SEDE VACANS: Reflection from Today's prayer for Students of my High School Alma Mater, St. Michael's College School

Hello Everyone,

I know that I posted my own little blurb and prayer on Pope Benedict's now complete resignation. However, I just listened to the daily prayer for today for the students of my Alma Mater High School, St. Michael's College School. St. Mike's is quite well known in Catholic Circles for its tradition as one of the few, Roman Catholic private schools in Ontario, further it's all boys with full business like uniforms (blazer, tie, pants, black dress shoes).

The daily prayers are read (and possibly composed) by Fr. John Reddy, C.S.B. (Congregation of St. Basil). I felt that the whole prayer was appropriate to share in light of the Holy Father's complete resignation. I get these prayers because I am a subscriber to their private YouTube channel.

If anyone of the St. Michael's community does feel that they want me to take it down, be it Father or another administrator, by all means, tell me at my blog e-mail. Just do realize that as I've done before, Father's prayers are excellent, especially on the resignation of Benedict, and regardless whether you are Novus Ordo or Latin Mass goer, the prayer is well thought of, reflective, true, and should be shared. Pax, Julian. The prayer:

Today, the Holy Father's resignation will take effect at 2pm, 8pm Rome. We cannot envision yet, the implications of a papal resignation, of the Church's future. It's not just a person stepping down from a job, it's a seismic shift in how the role of the Pope will be viewed. 

Some of us are old enough to have seen several conclaves. Many of our students have seen only the election of Pope Benedict . It's not too often, that Catholics experience the time of the Sede Vacante, "the empty chair." These next few weeks will offer us the opportunity to follow the conclave, as we expectantly wait for our new Pope. 

I invite you to pay attention, and follow the news from Rome. The election of the Pope, can have an impact on the entire world. 

Let us pray, 

Lord Jesus, you entrusted the governance of the Church to Peter and the Apostles. Bless Benedict, as he leaves the Chair of Peter. Send Your Spirit upon the cardinal electors, who will gather for conclave. Bless your people with a Pope, who will lead us closer to You, and call the world to peace and love, in accordance to Your Will. Renew Your Church, in these challenging times. You reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen. 

Our father ... Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us. St. Michael, pray for us. St. Basil, pray for us. 

Pax Tibi Christi. Julian Barkin, with full credit to Fr. John Reddy, C.S.B.

SEDE VACANS

Just a few hours ago, as of 2pm NYT/EST, The Throne of Peter was made Vacant. Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has now completed his reign in the Papacy as the Bishop of Rome. Now, solely, once again, he is but a humble worker in the Lord's vineyard, Cardinal Josef Ratzinger.

But let us never forget his legacy: His writings, his governance, his continuation of the cleaning up of the institutional Church bureaucracy, and for us Latin Mass goers, Summorum Pontificum and Ecclesiae Unitatem. Also, he is still with us for the time being.

May Christ bless you for the rest of your life, Cardinal, for your service to us, and to the Lord. Further, by the will of the Holy Spirit, the Mover of movers, may people continue to be brought to eternal salvation via the works of Josef Ratzinger, our now retired Pope.

Holy Spirit, please bring forth unto us, the Pope that we need to continue on the same or an even grater path, as did Pope Benedict XVI.  Amen.

Pax Tibi Christ, Julian.

Off the Beaten Path: Turning Back the Clock to 1962 - Failed Attempt at Straight Razor Shaving

Hello to all,

This post .... is not specifically about the Latin Mass, though it is connected in a sense. It deals also with a general trend of young chaps in my generation, whether they be EF-attending young men or not. I'll let the introductory video explain away, though excuse my ugly, fat, bloated mug of a face first thing in the morning. The camera does add 10 pounds. And like I say in the video, I can't believe I am exposing myself like this .....

Introductory Video

And now without further ado, my miserable attempt at doing something of Traditional Man Culture/tradition/Latin Mass Culture circa 1962 .... whereupon I fail miserably.

Part 1 of the Shaving Fail

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Anyhow, likely the razor was not in a "ready-to-shave" condition, as I did a test from YouTube videos, the thumb/thumbnail test, and it was a smooth glide, so likely the answer is dullness (though I should go easy on the shave oil). I've taken the liberty of spending my hard earned work money, and ordered myself a special water honing stone from a Canadian company in Oakville, www.classicedge.ca/ to sharpen my blade. Once I get it, I'll film the sharpening of my razor and try again. 

And spiritually speaking, cause the wolves are ready to pounce on me saying "hypocrite! Vulgar brute you swearing fiend!" I did go to confession later that day and DID confess using vulgarity to the self in excitement or self-conversation at no less than a Latin Mass Parish. So if you want to be a Pharisee remember my blog rules, and depending how vitrolic you are, you'll get a yellow card or be booted from S.U.D. and your posts archived for evidence.

As for the rest of you, if you think its something else besides sharpening my blade or less oil, let me know. Maybe I need more stropping than 10-15 passes?

Pax, Julian Barkin. 

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI's Last Wednedsay Audience

For your curiosity, interest, etc. Find it here:

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-final-general-audience-full-text#

And as a side note, it seems that some people are still being piss-pots or "rad-trads" who can't part with him peacefully or criticize harshly his decision to step down, at places on the net like Rorate Caeli. Not everyone, but there's still some crumdumgeons there.

Pax, Julian.

Latin Mass Serving Role: The Torch Bearer

Latin Mass Serving: The Torch Bearer

http://www.holytrinitygerman.org/Corpus_Christi_2006.html

Brief Statistics

Plays a Role in What Level Masses? High Mass/Missa Cantata and Higher Levels

How Many? Anywhere from 2 to 6 (though perhaps for a pontifical Mass, the maximum increases to 8)

What parts of the Mass? From the Sanctus till Communion time till after the tabernacle is closed. Also torches are part of benediction and processions of the Blessed Sacrament, as these servers are doing in the picture above. 

Relative time to master the role? Not much.

The Torch Bearer Role in Detail

WARNING!!! As with all my serving posts here at Servimus Unum Deum, I am not the be all and end all, or solo authority, in the Church for Latin Mass Serving, and I do not make myself to be (unlike others). I provide in these posts the "basic tool-kit" or majority of basic tips and advice from my home library/practical experience gained as an EF server, on the topic at hand, and try my best not to leave out "left overs" or "small things." If there are acceptable deviations that do not delve from the major rubrics, which your parish or lay organization/trainer specified, go with what the parish/he says.

Note: Torch Bearers are part of Eucharistic Processions, but I will not cover those in the section. I would rather stick that in the Missa Cantata/High Mass and Missa Solemnis postings, or even its own separate posting. If, however, by popular demand you want to know that, as infrequent as you will do that as a torch bearer, I'll add it by request.

Description and Background of the Role

The Torch Bearer is a role that occurs in the High Mass/Missa Cantata or higher level Masses. It is often used as an introductory role for servers new to the higher level Masses, as mastering the role and the quantity of actions overall done by the torch bearer are less than those of other roles. 

Liturgically speaking ...
One can understand the physical part of the role of the torch bearer through a tradition that was (is?) used in the Low Mass, the lighting of the Sanctus Lamp. Recall from my Part II No. 4 of the General Q and A on the Latin Mass, the details about the Sanctus:

• Sometimes, there is a Sanctus candle that is lit on the epistle side of the Sanctuary after the Sanctus. This candle gives additional homage to Our Lord, Who a the Consecration will become present on the altar under the appearances of bread and wine. This candle is extinguised after the door of the tabernacle is closed following Holy Communion. (130, The Latin Mass Explained) 
• In the same vein, and more commonly seen, at this point altar servers in the role of the torch bearer in High Masses (if present) and higher levels come out to surround the altar with their torches of light. They fulfil a similar function to this Sanctus candle ... 

Scripturally Speaking ... 

Scripturally speaking, much of the components of the Mass (including the Sanctus) owes itself to the Book of Revelation/ (Apocrypha/Apocalypse in your Latin Mass Missals). Torches are in fact present in the Book:

Revelation/Apocalypse 1:12-13 (NRSV-Catholic Edition): "12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I see seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lamp stands one like a Son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash across his chest;"

Revelation/Apocalypse 4:5 (NRSV-Catholic Edition): " .... From the throne issue flashes of lightning, and voices and peals of thunder, and before the throne burn seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God ..."

Despite that later in chapter 1 its revealed the seven lamp stands are revealed to be the 7 churches started at that time of writing Apocalypse, does one not see the analogy here in the Mass? When one considers how the servers with their smaller torches surround the priest, who elevates the Lord, consecrated in the species of the bread and wine, becoming Body and Blood? In the centre, now in the Mass, is our Lord, who has titles such as King of Kings and Christ the King (where a king sits on a throne)? See the analogy making sense here?

Symbolically Speaking ...
Interesting to note, prior to reforms made by Pope John Paul VI, but still existing in the Traditional orders that function in the Church today, there is a rite in the Ritus Ordinatorium that is used for ordination (of clerics in training) to what is the minor orders. Seminarians in the traditional orders such as the Fraternity of the Society of Saint Peter (FSSP) and the Institute of Christ the King today are ordained to these minor orders, of which those of acolyte and lector are commissioned to lay people in the Novus Ordo without an ordination rite. For the sake of understanding the torch bearer's role, let's look at the translation of the rite of ordination of an acolyte:

De Ordinatorium Acolythorum - The Ordination of Acolytes
[after the ordinandi are called by the bishop and kneel] .........
"Dearly beloved children who are about to receive the office of Acolyte, weigh well what you take upon yourselves. For it is the duty of the Acolyte to carry the candlestick, to light the lights of the church, and to minister wine and water for the Eucharist. Strive, therefore, worthily to fulfil the office once you have received it. For you shall not be able to please God, if, carrying in your hands a light before him, you serve the works of darkness, and thereby set an example of  faithfulness to others. But as Truth says: ``Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven.`` And as the Apostle Paul says: ``In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation shine as light in the world, holding forth the word of life.`` ``Therefore let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands, that you may be children of the light.`` ``Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.`` ``For you were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light.`` What that light is upon which the Apostle so much insists, he himself points out, adding: ``for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and justice, and truth.`` Be, therefore, solicitous, in all justice and goodness and truth, to enlighten yourselves and others and the Church of God. For then will you worthily supply wine and water in the Divine Sacrifice, when, by a chaste life, and good works, you shall have offered yourselves as a sacrifice to God. Which may the Lord grant you through His mercy.

After this the Bishop takes a candlestick with an unlighted candle and presents it to all, each in turn touching it with his right hand, while the Bishop says:
"Receive the candlestick with the candle and know that you are bound to the lighting of the lights of the church, in the name of the Lord. R. Amen.
Then he takes an empty cruet ....
.......................
Afterwards, they remain kneeling and the Bishop standing, with his mitre on, turns towards them and says:
Dearly beloved brethen, let us humbly beseech God the Father Almighty, to vouchsafe to bless + these His servants for the Order of Acolyte, so that bearing before themselves a visible light in their hands, they may also show forth in their conduct a spiritual light. We beg this through the assistance of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who with Him and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God, world without end. R. Amen.
.........................
(23-25, Ritus Ordinandi)

So if I were to summarize, in some basic point form, what your importance of the role of the torch bearer is in the Mass, its:

• to physically surround, from the Sanctus, till after the Sacred Body of Christ is placed once again in the tabernacle, the consecrated species of the Body and Blood, our Lord Jesus. You could say you are one of the smaller lights, surrounding the Light of Lights, the King of Kings. 
• One can see the Scriptural roots or image of the torch bearer role in the Book of Revelation
• Symbolically, you are representing the laity as a server, and setting a spiritual example for them (as an acolyte, in the role of torch bearer) of faithfulness to others, a "spiritual light" so said in the ordination ritual for minor orders.  

Of course, you are probably screaming out loud to me through your computer screen "Alright I get it! Now teach me what you can about doing torch bearer!!!!" OK, calm down. deep breath now. Do it 3 times .... kay here we go.

The "What's" of the Role

To do the role of torch bearer, the following items/equipment you will work with at the Mass are:

• Your serving robes (DUH!) of the surplice and cassock, which hopefully are at the parish or you remembered to bring them ... hopefully you did ....
• Your torch
• Candles for the torch: Round cylindrical candles if lantern style, or long candles if regular torch style
• lighter

The Actual Torch
So, what exactly is a torch? "A torch is a short lighted candle affixed to a long staff." (18, A Handbook for the Sacristan). There are three main types that are mainly used commonly in Latin Masses. There aren't official names but I am assigning my own to these as a "descriptor"

Type 1 - "Traditional": These are your ones that look like the description in the Sacristan's Handbook. The one's below come off their base and do not have a candle in them.

Type 2 "Internally Affixed Candle" - These are the kind that have been used in past by St. Patrick's Gregorian Choir for their Solemn Masses in my Archdiocese. The torch is a long shaft not made of metal, but rather another material. You load the candle internally into a spring-loaded apparatus that can prop up the candle as needed (that is, as you burn through the wax). The candle is not visible as it is "Internally affixed" in the torch. Only its wick, the candle follower (the metal part around the "lip" of the candle,) and the light when it is lit would be seen. Some maintenance is required though, as wax might drip down and solidify in the spring-loaded apparatus, preventing the candle from being propped up

http://sevenoaks.blogspot.ca/2010/08/transfiguration-of-lord.html

Type 3 "Lantern": These type of torches are more modern and look like a lantern affixed to the top of a shaft. They usually are a red or white cylinder affixed to the head of the shaft, that takes cylindrical candles in it. The lantern is not always in the shape of a straight cylinder. These type of torches might be used in Novus Ordo parishes as substitutes for acolyte candles. The Latin Mass will use these types of candles ONLY as torches in the EF, not as acolyte candles.

Holding the Torch
We covered this in the "Starter Points" postings under liturgical items at Mass, but I'll repost the stuff here as to how to hold the torch, with a couple of minor additions:

When one is holding a TORCH as a torch bearer, 

• It is treated as a one handed object, though the rule varies. 
• The hand that carries the torch, holds them at the middle. This hand is the outside hand. 
• The other hand, is held open and flat against the breast. This is the inside hand. 

Also to note: 

• In the Missa Cantata and higher, the two torch bearers who are farthest from the altar, might "flank" the farthest ends of the communion rails/pews/steps when the people receive communion. The torches are held depending on if a priest with communion is present:
• Priest is handing communion: You hold the torch in your left hand (closest to the priest and the side of the Eucharist) while your right is flat and open on your chest.
• Priest goes to get more hosts from the altar or tabernacle: You hold the torch in your right hand as any regular item with one hand is held, the left hand is flat and open on your chest. 
• In other words, where the Eucharist is, the torch follows.  

However, if you are using the third type of torch pictured above, you might hold it with both hands, which makes your job a lot easier.

Doing the Role of Torch Bearer in the High Mass and Higher

On the bright side, the role of the torch bearer does not change between the High Mass and the Solemn Mass. They are needed at the same time, and leave at the same time. For the first half of the Mass and up to the Sanctus, you are in choir and can follow along with a missal and/or Propers handouts that are usually available in the Latin Masses.

You will also be doing the appropriate kneeling, standing, sitting, etc. with the other servers and your MC (unless he's needed). In addition, if your parish/lay organization allows for the altar servers to also say their responses at Mass that are not said by all persons present for the Latin Mass (e.g. prayers at the foot of the altar), then the torch bearers may say these as well.

As an additional note, two of the torch bearers, should there be a reduced quantity of regular servers to fill the role, OR there are no additional servers as torch bearers, can be the acolytes at the necessary points in the Mass. Clergy in the choir may also fulfil the role of torch bearer (119, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described).

Prior to Mass
In the sacristy, you will dress in your surplice and cassock (hopefully saying the vesting prayers before donning each item, see Starter points II part 3 for those prayers.) You will help out in whatever way you are asked to, or can, to set up the altar, and face the crucifix when it is the appropriate time to do so and receive the pre-mass prayer from the celebrant. You will then either process to the nave to go up the centre aisle, or line up near the door leading out to the left/right side of the main body of the church to begin processing.

Introduction to Mass/Asperges
You will be in a procession going up to the altar in the centre-most aisle. This is regardless if there is an Asperges or not before the Mass. If there is an Asperges before the Mass begins, then the order is as follows:

2nd Acolyte        Cross Bearer       1st/primary Acolyte

Boat-bearer

Torch bearers in pairs

[Clergy in Choir Walking in Pairs]

Thurifer     Priest in Cope     M.C.

As for the Solemn Mass, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Describes this for the Solemn Mass: "... if the celebrant [wears] the cope, then the ministers walk on either side of him, the deacon at his right, the subdeacon at his left, holding the cope. The sacred ministers are covered; those in choir carry their biretta when inside the church." (Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, 109). 

For the purposes of your roles, torch bearers only need to know where they are in their procession, and to do the appropriate genuflections as they would do in a non-Asperges Mass. The Asperges will be covered more in depth in the Thurifer and MC posts in future.  

Normally, you will process up the altar in the following order, as seen in this hand-written diagram from one of my religious notebooks:

Figure 1: Order of Procession in High/Solemn Latin Mass with guide from my Religious Notebook #1

Arrow - Direction of the procession train.

BB - Boat Bearer (if present)

Th - Thurifer with censer/thurible

Ac - Acolyte 1 and 2

Cb - Cross Bearer

Tb - Torch Bearers (in groups of two) 

MC - Master of Ceremonies

SD - Sub deacon

D - Deacon

P - Priest/Celebrant

The deacon and sub-deacon are not present in the procession for the High Mass.  As a torch bearer, seen here, you line up behind the trio of acolytes + cross bearer, in pairs. The pairs of torch bearers should ideally be close in, or equal in, height. There will never be an odd number of torches for the Mass, and the number will vary from two to six normally for High and Solemn Masses. 

You will process up the centre aisle. Since you will not have your torches in your hands, you will process at a reverent pace, with your hands joined in the orans prayer position. Should there be torch bearers of different heights, pairs of shorter height should process first, with taller pairs behind (84-85, How to Serve)

When you get to the foot of the altar, before the first step, should there be any clergy present in choir, you will bow (slight or moderately) to them. After, or if not present, you genuflect at the same time as a pair of torch bearers, to the front of the altar ahead of you, whether there is a tabernacle on it, behind it, or elsewhere in the sanctuary. (119, Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described)

You will then proceed to your place in the choir (sides of the altar). The choir area you will be placed in for the mass is usually that of the Gospel side, or the left side. There may be pews for you to sit, or chairs will be placed for you in your designated spot. 

Asperges
If there is an Asperges, you will be kneeling at your spots and receive the holy water that is sprinkled upon you.

Mass of the Catechumens

During the Mass of the Catechumens, you will mainly be copying the MC/other servers for your cues to stand, sit, kneel, etc. and will perform all the customary actions that all people present do at the various parts of the EF liturgy. As mentioned before, if you have a missal/the ordo of the EF mass and/or the propers of the day, be they a handout or a whole booklet, you are in your rights to follow along with the aid (unless you have been instructed not to by your parish/MC/trainer). At the liturgies I have served torch bearer at, I have been encouraged to follow along with the aids for learning purposes as well as to actively participate in the liturgy. 

While there is no major role that the torch bearer plays in the first half on the mass (unlike, say for example, the thurifer who is needed at the incensation of the altar,) for your consideration, I will now go through briefly   what the torch bearer does at each part of the Mass, including the appropriate cues.

Prayers at the foot of the Altar
The torch bearers will be kneeling with the other servers in choir, at the foot. The primary respondents are those around the priest for the responses, but if the torch bearers can hear the responses at the foot of the altar, they are able to say those responses if they know of them or from their service at Low Masses. They may also pat their chests at the "Mea culpa ..." part of the servers' Confiteor during the prayers. This section will be obviously shortened if it is a All Souls' Day Requiem Mass.

When the celebrant goes up to the altar with the other ministers and MC, you will stand, as well as those in the congregation.

For everyone, when the priest says the "Indulgentiam" line, you will make the Sign of the Cross with him.

Incensation of the Altar, Introit, Kyrie 
No actions. You remain kneeling for the duration.

Gloria (If Said)
You will stand for its duration. When the priests sit down due to the length of time it takes the choir to sing it, you will sit as well. Upon standing again, you will do so with the priests. Do not forget to do a slight head bow at: 1)  in excelsis DEO (Deo only), 2) adoramus te, 3) gratias agimus tibi, 4) Jesu Christe which appears twice 5) suscipe deprecationem nostrum.

Dominus Vobiscum and Collect

You will stand. Do not forget to slightly bow your head at "Oremus." 

Epistle (by sub deacon or priest), Gradual

No actions. You will sit. Just remember that if you hear the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, in Latin "Iesu(m) Christ(e/um)," you will do a slight head bow. You should be a well-prepared server for the Masses you serve and read the readings for the Mass ahead of time, at least just prior to Mass to see these cues. Get the propers which are usually provided as handouts at Latin Masses if you need to. 

Gospel (by deacon or priest)

You will stand. You will face the Gospel (where the subdeacon or priest is) and make your three signs of the cross with your thumb in your right hand, your left hand flat and open on your breast, at the mention of the Gospel author in the ``Sequentia`` line. Just like the epistle, if you hear the name of the Lord, "Iesu Christe,"  you will do a slight head bow. You should be a well-prepared server for the Masses you serve and read the readings for the Mass ahead of time, at least just prior to Mass to see these cues. Get the propers which are usually provided as handouts at Latin Masses if you need to.

Sermon

Sit and listen. If you hear the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, slight head bow. Seminarians and priests (including the priest giving the sermon) will indicate this by the removal of the biretta from their heads and placing it back on. 

Credo

You will stand to begin. If the priests sit while the choir sings the Credo, you will sit. You will slightly bow at : 1) "in Unum Deum" (AT Deum), 2) As always, Jesum Christum (if kneeling, a moderate bow is made while the celebrant genuflects while saying Et incarnatus est), and 3) simul adoratur. After this when the priest returns to the altar, you stand with him. 

When you hear the line "Et incarnatus est de spiritu sancto ex Maria virgine: et homo factus est", everybody kneels. You get up after that line. You cross with the priest at "Et Vitam."

After the Credo will be another Dominus Vobiscum, which you reply, "Et cum spiritu tuo with everyone. You will also slightly bow at ``Oremus`` again. 

Mass of the Canons

Offertory

This is the major part of the mass where you will perform your role as torch bearer. The acolytes will bring up water and wine. After than, the thurifer (herein, Th) will perform his duties like before, except now the deacon will incense a number of the clergy and inferior ministers in the Mass. Eventually, the Th will incense the deacon himself, his fellow servers which includes you, and the people. 

When the Th is about to incense you, he will bow to you. Bow in unison with the Th. He will incense you, you bow in unison with him right after he is done. He will then go off the steps of the sanctuary to the front and incense the people from the top of the centre aisle.

Your first actions at torch bearers are to go to the Th who will be standing in his spot where he incensed the people and line up equally spaced out to his left or right. When you process, you will be in walking with hands joined in the orans prayer position.

It is also possible for torches to line up in two lines behind the Th prior to genuflection (85, How to Serve; 120, Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described), which would work best with either 4 or 8 servers (were it to be a Pontifical Mass.)

Once you are in your spots, the Th and all torches will genuflect facing straight ahead at the sanctuary at the same time. A Th can give a single ``chest pat`` as the signal to do so, or an MC could look at the Th/torches to give the signal. The Th will then lead the torches to the sanctuary to get their torches. When he is leading you, your process in your given pairs, two by two, with your hands in the orans position.

I have also served a Mass as torch bearer, where the torches are led down the main aisle back to the narthex. This is not the most common procedure for the torch bearers, but has happened. Again consult your priest/MC/instructor as to what they want you to do for this part. 

Once in the sanctuary or narthex, you will have a limited time period to light your torches, be they the lanterns or the traditional candles. The Th might also aid in this, or need help with something of his duties. Ideally, matches/a lighter should be in the same place as the torches. Once you have lit all the torches, the Th will stand in the entry way out of the sacristy or into the body of the church. You will line up with your torch in your outside hand, and your inside hand open on your chest and flat. You will remain in the sanctuary until the Sanctus. 

Sanctus

When you hear the three bell rings in succession, your Th leads you out of the sacristy or up the aisle. You will then return to your spots where you were, the spots when the Th had finished his incensing of the people. You likely have been assigned certain positions to be in when you have your torches.

It is also possible at this point, that the acolytes' candles might be used as torches. Acolytes might go and get their candles (or assigned torch bearers), from the credence table, and use these torches for the role. Should acolytes be used as torch bearers, the Master of Ceremonies will perform the duties assigned to them. (85, How to Serve).

The Th lines up in the center and you surround him equidistant from each other at the foot of the altar. Your Th will likely signal or simply genuflect, and everyone genuflects once at this point. After you get up, your Th might give a second signal for you. ALL the torch bearers will now get on both knees (almost like a double genuflection, but not quite as you don't bend your head and you are carrying a torch). Your formation will look like this:

Figure 2: Positions of the Torch Bearers from the Sanctus till after Consecration. 

http://arthurcrumly.blogspot.ca/2010/07/serving-at-missa-cantata-torchbearers.html

For my first Solemn Mass, the Feast of Christ the King, which was in Oct 2011 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in downtown Toronto, we had the following altar configuration to line up prior to post-consecration:

Figure 4: Diagram in my Religious Notebook of torch bearer positions (Me as Tb number 2) relative to the predella and High Altar for October 2011 Christ the King Mass at St. Patick's Catholic Church, Toronto, ON. The Church contained an intact high altar attached to a stone wall, which is the best form for the EF Mass. 

[EDIT AS OF JUNE 13, 2014, also as part of the thurifer post]
You might also want to add a signal, so that you all genuflect with the Th on time. The Th might use his left hand to firmly, but not brashly, beat his chest, to get everyone to bow at the same time. Another option might be to assign first torchbearer (Tb1) this signalling responsibility, but to clap respectfully, not wildly, with both hands, which everyone should be able to hear.

In essence, Tb1 could be the "head torchbearer" (and as an opinion of this author, it could be a sub-rank or promotion for a server whose done the Mass a couple of times, but is not ready to be advanced further in rank.) This signal, however, AS ALWAYS WITH S.U.D., is not the final word, and should be up to your priest/MC/trainer. The signalling is an extra aid for the purposes of synchronization, and is NOT in the rubrics.
[End edit.]

Now the fun begins .... you will be kneeling for a lengthy period of time. A server's tip I will give to you new servers who aren't used to say 15-25 minutes straight of kneeling, if you are just starting out, is to buy a set of gardening or workman's foam knee-pads from a hardware store/gardening centre, and wear them under your cassock. However, I hope by the time you get used to serving, you won't need them. Of course if you are an older server with significant health problems in the joints, but can serve with the pads, then by all means do so. The Latin Mass should not be made to be a source of health problems. 

1a) Communion is NOT distributed at Mass

While usually this does not happen at a High or Solemn Mass, there may be a situation where it might happen. When this does, as soon as the elevation of the Chalice has ended, the torches rise together and come to the centre and genuflect with the Th, just like when they were going to the sanctuary. They go out two by two back to the sanctuary, led by the Th, extinguish their torches and put them back in there (or the narthex), and they go back to their places in the choir. Their function is complete (120, Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described). 

1b) Communion IS distributed at Mass (feast days when ferial Mass is said in violet vestments save Christmas Eve, Requiem Masses, and when people besides the celebrant receive communion)

There are two possible spots I have encountered/marked in my notes where the torches will switch their position on the altar or steps, in order to make way for servers who will be lining up for communion. 

1) After the ``Nobis quoque peccatoribus`` prayer (of which those exact words are said aloud), the priest will uncover the chalice and make 5 signs of the cross. After, he says ``Per omnia saecula saeculorim`` which you will reply, ``Amen.`` OR

2) After the priest consumes the Sacred Eucharist, and then says the "Sanguis Domini nostri ..." prayer and consumes the Precious Blood.

At this point, whatever it is, the other servers will get up to line for communion. What configuration you place yourself in after the single genuflection, will depend on the layout of the church altar or sanctuary (e.g. high altar attached to a reredos/stone wall, free-standing altar in a large sanctuary converted to an EF altar, free-standing altar in a small sanctuary). There are two basic types of post-consecration formations I've seen in my experience and on-line, with three sub-variations on the 2nd one.

a. Traditional Line Formation
Basically, you will remain in the same formation as before the consecration, but you might be required to move up and be on the same steps as the other servers. Regardless of moving, you will need to move yourself to the far ends of the line. You may also be below a step or two from the line up of main servers. It will look like this:

Figure 5: Traditional Straight Line-up for Server's Communion in High/Solemn Latin Mass. Edit of Image from http://arthurcrumly.blogspot.ca/2010/07/serving-at-missa-cantata-torchbearers.html

b. Flanking Altar or Vertical Line Formation
This, or variants of this formation, have been used in my past Solemn Latin Masses, and others. Basically, you line up vertically with other torches either in the large space of the sanctuary, at the sides of the predella on the lowest step (or below the first step), or in a group of two or four torches flanking the corners of the altar OR the main area of the high altar. Here's what it looks like pictorially with all three variations:

Figure 6: Variations of the Sanctuary/Altar Flanking of torch bearers. Tab = Tabernacle if dealing with a EF altar converted from a NO altar. 1) Torch bearers flank the (two) or four corners of the altar. 2) Torch bearers line up at the sides of the altar, on, or below, the first step of the predella. 3) The torch bearers line up vertically in straight lines, equidistant from the centre of the sanctuary, on both sides. This is an edited image from http://arthurcrumly.blogspot.ca/2010/07/serving-at-missa-cantata-torchbearers.html.

I have done Masses with both the traditional line up, and the flanking of the corners of the altar variation. For my first Solemn Mass, the Feast of Christ the King, which was in Oct 2011 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Toronto, we had the following altar flanking configuration to line up prior to post-consecration:

Figure 7: Flanking the four corners of the Altar configuration, post-consecration and consumption of the wine, leading up to the servers` communion.

If you have been instructed as torches to flank the four corners of the free standing altar, then you will go and do so. If you are doing the traditional straight line-up, then you will go to the farthest ends of the step you line up on and the torches will be at the ends of the line. On a multi-step predella, or one with the basic 3-4 steps, this is usually the first step of the predella. If the two acolytes are substituting for the torch bearers, they will do the same as regular torch bearers would. If there are only the two of them to serve as substitute torch bearers, they would kneel at the corners closest to the congregation.  

The torch bearers may say the 2nd confiteor and Non Sum Dignus x3 with the other servers. However if you do the 2nd confiteor, do not pat your chest with the free hand at ``mea culpa``. You`re holding something, it is as simple as that. When the torch bearers receive communion, they must hand their torches over to another person before they receive the Eucharist. (120, Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described) This might be an MC, their fellow torch bearer (who will hold the 2nd torch in his other hand), or another server/clergy member. 

It is also possible you will remain a step or two below the line of altar servers if in the traditional line format, or stay in your corners at the altar, and remain stationary. The priest will come to you, along with the MC/another clergy member, and allow you to receive communion by taking your torch from you.

People's Communion

Should the torches or the acolytes subbing in at torches be asked to do so, the two most farthest people (or in an altar-corner flanking configuration, the two acolytes closest to the congregation) will arise, and stand at the far ends of where the people receive communion. If using pews, Tbs stand at the far ends of the pews, giving just enough room for people to get in. If it is a step, or if lucky actual Communion rails, they are the "posts" or "guards" so to speak that denote where the kneeling space to receive communion ends on both sides.

It is here in this situation that the torches perform exceptions to the rule of carrying one-handed objects, whereby their torch is in the hand/direction of the priest. When they come with the Eucharist, the torch is in the hand, closest to the priest, the other hand open and flat on the breast. Should they need to "refill" or get more Hosts, then you switch hands.

The exceptions also apply for the two or more Tbs remaining behind on the altar, if flanking its corners or lining up on the sides of the altar. Your torch will follow the priests. When they go down to give communion, it goes to the hand closest to the body of the church, where they are. When they come back up and go to the tabernacle or altar for more Hosts, it follows them/goes in your other hand. You switch once they pass you. The torch follows the priest/Eucharist.

When Eucharist of the people is finished on your side, you return with your torch in your right hand, left flat on your chest, back to your designated torch bearer spot. Switch this upon returning to the altar to your outside hand once you are in kneeling position again.

After Communion
Once the extra ciboriae and Eucharist is placed back in the tabernacle, this is your cue for all the torches to leave their designated spots. You will line up like you did before kneeling, bow to any clergy if present in choir, and then do a single genuflection, then process back to the sanctuary in twos to deposit your torches and snuff them out. You then return to your places in the choir.

Should acolytes be used for torch bearers when they must stay till after communion, the MC will perform their associated functions, as mentioned before.

Exit Procession
You will again, be behind the acolytes and cross bearer, in twos, in the orans prayer position. The whole server train will stop once they have process several steps from the last step leading into the sanctuary, and are present in the main body of the church. They will stop and turn around, and wait for the clergy while they are saying the Last Gospel.

Do not forget at the line "Et incarnatus est ..." you will genuflect with the congregation. After the last gospel is finished, the clergy will descend from the sanctuary and come towards you. The clergy will do a last genuflection or bow to the altar. You will also bow (moderately) with the clergy, and then turn around and process back to the sacristy. Once inside, you will kneel facing the crucifix, and the priest will give his final prayer/blessing to you.

END NOTE
And so concludes the first of my specific position posts for EF serving. I realize I might have missed things, or might have made some things in error. If you have VALID additions or corrections that need to be added to the post, then I'll make them, providing you are of valid reference (e.g. a clergy member, a reputable choir master, or an altar server, not just a lay person who's been at many High/Solemn Masses). Be warned if you do, you'd better frame the addition charitably. No piss-pots allowed here on S.U.D. The blog rules still stand.

PAX TIBI CHRISTI, Julian.

Works Cited
Moorman, Msgr. G.J. The Latin Mass Explained. Tan Publishing: Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. 2010.

Fortescue, A., O'Connell, J.B., and Reid, A. The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described. Fifteenth Edition. Burn & Oates: London, U.K. 2009.

Britt, D.M. O.S.B. How to Serve in Simple, Solemn, and Pontifical Functions. Tan Publishing: Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. 2008.

Crumly, A. Serving at Missa Cantata (The Torchbearers at Missa Cantata). The Blog of Arthur Crumly. Retrieved 25 Feb 2013 <http://arthurcrumly.blogspot.ca/2010/07/serving-at-missa-cantata-torchbearers.html>;.

Lynch, J.S.M. The Rite of Ordination According to The Roman Pontifical. 2nd Ed. The Cathedral Library Assocaition: New York, N.Y, USA. 1892. Retrieved Feb 2013: <http://archive.org/details/ritusordinationu00cath>.

Extraordinary Form Eucharistic Adoration at St. Lawrence Martyr Sunday Evenings

Hello Everyone,

Something relatively new has started at St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish within the past few months. While this practice is not new to those who know of First Fridays, there is something new about it .....

St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church, Scarborough, now has weekly Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, every Sunday evening from 6 - 7pm, right before the late eve Novus Ordo English Mass. But there is more to it than just being another opportunity to be personally before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, ...

I highlight it here on S.U.D. because .... by my understanding from Robin Cheung, the adoration and benediction is done in the Extraordiary Form manner! We are talking full Latin prayers, and certainly no praise and worship guitar bands and bongos. It's straight up, just like it was before the Novus Ordo, with genuflections and/or reverences done at intervals that may be foreign to you who are used to adoration and benediction of the Novus Ordo kind. The adoration and benediction is done by the Latin Mass chaplain, Fr. Steven Szakaczki, and served by Robin Cheung, veteran EF Mass server of the parish.

So please, do try to attend this lovely, Extraordinary form of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction in our diocese when you can. You might like it all in Latin with the traditional hymns. I have also added it to the Latin Masses in the core of the diocese page on my blog for those who are looking up Mass times and the like.

In addition, if anyone is able to go to it, and get video footage of the serving portions, I will credit you on this blog and create the posting about EF adoration/benediction with it. I don't just want to rely on my books alone for that one.

Pax, Julian Barkin.

Monthly Serving Practice Announcement

Hello Everyone, 

The monthly altar serving practice for the group I am involved with (see About page) is happening. However, there will be a change in time and day. St. Lawrence the Martyr now has (like most Catholic parishes) Stations of the Cross Friday nights which is around our usual time. This will cause the Latin Mass to become 6:30pm and the stations in Italian are 730pm. 

Therefore, this month's practice will be as follows:

Where: St. Lawrence the Martyr, 2210 Lawrence Ave. E, Scarborough, ON. It is closest to St. Lawrence Ave. E + Kennedy Rd. TTC access via Kennedy Station 43/43B bus and a 10 min walk west on L.A.E.

When? 630pm, after the Saturday English Vigil Mass

What Day? This coming Saturday, February 23rd, 2012

The focus of this practice will be Solemn Latin Masses as there will be one coming up the evening of Tuesday March 19. Roles will be assigned to servers who desire to serve the Solemn Mass. Currently, we have assigned servers to some of the major roles, though assignments are subject to change at the discretion of the MC/instructor. 

There are no assignments to the roles of boat bearer (if needed), cross bearer, and torchbearers (minimum 2, usually 4, but up to 6).  Do come out and gain valuable Solemn Mass serving experience. 

In addition, if you are an adult or young man who wants to start serving, please come to the practice and send me your e-mail contact information (or that of your parents in addition to your own if you are a minor under 18) to torontotlmservers@gmail.com. Indicate if you only want to do the group practices, or if you want to also be put in contact with a Latin Mass parish and/or a Solemn Latin Mass choir in the diocese as well. I will forward your information onto the organizers, or give you information for one of the Latin Mass parishes in the diocese. Also, please submit the information by e-mail, not by comment boxes (more for your privacy).  

Thanks, and God Bless. Julian Barkin, Servimus Unum Deum.

The Final Major Solemnity/Feast Day Homily of Pope Benedict XVI: Let us Avoid the Sins Against the Unity of the Church, Overcoming Individualism and Rivalry

Hello Everyone,

Today is the last major homily of the Pontificate of our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, during a Mass on a major feast day/solemnity in the Novus Ordo liturgical calendar. Posted below is the speech translated from the Italian from the Vatican Website, thanks to Rorate Caeli here: http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-final-homily-let-us-avoid-sins.html. Eventually an English translation of better quality will be on the Vatican's site.

I have also taken the liberty to highlight some important points from the homily in bold, with major ones highlighted in yellow, which are relevant considering the division and happenings that exist in the Church and the world, not excluding the Latin Mass Catholics of the Extraordinary Form (e.g. amongst each other, vs. Novus Ordo Catholics, or others in their lives).

Pax, Julian.

Venerable Brothers,Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Today, Ash Wednesday, we begin a new Lenten journey, a journey that extends over forty days and leads us towards the joy of Easter, to victory of Life over death. Following the ancient Roman tradition of Lenten stations, we are gathered for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The tradition says that the first statio took place in the Basilica of Saint Sabina on the Aventine Hill. Circumstances suggested we gather in St. Peter's Basilica. Tonight there are many of us gathered around the tomb of the Apostle Peter, to also ask him to pray for the path of the Church going forward at this particular moment in time, to renew our faith in the Supreme Pastor, Christ the Lord. For me it is also a good opportunity to thank everyone, especially the faithful of the Diocese of Rome, as I prepare to conclude the Petrine ministry, and I ask you for a special remembrance in your prayer.

The readings that have just been proclaimed offer us ideas which, by the grace of God, we are called to transform into a concrete attitude and behaviour during Lent. First of all the Church proposes the powerful appeal which the prophet Joel addresses to the people of Israel, "Thus says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning" (2.12). Please note the phrase "with all your heart," which means from the very core of our thoughts and feelings, from the roots of our decisions, choices and actions, with a gesture of total and radical freedom. But is this return to God possible? Yes, because there is a force that does not reside in our hearts, but that emanates from the heart of God and the power of His mercy. The prophet says: "return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment" (v. 13). It is possible to return to the Lord, it is a 'grace', because it is the work of God and the fruit of faith that we entrust to His mercy. But this return to God becomes a reality in our lives only when the grace of God penetrates and moves our innermost core, gifting us the power that "rends the heart". Once again the prophet proclaims these words from God: "Rend your hearts and not your garments" (v. 13). Today, in fact, many are ready to "rend their garments" over scandals and injustices – which are of course caused by others - but few seem willing to act according to their own "heart", their own conscience and their own intentions, by allowing the Lord transform, renew and convert them.

This "return to me with all your heart," then, is a reminder that not only involves the individual but the entire community. Again we heard in the first reading: "Blow the horn in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly! Gather the people, sanctify the congregation; Assemble the elderly; gather the children, even infants nursing at the breast; Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her bridal tent (vv.15-16). The community dimension is an essential element in faith and Christian life. Christ came "to gather the children of God who are scattered into one" (Jn 11:52). The "we" of the Church is the community in which Jesus brings us together (cf. Jn 12:32), faith is necessarily ecclesial. And it is important to remember and to live this during Lent: each person must be aware that the penitential journey cannot be faced alone, but together with many brothers and sisters in the Church.

Finally, the prophet focuses on the prayers of priests, who, with tears in their eyes, turn to God, saying: " Between the porch and the altar let the priests weep, let the ministers of the LORD weep and say: “Spare your people, Lord! Do not let your heritage become a disgrace, a byword among the nations! Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’"(V.17). This prayer leads us to reflect on the importance of witnessing to faith and Christian life, for each of us and our community, so that we can reveal the face of the Church and how this face is, at times, disfigured. I am thinking in particular of the sins against the unity of the Church, of the divisions in the body of the Church. Living Lent in a more intense and evident ecclesial communion, overcoming individualism and rivalry is a humble and precious sign for those who have distanced themselves from the faith or who are indifferent.

"Well, now is the favourable time, this is the day of salvation" (2 Cor 6:2). The words of the Apostle Paul to the Christians of Corinth resonate for us with an urgency that does not permit absences or inertia. The term "now" is repeated and can not be missed, it is offered to us as a unique opportunity. And the Apostle's gaze focuses on sharing with which Christ chose to characterize his life, taking on everything human to the point of taking on all of man’s sins. The words of St. Paul are very strong: "God made him sin for our sake." Jesus, the innocent, the Holy One, "He who knew no sin" (2 Cor 5:21), bears the burden of sin sharing the outcome of death, and death of the Cross with humanity. The reconciliation we are offered came at a very high price, that of the Cross raised on Golgotha, on which the Son of God made man was hung. In this, in God’s immersion in human suffering and the abyss of evil, is the root of our justification. The "return to God with all your heart" in our Lenten journey passes through the Cross, in following Christ on the road to Calvary, to the total gift of self. It is a journey on which each and every day we learn to leave behind our selfishness and our being closed in on ourselves, to make room for God who opens and transforms our hearts. And as St. Paul reminds us, the proclamation of the Cross resonates within us thanks to the preaching of the Word, of which the Apostle himself is an ambassador. It is a call to us so that this Lenten journey be characterized by a more careful and assiduous listening to the Word of God, the light that illuminates our steps.

In the Gospel passage according of Matthew, to whom belongs to the so-called Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to three fundamental practices required by the Mosaic Law: almsgiving, prayer and fasting. These are also traditional indications on the Lenten journey to respond to the invitation to «return to God with all your heart." But he points out that both the quality and the truth of our relationship with God is what qualifies the authenticity of every religious act. For this reason he denounces religious hypocrisy, a behaviour that seeks applause and approval. The true disciple does not serve himself or the "public", but his Lord, in simplicity and generosity: "And your Father who sees everything in secret will reward you" (Mt 6,4.6.18). Our fitness will always be more effective the less we seek our own glory and the more we are aware that the reward of the righteous is God Himself, to be united to Him, here, on a journey of faith, and at the end of life, in the peace light of coming face to face with Him forever (cf. 1 Cor 13:12).

Dear brothers and sisters, we begin our Lenten journey with trust and joy. May the invitation to conversion , to "return to God with all our heart", resonate strongly in us, accepting His grace that makes us new men and women, with the surprising news that is participating in the very life of Jesus. May none of us, therefore, be deaf to this appeal, also addressed in the austere rite, so simple and yet so beautiful, of the imposition of ashes, which we will shortly carry out. May the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and model of every true disciple of the Lord accompany us in this time.

Amen!

Benedict XVI

Homily, Ash Wednesday

February 13, 2013

Pope Benedict Resigns from the Papacy: Some thoughts for the Future of the Church and Traditional Catholicism, and an Urgent Request

EDIT FEB 11, 2013, 1109pm

I would like to add a beautiful and solid prayer said by the chaplain of my high school alma mater, Fr. Reddy, CSB, of St. Michael's College School during this morning's prayer and reflection:

Let us pray, 

Lord God, you entrusted the See of Peter to Benedict. Bless him, as he prepares to leave that sacred office. Guide the cardinals as they prepare to choose a new pope. Jesus promised to be with his Church until the end of time. May His presence bestow wisdom, holiness, and courage upon the cardinal electors. Lord, grant Pope Benedict peace, comfort, and joy, as he takes this historic step. We ask this through Christ, our Lord, Amen. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen. 

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, Pray for us. St. Michael, Pray for us. St. Basil, pray for us. 

Pax, Julian.

END EDIT FEB 11 2013.

Hello Everyone,

Okay, so I'm WAY late to the party. Sorry but unlike the rest of the media pundits and bloggers out there, I am a part-time employee who had to do night shift at his workplace and it was a nasty night shift, which I got to do alone (again .... grrrrr ...). This means sleeping and recovering  for the duration of the normal daylight hours, so of course I missed the news and did not get to blog until now.

It is old news by now, but our Blessed and Holy Father, B16, is retiring. In over 600 years, a Pope has not ``retired`` from the Papacy, until now. For those who have been eyeing the last couple of years, Pope Benedict has hinted that he might have to retire should his overall physical health decline, and well it has come.

Here is the full text of his resignation speech:
http://washingtonexaminer.com/full-text-pope-benedict-xvis-resignation-letter/article/2521147

Dear Brothers,

I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.

Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.From the Vatican, 10 February 2013

BENEDICTUS PP XVI

It saddens me that this had to happen, but I sympathize with our physically weary and aged Holy Father. Biological ageing is but the cruel pet of death, priming us all for the eventual slice of his scythe. However, in this day and age with the increasing signs of decay and societal collapse, as well as increasing internal division and radicalism/being Judas in the Church, a new fresh body and mind are needed to keep going on the path that John Paul II and Benedict XVI have done in steering the Barque of Peter back onto the intended course. I whole heartedly support the Pope's decision to retire and to bring someone more capable to the helm of the Seat of Rome. 

However, this isn't just a waiting game people ..... we should be very cautious and worried and not just trust that things are magically going to continue the way they are via trending. It's no different than politics, where anything can stem the tide of leadership, and all it takes is one stupid bungle or some political interference/manipulation and then bam! An immoral, societally damaging leader and his/her party is in the power seat and undoes all the hard work of the predecessor, economically, socially, morally, etc. I actually heard on the CTV news this evening that there is actually a week before the conclave where the cardinals meet, share meals, chat .... and well the impression I get is that this can influence politically who cardinals will vote for. The key words were "exchanging ideas" which is code for influencing other like-minded cardinals to vote for you, be it traditional or conservative. Sounds to me like political campaigning. 

With the seat of Rome about to become "Sede Vacante" (or vacant), and an absolute need for a new successor  to the Seat of Rome, and hence the Vicarship of Christ, all of us should be keeping vigil or watch. While Benedict has done his absolute best to ensure that the "right men" for the job of leading the Church are placed in the cardinal-ship  not all of the cardinals will be able to lead the Church in the right way as Benedict has. Benedict himself knew that the Church was dying in number and souls were not being saved thanks to the effect that liberalism/modernism/secularism had on Catholics, especially the clergy and institutional body of the Church who have foolishly embraced this with gusto since the mis-application of Vatican II. Sadly, this has been most evident in the Catholic liturgy, which while when done with valid form, matter, and intent by a validly and licitly ordained Catholic priest is SACRAMENTALLY VALID regardless of rite or form of a rite, practically hasn't been nourishing the flock as it should, and everything surrounding it too (e.g. personal anecdotes and weak or absent messages in homilies, stupid props including animals and costumes in the liturgy, watered-down "jesus loves everybody" catechesis of kids and adults, denial of central tenets and doctrine/dogma/beliefs of the faith, "cafeteria" Catholcism...")

While John Paul II started to bring the overall institutional mindset of the Church back on course, B16 went even more further and bolder than his predeccesor, while still remaining an ``intellectual pope`` as some media sources say when comparing him to JPII. He set about and carried out a number of significant things:

• Promulgating the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum with the instruction Ecclesiae Unitatem to restore proper and solid Masses in the Latin Rite (the world`s majority rite) not only to correct presumptions, but to hopefully influence Novus Ordo clergy to make their Masses more orthodox and back to where they should be, and as a peace offering to the (likely now impossible) reconciliation with the SSPX
• Tried to get the SSPX to reconcile with the Church and become canonically valid via freeing the Latin Mass, removing the excommunications of its bishops, and having the doctrinal talks for two years, of which the SSPX has been obstinate in their position and refused to submit to the will of the Lord including his holy bride, the Church, via Rome. 
• Promulgating Anglicanorum Coebitus so that Anglicans who are disaffected by what`s going on in their `church` who desire to keep their liturgical traditions and culture, but at the same time want to be in Communion with the Church, had a bridge in order to do so. 
• Created a number of excellent and orthodox spiritual works, pre-Papacy and also during his papacy, including the famous Jesus of Nazareth Series and his encyclicals which have been cherised as a whole by Catholics in the Church. 
• Stood firm against many different attacking forces in the church including: Secularism, relativism, atrocities in other countries, the sex scandal crisis part II (initial blow-out in 2002 with JPII), and especially wayward liberal clergy, religious, etc. He certainly fought to curb their ways and influence, especially within the institutional Church. 

It is with these poignant marks he leaves the Church on a great high note. But after him ... well I don`t know what will happen. And that is the problem. Our next Pope will not likely be a pope who bridged the gap, between pre and post Vatican II changes, and is likely a pure Novus Ordo Mass Pope (though they may have awareness of the Extraordinary Form, has likely never attended one or were too young to appreciate it), Vatican II educated, etc. We hope that their studies, combined with the Holy Father's teachings and statements on Vatican II, have influenced their perspective on the Church, but do we know every cardinal's stance and education? No. Furthermore, not every single cardinal present in the Conclave will likely have the gusto or the traditionalism our Pope had. Should the wrong man be elected to the papacy, I fear:

• That the significant progress that has been made with regard to Christian Unity as well as dealing with other groups of Christians/Catholics will either be bungled or halted. Worse, he may promote false ecumenism or improperly understood ecumenism which also is known as syncretism, that all faiths are equal. 
• That the Pope will be liberal and espouse Vatican II to that of a super dogma, ignoring how B16 AND Paul VI called it a pastoral council with no new dogma/doctrine pronounced. In this vein, there will be no correction of errors that were committed by the liberals in the institutional church, nor overall correction back to what is supposed to be interpretation of the Council in continuity with tradition as Benedict has stated numerous times. 
• That the situation with the Society of St. Pius X will he handled inappropriately or just not bothered with at all. Personally as opinion, the way they are going now, I hope they do not come back into the Church without severe monitoring and discipline and a total remission of their acts with submission to the doctrinal preamble and the Holy Father. However should this situation be handled poorly, I can see EF-attending Catholic souls being lost to the Society and/or going into ``angry-trad" mode and making us good trads look bad (and they may possibly become spiritually damned from frequent attendance of their "Masses," of which schism is an automatic self-excommunication act), or the Society being let in unchecked into the Church and actually causing more strife and division for Traditional Catholics everywhere. The next pope might also be more of the Muller hard-ball mindset (which I think it 100% needed with them), but being the Pope ... I wouldn't be surprised if the entire society were excommunicated and full schismatic status to be passed on them. 
• That the next Pope will have a deterrence to the Latin Mass, and either "ghettoize" it as a whole leaving it to just fetter off itself (which is actually not happening, it`s growing as well as the number of us young Catholics attending it,) and not supporting it, or hating it and giving it negative press which lukewarm and/or uneducated Catholics/clergy will take as a sign to hate the Latin Mass more. 
• That those forces, be they secular, or liberally-minded internally in the Church, will truly run the show on the practical level and the Pope will be but the mere "stand-in figure." As an analogy, it will be like in Canada, where the Lieutenant Govenor of Canada is the Queens Representative (of which the Queen truly has governance over Canada) but the Prime minister actually runs the show and practically governs in Canada. 

So everyone, I'll admit you probably think I am paranoid, but really one should seriously consider that the Church needs a strong warrior as pope, not so much an intellectual, but one who needs to clean up the institutional aspects further and follow in the footsteps of B16 and everything he's done. He needs to be courageous against those who are not truly vested in carrying out the Gospel in the Church and just being Judases amongst us, and further needs to stand up against those forces attacking us Catholics right now (e.g. radical homosexuals and supporters, Church-haters, pro-choicers, radical Islamic states who persecute our Christian brethen in the Middle East, etc.) 

Therefore everyone, I ask one big thing right now. 

I am asking you, to pray hard! Extremely hard 

that Our Lord, Jesus Christ, will bestow the 

Catholic Church with a successor who will truly 

proclaim the Gospel of our Lord, and be not afraid 

to do as Paul advised the young bishop, Timothy, to 

"Fight the good fight of the Faith" in light of the 

evils of  the world, the flesh, and the Devil, who 

seek our physical and eternal ruin in the afterlife. 

I will leave off this request with a positive note. As a whole since the JPII/B16 generation of Catholics have come to the forefront and the 60`s-80`s generation of Catholics are dying off, I am seeing overall good fruits and works in the Church. More teachers and catechists and even just ordinary Catholics are doing their best with what they got to proclaim the Gospel, and to do it evangelically. They are trying to fight off the indifferent-ism and false Catholicism of the generations before, and gradually reversing the trends that have weakened the faith in the Church. The younger clergy and laity are waking up and are getting back to the basics as it were. And even some of the older priests, clergy, etc. in the Church are seeing that they have to buckle down in order than my generation does not dwindle away entirely. It is slow, but the message is getting out there. It might be too late to save everyone, but at least things are turning around. In my opinion, it`s very unlikely a hard line, extroverted Liberal will take control of the papacy, rather if anything, the worst we`ll get is a lukewarm pope. However, the Church needs better in these days, and we will more likely get someone of that nature in the Papal Chair, at least equal to that of Benedict on the big stuff, or even better. 

So please pray for a new successor who can carry on as B16 has, but even more courageous and willing to fight for us, and allow the Latin Mass to continue thriving in the liturgical, and even the societal, moral, and cultural life of the Church. 

Pax Tibi Christ, Julian.