| Welcome, Guest |
You have to register before you can post on our site.
|
| Forum Statistics |
» Members: 309
» Latest member: Mason M.
» Forum threads: 7,237
» Forum posts: 13,406
Full Statistics
|
| Online Users |
There are currently 876 online users.
» 0 Member(s) | 874 Guest(s)
Bing, Google
|
| Latest Threads |
Oratory Conference: "A St...
Forum: Conferences
Last Post: Deus Vult
11 hours ago
» Replies: 0
» Views: 72
|
Oratory Conference: "A S...
Forum: Conferences
Last Post: Deus Vult
11 hours ago
» Replies: 0
» Views: 60
|
Pope Leo omits the Filioq...
Forum: Pope Leo XIV
Last Post: Stone
Yesterday, 06:26 AM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 124
|
Global elites insisting o...
Forum: Global News
Last Post: Stone
Yesterday, 06:14 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 110
|
The Recusant #64 - Autumn...
Forum: The Recusant
Last Post: Stone
Yesterday, 05:34 AM
» Replies: 7
» Views: 1,815
|
The Catholic Trumpet: Is ...
Forum: The Catholic Trumpet
Last Post: Stone
Yesterday, 05:34 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 85
|
Fr. Hewko - Regarding Mas...
Forum: When there is No Priest
Last Post: Stone
09-15-2025, 10:12 AM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 9,027
|
Archived Bulletins of the...
Forum: Bulletin of the Oratory of the Sorrowful Heart of Mary
Last Post: Stone
09-15-2025, 07:44 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 150
|
Stabat Mater, the Hymn of...
Forum: Marian Hymns
Last Post: Stone
09-15-2025, 07:09 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 135
|
The Secret of La Salette ...
Forum: Our Lady
Last Post: Stone
09-15-2025, 06:06 AM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 16,649
|
|
|
| It is those of little faith and the Godless who fear. |
|
Posted by: SAguide - 12-24-2021, 10:57 AM - Forum: Pandemic 2020 [Spiritual]
- No Replies
|
 |
CS Lewis wrote this in 1942...
• Young man to the devil: "How did you manage to send so many people to hell?"
• The devil: "Through fear."
• The young man: "Good for you! And what were they afraid of? Wars? Hunger?"
• The devil:" No... illness."
• The young man: "Did they get sick? Did they die? Was there no cure?"
• The devil: "They didn't get sick. They just died. And there was a cure..."
• The young man: "I do not understand..."
• The devil: "They believed that the only thing they had to keep at all costs was Life!"
They stopped hugging, stopped greeting each other. They left all human contacts... They left everything that was human!
They ran out of money.
They lost their jobs.
They chose to fear for their lives, even if they had nothing to eat.
They believed what they heard, read newspapers and blindly believed they were reading the truth.
They gave up their freedom.
They never left their homes again.
They didn't go anywhere.
They never visited friends and family again.
The whole world has become a huge prison with *convicted volunteers*.
They voluntarily accepted everything! All this to experience another miserable day...
They did not live, they died every day! It was too easy to take away their miserable souls..."
~ CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, "Letters to the Soulmaster" (1942)
|
|
|
| A French-Canadian Christmas: Holiday Traditions from the Era of New France and Beyond |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-24-2021, 10:00 AM - Forum: Resources Online
- No Replies
|
 |
A French-Canadian Christmas: Holiday Traditions from the Era of New France and Beyond
French-Canadian Geneologist [secular source]
It’s that time of year… Christmas cards, decorations, Christmas trees, over-indulgence and, to the delight of some and the chagrin of others, non-stop holiday music everywhere. These “traditions” are all fairly recent. As a genealogist and history-geek, I’ve often thought about my French-Canadian ancestors and how they might have celebrated the Christmas holidays centuries ago. Did they come together with friends and family as we do? Or was Christmas mostly a religious holiday?
![[Image: image-asset.jpeg?format=500w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576622142747-D4CPXAB88LNXFM1NM7IX/image-asset.jpeg?format=500w)
“Habitants going to Christmas Market”, 1842 watercolour by Millicent Mary Chaplin (Library and Archives Canada).
For Catholic New France, Christmas was a rather solemn religious ceremony celebrating the birth of Christ, with traditions brought over from France. In 1640, the Ursuline nuns in Québec made their own nativity manger, with small figurines and animals made of beeswax. In 1645, French colonists got together in a Québec church to celebrate midnight mass, sing “Venez, mon Dieu” and “Chantons Noé”, an ancient Christmas song, and unveil a nativity manger. Musical instruments were brought over from France as early as 1645 but were mostly played by (or for) the upper classes during the holidays.
While Christmas wasn’t exactly a joyous affair, New Year’s Day certainly was. Over the centuries, however, the whole of the holiday season became a time for French Canadians to let loose with friends and family—to dance a jig, sing old songs, tell stories and entertain children with marionettes. This was, after all, the end of a long period of abstinence and penitence imposed by the church during Advent. Christmas was the start of a series of evening festivities that lasted until the Feast of Kings, celebrated on January 6th (also called Three Kings’ Day or Epiphany). These were the “twelve days of Christmas”. Most of these traditions were common across French-Canadian groups: Québécois, Franco-Ontarians and Acadians.
![[Image: Messe%2Bde%2Bminuit.jpg?format=750w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576622974798-MWFUZKKGOHU3XK1EC2KM/Messe%2Bde%2Bminuit.jpg?format=750w)
“Midnight Mass”, 1880 drawing appearing in L’Opinion Publique (BAnQ numérique).
Preparations for the holiday period started weeks in advance, especially for those living in the country. Around the second week of December, once the cold had set in, it was time for “the butchery”. Chickens, geese, turkeys, pigs and sheep were slaughtered in order to make the meat dishes. This could take as long as 3 or 4 days. Then, women prepared traditional dishes such as ragoût de pattes de cochon (pig’s feet stew), boudin (blood sausage), creton (a pork spread), tourtières (meat pies), ham, head cheese, beignets and other pastries. As refrigerators didn’t exist, the food was kept in the “summer kitchen”, an unheated room adjoining the house. Preserved vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, parsnips and radishes could also be served during the holidays, having been grated and salted in the fall. To prepare the vegetables, they would be rinsed, then seasoned with vinegar, pepper and sometimes maple syrup.
After the meal preparation was over, the women would make candles from the leftover animal fat. The candles were used to light houses and a portion was donated to light the parish church.
More privileged families had access to imported goods for the holidays. Prior to 1850, ships from Europe and the Caribbean would arrive at the end of November. Those living along the shores of the St. Lawrence would sell their slaughtered animals or prepared meat dishes at the various markets of Québec, Trois-Rivières and Montréal. With the sale proceeds, they could buy exotic imported goods from the ships. Aside from the pantry basics such as sugar, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, olive oil and spices, they could buy cheese, nuts, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and sweets. Starting in 1850, goods also arrived by train from the United States. Canned goods started to appear, especially canned seafood. The English especially loved oysters and included them in many of their holiday dishes.
![[Image: En%2Broute%2Bpour%2Bla%2Bmesse%2Bde%2Bmi...ormat=500w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576630876437-MBC7IWHO3E8LN7WYXP61/En%2Broute%2Bpour%2Bla%2Bmesse%2Bde%2Bminuit.jpg?format=500w)
“En route to Midnight Mass”, 1900 drawing by Paul Caron (BAnQ numérique)
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve was an important tradition that many still observe today. Bundled up for the cold, the whole family would go to the village church in a horse-drawn sleigh, with the exception of the mother, the grandmother or the eldest daughter. Someone had to stay home to watch over the children (only those over 14 or 15 could go to mass) and ensure that last-minute preparations were made for the réveillon (the “awakening”), the meal eaten at midnight. In this era, each family had their own dedicated pew in the church, which was well-light by all the candles and decorated for the occasion. High mass would be performed, then low mass. The priest would recite prayers and the congregation would sing old Christmas songs, some dating from the Middle Ages. In more recent times, “Minuit chrétien” (O Holy Night) was performed. Three masses were then conducted, each followed by a well-known Christmas carol: Les anges dans nos campagnes (Angels We Have Heard on High), Ça bergers and Dans cette étable. Once services were over, villagers would exchange Christmas greetings and head home to the réveillon, in which children also participated.
![[Image: 1919+Le+retour+de+la+messe+de+minuit.jpg?format=750w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576631311228-Q2RIQWW3JBPN6QGU86VM/1919+Le+retour+de+la+messe+de+minuit.jpg?format=750w)
“The Return from Midnight Mass”, 1919 painting by J. Edmond Massicotte (BAnQ numérique)
The midnight meal was welcomed after the fasting of Advent. For some French-Canadian families, a light meal would be served consisting of meat pâtés and a few accompaniments before going to bed. For others, a more generous dinner included tourtières (meat pies), roast pork, potatoes and pastries. Common holiday desserts included a nutmeg-flavoured egg tart, a tarte à la farlouche (molasses pie), tallow pie, sugar pie, white or apple cider vinegar pie, cookies and Savoy cakes. For Acadians, pâté à la viande (cousin to the meat pie) was the main dish and a special dessert called croquecignoles was prepared (a kind of doughnut dough was rolled lengthwise, then cut into six-inch pieces that were twisted and cooked in melted fat; over time it became known simply as a doughnut). For English Canadians, the meat of choice was normally roasted and stuffed goose, served alongside mince pie, which was filled with poultry, pheasant, partridge and rabbit. Eventually, turkey replaced the goose. For dessert, plum pudding and fruitcake were favourites.
![[Image: 1881%2BLe%2Bre%25CC%2581veillon%2Bde%2BN...rmat=1000w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576631760810-EDYZ0HN137T0JGGYAFYZ/1881%2BLe%2Bre%25CC%2581veillon%2Bde%2BNoe%25CC%2588l%2Ba%2Bla%2Bcampagne%2B-%2BLOpinion%2BPublique%2BBAnQ.jpg?format=1000w)
“Christmas réveillon in the country”, 1881 drawing appearing in L’Opinion Publique (BAnQ numérique)
Christmas Day for French Canadians was a relatively quiet affair, when families rested, played card games and received visits from a few friends or family members. Many families also had a unique lunch, served only on this day—a pig’s head, boiled and roasted for the occasion, which was served whole on the table.
Another réveillon took place on New Year’s Eve (or Day, depending on the mealtime). The following day, the tradition was to visit friends and family to offer well wishes, and children would receive gifts. As was the case in France, gift-giving took place on January 1st, not on Christmas (same goes for English families). Baby Jesus was the one who brought children their gifts. Until the late 19th century, New Year’s Day was more popular with French Canadians than Christmas. Another tradition no longer seen today was the customary New Year’s Day morning blessing by the father of the household.
“The Morning of New Year’s Day”, 1887 drawing appearing in Le Monde Illustré (BAnQ numérique)
On La fête des Rois (Feast of the Kings), celebrated on the 6th of January, a final holiday meal would be shared by the family. A galette des Rois (puff pastry filled with frangipan, a type of almond cream) would be served for dessert. A small item would normally be hidden inside the galette, like a bean or a penny in more recent times. Whoever found the “treasure” would receive a small gift. After the meal, friends, family and neighbours would gather to sing, dance and play music with violins, accordions and harmonicas.
![[Image: 1897+Arbre+de+noel+-+Le+Monde+illustre%C...ormat=500w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576633264544-ZYKNSQJ4A3E2PXTLZVQQ/1897+Arbre+de+noel+-+Le+Monde+illustre%CC%81.jpg?format=500w)
“The Christmas Tree”, 1897 drawing appearing in Le Monde illustré (BAnQ numérique)
After the British conquest of New France, not much changed by way of Christmas tradition. The one exception was the arrival of the Christmas tree. Originally a German custom, it made its way to the United States. In 1781, a British General of German descent, Von Riedesel planted the first Christmas tree on Canadian soil in Sorel, Québec. The practice of decorating Christmas trees, however, was generally limited to bourgeois families. It only became popular in French-Canadian families around 1930.
The biggest transition came from 1885 to 1915, when a more commercialized Christmas tradition made its way from the United States to Canada. Stores in Montreal began advertising heavily and the character of “Santa Claus” was introduced to children. Slowly, Santa replaced Baby Jesus as the distributor of toys for children, and Christmas dethroned New Year’s Day as the favourite holiday, as more and more children received gifts on Christmas instead. New English, French and American traditions found their way to Canada, such as Christmas stockings, Christmas cards, decorated Christmas trees, eating turkey, etc. This period also signalled the change of Christmas as a religious holiday to an increasingly commercial one. Québec nationalists and conservatives fiercely objected to the commercialization of Christmas at the time, stating the holidays were being distanced from catholic morals. For most anglophone families in Canada, this transition to a more commercialized Christmas took place in the late 19th century. For francophones, however, traditions did not change until the end of World War I. This also coincided with the name change of “Santa Claus” to “Père Noël” in Québec (which translates to Father Christmas). Many French Canadians associated “Santa Claus” with Germany, so efforts were made to "indigenize" Santa after the war.
![[Image: 1893+L%27arbre+de+Noe%CC%88l+la+distribu...ormat=500w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576633904079-0TP0GAI4L1OLQAG5YBZC/1893+L%27arbre+de+Noe%CC%88l+la+distribution+faite+par+Papa+Santa+Claus+-+Le+Monde+Illustre+BAnQ.jpg?format=500w)
“Distribution by Father Santa Claus”, 1893 drawing appearing in Le Monde Illustré (BAnQ numérique)
Children in Québec and Acadia had a custom of leaving their shoes near the chimney for Baby Jesus (and later Santa) to fill with toys. In some Québec families, children would attach stockings to the foot of their bed. This tradition ended in the 1930s when Christmas trees became prevalent and gifts were left under the tree.
|
|
|
|
| Meditations, Thoughts, and Prayers for Christmas Eve |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-24-2021, 09:51 AM - Forum: Christmas
- Replies (1)
|
|
![[Image: ?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpaintingvalley.com%2Fim...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpaintingvalley.com%2Fimages%2Fjourney-to-bethlehem-painting-4.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Tu scendi dalle stelle ~ You Come Down from the Stars
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
You come down from the stars
Oh King of Heavens,
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.
Oh my Divine Baby
I see you trembling here,
Oh Blessed God,
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.
For you, who are of all the world
The creator,
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord.
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord.
Dear chosen one, little infant
This dire poverty,
Makes me love you more
Since Love made you
Poor now.
Since Love made you
Poor now.
Christmas Eve
Saint Joseph goes to Bethlehem with His Holy Spouse
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
Ascendit autem et Joseph . . . ut profittretur cutit Maria desponsata sibi uxore preegnantt.
"And Joseph also went up . . . to be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child."--St. Luke, ii. 4.
God had decreed that His Son should be born not in the house of Joseph, but in a cavern and stable of beasts, in the poorest and most painful way that a child can be born; and therefore He caused Caesar to publish an edict, by which people were commanded to go and enroll themselves, every one in his own city whence he drew his origin.
When Joseph heard this order, he was much agitated as to whether he should take with him or leave behind the Virgin Mother, as she was now so near childbirth. My spouse and my lady, said he to her, on the one hand, I do not wish to leave you alone; on the other, if I take you with me, I am much afflicted at the thought of all that you will have to suffer during this long journey, and in such severe weather. My poverty will not permit me to conduct you with that comfort which you require. But Mary answers him, and tries to give him courage with these words: My Joseph, do not fear. I will go with you; the Lord will assist us. She knew, both by divine inspiration, and also because she was well versed in the prophecy of Micheas, that the divine Infant was to be born in Bethlehem. She therefore takes the swaddling-clothes, and the other miserable garments already prepared, and departs with Joseph. And Joseph also went up . . . to be enrolled with Mary.
Let us now consider all the devout and holy discourses which these two holy spouses must have held during this journey concerning the mercy, goodness and love of the divine Word, who was shortly to be born, and to appear on the earth for the salvation of men. Let us also consider the praises, the benedictions, the thankgs-givings, the acts of humility and love, which these two illustrious pilgrims uttered on the way. This holy Virgin, so soon to become a mother, certainly suffered much in so long a journey, made in the middle of winter, and over rough roads; but she suffered with peace and with love. She offered to God all these her trials uniting them to those of Jesus, whom she carried womb.
Oh, let us unite ourselves also, and let us accompany Mary and Joseph in the journey of our life; and, with them, let us accompany the King of Heaven, Who is born in a cave, and makes His first appearance in the world as an infant, but as the poorest and most forsaken infant that ever was born amongst men. And let us beseech Jesus, Mary, and Joseph that, through the merits of the pains which they suffered in this journey, they would accompany us in the journey that we are making to eternity. Oh, blessed shall we be if, in life and in death, we keep company with these three great personages, and are always accompanied by them!
Affections and Prayers
My beloved Redeemer, I know that in this journey Thou wast accompanied by hosts of angels from heaven; but on this earth who was there that bore Thee company? Thou hadst but Joseph and Mary who carried Thee with her. Refuse not, O my Jesus! that I also accompany Thee. Miserable ungrateful sinner that I have been, I now see the injuries I have done Thee; Thou didst come down from heaven to make Thyself my companion on earth, and I by my frequent offences have ungratefully abandoned Thee!
When I remember, O my Savior! that for the sake of my own cursed inclinations I have often separated myself from Thee and renounced Thy friendship, I could wish to die of sorrow. But Thou didst come into the world to forgive me: therefore forgive me now, I beseech Thee, for I repent with all my soul of having so often turned my back upon Thee and forsaken Thee. I purpose and hope, through Thy grace, nevermore to leave or separate myself from Thee, O my only love! My soul has become enamoured of Thee, O my amiable Infant God! I love Thee, my sweet Saviour; and snce Thou hast come upon earth to save me and to dispense to me Thy graces, I ask this one only grace of Thee, permit me not to be ever again separated from Thee. Unite me, bind me to Thyself, enchain me with the sweet cords of Thy holy love.
O my Redeemer and my God, who will then have the heart to leave Thee, and to live without Thee, deprived of Thy grace?" Most holy Mary, I come to accompany thee in this journey; and thou, O my Mother, cease not to accompany me in the journey that I am making to eternity. Do thou assist me always, but especially when I shall find myself at the end of my life, and near that moment on which will depend either my remaining always with thee to love Jesus in paradise, or my being forever separated from thee and hating Jesus in hell. My Queen, save me by thy intercession; and may my salvation be to love thee and Jesus forever, in time and in eternity. Thou art my hope; I hope everything from thee.
Christmas Eve Prayer
from The Liturgical Year, 1910
O Divine Infant! we, too, must needs join our voices with those of the Angels, and sing with them: Glory be to God! and Peace to men! We cannot restrain our tears at hearing this history of Thy Birth. We have followed Thee in Thy journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem; we have kept close to Mary and Joseph on the whole journey; we have kept sleepless watch during this holy Night, waiting Thy coming. Praise be to Thee, sweetest Jesus, for Thy mercy! and love from all hearts, for Thy tender love of us! Our eyes are riveted on that dear Crib, for our Salvation is there; and there we recognise Thee as the Messias foretold in those sublime Prophecies, which Thy Spouse the Church has been repeating to us, in her solemn prayers of this Night. Thou art the Mighty God--the Prince of Peace--the Spouse of our souls--our Peace--our Saviour--our Bread of Life. And now, what shall we offer thee? A good Will?
Ah! dear Lord! Thou must form it within us; Thou must increase it, if Thou hast already given it; that thus, we may become Thy Brethren by grace, as we already are by the human nature Thou hast assumed. But, O Incarnate Word! this Mystery of Thy becoming Man, works within us a still higher grace:--it makes us, as Thy Apostle tells us, partakers of that divine nature, which is inseparable with Thee in the midst of all Thy humiliations. Thou hast made us less than the Angels, in the scale of creation; but, in Thy Incarnation, Thou hast made us Heirs of God, and Joint-Heirs with Thine own divine Self! Never permit us, through our own weaknesses and sins, to degenerate from this wonderful gift, whereby Thy Incarnation exalted us, and oh! dear Jesus, to what a height! Amen
Spiritual Advice for the Coming Holidays
by Father Francis Xavier Weninger, 1876
More than once during the year I have advised you, sometimes to take an hour, in which, setting aside all other cares, you should earnestly consider the state of your soul, and ponder well whether you can hope for salvation from the life you lead. In the same hour you should also carefully think how you ought to live in future, in order to gain salvation. As I am decidedly of opinion that this is an excellent means to live piously and save one's soul, I must once more return to this subject. No time is better adapted for making use of this means than the approaching Christmas. The holidays will give you a good opportunity to do so. It is your duty to keep them holy; and how can you do this better than by employing them to this purpose? I will more fully explain to you in what manner this should be done.
Place yourself in spirit before the lowly manger of the Divine Infant, and devoutly pass one hour in the following manner:
First, beg of the Almighty God to bestow on you the grace to recognize all the sins and faults of which you have become guilty. After this, think how you have acted towards God during the past year, and thus occupy the first half hour. During the second half hour, think how you will act in future towards your God. After this, examine your conscience, as follows:
I. Whether you have every day thought of the end and aim of your life, and if you have endeavored to live accordingly?
II. Whether you have served God zealously, or, on the contrary, have been indolent and negligent in His service?
III. Whether you have given due thanks to the Almighty for all the favors bestowed upon you, and whether you have sighed and fervently wished to be united to Him?
IV. Whether in your good works you have had a good intention?
V. Whether you have, in everything, submitted to the divine will, or have sometimes murmured and complained against the decrees of God?
VI. Whether you have regularly said your morning and evening prayers, assisted at Holy Mass, and at the sermons, or out of laziness have neglected to do so?
VII. Whether you have behaved in church with due reverence?
VIII. How often and with what preparation you have gone to Confession and Holy Communion?
IX. Whether you have daily made the acts of Faith, Hope and Charity?
X. Whether you have not sinned against Faith, by reading or keeping heretical books; by voluntary doubts about the articles of faith; by deriding the laws of the Church and its ceremonies; by giving ear to words against the articles of faith, or the usages of the Church?
XI. Whether you have not sinned against Hope, by presumption, or, on the contrary, by faint-heartedness or despair?
XII. Whether you have not sinned against Charity, by contempt of God, or blasphemies against Him, dishonoring His holy Name, or the holy Sacraments, or by vows and resolutions made, but not kept?
XIII. Have you kept the Sundays and Holy Days; and have you have enjoined those in your charge to keep them?
XIV. Whether you have sometimes read a devout book; whether you have been ashamed of your religion, or of public devotions, or have manifested this exteriorly?
XV. Whether you have made little account of sin, and especially disregarded venial sins, and have committed them without any hesitation?
These and other similar points consider well, and earnestly endeavor to repent of the faults you have committed, and most humbly beg God to pardon you. After this examination and repentance, think of what you have to correct in your conduct, and make your resolutions accordingly. Then again, revolve one point after another in your mind, and make earnest resolutions to correct your faults. After having done this, pray humbly to God to give you grace faithfully to keep your resolutions. Invoking the Blessed Virgin and other holy Patrons for this purpose, will be of great assistance to you. This is the way to spend the hour on the first holiday. On the second, again choose a suitable hour, and after having prayed fervently to the Almighty to enlighten you, think how your conduct has been towards your neighbor during the year. For example:
I. Whether you have loved your neighbor for the sake of God, and as you have loved yourself? Whether your love was a truly Christian love, or only a natural or sensual love, such as is also found among the heathens?
II. Whether you have nourished a dangerous, scandalous, or sinful love and affection for any one?
III. Whether you have assisted your neighbor according to your means, especially the poor?
IV. Whether you have borne enmity or hatred towards any one, and remained long in it? Whether you have pardoned your neighbor the wrong he had done you, and have outwardly manifested this to him by the usual marks of kindness?
V. Whether you have wronged your neighbor by lying, stealing, defrauding, or in any other manner; whether you made debts and neglected to pay them?
VI. Whether you have not lessened or delayed the payment of artisans, day-laborers, servants or others?
VII. Whether you have not committed sin by defaming the character of others, or by giving ear to slanders?
VIII. Whether you have not sinned against charity by blaming your neighbors' actions, or by putting evil constructions upon them?
IX. Whether you have scorned, derided, or rashly judged your neighbor, suspected him of doing wrong, and revealed your suspicion to others whom it did not concern?
X. Whether you have not affronted and scolded your neighbor, or spoken unkind words? Whether you have wished him evil?
XI. Whether you have not envied your neighbor's good fortune, or rejoiced in his misfortune?
XII. Whether you have not given scandal to your neighbor by deeds, words, immodest dresses, impure speeches and songs, or in any other manner?
XIII. Whether you have not kept him from doing good, incited him to sin? Whether you have not become guilty in any other manner of the sins of others, assisted them in doing wrong, not prevented it, not punished it, kept silence, or perhaps even helped them to hide it, given them the opportunity, or defended them?
XIV. Parents should examine themselves, how they have conducted the education of their children; and children, whether they have shown due honor, love and obedience to their parents?
Lastly, masters and magistrates should think how they have treated their servants, and those in their charge. Servants and all those in inferior stations, should examine themselves as to their conduct towards those above them. On these and other points examine yourself carefully, repent with your whole heart, and humbly ask God to pardon your sins. After this, consider earnestly in which of the above points you should, in future, correct yourself. Make new resolutions; offer them to the Almighty, and pray for grace to keep them. In this manner the hour of the second holiday may be occupied.
On the third holiday, take another hour at the most convenient time. Pray fervently to the Lord to assist you with His grace, that you may recognize how you have acted towards yourself during the year. After this, begin to examine your conscience. Ask yourself, for example, as follows:
I. Whether you have earnestly labored for the salvation of your soul; or, on the contrary, have thought but little of it, and therefore have been very little, or not at all, solicitous about it?
II. Whether you have not postponed your conversion from day to day?
III. Whether you have not sinned against purity in thought, word, or deed?
IV. Whether you have not voluntarily placed yourself in danger of sin, and remained in it, or are still at this moment in it?
V. Whether you have been intemperate in your eating and drinking?
VI. Whether you are not addicted to violence of temper, to vanity, to avarice, or idleness?
VII. Whether you have not a passion for gaming, or a similar vice, to the detriment of your family?
VIII. Whether you have employed the temporal goods God gave you to the end and aim for which you received them?
IX. Whether you have passed your time in idleness, or evildoing?
X. Whether you have been careless in correcting your evil inclinations or habits, or in observing your resolutions?
XI. Whether you have not neglected many opportunities to do good?
XII. Whether you have been careless and negligent in the fulfillment of the duties of your station in life?
XIII. Whether your conscience is troubled with anything that would give you great fear if you were to die today?
XIV. Lastly, examine yourself how you have kept the commandments of God and of the Church. Whether you have not, under one pretext or another, endeavored to evade them, or even, after the example of some wicked persons, transgressed them without shame?
After this should follow, as on the preceding days, an act of earnest repentance, and humble prayer to be forgiven. During the second half of the hour, consider which of the above points you have specially to correct; make good resolutions, and pray to God for grace to keep them. Regarding the resolutions which you should make, I would counsel you to write them, if not all, at least the most important, to read them every month, and examine how you have kept them. The benefit you will derive from this is greater than you imagine.
You have here, my dear reader, a short instruction for employing usefully one hour on each of the three holidays, for the salvation of your soul before the manger of the Divine Infant.
The last days of the year we should employ, first, in giving due thanks to God for every blessing He has bestowed upon us during the year. Secondly, in most earnestly repenting of our sins, and praying for pardon; in doing good, and making the resolution to serve God, in the coming year, with all our strength, and to work with zeal for our salvation. To this end, put three questions to yourself: " How has the Lord acted towards me during the past year? How have I behaved towards my God? What shall my conduct be towards God in future? The answer which your conscience will give to the first question will incite you to gratitude; the answer to the second will cause you to repent of your sins and beg pardon; while the answer to the third will awaken in you the earnest resolution to better your life.
I do not doubt that you will yourself recognize the usefulness of such devotional exercises, and if you value your salvation, you will determine to practice them yearly. You have, during the year, given too many hours to the enjoyment of your body, to the care of numberless temporal affairs, to say nothing of the time you misused in offending God and injuring your soul. Hence, employ now three short hours in the above manner for the salvation of your soul. Could I ask for anything more reasonable? "Having given whole months and years to our body, let us employ a few days for the benefit of our souls;" thus admonishes St. Peter Chrysologus, whose words I have already cited to you elsewhere.
|
|
|
|
| Christmas Greetings from The Catacombs |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-24-2021, 09:12 AM - Forum: The Catacombs: News
- No Replies
|
|
The Catacombs would like to wish you all a blessed Christmas and a Holy New Year in 2022.
In this Dark Night of our Church and our world, may the innocence and purity that shines forth from our Infant King, our Prince of Peace, strengthen in our hearts the true Catholic Faith and may we be blessed with an ever greater devotion to His Holy Mother so that we will be found faithful servants when the Reign of Her Immaculate Heart begins!
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. St. John 14:27
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world. St. John 16:33
Be nothing solicitous; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7
|
|
|
|
| Christmas Hymn: Verbum Caro Factum Est |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-24-2021, 08:17 AM - Forum: Christmas
- No Replies
|
|
Verbum Caro Factum Est
Verbum Caro Factum Est is an old Latin Christmas carol that glorifies the Blessed Virgin. In the coldest season of the year, Life is born from the Virgin who, ever untarnished, brings forth the glory of God made man. Through our Blessed Mother the Word is made flesh. Through her Son the world is redeemed from sin.
Verbum Caro Factum Est is a medieval hymn of unknown authorship.
It is here performed by the Taverner choir
Listen to Verbum Caro Factum Est: https://www.traditioninaction.org/religi...Verbum.mp3
Latin Lyrics:
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine,
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine Maria.
In hoc anni circulo,
Vita datur seculo,
Nato nobis Parvulo de Virgine,
Nato nobis Parvulo de Virgine Maria.
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine,
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine Maria.
Quos vetustas suffocat,
Et ad vitam revocat,
Natus se deus collocat in Virgine,
Natus se deus collocat in Virgine Maria.
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine,
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine Maria.
Stella solem pertulit,
Sol salutem contulit,
Nihil tamen abstulit de Virgine,
Nihil tamen abstulit de Virgine Maria.
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine,
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine Maria.
Sine viri copula,
Florem dedit ungula,
Qui manet in secula cum virgine,
Qui manet in secula cum Virgine Maria.
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine,
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine Maria.
Die hac sanctissima,
Omnibus dignissima,
Nobis datur gloria de Virgine,
Nobis datur gloria de Virgine Maria.
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine,
Verbum caro factum est de Virgine Maria.
English Translation:
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin,
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin Mary.
In this season of the year,
Life was given to the world,
An Infant was born for us from the Virgin,
An Infant was born for us from the Virgin Mary.
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin,
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin Mary.
What was dead in the old times,
He recalled to life,
When God was born from the Virgin,
When God was born from the Virgin Mary.
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin,
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin Mary.
Through this Star born of the Sun,
The Sun brought salvation,
Nothing was removed from the Virgin,
Nothing was removed from the Virgin Mary.
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin,
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin Mary.
Without knowing man,
This flower bloomed,
And she remained forever as a virgin,
And she remained forever as the Virgin Mary.
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin,
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin Mary.
On this most holy day,
The most dignified among all days,
We should glorify the Virgin,
We should glorify the Virgin Mary.
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin,
The Word was made flesh of the Virgin Mary.
![[Image: P062_Verb-1.jpg]](https://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/images_P/P062_Verb-1.jpg)
![[Image: P062_Verb-2.jpg]](https://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/images_P/P062_Verb-2.jpg) |
|
|
|
| Christmas Hymn: In Dulce Jubilo |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-24-2021, 08:14 AM - Forum: Christmas
- No Replies
|
|
In Dulce Jubilo
Latin and German Christmas Carol
In Dulce Jubilo (In Sweet Joy) is a 14th century Christmas song. According to legend, a German mystic, Dominican Brother Heinrich Suso, was visited by angels and invited to sing with them in praise of the Child Jesus. He remembered the angelic song and recorded the following verses incorporating two languages (Latin and German).
Several English translations have been made over the centuries, with many retaining the Latin verses. Below iyou will find the original German and Latin form of the carol, along with an English translation. It is sung by the Leipzig Thomaner Choir.
Listen to In Dulce Jubilo: https://www.traditioninaction.org/religi..._Dulce.mp3
Lyrics:
In dulci jubilo,
Nun singet und seid froh.
Unsers Herzens Wonne,
Leit in praesepio,
Und leuchtet als die Sonne,
Matris in gremio.
Alpha est et O,
Alpha est et O.
O Jesu parvule,
Nach dir ist mir so weh.
Tröst mir mein Gemüte,
O puer optime,
Durch alle deine Güte,
O princeps gloriae,
Trahe me post te,
Trahe me post te.
Ubi sunt gaudia,
Nirgend mehr denn da?
Da die Engel singen,
Nova cantica,
Und die Schellen klingen,
In Regis curia.
Eia, wären wir da,
Eia, wären wir da.
Translation:
In sweet joy,
Now sing and be glad.
Our hearts delight,
In the manger.
It shines like the sun,
He is in His Mother's lap.
He is the Alpha and Omega,
He is the Alpha and Omega.
O tiny Jesus,
I have longed so much for Thee.
But now my mind is comforted,
O best of boys,
Through all Thy goodness,
O prince of glory,
Draw me after Thee,
Draw me after Thee.
Where are joys
In any place but there?
The angels sing,
New songs,
And the bells ring
In the King's court.
O, it is as if we were there.
O, it is as if we were there.
![[Image: P019_InDulce.jpg]](https://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/images_P/P019_InDulce.jpg) |
|
|
|
| Vatican Issues Vaccine Mandate for All Employees, Visitors |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-24-2021, 08:08 AM - Forum: Pandemic 2020 [Spiritual]
- No Replies
|
|
Vatican Issues Vaccine Mandate for All Employees, Visitors
THOMAS D. WILLIAMS, PH.D. | 23 Dec 2021
ROME, Italy — The Vatican has eliminated the possibility of employees presenting a negative coronavirus test to gain access to their place of work, insisting that only proof of vaccination or recovery from the coronavirus disease will be admitted.
A Vatican decree Thursday signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin states that the obligation of presenting a vaccine passport (Super Green Pass) to go to work applies to all personnel of the Roman Curia and institutions linked to the Holy See as well as external collaborators, visitors to the Vatican City State, and outside workers.
In a particularly severe paragraph, Cardinal Parolin declares that personnel without a valid green pass “will not be able to access the workplace and will be considered unjustifiably absent, with the consequent suspension of pay for the duration of the absence” and will be subject to the further consequences that such an absence would incur.
As of January 31, 2022, those who provide Vatican service in contact with the public must present “documentation proving the administration of the booster dose following the primary cycle of vaccination.”
The decree mentions no exemptions for conscientious objection based on moral considerations.
In its 2021 evaluation of the morality of taking the coronavirus vaccines, the Vatican’s doctrinal office (CDF) concluded that the vaccines are morally permissible but that the choice to receive or not receive the vaccine must be considered “voluntary.”
|
|
|
|
| Please pray for Patricia |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-23-2021, 06:48 PM - Forum: Appeals for Prayer
- No Replies
|
|
![[Image: ?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nobility.org%2Fwp-co...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nobility.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F11%2FLast-Rites.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Please keep Patricia in your prayers. She is being hospitalized for Covid and has been placed on a ventilator.
Litany of the Sick
(For Private Devotion)
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
Have mercy on us. *
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, *
God the Holy Ghost, *
Holy Trinity, one God, *
Jesus, Who art near to all those who invoke Thee, *
Jesus, Who through mercy helpest all who confide in Thee, *
Jesus, Who didst go to seek and cure the sick, *
Jesus, Who didst stay up the weak and suffering, *
Jesus, Who dost refresh those who labor and are heavily burdened, *
Jesus, Who didst console the stricken hearts, *
Jesus, Who didst raise the dead unto life, *
Jesus, Who didst bear all our pains, *
Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus.
Be merciful, hear us, O Jesus.
From all evil,
Deliver us, O Jesus. **
From all sin, **
From all diseases and infirmities, **
From impatience and despondency, **
From the snares of the devil, **
From a sudden and unprovided death, **
From eternal damnation, **
Through Thy toils and hardships, **
Through Thy affliction and tears, **
Through Thine agony and bloody sweat, **
Through Thy holy wounds, **
Through Thy precious blood, **
Through Thy Passion and cross, **
Through Thy bitter death, **
Through Thy glorious resurrection, **
Through Thy marvellous ascension, **
In the Day of Judgment, **
We, poor sinners, beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare us,
We beseech Thee, hear us. ***
That Thou wouldst pardon us, ***
That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance, ***
That Thou wouldst give us a contrite heart, ***
That Thou wouldst strengthen us in our weakness, ***
That Thou wouldst preserve us in patience, ***
That Thou wouldst relieve our pains, ***
That Thou wouldst restore us to health of body and soul, ***
That Thou wouldst grant us perseverance in good, ***
That Thou wouldst grant us a happy death, ***
That Thou wouldst receive our spirit into Thy hands, ***
That Thou wouldst preserve us from the fire of purgatory, ***
That Thou wouldst bring us to the joys of heaven, ***
Son of God, ***
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy on us,
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father (secretly).
V. And lead us not into temptation,
R. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
V. Save, O Lord, Thy servants.
R. Who hope in Thy mercy.
V. Lord, hear our prayer.
R. And let our cry come unto Thee.
Let us Pray:
O Heavenly Father, have mercy on Thy servant, who is sick. Confirm him [her] in faith, strengthen his [her] hope, fill him [her] with the fire of Thy love. Give him [her] enduring patience, that he [she] may victoriously go through the fight and suffer everything for Thy greater glory and the salvation of his [her] soul. Lessen his [her] pains, forgive him [her] his [her] sins, and bring him [her] to life everlasting. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.
|
|
|
|
| Christmas Hymn: Resonet in Laudibus |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-23-2021, 08:44 AM - Forum: Christmas
- No Replies
|
|
Resonet in Laudibus
![[Image: ?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fbtr-...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fbtr-EMZBMlY%2Fhqdefault.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Resonet in Laudibus is a Latin Christmas Carol reflecting on the glory of the Nativity of Christ. Our Lord is born of Mary ever Virgin and, thus, the message of St. Gabriel comes to pass. The children of Israel are called on to rejoice for at last the Messiah has come. Here is the Child who shall be the Savior of mankind, here is the One who will purge all our crimes.
Resonet in Laudibus is a medieval hymn dating to at least the 13th century. Many variations of the song were developed, with some utilizing a single Stanza and others incorporating different Christmas hymns. It is here sung by The Chapell Choir and Orchestra.
Listen to the Resonet in Laudibus: https://www.traditioninaction.org/religi...esonet.mp3
Lyrics
Latin lyrics
Resonet in laudibus,
Cum iucundis plausibus,
Sion cum fidelibus,
Apparuit, apparuit,
Quem genuit Maria.
Apparuit, apparuit,
Quem genuit Maria.
Sunt impleta quae praedixit Gabriel.
Eya, Eya, Virgo Deum genuit,
Quem diuina voluit clementia.
Hodie apparuit, apparuit in Israel,
Ex Maria Virgine est natus Rex.
Pueri concinite,
Nato Regi psallite,
Voce pia dicite:
Apparuit quem genuit Maria.
Sion lauda Dominum,
Saluatorem hominu,
Purgatorem criminu.
Apparuit quem genuit Maria.
Sunt impleta quae praedixit Gabriel.
Eya, Eya,Virgo Deum genuit,
Quem diuina voluit clementia.
Hodie apparuit, apparuit in Israel,
Ex Maria Virgine est natus Rex.
English translation
Let praises resound,
With joyous acclaim,
Sion and their faithful.
He appeared, He appeared,
Who was born of Mary.
He appeared, He appeared,
Who was born of Mary.
It has been fulfilled what Gabriel foretold.
Eia, Eia, a Virgin bore God,
Which the divine mercy willed.
Today He has appeared in Israel:
From the Virgin Mary is born a King.
Sing together to the Child,
The newborn King let us praise,
With pious voices, say:
He appeared who was born of Mary.
Sion praise the Lord,
The Savior of mankind,
He who purges us of sin:
He appeared who was born of Mary.
It has been fulfilled what Gabriel foretold.
Eia, a Virgin bore God,
Which the divine mercy willed.
Today He has appeared in Israel:
From the Virgin Mary is born a King.
|
|
|
|
| Prayers to the Infant Jesus |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-23-2021, 08:37 AM - Forum: In Honor of Our Lord
- No Replies
|
|
Infant King of my soul
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
Eternal Word takes flesh and becomes man: And the Word was made flesh? Let us thank this Son, and let us also thank His Mother, who, in consenting to be the mother of such a Son, consented also to be the Mother of our salvation, and Mother also of sorrows, accepting at that time the deep abyss of sorrows that it would cost her to be the Mother of a Son who was to come into the world to suffer and die for man.
Affections and Prayers
O divine Word, become man for me, though I behold Thee thus humbled and become a little infant in the womb of Mary, yet I confess and acknowledge Thee for my Lord and King, but a king of love. My dearest Savior, since Thou hast come down upon earth and clothed Thyself with our miserable flesh, in order to reign over our hearts, I beseech Thee come and establish Thy reign in my heart also, which was once, alas, ruled over by Thine enemies, but is now, I hope, Thine, as I desire that it may be always Thine, and that from this day forth Thou mayest be its only Lord: Rule Thou in the midst of Thy enemies?
Other kings reign by the strength of arms, but Thou comest to reign by the power of love ; and therefore Thou dost not come with regal pomp, nor clothed in purple and gold, nor adorned with scepter and crown, nor surrounded by armies of soldiers. Thou comest into the world to be born in a stable, poor, forsaken, placed in a manger on a little straw, because thus Thou wouldst begin to reign in our hearts. Ah, my infant King, how could I so often rebel against Thee, and live so long Thy enemy, deprived of Thy grace, when, to oblige me to love Thee, Thou hast put off Thy divine majesty, and hast humbled Thyself even to appearing, first, as a babe in a cave; then as a servant in a shop; then as a criminal on a cross?
Oh, happy me, if, now that I have been freed (as I hope) from the slavery of Satan, I allow myself forever to be governed by Thee and by Thy love! O Jesus, my King, who art so amiable and so loving to our souls, take possession, I pray Thee, of mine; I give it entirely to Thee; accept it, that it may serve Thee forever, but serve Thee only for love. Thy majesty deserves to be feared, but Thy goodness still more deserves to be loved. Thou art my King, and shalt be always the only object of my love; and the only fear I shall have will be the fear of displeasing Thee. This is what I hope. Do Thou help me with Thy grace. O Mary, our dear Lady! it is for thee to obtain for me that I may be faithful to this beloved King of my soul.
Prayer to Obtain the Love of the Infant Jesus
by St. Alphonsus Liguori
O adorable Infant, I should not dare to present myself before Thee, did I not know that Thou Thyself invitest me to approach Thee. It is I, by my sins, who made Thee shed so many tears in the stable of Bethlehem, but since Thou art come upon earth to pardon penitent sinners, vouchsafe to pardon me. I sincerely repent of having despised Thee, my Lord and my God, who art so good and hast loved me so much. The grace that I ask is that I may love Thee henceforth with all my heart; inflame my soul entirely with Thy holy love. I love Thee, O my God, who hast become an Infant for me. Grant that I may never cease to love Thee.
O Mary, my Mother! Thou art all-powerful by thy prayers; I ask but one favor of thee, namely, that thou wilt pray to Jesus for me. Amen
Prayer to the Divine Infant
O divine Infant, who, after the wonders of Thy birth in Bethlehem, wishing to extend to the whole world Thine infinite mercy, didst call the Wise Men by heavenly inspiration to Thy crib, which was thus converted into a throne of royal grandeur, and didst graciously receive those holy men, who were obedient to the divine call and hastened to Thy feet, acknowledging Thee and worshiping Thee as the Prince of Peace, the Redeemer of mankind, and the very Son of God; ah, renew in us the proofs of Thy goodness and almighty power; enlighten our minds, strengthen our wills, and inflame our hearts to know Thee, to serve Thee, and to love Thee in this life, meriting thus to enjoy Thee eternally in the life to come.
(Indulgence of 500 days)
Prayer to the Infant Jesus
Most dear Lord Jesus Christ, who, being made a Child for us, didst will to be born in a cave to free us from the darkness of sin, to draw us unto Thee, and to set us on fire with Thy holy love; we adore Thee as our creator and redeemer, we acknowledge Thee and choose Thee for our king and Lord, and for tribute we offer Thee all the affection of our poor hearts. Dear Jesus, our Lord and God, graciously accept this offering, and that it may be worthy of Thine acceptance, forgive us our sins, enlighten us, and inflame us with that sacred fire which Thou camest to bring upon the earth and to enkindle in our hearts. May our souls thus become an altar, on which we may offer Thee the sacrifice of our mortifications; grant that we may ever seek Thy greater glory here on earth, so that one day we may come to enjoy Thine infinite beauty in heaven. Amen.
(Indulgence of 3 years)
Daily Prayers to the Infant Jesus
O almighty God, in the form of a little child! Make me worthy to meditate upon Thy greatness and power, Thy goodness and mercy, and Thy majesty as God and Man.
O divine Infant! With the most profound reverence, I contemplate Thy divine countenance, shedding its gentle and forgiving light, like the sun, on good and bad. Deign, O friendly eyes of my Jesus, to cast one look of grace upon me, and to give to my eyes sincere tears of repentance, that on my judgment day they need not fear Thy look of righteous anger.
O sweetest Jesus! Fervent with admiration, I praise Thy holy lips, filled with heavenly wisdom and uttering words of grace for the remission of sin. Lest, however, Thy divine Lips might one day be forced to pronounce the sentence of condemnation on me on account of my own words, I beseech Thee, O Lord, place a seal upon my lips, so that they may never be opened to utter an uncharitable opinion or a sinful word; may I ever preserve Thy truth and Thy love in my heart and upon my tongue. Amen.
Devout Exercise to the Infant Jesus
V. Incline unto my aid, O God.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Our Father.
1. Jesus, sweetest Child, Who, coming down from the bosom of the Father for our salvation, did not disdain the womb of a Virgin, where, conceived by the Holy Ghost, You, the Word incarnate, took upon Yourself the form of a servant, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
2. Jesus, sweetest Child, Who in Your Virgin Mother's womb, visited St. Elizabeth, and filled Your precursor, John the Baptist, with the Holy Ghost, sanctifying him from his Mother's womb, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
3. Jesus, sweetest Child, during nine months hidden in Your Mother's womb, and awaited with eager expectation by the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, and by them offered to God the Father, for the salvation of the world, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
4. Jesus, sweetest Child, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laid in a manger, heralded by angels, visited by shepherds, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
O Jesus, born of Virgin bright, Infinite glory be to You! Praise to the Father infinite, And Holy Ghost eternally. Amen.
V. Christ is at hand.
R. Come, let us adore Him.
Our Father.
5. Jesus, sweetest Child, wounded in the circumcision on the eighth day, called by the glorious name of Jesus, and, by Your name and by Your blood, foreshown as the Savior of the world, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
6. Jesus, sweetest Child, made known to the holy Magi by a star, adored by them on Mary's bosom, honored with the mystical gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
7.Jesus, sweetest Child, presented in the temple by Your Virgin Mother, taken by Simeon into his arms, and embraced, and made known to Israel by Anna the prophetess, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
8. Jesus, sweetest Child, Whom Herod sought to slay, Whom St. Joseph carried with Mary into Egypt, Who was saved by flight from a cruel death, and glorified by the praises of the Holy Innocents, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
O Jesus, born of Virgin bright, Infinite glory be to You! Praise to the Father infinite, And Holy Ghost eternally. Amen.
V. Christ is at hand.
R. Come, let us adore Him.
Our Father.
9. Jesus, sweetest Child, Who, with Mary most holy and the Patriarch St. Joseph, dwelt in Egypt until the death of Herod, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
10. Jesus, sweetest Child, Who returned with Your parents from Egypt into the land of Israel, Who suffered many toils by the way, and entered the city of Nazareth, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
11. Jesus, sweetest Child, Who lived most holily in the blessed house of Nazareth, subject to Your parents, spending Your life in poverty and toil, and growing in wisdom, in age, and in grace, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
12.Jesus, sweetest Child, brought to Jerusalem when twelve years old, sought by Your parents with much sorrow and after three days found, to their great joy, among the doctors, have mercy on us!
R. Have mercy on us, Child Jesus, have mercy on us!
Hail Mary.
O Jesus, born of Virgin bright, Infinite glory be to You! Praise to the Father infinite, And Holy Ghost eternally. Amen.
V. Christ is at hand.
R. Come, let us adore Him.
For the Nativity, during its Octave, and throughout the year.
V. The Word was made flesh. Alleluia.
R. And dwelt among us. Alleluia.
(Throughout the year the Alleluia is omitted.)
For the Epiphany and during its Octave.
V. Christ manifested Himself to us. Alleluia.
R. Come, let us adore Him. Alleluia.
Let us Pray
Almighty and everlasting God, Lord of heaven and earth, Who reveal Yourself to little ones, grant us, we beseech You, to honor worthily the holy mysteries of Your Son, the Child Jesus, and to follow Him humbly in our life, so that we may come to the eternal kingdom promised by You to little ones. Through the same Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.
(To all who perform this exercise with a contrite heart, an indulgence of 5 years)
|
|
|
|
| Litany of the Infant Jesus |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-23-2021, 08:28 AM - Forum: Litanies
- No Replies
|
|
Litany of the Infant Jesus
Taken from here.
![[Image: ?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fg%2FicEAAOSw5ZBWJUkr%2Fs-l300.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Glory and praise be to Thee, O tender little Jesus. From the utmost depths of my heart I praise and adore Thee, that for love of me and of all mankind it was Thy will to lie in the manger, and to suffer such great poverty and misery. I praise and adore Thy tender limbs, and Thy tender hands and feet, and I magnify the inexpressible love which drew Thee forth from the bosom of the Heavenly Father, down to a poor and miserable stable.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven,
Have mercy on us. *
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, *
God the Holy Ghost, *
Holy Trinity, one God, *
Infant Jesus, *
Infant, very God, *
Infant, Son of the living God, *
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, *
Infant, begotten before the morning star, *
Infant, Word made flesh, *
Infant, wisdom of Thy Father, *
Infant, purity of Thy Mother, *
Infant, only Son of Thy Father, *
Infant, only-born of Thy Mother, *
Infant, image of Thy Father, *
Infant, Creator of Thy Mother, *
Infant, splendor of Thy Father, *
Infant, honor of Thy Mother, *
Infant, equal to Thy Father, *
Infant, subject to Thy Mother, *
Infant, joy of Thy Father, *
Infant, riches of Thy Mother, *
Infant, gift of Thy Father, *
Infant, gift of Thy Mother, *
Infant, precious fruit of a Virgin, *
Infant, Creator of man, *
Infant, our God, *
Infant, our Brother, *
Infant, perfect man from Thy conception, *
Infant, Father of ages, *
Infant, eternal Word, making Thyself dumb, *
Infant, weeping in Thy crib, *
Infant, joy of paradise, *
Infant, exiled from Thy people, *
Infant, strong in weakness, *
Infant, powerful in abasement, *
Infant, treasure of grace, *
Infant, fountain of love, *
Infant, author of all the blessings of heaven, *
Infant, repairer of the evils of earth, *
Infant, head of angels, *
Infant, expectation of nations, *
Infant, joy of the shepherds, *
Infant, light of the Magi, *
Infant, salvation of children, *
Infant, hope of the just, *
Infant, teacher of doctors, *
Be merciful.
Spare us, O Infant Jesus.
Be merciful.
Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.
From the bondage of the children of Adam,
Deliver us, O Infant Jesus. **
From the slavery of the devil, **
From the corruption of the world. **
From the lust of the flesh, **
From the blindness of mind, **
From perversity of will, **
From our sins, **
Through Thy most pure conception, **
Through Thy humble birth, **
Through Thy tears, **
Through Thy painful circumcision, **
Through Thy glorious epiphany, **
Through Thy devout presentation, **
Through Thy most holy life, **
Through Thy poverty, **
Through Thy sorrows, **
Through Thy obedience, **
Through Thy labors, **
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us, O Infant Jesus.
Infant Jesus, hear us.
Infant Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray:
O Lord Jesus, Who didst vouchsafe so to annihilate the greatness of Thy Incarnate Divinity and most sacred Humanity, as to be born in time, and become a little child: grant that we may acknowledge infinite wisdom in the silence of a child, power in weakness, majesty in abasement; so that adoring Thy humiliations on earth, we may contemplate Thy glories in heaven. Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, God, forever and ever. Amen.
|
|
|
|
| On the Preparation for the Birth of Christ [1807] |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-23-2021, 08:04 AM - Forum: Advent
- Replies (1)
|
|
![[Image: ?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.istockphoto.com%2...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.istockphoto.com%2Fillustrations%2Fthe-first-christmas-eve-illustration-id1186862938%3Fk%3D6%26m%3D1186862938%26s%3D612x612%26w%3D0%26h%3DjQKJeQnSAZJsJhe9QoaZWoLz31miNdbF1Z_uJSbKLi0%3D&f=1&nofb=1)
And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. . . . (and) there was no room for them in the inn. -- St. Luke Chapter 2
Consider first, that when the time drew near in which the world was to be blessed with the birth of our Saviour, the blessed virgin, who bore Him in her womb, and her chaste spouse St. Joseph, in obedience to the edict of the Emperor Augustus, took a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, there to be enrolled in the city of David, as they were both of them of the royal stock of David. The emperor, in giving out these orders, had no other view than the gratifying his vanity, or this avarice, by the tax imposed on that occasion. But God, who had ordained and foretold long before, by His prophet Micheas, that His son should be born in Bethlehem, was pleased to bring about His eternal decrees in this manner, and to prepare, by this occasion a place for His birth, suitable to the great designs for which He sent him into the world. For behold, after a long and wearisome winter's journey, when the blessed mother, with the Son of God in her womb, was arrived at Bethlehem, the town was full; and none of the inhabitants, not even of their own kindred and family, would receive them into their houses, or give them any entertainment; the very inns would not lodge them; there was no room for them. O ye heavens! stand astonished to see the Son of God, the Lord and maker of heaven and earth, thus debase Himself, from the very beginning, as not to allow Himself, even in His very birth, any of the common conveniences of life; no not so much as a house to cover His head! O let Him be so much the more dear to us, by how much He has made Himself more mean and contemptible for the love of us.
Consider 2ndly, what kind of a place the king of heaven prepared on this occasion for the birth of His Son. St Joseph, after seeking in vain for a lodging in the town, found out at last an open stable, or stall for beast, exposed on all sides to the inclemency of the weather; which, for want of better accommodations, their poverty and humility were contended to take up with and this was the palace the divine wisdom made choice of for the birth of our great king; the manger here, which had served for the ox and the ass, was the royal bed of state in which He was first laid upon His coming down amongst us. Oh, how has the Word incarnate here annihilated Himself for us! Oh, how loudly has He condemned, from His very birth, our corrupt self-love in all its branches; with all the maxims of worldly pride, and the favourite inclinations of flesh and blood. Man fell originally from God, by proudly affecting a superior excellence which might make Him like to God, by coveting to have what God did not allow Him, and by seeking to gratify His sensual appetite with the forbidden fruit: therefore the Son of God begins His mortal life by the exercise of a most profound humility, to cure our pride--by embracing a voluntary poverty, even to the want of all things, in opposition to our covetousness and love of the mammon of the world, and by choosing for Himself hardships and sufferings in opposition to our love of sensual and worldly pleasures. O let us study well these lessons, which this heavenly master begins to teach us by His great example, even from His first appearance amongst us.
Consider 3rdly, Christian souls, that the Son of God, who heretofore came down from heaven to be born into this world for you, earnestly desires at present to be spiritually born in you. See then, that you correspond on your part with this His earnest desire, by preparing your souls for Him and giving them up to Him. O be not like those unhappy Bethlehemites who refused him a place in their houses, and would not find any room for Him! But then, if you are willing to admit Him, take care to discharge from your inward house all such company as is disagreeable to Him. For how great soever His desire is of coming and being spiritually born in your souls, He will not come thither as long as you wilfully entertain there His and your mortal enemies, the concupiscence of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life --those very enemies whom He came from heaven to fight against, and against whom He has declared an eternal war by the austerity, poverty, and humility of His birth, of His education, and of His whole life and death. Moreover, if you desire to have Him to abide in you by virtue of a spiritual birth, you must allow Him the chiefest place in your heart and soul, by driving far away from you all irregular affections to the world or to any creature whatsoever. For though He did not disdain the stable nor the crib, the ox nor the ass, He will not endure a heart divided or occupied by unclean affections, and which will not give Him the whole, without a partner in love.
Conclude to let nothing be wanting on your part to insure to yourselves the happiness of having the Son of God spiritually born in your soul. O invite Him thither with all possible affection; be ready to give up all things else that he may abide with you; and beg of Him, who knows your poverty and misery, that He would prepare Himself a place in you, and furnish your souls with all those ornaments of virtue and grace which are suitable to this His spiritual birth.
|
|
|
|
| Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò: Message to the American People - December 18, 2021 |
|
Posted by: Stone - 12-23-2021, 07:54 AM - Forum: Archbishop Viganò
- No Replies
|
|
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò: MESSAGE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Taken from here
Dear American People, Dear Friends,
For two years now, a global coup has been carried out all over the world, planned for some time by an elite group of conspirators enslaved to the interests of international high finance.
This coup was made possible by an emergency pandemic that is based on the premise of a virus that has a mortality rate almost analogous to that of any other seasonal flu virus, on the delegitimization and prohibition of effective treatments, and on the distribution of an experimental gene serum which is obviously ineffective, and which also clearly carries with it the danger of serious and even lethal side effects.
We all know how much the mainstream media has contributed to supporting the insane pandemic narrative, the interests that are at stake, and the goals of these groups of power: reducing the world population, making those who survive chronically ill, and imposing forms of control that violate the fundamental rights and natural liberties of citizens.
And yet, two years after this grotesque farce started, which has claimed more victims than a war and destroyed the social fabric, national economies, and the very foundations of the rule of law, nothing has changed in the policies of Nations and their response to the so-called pandemic.
Last year, when many still had not yet understood the gravity of the looming threat, I was among the first to denounce this coup, and I was promptly singled out as a conspiracy theorist.
Today more and more people are opening their eyes and beginning to understand that the emergency pandemic and the “ecological emergency” are part of a criminal plan hatched by the World Economic Forum, the UN, the WHO, and a galaxy of organizations and foundations that are ideologically characterized as clearly anti-human and — this needs to be said clearly — anti-Christian.
One of the elements that unequivocally confirms the criminal nature of the Great Reset is the perfect synchrony with which all the different Nations are acting, demonstrating the existence of a single script under a single direction.
And it is disconcerting to see how the lack of treatment, the deliberately wrong treatments that have been given in order to cause more deaths, the decision to impose lockdowns and masks, the conspiratorial silence about the adverse effects of the so-called “vaccines” that are in fact gene serums, and the continuous repetition of culpable errors have all been possible thanks to the complicity of those who govern and the institutions.
Political and religious leaders, representatives of the people, scientists and doctors, journalists and those who work in the media have literally betrayed their people, their laws, their Constitutions, and the most basic ethical principles.
The electoral fraud of the 2020 presidential election against President Trump has shown itself to be organic to this global operation, because in order to impose illegitimate restrictions in violation of the principles of law it was necessary to be able to make use of an American President who would support the psycho-pandemic and support its narrative.
The Democratic Party, part of the deep state, is carrying out its task as an accomplice of the system, just as the deep church finds in Bergoglio its own propagandist.
The recent rulings of the Supreme Court and the autonomous action of some American states — where the vaccination obligation has been declared unconstitutional — give us hope that this criminal plan can collapse and that those responsible will be identified and tried: both in America as well as in the whole world.
How was it possible to arrive at such a betrayal? How have we come to be considered enemies by those who govern us, not in support of the common good, but rather to feed a hellish machine of death and slavery?
The answer is now clear: throughout the world, in the name of a perverted concept of freedom, we have progressively erased God from society and laws.
We have denied that there is an eternal and transcendent principle, valid for all men of all times, to which the laws of States must conform.
We have replaced this absolute principle with the arbitrariness of individuals, with the principle that everyone is his own legislator.
In the name of this insane freedom — which is license and libertinage — we have allowed the Law of God and the law of nature to be violated, legitimizing the killing of children in the womb, even up to the very moment of birth; the killing of the sick and the elderly in hospital wards; the destruction of the natural family and of Marriage; we have recognized rights to vice and sin, putting the deviations of individuals before the good of society.
In short, we have subverted the entire moral order that constitutes the indispensable basis of the laws and social life of a people.
Already in the fourth century B.C., Plato wrote these things in his last work the Laws and identified the cause of the Athenian political crisis precisely in the breaking of the divine order — the cosmos — between these eternal principles and human laws.
These natural moral principles of the Greco-Roman world found their fulfillment in Christianity, which built Western civilization by giving them a supernatural impetus.
Christianity is the strongest defense against injustice, the strongest garrison against the oppression of the powerful over the weak, the violent over the peaceful, and the wicked over the good, because Christian morality makes each of us accountable to God and our neighbor for our actions, both as citizens and as rulers.
The Son of God, whose Birth we will celebrate in a few days, became Incarnate in time and in history in order to heal an ancient wound, and to restore by Grace the order broken by disobedience.
His social Kingship was the generating principle of the ordo Christianus that for two centuries now has been fiercely fought against by Freemasonry: because the Revolution it promotes is chaos; it is disorder; it is infernal rebellion against the divine order so as to impose Satan’s tyranny.
Now, as we see what is happening around us, we understand how mendacious were the promises of progress and freedom made by those who destroyed Christian society, and how deceptive was the prospect of a new Tower of Babel, built not only without regard for God but even in direct opposition to Him.
The infernal challenge of the Enemy is repeated over the centuries unchanged, but it is doomed to inexorable failure.
Behind this millennial conspiracy, the adversary is always the same, and the only thing that changes are the particular individuals who cooperate with him.
Dear American brothers and sisters! Dear Patriots! this is a crucial moment for the future of the United States of America and of the whole of humanity.
But the pandemic emergency, the farce of global warming and the green economy, and the economic crisis deliberately induced by the Great Reset with the complicity of the deep state, are all only the consequence of a much more serious problem, and it is essential to understand it in depth if we want to defeat it.
This problem is essentially moral; indeed, it is religious.
We must put God back in the first place not only in our personal lives, but also in the life of our society.
We must restore to Our Lord Jesus Christ the Crown that the Revolution has torn from Him, and in order for this to happen a true and profound conversion of individuals and of society is necessary.
For it is absolutely impossible to hope for the end of this global tyranny if we continue to remove from the Kingdom of Christ the nations that belong to Him and must belong to Him.
For this reason, the movement to overturn Roe v. Wade also acquires a very important meaning, since respect for the sacredness of unborn life must be sanctioned by positive law if it is to be a mirror of the Eternal Law.
You are animated by a yearning for justice, and this is a legitimate and good desire. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” says the Lord (Mt 5:6).
But this Justice must be based on the awareness that this is a spiritual battle in which it is necessary to take sides without equivocation and without compromise, holding transcendent and eternal references that even the pagan philosophers glimpsed, and that have found fulfillment in the Revelation of the Son of God, the Divine Master.
My appeal for an Anti-Globalist Alliance — which I renew today — aims precisely to constitute a movement of moral and spiritual rebirth which will inspire the civil, social and political action of those who do not want to be enslaved as slaves to the New World Order.
A movement that at the national and local level will be able to find a way to oppose the Great Reset and that coordinates the denunciation of the coup that is currently in progress.
Because in the awareness of who our adversary is and what his aims and purposes are, we can disrupt the criminal action he intends to pursue and force him to retreat.
In this, the opposition to the pandemic farce and the vaccination obligation must be determined and courageous on the part of each of you.
Yours must therefore be a work of truth, bringing to light the lies and deceptions of the New World Order and their anti-human and antichristic matrix.
And in this it is mainly the laity and all people of good will — each in the professional and civil role he holds — who must coordinate and organize together to make a firm but peaceful resistance, so as not to legitimize its violent repression by those who today hold power.
Be proud of your identity as American patriots and of the Faith that must animate your life.
Do not allow anyone to make you feel inferior just because you love your homeland, because you are honest at work, because you want to protect your family and raise your children with healthy values, because you respect the elderly, because you protect life from conception to its natural end.
Do not be intimidated or seduced by those who propagate a dystopian world in which a faceless power imposes on you contempt for the Law of God, presents sin and vice as licit and desirable, despises righteousness and Morality, destroys the natural family and promotes the worst perversions, plans the death of defenseless and weak creatures, and exploits humanity for its own profit or to preserve power.
Be worthy heirs of the great Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and do not follow those of your Pastors who have betrayed the mandate they have received from Our Lord, who impose iniquitous orders on you or who remain silent before the evidence of an unheard of crime against God and humanity.
May this Holy Christmas illuminate your minds and inflame your hearts before the Infant King who lays in the manger.
And just as the choirs of the Angels and the homage of the Magi united with the simple adoration of the Shepherds, so also today your commitment to the moral rebirth of the United States of America — one Nation under God —will have the blessing of Our Lord and will gather those who govern you around you. Amen.
May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
+ Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop
18 December 2021
|
|
|
|
|
![[Image: ?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvidalcuglietta.com%2Fwp...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvidalcuglietta.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2Fnativity-scene-painting-beautiful-interfaith-ramadan-the-nativity-scene-through-art-history-of-nativity-scene-painting.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
![[Image: 1887%2BLe%2Bjour%2Bde%2Bl%2527an%2Bau%2B...rmat=1000w]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bb6661d8dfc8c1836526d3a/1576632019312-NR52IWIICH38P9SYIHF9/1887%2BLe%2Bjour%2Bde%2Bl%2527an%2Bau%2Bmatin%2B-%2BLe%2BMonde%2BIllustre%2BBAnQ.jpg?format=1000w)
![[Image: C_041_Xmas-2017.jpg]](https://www.traditioninaction.org/Questions/Images/C_041_Xmas-2017.jpg)
![[Image: ?u=http%3A%2F%2Fih.constantcontact.com%2...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fih.constantcontact.com%2Ffs128%2F1101545887070%2Fimg%2F393.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
![[Image: ?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinim...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fs-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com%2F736x%2F1a%2F1f%2Fff%2F1a1fff2830b0ea89ca4666244a82d971.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
