Feast of the Epiphany

The first Friday in the New Year is the Feast of the Epiphany, Jan 6, 2017. There will be a Solemn Mass offered at St Stephen at 6:30pm.

It's not too late to start this pious novena to the Magi in anticipation of the Epiphany.

This Novena is especially prayed beginning on 28 December (the Feast of the Holy Innocents) and ending on 5 January (the Vigil of the Epiphany). 

28 December:
O holy Magi! You were living in continual expectation of the rising of the Star of Jacob, which would announce the birth of the true Sun of justice; obtain for us an increase of faith and charity, and the grace to live in continual hope of beholding one day the light of heavenly glory and eternal joy. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

29 December:
O holy Magi! who at the first appearance of the wondrous star left your native country to go and seek the newborn King of the Jews; obtain for us the grace of corresponding with alacrity to every divine inspiration. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 

30 December:
O holy Magi! who regarded neither the severity of the season, nor the inconveniences of the journey that you might find the newborn Messiah; obtain for us the grace not to allow ourselves to be discouraged by any of the difficulties which may meet us on the way of salvation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 

31 December:
O holy Magi, who, when deserted by the star in the city of Jerusalem, sought humbly, and without human respect, from the rulers of the Church, the place where you might discover the object of your journey; obtain for us grace to have recourse, in faith and humility, in all our doubts and perplexities to the counsel of our superiors, who hold the place of God on earth. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 

1 January:
O holy Magi, who were gladdened by the reappearance of the star which led you to Bethlehem; obtain for us from God the grace, that, remaining always faithful to Him in afflictions, we may be consoled in time by His grace, and in eternity by His glory. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

2 January:
O holy Magi, who, entering full of faith into the stable of Bethlehem, prostrated yourselves on the earth, to adore the newborn King of the Jews, though he was surrounded only by signs of poverty and weakness; obtain from the Lord for us a lively faith in the real presence of Jesus in the blessed Sacrament, the true spirit of poverty, and a Christ-like charity for the poor and suffering. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 

3 January:
O holy Magi, who offered to Jesus Christ gold, incense, and myrrh, thereby recognizing Him to be at once King, God, and Man; obtain from the Lord for us the grace never to present ourselves before Him with empty hands; but that we may continually offer to Him the gold of charity, the incense of prayer, and the myrrh of penance and mortification. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

4 January:
O holy Magi, who, when warned by an angel not to return to Herd, traveled back to your country be another road; obtain for us from the Lord, the grace that, after having found Him in true repentance, we may avoid all danger of losing Him again. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

5 January:
O holy Magi, who were first among the Gentiles called to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and who persevered in the faith till your deaths, obtain for us of the Lord the grace of living always in conformity to our baptismal vows, ever leading to a life of faith; that like you we may attain to the beatific vision of that God Who now is the object of our faith. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end..

Dec 8, Our Lady of Lebanon Basilica

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon

2759 North Lipkey Rd

North Jackson, Ohio 44451

Will celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 

December 8 

with a TLM High Mass at 6pm celebrated by Chorbishop Anthony Spinosa

with music provided by the Basilica Schola and Chorale

Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Masses

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Thursday, Dec 8, 2016

7am Low Mass

6:30pm Solemn High Mass

Immaculate Conception, Cleveland

5pm High Mass
St Sebastian, Akron

6:30pm High Mass

St Stephen

Please let us know if there are any additional Latin Masses in the area.

Dec 6 Rorate Caeli Mass

Please join the St. John Berchmans altar servers ministry for the 8th annual Advent Rorate Candlelight Latin Low Mass in honour of our Blessed Mother.

St Stephen's Church

This Tuesday, December 6 at 7am.

Voce Caelestes of Padre Pio Academy will sing.

We are hoping you can attend.  Please invite all your friends and family.

Branches for St Barbara

It may be the Second Sunday of Advent, but December 4 is the feast St Barbara. This article by Professor Carol tells of the wonderful history of St Barbara and a particularly beautiful tradition that families can enjoy this Advent season. Click the link to read the full article. But here's the beginning excerpt.

Here’s a simple tradition for Saint Barbara’s Day, December 4. Since it falls on Sunday this year, we will look at it one day in advance.

Cut branches from a tree that buds in the spring. Ideal are twigs from cherry, plum, apple, or horse chestnut trees, as well as forsythia, lilac, English hawthorn, or jasmine. Crush or cut the ends of the branches a bit, submerge them in cool (not icy) water for a few hours. Then place them someplace cool in a vase of water. Wait a few days, and as the buds start swelling, bring them into a warmer spot such as a dining table or window sill where everyone can observe. Then watch them blossom and come to life!

Dec 4, Intro to the TLM, St Sebastian, Akron

A Friend wants you to know about an Intoduction to the TLM talk at St Sebastian in Akron. Here is the Friend's text:

It’s all greek to me!  

Latin mass 101 

Join us for a brief introduction/refresher of the Extraordinary Form (Latin Mass) at St. Sebastian Church (476 Mull Ave, Akron Ohio) on: 

Sunday, December 4th between 12:15 and 12:45 pm. 

You can stay and use what you’ve learned at the 1:00 pm Latin Mass. 

Then, afterwards, join everyone for coffee and donuts.  There will be time to ask anymore questions.  Questions, please call: 330-869-0682

Dominus Vobiscum! 

Thanksgiving Day Mass

Just a quick note  to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and let you know that Immaculate Conception will offer a low Mass at 8am on Thanksgiving Day. Also, please be aware that the normal 6:30pm Thursday Mass at St Stephen will not be offered on Thanksgiving Day.

Lastly, remember our Catholic roots in American Thanksgiving. Real First Thanksgiving

New Regular First Sunday TLM

Fr David Ireland, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in South Euclid, Ohio, sent in this wonderful news for you all to know.

Beginning this week, Sacred Heart of Jesus in South Euclid will offer a Sung Mass in the Extraordinary Form every First Sunday of the Month at 5:00 p.m.

Another Update

We have been made aware by another Friend that Sacred Heart of Jesus in South Euclid will celebrate a requiem Mass on All Souls Day at 2:30pm. The wonderful Lyceum Schola Cantorum will assist.

Mass times update

Thanks to a friend for notifying us that there is also a 6:30pm mass for All Souls at Immaculate Conception on Nov 2.

All Souls Mass, Our Lady of Lebanon

Chorbishop Anthony Spinosa, rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Basilica and National Shrine, would like for the TLM faithful to be aware of the following.

All Souls Day TLM Missa Cantata

with prayers at the catafalque

will be celebrated Wednesday, November 2 at 7pm

Music will be provided by the Basilica Schola and Choir

Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon

2759 North Lipkey Road

North Jackson, Ohio 44451

PH: 330.538.3351

Masses for All Saints and All Souls

All Saints Day
Tuesday, Nov 1

7am low Mass
St Stephen

6:30pm high Mass
Immaculate Conception


All Souls Day
Wed, Nov 2

7am low Mass
Immaculate Conception

6:30pm high Mass
St Stephen

Christ the King

Tomorrow, Oct 30, the last Sunday of October, is the traditional observation of the great feast of Christ the King. The regular Sunday schedule of Masses is there, but the beautiful annual custom which has developed over the years at St Stephen, of the German choir assisting the Latin schola, is magnificent to behold, particularly on such a glorious feast.

We are reminded that this feast was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in Quas Primas. The pontiff specifically chose the last Sunday of October with an intended purpose.

28. Therefore by Our Apostolic Authority We institute the Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ to be observed yearly throughout the whole world on the last Sunday of the month of October -- the Sunday, that is, which immediately precedes the Feast of All Saints. We further ordain that the dedication of mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which Our predecessor of saintly memory, Pope Pius X, commanded to be renewed yearly, be made annually on that day. This year, however, We desire that it be observed on the thirty-first day of the month on which day We Ourselves shall celebrate pontifically in honor of the kingship of Christ, and shall command that the same dedication be performed in Our presence. It seems to Us that We cannot in a more fitting manner close this Holy Year, nor better signify Our gratitude and that of the whole of the Catholic world to Christ the immortal King of ages, for the blessings showered upon Us, upon the Church, and upon the Catholic world during this holy period.
29. It is not necessary, Venerable Brethren, that We should explain to you at any length why We have decreed that this feast of the Kingship of Christ should be observed in addition to those other feasts in which his kingly dignity is already signified and celebrated. It will suffhice to remark that although in all the feasts of our Lord the material object of worship is Christ, nevertheless their formal object is something quite distinct from his royal title and dignity. We have commanded its observance on a Sunday in order that not only the clergy may perform their duty by saying Mass and reciting the Office, but that the laity too, free from their daily tasks, may in a spirit of holy joy give ample testimony of their obedience and subjection to Christ. The last Sunday of October seemed the most convenient of all for this purpose, because it is at the end of the liturgical year, and thus the feast of the Kingship of Christ sets the crowning glory upon the mysteries of the life of Christ already commemorated during the year, and, before celebrating the triumph of all the Saints, we proclaim and extol the glory of him who triumphs in all the Saints and in all the Elect. Make it your duty and your task, Venerable Brethren, to see that sermons are preached to the people in every parish to teach them the meaning and the importance of this feast, that they may so order their lives as to be worthy of faithful and obedient subjects of the Divine King.

The conclusion seems obvious. The culmination of the crowning glory of Christ's earthly life and mission is proclaimed and commemorated in this feast. Before the triumph of the saints on Nov 1, we celebrate Christ's.

The pontiff  encourages all of us to make this day special and to order our lives to being Our Lord's faithful and obedient subjects.

Furthermore, take the opportunity to pray to the Sacred Heart.

Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united to Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates ourselves today to Thy Most Sacred Heart.

Many indeed have never known Thee; Many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful children, who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children, who have abandoned Thee; Grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. 

Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy towards the children of the race, once Thy chosen people: of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound  from pole to pole with one cry; praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; To it be glory and honor forever. R. Amen.

Battle of Lepanto Dinner and Mass, Oct 18

Courtesy of the Knights of Columbus Woodlawn Council.....


http://knightsofcolumbuslatinmass.blogspot.com/2016/08/ninth-annual-battle-of-lepanto-mass.html

The Knights of Columbus Woodlawn Council 2161 is honored to host Bishop Athanasius Schneider who will offer a Pontifical Low Mass and be the featured speaker at the Ninth Annual Battle of Lepanto Dinner on Tuesday, 18 October 2016, at St. Titus Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

Don't miss this special evening.  Please join us for this historic Mass & dinner.

Complete details, including how to make dinner reservations, are available at the link above.  Please pass this invitation to the members of your organization and anyone else who may be interested.

Bishops Schneider's complete schedule of events for October is available at the link below.

Please spread the word.

Knights of Columbus

Woodlawn Council 2161

http://guildofblessedtitus.blogspot.com/2016/09/bishop-athanasius-schneider-events-in.html

Feast of the Nativity of the BVM

Masses for the feast of Our Lady's birth on Thursday, September 8, are as follow.

6pm Low Mass
Immaculate Conception

6:30pm High Mass
St Stephen

Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, O sacred Virgin; give me strength against thine enemies, and against the enemy of the whole human race. Give me strength humbly to pray to thee. Give me strength to praise thee in prayer with all my powers, through the merits of thy most sacred nativity, which for the entire Christian world was a birth of joy, the hope and solace of its life. 

When thou wast born, O most holy Virgin, then was the world made light. 

Happy is thy stock, holy thy root, and blessed thy fruit, for thou alone as a virgin, filled with the Holy Spirit, didst merit to conceive thy God, as a virgin to bear Thy God, as a virgin to bring Him forth, and after His birth to remain a virgin. 

Have mercy therefore upon me a sinner, and give me aid, O Lady, so that just as thy nativity, glorious from the seed of Abraham, sprung from the tribe of Juda, illustrious from the stock of David, didst announce joy to the entire world, so may it fill me with true joy and cleanse me from every sin. 

Pray for me, O Virgin most prudent, that the gladsome joys of thy most helpful nativity may put a cloak over all my sins. 

O holy Mother of God, flowering as the lily, pray to thy sweet Son for me, a wretched sinner. Amen.

Feast of St Pius X

This coming First Saturday, September 3, happens to be the feast of Pope St Pius X.

St Stephen will offer High Mass at 9:30am. Refreshments will be available in the Club Room after mass.

Immaculate Heart Solemn Mass

Fr David Ireland, pastor of Sacred Heart in South Euclid, would like for you all to know the following. 

In response to the most recent blasphemies during a "Black Mass" conducted in Oklahoma City this past August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, there will be a Solemn High Mass in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Monday, August 22 at 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 1545 South Green Rd. South Euclid, Ohio.  This Holy Mass will be offered as a special act of reparation for these most serious sins of sacrilege against the Sacred Heart Jesus and against our Blessed Mother Mary.  Holy Mass will be preceded by the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 6:30 pm and will conclude with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.  For the honor of your Mother, show your filial love for our Most Blessed Lady, and join us Monday in consoling her Immaculate Heart!

And, courtesy of a Friend...

MORE INFORMATION:

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City has called for fervent prayers from the global Catholic community in reparation for the blasphemous acts of a "Black Mass" conducted by a organized satanist group on the Feast of the Assumption, Monday, August 15, 2016.

The ceremony took place at the Civic Center in Oklahoma City and was deliberately timed to mock the Marian feast day.  In addition to the public desecration of the Most Holy Eucharist, the satanic ritual included the grotesque desecration of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Archbishop Coakley told the Catholic News Agency: “I am encouraging the faithful and people of good will to pray together for healing and peace, and for the Lord to watch over our community and protect us from evil and its many destructive and violent manifestations.  I also ask that we pray for the conversion of these men and for all who have not yet come to know the Lord of Life. 

The Archbishop went on to express his disappointment in the local government for not preventing the “abhorrent act” from taking place, despite the 150,000+ signatures petitioning local authorities to intervene. 

The satanic ceremony was led by registered sex-offender Dastur Adam Daniels who told Oklahoma City News that the Catholic Church was infringing on his religious liberty by attempting to block the ceremony from taking place 

Prominent American canonist and Vatican prelate Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke is among Catholic leaders who have expressed their shock and sadness about the event. His Eminence has encouraged the faithful to pray the Rosary in reparation for the event and to pray for the conversion of the perpetrators of this sacrilege.

Verify Your Email

There are a number of recent subscribers whose email addresses are categorized as "unverified." This unfortunately means that you probably won't receive the email updates. So please check your inboxes and junk boxes if you recently subscribed. It should be a simple "click here" to verify and guarantee you will get the updates.

Addition to Assumption Masses

Thanks to another Friend for notifying us that St Sebastian in Akron will have a TLM for the feast of the Assumption at 5pm.

Assumption Correction

Thanks to the timely response of a Friend....

The CORRECT time for the Monday morning Assumption mass at Immaculate Conception is 7am.

Feast of the Assumption

Monday, August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption. We are reminded that, though it is a day of obligation in the Church, the USCCB has abrogated the precept to attend Holy Mass because it falls on a Monday. Nonetheless, it is a solemn and great feast, and we are encouraged to practice the holy and venerable observation of Our Lady's Assumption into Heaven. Masses are listed below.

8am low Mass
Immaculate Conception

6:30pm High Mass
St Stephen

6:30pm Solemn High
Immaculate Conception

Great News for a Friend

Cleveland TLM Friends is happy to inform you that a true friend of the Traditional Latin Mass is being elevated in his priesthood. Msgr Anthony Spinosa, rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine in North Jackson, Ohio, is being elevated in his rank in the Maronite Catholic Church. Below is the press release.

Beshara Peter Rai, Cardinal Patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church has announced the elevation of the

Very Reverend Monsignor Anthony Salvatore Spinosa, Rector of the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, North Jackson, Ohio to the rank of Chorbishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, Los Angeles.

The Divine Liturgy of ordination and elevation is scheduled for Saturday, August 13,2016 at 12:00noon.

Please keep him in your prayers.

Rosary Rally

Corpus Christi, Thursday

Thursday, May 26, is the traditional observation of the solemn feast of Corpus Christi this year. St Stephen's will offer a Solemn High Mass with procession at 6:30pm. Anyone interested may bring flowers to adorn the altar.

TLM Fatima Conference

Some exciting news from a Friend of the TLM -- Msgr Anthony Spinosa, rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, would like for you all to know about this.

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, North Jackson, OH will host a Fatima Conference May 13-15. Speakers will be Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR and Fr. Shannon Collins, MSJP

A Solemn High Tridentine Mass will be offered Saturday, May 14 at 5pm. Fr. Shannon Collins will be the celebrant.  Conference registration information can be found at the Shrine website  www.ourladyoflebanonshrine.com

or by calling 330-538-3351.

Many thanks and God bless.

Reminder: First Friday and Saturday

Just a friendly reminder to consider practicing the traditional devotions of First Friday and First Saturday.

Friday:

6:00pm - Low Latin Mass at Immaculate Conception 

6:30pm - Low Latin Mass at St Stephen

8:00pm - Low Latin Mass at Mary Queen of Peace, followed by adoration and confession

Saturday: 

8:00am - Latin Mass at Sacred Heart in South Euclid and at Immaculate Conception 

9:30am - Low Latin Mass at St Stephen followed by a scripture talk & doughnuts in the Club Room 

Masses for Ascension Thursday

The traditional observation of Our Lord's Ascension into Heaven is tomorrow, Thursday May 5. Though it is not a day of obligation here in Cleveland, it is still a pious act of devotion to hear Mass on this day. And we are blessed to have Latin Masses available.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

8:30am Sacred Heart of Jesus, South Euclid

6:30pm St Stephen, Immaculate Conception

Prayers for St Rocco Parish

Dear Friends of the TLM,

St Rocco Parish on Cleveland's West Side has offered the Latin Mass faithful the Sunday evening opportunity to hear Mass for a number of years. The new pastor, Fr James Mayer, who has celebrated that Mass there for some time, announced that tonight was the final Sunday evening Mass at the parish.

St Rocco's is going through a tough period right now. The parish has two priests, and the other Friar, Fr Paschal Rosa (Fr Pat), is battling cancer, and he is understandably unable to help in the capacity which he did before. This has put Fr James in a difficult position, having to make tough choices.

Please pray for the parish, for the religious community there, for the Mercedarians, and particularly for Fr Pat.

Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us.
St Peter Nolasco, pray for us.

Sacred Heart Parish Latin Mass

Fr Ireland, the wonderful pastor of Sacred Heart in South Euclid, would like for you all to know that there will be a Missa Cantata offered at 5pm on Sunday, April 24.

Sacred Heart is located at 1545 S Green Rd in South Euclid, Ohio.

First Weekend

A Friend of the TLM sent in the following, reminding all of us to try and keep these days of pious devotion.

There are many things going on this weekend, with it being both first Friday/Saturday + Divine Mercy Sunday.

Friday:

6:00pm - Low Latin Mass at Immaculate Conception 

6:30pm - Low Latin Mass at St Stephen

8:00pm - Low Latin Mass at Mary Queen of Peace, followed by adoration and confession

Saturday: 

8:00am - Latin Mass at Sacred Heart in South Euclid and at Immaculate Conception 

9:30am - Low Latin Mass at St Stephen followed by a scripture talk & doughnuts in the Club Room 

6:30pm - Mary Queen of Apostles in Brookpark is serving hotdogs & snacks followed by 7pm viewing of the Divine Mercy Documentary 

Sunday: 

3:00pm - St Stephen’s is having a Divine Mercy prayer service

Happy Easter!

"O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages."

 (St. John Chrysostom, Easter Homily)

We Choose Barabbas

And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said, Barabbas. Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him be crucified.

An interesting point to be made here is that the name Barabbas means son of the father (bar - son, abba - father). Barabbas is the notorious prisoner, a murderer and rioter. He is known to be guilty. Pope Benedict XVI in his book, Jesus of Nazareth, translates the word for those who called for the guilty son of the father to be released, thereby sentencing the Innocent Son of the Father to death, as crowd. We sentence Jesus to death every time we choose evil.

The School of Jesus Crucified presents the following meditation and reading for our benefit. The School of Jesus Crucified can be found online, for free, here.

Barabbas preferred before Jesus.

Meditation.

Pilate, finding no cause in Jesus and being
willing to save Him from His enemies, has re-
course to the expedient of offering the people
their choice between Him and Barabbas, who is
a man so hateful to all on account of his crimes,
that it does not seem possible they can for a
moment hesitate to ask the favour for Jesus
Christ

Consider —

I. The insult Pilate offers Jesus by comparing
Him with Barabbas.

Who is Jesus, and who is Barabbas ? Jesus is
the Eternal Son of God, the King of Majesty, the
Lord of Glory, the Creator of Heaven and Earth
and the Holy of Holies. It would be a grievous
insult to compare Him with the highest of the
angels, what then must it be to compare Him
with Barabbas, a rebel,- a thief, a murderer, and
a notorious criminal? How keenly must the
Heart of Jesus feel so ignominious a com-
parison ! What anguish must His Soul suffer
on hearing Pilate say to the people: — " Which
of the two will you have? Whom do you
prefer?  Whom do you love best, Jesus or Barab-
bas? And yet He joyfully submits even to this
disgraceful outrage. How often have you re-
newed this shameful comparison ? Whenever the
devil has tempted you to indulge in some sensual
pleasure, or the world has instigated you to take
vengeance, and you have been careless and luke-
warm in rejecting the temptation, being undecided
as to whether it were better to please God and
obey His laws, or indulge your evil passions, so
often have you compared God, the Sovereign
Infinite Good, to a miserable gratification and
vile pleasure. What an outrage to God ! What
an insult to His Majesty! Be ashamed of your
rash presumption, and weep over your sin.

2. The unjust preference given by the Jews to
Barabbas.

The Jews having heard the proposal of Pilate,
and being inflamed with rage against our inno-
cent Saviour, exclaim as one man, " Not Jesus
but Barabbas. They are well aware of the un-
sullied innocence of Jesus — they have been wit-
nesses of the sanctity of His life — they have
received infinite benefits from His hand, nay,
many out of that numerous crowd have been
miraculously healed by Him. And yet, though a
prodigy of injustice, there is not one man in all
that multitude who will ask for His liberation !
And the most generous of benefactors is set aside
for the sake of a wicked seditious man ! The God
of Majesty and Holiness is treated as nought in
comparison with a murderer ! Words can never
describe how deep a wound is inflicted on the
loving Heart of Jesus by the intolerable injustice
done Him on this occasion by His chosen
people. Compassionate Him in this His painful
humiliation, but pause and reflect also upon your
own conduct. The Jews are guilty in preferring
Barabbas before Jesus, but they committed this
enormous crime upon one occasion only, whereas
how many times have you exclaimed in your
heart, by consenting to sin, "Away with God
from my soul, give unto me the devil with that
wicked pleasure, or illicit gain, or that gratifica-
tion of my evil passions" You have preferred
the devil to Jesus whenever you have renounced
the service of God. You knew that Jesus was
your King, you believed Him to be your God,
you adored Him as your Saviour, and yet you
thus preferred an unclean and degrading sensual
pleasure before Him ! What more frightful in-
justice than this ? Detest your malice, force your
perverse will to retract its shameful determi-
nations, and resolve ever to prefer God before
all created objects.

3. The Jews having asked for the liberation of
Barabbas — thus proving that they set more value
on the life of a public thief, than on that of the
Saviour of the world, now demand with loud cries
that Jesus should be condemned, that He should
be put to death, that He should be crucified.

Who could have thought that this ungrateful
people would have reached such a height of in-
iquity as to desire the crucifixion of their King,
their Messiah, and their Deliverer — the Expecta-
tion of nations, whose presence they had so long
sighed for, and whom, but a few days before, they
had welcomed with acclamations as the Son of
God ? But who would ever believe that a Chris-
tian, so liberally loaded with favours, so tenderly
loved by Jesus, could commit so atrocious a crime
as to exclaim in his heart, Let Jesus die! And
yet such is your daily cry by the commission of
mortal sin. You say, not with your voice, but by
your deeds: — " Let sin triumph but let Jesus die! !
The loss of God I consent to, but not the loss of this
shameful pleasure. Let Jesus be crucified and sin
reign in my soul. Can any impiety or ingratitude
surpass this? Pilate says to the furious Jews :—
" But what evil hath Jesus done, that you wish
Him to die ?" And they persist in crying, " Let
Him be crucified" What evil has Jesus done
you," was the cry also of your conscience, " that
you are determined to offend Him ?" And yet
you obstinately persisted in sin, and in crucifying
Jesus. The only crime of Jesus is that of too
much love for us, His charity has induced Him
willingly to accept death for our sakes. His love
for you, and desire for your salvation, cause Him
to wait for you with such infinite patience, even
after all the outrages you have committed against
Him. Love so loving a God, thank so merciful a
God, and displease not so good a God anymore.

The Fruit.

Determine to avoid sin above every other evil-
Be careful and prompt in banishing bad thoughts
and the wicked suggestions of the devil, declaring
your firm determination of serving God alone.
Conceive a holy hatred against your flesh, your
passions, and your self-love, which have so fre-
quently caused you to offend God. Often say of
these enemies, " Let them be crucified and en-
deavour to crucify them by mortification.

Example,

There is nothing which may not serve to remind
the lovers of Christ Crucified of the sufferings and
death of their beloved Redeemer. The servant
of God, Sister Mary Minima, of Jesus of Naza-
reth, a Carmelite nun, was one Friday in March
sitting down to table, when she saw a little lamb
come into the Refectory, run towards her, and
take refuge in her arms. More was not required
to make her think of Jesus, the Lamb without
spot, delivered up by the furious Jews to the
bitterest torments and most ignominious death.
She was so much overcome by this reflection,
and so many tears flowed from her eyes, that she
was quite unable to take any food for the re-
mainder of the day.

Accustom yourself in like manner to take
occasion from everything to remember the suffer-
ings of Jesus.

Holy Week

Cleveland TLM faithful have the daily opportunity to attend liturgical services in anticipation of Our Lord's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Holy Week is packed with daily Masses, the Office of Shadows, and the full Triduum, culminating in the glorious Easter Vigil.


_______________________

Monday
7am Low Mass
6pm Low Mass
7pm Communal Penance with Individual Confession
-Immaculate Conception

Tuesday
7am Low Mass
-St. Stephen

6pm Low Mass
-Immaculate Conception

Wednesday
7am Low Mass
6pm Low Mass
-Immaculate Conception

6:30pm Low Mass
7:45pm Office of Tenebrae
-St. Stephen

Maundy Thursday
6:30pm High Mass
-Immaculate Conception

Good Friday
6pm Mass of the Pre-Sanctified
-Immaculate Conception

Holy Saturday
1pm Blessing of Easter Baskets
11:30pm High Mass
-Immaculate Conception

Friday's in Lent

Immaculate Conception in Cleveland is making the Friday's of Lent a good place for Traditional Catholics to observe pious practices and devotions. The evening begins with confessions before a 6pm Latin mass. Stations and Benediction will follow.

Ash Wednesday Masses

The Ash Wednesday schedule of masses is below. We are reminded that it's a day of fast and abstinence. Also, though it is not a day of obligatory mass attendance, it's certainly a day of beauty and eternal truth concerning our mortality, and Catholics are encouraged to assist at Holy Mass.

Remember, man, you are dust; and unto dust you shall return.

6:50am Low Mass
St Stephen

7am Low Mass
Immaculate Conception

5:15pm
St Sebastian

6:30pm High Mass
Immaculate Conception

St. Blaise, Feb 3

The legend as given in the Grande Encyclopédie is as follows:

Blaise, who had studied philosophy in his youth, was a doctor in Sebaste in Armenia, the city of his birth, who exercised his art with miraculous ability, good-will, and piety. When the bishop of the city died, he was chosen to succeed him, with the acclamation of all the people. His holiness was manifest through many miracles: from all around, people came to him to find cures for their spirit and their body; even wild animals came in herds to receive his blessing. In 316, Agricola, the governor of Cappadocia and of Lesser Armenia, having arrived in Sebastia at the order of the emperor Licinius to kill the Christians, arrested the bishop. As he was being led to jail, a mother set her only son, choking to death of a fish-bone, at his feet, and the child was cured straight away. Regardless, the governor, unable to make Blaise renounce his faith, beat him with a stick, ripped his flesh with iron combs, and beheaded him.

7am Low Mass
Immaculate Conception

6:30pm Low Mass
St. Stephen

The Blessing of Throats will follow both Masses.

Article 1625 from The Book of Blessings contains a brief historical background of the blessing of throats:
“ Saint Blase was the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia during the fourth century. Very little is known about his life. According to various accounts he was a physician before becoming a bishop. His cult spread throughout the entire Church in the Middle Ages because he was reputed to have miraculously cured a little boy who nearly died because of a fishbone in his throat. From the eighth century he has been invoked on behalf of the sick, especially those afflicted with illnesses of the throat. ”
Details regarding the miraculous healing of the boy vary. One account relates that the miracle occurred during the journey to take Blaise to prison when he placed his hand on the boy's head and prayed; another that the miracle happened while Blaise was in prison when he picked up two candles provided to him and formed a cross around the boy's throat.
The use of candles for the blessing of throats stems from the candles that Blaise used while in prison. When an old woman's pig had been miraculously rescued from a wolf by Saint Blaise, she would visit him in prison, bringing him food and candles to bring him light in his dark cell.

Correction

Please kindly accept our apologies. Incorrect information was given to us regarding the Candlemas mass time at St Stephen. Please pay attention to the following, and if you informed anyone previously, send along this correction.

St Stephen's will celebrate Candlemas on Tuesday, Feb 2 at 6:45 AM. The blessing and procession will take place before mass.

Again, the mass for Candlemas at St Stephen is a morning mass, not an evening mass.

Candlemas, Feb 2

Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Purification of the BVM, is Tuesday Feb 2. The Latin Masses are listed below.

7am Low Mass (regular Tuesday morning Mass)
St. Stephen

6:30pm High Mass with Blessing of Candles and Procession
Immaculate Conception

6:45pm High Mass with Blessing of Candles and Procession
St. Stephen

From New Advent....

According to the Mosaic law a mother who had given birth to a man-child was considered unclean for seven days; moreover she was to remain three and thirty days "in the blood of her purification"; for a maid-child the time which excluded the mother from sanctuary was even doubled. When the time (forty or eighty days) was over the mother was to "bring to the temple a lamb for a holocaust and a young pigeon or turtle dove for sin"; if she was not able to offer a lamb, she was to take two turtle doves or two pigeons; the priest prayed for her and so she was cleansed. (Leviticus 12:2-8)

Forty days after the birth of Christ Mary complied with this precept of the law, she redeemed her first-born from the temple (Numbers 18:15), and was purified by the prayer of Simeon the just, in the presence of Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:22 sqq.). No doubt this event, the first solemn introduction of Christ into the house of God, was in the earliest times celebrated in the Church of Jerusalem. We find it attested for the first half of the fourth century by the pilgrim of Bordeaux, Egeria or Silvia. The day (14 February) was solemnly kept by a procession to the Constantinian basilica of the Resurrection, a homily on Luke 2:22 sqq., and the Holy Sacrifice. But the feast then had no proper name; it was simply called the fortieth day after Epiphany. This latter circumstance proves that in Jerusalem Epiphany was then the feast of Christ's birth.

Incidentally, it is made clear again the importance and solemnity with which the Feast of the Epiphany was kept in times past.

Also, the interesting history behind the procession....

The solemn procession represents the entry of Christ, who is the Light of the World, into the Temple of Jerusalem. It forms an essential part of the liturgical services of the day, and must be held in every parochial church where the required ministers can be had. The procession is always kept on 2 February even when the office and Mass of the feast is transferred to 3 February. Before the reform of the Latin liturgy by St. Pius V (1568), in the churches north and west of the Alps this ceremony was more solemn. After the fifth oration a preface was sung. The "Adorna" was preceded by the antiphon "Ave Maria". While now the procession is held inside the church, during the Middle Ages the clergy left the church and visited the cemetery surrounding it. Upon the return of the procession a priest, carrying an image of the Holy Child, met it at the door and entered the church with the clergy, who sang the canticle of Zachary, "Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel". At the conclusion, entering the sanctuary, the choir sang the responsory, "Gaude Maria Virgo" or the prose, "Inviolata" or some other antiphon in honour of the Blessed Virgin.

Epiphany Masses

Masses for the Feast of the Epiphany, on Wednesday, Jan 6, are listed below.

7am Low Mass
Immaculate Conception

6:30pm High Mass
St. Stephen
Immaculate Conception

7pm High Mass
Sacred Heart of Jesus, South Euclid