodore McCarrick reaches the ineligibility age of 80, with at least another six seats falling open by mid-November.

Given the scenario, a mini-frenzy was had in early March as prominent reports in the Italian press circulated that a consistory to fill the 19 foreseen slots would be held over Christ the King weekend, 20-21 November. However, recent chatter in Rome has cast some doubt over the late fall date, with some indications reporting that -- in an economical move -- the pontiff might just hold off for another six months or so, until mid-2011, by which point another half-dozen electors will have aged out of a hypothetical conclave.

Either way, between the present and the end of 2012, another whole quarter of the voting College -- some 30 cardinals -- will superannuate; add in the dozen who've turned 80 since the 2007 consistory, and the figure exceeds a third of the eventual papal electorate.

Along these lines, it's been noted here before but, given the significance, bears repeating: among the recent or upcoming retirees are a full half of the 12 American electors -- a figure without precedent in such a short time-frame.

As history goes, the period ahead offers Benedict an unparalleled free hand at reshaping the Stateside church's topmost rank... and with this pontificate's picks averaging in their early 60s on receiving the red hat, smart money can easily foresee the coming crop of cardinals holding the helm for a generation, or even more.

This fall should prove very exciting!!! Stay tuned...

Where has the time gone?

Where does the time go? I knew that it had been some time since I last posted, but GOOD GRIEF…Thanksgiving? Well, since then I have completed my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, am on my way to Theology and I am currently assigned to Corpus Christi Parish in Colorado Springs for the summer….

7 months and that’s the best I can do? Sounds so…small. So now that you are all caught up on the doings in my life…

I am enjoying the time here at Corpus Christi. The people are wonderful and the Pastor is keeping me busy. I prefer it that way. Better than sitting around trying to find something to do. My first full week here I spent assisting the Totus Tuus team. We had the elementary kids from 9-3 and the middle school and high school kids every evening. If you don’t know what Totus Tuus is, go HERE.

Now I am keeping busy in the day to day life of the parish. I am looking at the budget to see where we can reduce expenses and increase return/income. We are starting to prepare for the upcoming school year and will start a new principle for Corpus Christi School the first of July. Between helping out at the parish, visiting parishioners, and planning some of the seminarian activities, I am keeping quite busy. It is hard to believe that next week will mark my half-way point for this assignment.

I will try to get back to regular postings again. Thanks for bearing with me and most of all thank you for the support of your prayers. Talk to you soon.

P.S. I have updated some of the other items on this site i.e. my counter, music, etc. so please look around - JS

The Pope's New Pastoral Staff

This article s courtesy of Whispers in the Loggia, on of my favorite blogs, written by Rocco Palmo.

While everyone's hopefully enjoying the long Thanksgiving weekend, the Pope is about to make his first turn with an early Christmas present.

For tomorrow night's first Vespers of the First Sunday of Advent -- the start of the new liturgical year -- B16 will debut a new pastorale ("pastoral staff") made especially for him, replacing the ferula of Bl Pius IX, which the pontiff has used since Palm Sunday 2008.

First announced in today's L'Osservatore Romano, the New Liturgical Movement breaks the story in English:
As Msgr. Guido Marini, the Papal Master of Ceremonies, tells tomorrow's edition of the [Vatican daily]: "Similar in shape to the ferula of Pius IX so far in use this can be considered to all intents and purposes the pastoral staff of Benedict XVI."...

[T]he new staff is donated to the Pontiff by the Circolo San Pietro, a Roman association founded in 1869 in support of the papacy. It is slightly smaller and lighter than the ferula of Bl. Pius IX.

On the front side of the new ferula is depicted in the centre the Lamb of God, and on the four points of the cross, the symbols of the four Evangelists. The arms of the cross are decorated in a net-like pattern which evokes the fisherman whose successor Pope Benedict is. On the backside there is in the centre the Chi-Rho, the monogram of Christ, and on the four points of the cross, four Fathers of Occident and Orient, Augustine and Ambrose, Athanasius and John Chrysostom, the same who also carry Bernini's cathedra. On the top of the shaft is the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI.
Likewise earlier today, the UK's Catholic Herald announced that, as expected -- but not, until now, confirmed -- Benedict will break with his pontificate's well-established custom to personally beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman on his visit to Britain next fall.

The papal vespers to kick off the "New Year" will run at 5pm Rome time, 11am Eastern, tomorrow, with EWTN running the livestream.

PHOTO: L'Osservatore Romano

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving has arrived. What a wonderful holiday! Today we pause to consider what we are truly thankful for. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is too often overshadowed by the approach of Christmas. Greed rears its ugly head as we overstuff ourselves on good food and look forward to Black Friday where we can resume the pursuit of worldly goods with great gusto. Now don’t misunderstand, these are not bad things in themselves, but as with all things they must be kept in moderation. We should not lose today in the anticipation of the tomorrow which may not come. Let us take some time today and reflect on the blessings that we receive. Out of an entire year, is 10 or 15 minutes really too much to ask to turn off the TV, Radio, Cell Phone, Ipod, Computer, etc. to reflect on the blessings and thank God from whom all blessings flow?

I am thankful for so many blessings in my life that they are almost innumerable. Today I am mindful of those men and women who are away from their families to keep me safe. We should remember our men and women serving in the military as well as the public servants, police and firefighters; healthcare workers in hospitals, nursing centers, etc.; and all the other people who take the time today to serve others. I am thankful for my family and friends who support me and pray for me as I pursue my vocation to the priesthood. I am thankful for the priests and religious who have dedicated their lives to God for the betterment of humanity. I am thankful for the opportunities which are afforded to me and my fellow Americans. And to each of you who read this, thank you for your support.

Take the time today to reflect on your blessings and thank God for them. Take the time to pray for those who bless your life and make it more enjoyable. So often we forget to say thank you. Don’t let today be just a start of the holiday season, make today a true day of Thanks-giving.

A Historic Moment

Just a few moments ago, the USCCB, in an historic event, FINALLY passed ALL of the translation adaptations for all parts of the REVISED MISSAL of the ordinary form of the Mass. For those who have been following, this is indeed an opportunity for much rejoicing. Let us give thanks to God for the wonderful work of many people who have worked so diligently and faithfully for the good of the Church.