I have long loved this quote from the unofficial patron of this blog, Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman.

It has spoken to me and given me hope over the years in some times that were dark and difficult, and it speaks to me now.

"The Mission of My Life

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about."

Support the Summorum Pontificum

It is unlikely that anyone who supports the traditional liturgy would not be aware of this petition, but I feature it just in case. 

The Holy Father is due to release a clarifying document on the Summorum Pontificum before Easter, and this is to send him the message that we are of one mind with him.

Just click here.

Well, it has been a very long hiatus-- much too long--and I don't know how much I will be able to write. But one of my professors has expressed interest in this, so today, on this great Feast of the Chair of Peter, is an appropriate day to start again.

Fr. Z. has proposed this spiritual bouquet for the Holy Father, especially in light of the upcoming clarification of Summorum Pontificum.


"Think of the great cares the Holy Father bears in his heavy mandate as Vicar of Christ. He has need of our prayers to help him be strong and to guard him from his enemies.

I propose to all readers here a Spiritual Bouquet for Pope Benedict with a ending date of 19 March, the Feast of St. Joseph, which is the Holy Father’s baptismal 'name day'."

V. Let us pray for our Pontiff, Pope Benedict.

R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and bless him upon earth, and deliver him not to the will of his enemies.

Our Father.  Hail Mary.

Let us pray.

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Benedict, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.