EXTERNAL Solemnity of Corpus Christi

The previous post announcing the Corpus Christi Masses erroneously stated that Immaculate Conception Cleveland was observing this Solemnity on Sunday, June 2, in connection with the U.S. Bishops transferal of the feast from Thursday to Sunday.

The correct way to understand this is that it was fully permissible in 1962, and even earlier, to celebrate the EXTERNAL Solemnity of Corpus Christi on Sunday. Information we have found says the indult goes back as far as Pope Leo XIII.

We apologize for any unintended implications or misunderstandings.

Corpus Christi

Traditionally, Corpus Christi is liturgically celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. St. Stephen's will have a Latin High Mass for this feast day on Thursday, May 30, at 6:30pm. A Eucharistic Procession in the Church and benediction will follow the Mass.

In the United States, however, the feast has been transfered to the Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Immaculate Conception Cleveland will observe this on Sunday, June 2, with a Procession and benediction at the 12pm High Mass.

Ascension Thursday Masses

May 9 is Ascension Thursday, and St. Stephen and Immaculate Conception will both offer High Mass at 6:30pm.

Two Lungs, Two Events

A message from a friend of the TLM....

The Church breathes through two lungs, the East and the West.  A Catholic exchange - two events .

ONE

The Byzantine Catholic Community has been invited to come and experience the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Stephen Church on Thursday, May 9th at 6:30pm.  Come see the ancient liturgy and hear the Gregorian chant of the Roman Catholics as we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of Christ into Heaven.

St. Stephen Catholic Church
1930 W 54th St (parking lot on W.57th)

Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 631-5633

TWO

Fr. Richard J. Plishka, of the Byzantine Cultural Center, has invited the St. Stephen Roman Catholic Community to experience the Byzantine Liturgy and share in the celebration of the translation of the relics of two "beati" - two men declared "blessed" in the process of canonization.  Bl. Paul Goidic and Bl. Basil Hopko.  This will be an outstanding event led by the Bishop John Kudrick of the Eparchy of Parma and accompanied by a very skillful choir.  Don't miss this learning experience.

Saturday May 11 at 10am

Byzantine Catholic Cultural Center (Tremont)
2420 West 14th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Please consider attending both events.  Forward this on.

May: Our Blessed Mother

Let us dedicate the month of May to Our Blessed Mother.

Hail, Mary, Mother of God, 

venerable treasure of the whole universe, 

lamp that is never extinguished, 

crown of virginity, 

support of the true faith, 

indestructible temple, 

dwelling of Him whom no place can contain, 

O Mother and Virgin! 

Through you all the holy Gospels 

call blessed the One whom comes 

in the name of the Lord. 

Hail, Mother of God. 

You enclosed under your heart 

the infinite God whom no space can contain. 

Through you the Most Holy Trinity is adored and glorified, 

the priceless cross is venerated throughout the universe. 

Through you the heavens rejoice, 

and the angels and archangels are filled with gladness. 

Through you the demons are banished, 

and the tempter fell from heaven. 

Through you the fallen human race is admitted to heaven. 

Hail, Mother of God. 

Through you kings rule, 

and the only-begotten Son of God has become a star of light 

to those who were sitting in darkness 

and in the shadow of death.

Rogation Days

These three days before Ascension Thursday are traditionally known as Rogation Days. Incidentally, April 25 is also a Rogation day.

Rogationtide is the time appointed by the Church to remember and reflect upon the wrath of Almighty God. These are days of particular prayer, and, formerly, of fasting. Christians would ask for God's protection in calamities, and also for a bountiful harvest. Some rural communities still piously observe Rogation Days.

A few practical things we can do for the Rogation Days:

• Pray the Litany of the Saints
• Spend time reflecting on the power of Nature
• Review accounts of natural disasters, e.g., the stories of Pompeii and the Black Death

In times past, during Rogationtide there would have been processions with the chanting of the Litany of the Saints.