REPOST: The Nine First Fridays of Reparation to Christ’s Sacred Heart

(Originally posted May 28, 2013)

Hello Everyone.

This post is a bit special to me, as I am going to write about a devotion topic that I have participated in and has since held a place in my prayer life: The Sacred Heart of Jesus. More specifically, this post will be devoted to the practice of the First Fridays. This post is even more relevant, as Friday June 7, 2013 is the feast day devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in both the Extraordinary and Ordinary Form liturgical calendars.

I will begin with some introduction and some history behind the devotion, and then will go through what is necessary to do the devotion and the indulgences/promises attached to the devotion.

Introduction: The Sacred Heart of Jesus and History behind the Devotion

What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus? It is commonly depicted as Jesus' literal heart, however it has the addition of two key components: The crown of thorns that is around the top perimeter of his heart, as well as a cross, the one he was crucified on, atop his heart. (This is not to be confused with the Immaculate Heart of Mary which usually has flowers around it and seven swords in it, representing the Seven Sorrows of Mary.)  Flames often surround the cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and some depictions also include a diagonal laceration, from being impaled by the spear of the Roman soldier ``Longinus?``, where out came blood and water from the wound. Here's an example:

Source unknown. 

While yes it is depicted as his literal heart of his incarnate body, it has more meaning than being his circulatory organ.

Theological History
Christ himself in the Gospel of John 7:37-39 says this: "And on the last and great day of the festivity, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If any man thirst, let him come to Me, and let him drink that believeth in Me. As the Scripture saith: Out of his heart there shall flow rivers of living waters.' Now this He said of the Spirit which they should receive who believed in Him."(3). This was made all the more prominent and came true literally when the Roman soldier ("Longinus"???) pierced the side of Christ with his spear, and out poured out blood and water from the wound. Whether it pierced Jesus' actual organ of the heart, it is uncertain.

As is commonly used in literature and poetry, the heart is the organ associated with the deepest of emotions, especially that of love. In the pre-Vatican II encyclical, Haurietas Aquas, by Pius XII, which is devoted to the Sacred Heart, he describes to us more deeply what the Sacred Heart of Jesus is about and why veneration and devotion is to be rightly given:

" .... Holy Writ declares that between divine charity, which must burn in the souls of Christians, and the Holy Spirit, Who is certainly Love Itself, there exists the closest bond, which clearly shows all of us, venerable brethren, the intimate nature of that worship which must be paid to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. If we consider its special nature it is beyond question that this devotion is an act of religion of high order; it demands of us a complete and unreserved determination to devote and consecrate ourselves to the love of the divine Redeemer, Whose wounded Heart is its living token and symbol. It is equally clear, but at a higher level, that this same devotion provides us with a most powerful means of repaying the divine Lord by our own. (6, H.A.) ...."

".... The other reason which refers in a particular manner to the Heart of the divine Redeemer, and likewise demands in a special way that the highest form of worship be paid to it, arises from the fact that His Heart, more than all the other members of His body, is the natural sign and symbol of His boundless love for the human race. "There is in the Sacred Heart," as Our predecessor of immortal memory, Leo XIII, pointed out, "the symbol and express image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love in return ...."(16)"
(22, H.A.)

And so, the Sacred Heart of Jesus ...

" .... 55. is a symbol of that divine love which He shares with the Father and the Holy Spirit but which He, the Word made flesh, alone manifests through a weak and perishable body, since "in Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily."(52) 56. It is, besides, the symbol of that burning love which, infused into His soul, enriches the human will of Christ and enlightens and governs its acts by the most perfect knowledge derived both from the beatific vision and that which is directly infused.(53) 57. And finally - and this in a more natural and direct way - it is the symbol also of sensible love, since the body of Jesus Christ, formed by the Holy Spirit, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, possesses full powers of feelings and perception, in fact, more so than any other human body (54) .... " (55-57, H.A.)

Devotional History
The actual devotion of the Sacred heart that is practiced, originates with Saint Mary Margaret Alacoque in the late 1600's. From 1673-1675, the saint received a series of visions of our Lord, revealing to her his Sacred Heart. Jesus asked her in these visions to spread devotion of his Heart throughout the whole church, as reparation for sins and offenses against our Lord. (8, First Fridays and First Saturdays)

At the center of the revelations are twelve promises, made to her by Jesus. For those who consecrate themselves and make reparation to His Sacred Heart:

1. He will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
2. He will establish peace in their homes.
3. He will comfort them in all their afflictions.
4. He will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
5. He will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners will find in His Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. He will bless every place in which an image of His Heart is exposed and honoured. (I have provided one above, though there are paper, gold-painted cross cards that seem to be popular for this purpose.)
10. He will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in His Heart.
12. In the excessive mercy of His heart, that His all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in His disgrace, nor without receiving the sacraments. His divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

Of course, these promises are also bestowed onto the faithful who engage in this practice, not just St. Mary.

The Devotion of the Sacred Heart

1. The actual devotion of the sacred heart consists of going to Mass on the First Friday of the month for nine consecutive months, and receiving the Eucharist in the state of sanctifying grace. You MUST do this consecutively for nine months, without any break in the practice. I have found no document, be it in Church Law, Catechism, Papal/Vatican writings, nor writings from trusted Catholic sources that allow for such an interruption other wise, even for valid and legitimate reasons. Not even a priests' dispensation can allow for a valid break.Communion MUST be received on this particular day of the Month. The practice cannot be delegated to another day.

2. They must be done in honour of His Sacred Heart, and thus one must practice devotion to the Heart and have a great love for Christ.

3. Note: This devotion will not dispense you from obligations or from exercising vigilance necessary for leading a good life and overcoming temptation. You will however be bestowed graced to carry out obligations and persevere to the end.

In addition, associated with the devotion is Eucharistic Adoration before or after the Mass. Unfortunately, when it is done after, those parishes that do this tend to schedule confession then, not before the Mass, which deprives people from the ability to receive the Eucharist in the state of grace and perform the devotion. You absolutely cannot receive the Eucharist in the state of Mortal Sin, so you deprive the faithful of the ability to do this practice. Any clergy reading my blog, PLEASE do confession before the Mass, be it with or without Adoration!

Regardless, the beauty of having Eucharistic Adoration attached to this devotion, is that one can receive additional indulgences, which when obtained, remit the temporal effects of sins. A half hour of Eucharistic Adoration minimum, qualifies for the indulgent act. Better yet if one removes themselves from sin completely, the indulgence is plenary, or full.

Indulgences are obtained when one receives confession and communion within 8 days of the indulgent act, prays for the intentions of the Holy Father (which can be at minimum one of the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be), and removes oneself from attachment to all sin. An analogy I use is that sin is like a sticky snail. When we go to confession, we take the snail from his shell and boot him off your skin. However, that shell is taking up space on you. Think of that shell is the time in purgatory one will need to spend to become purified in such a state to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Indulgences remove the temporal effects of sin, that is, that shell is now removed from your body, and thus the complete effects of sin are removed from you, though how many and how much time is reduced is unknown.

Finally, while this is not a mandatory part of the devotion, there are also associated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus the Acts of Consecration and Reparation to the Sacred Heart. They are as follows:.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee.
 I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants.

Amen.

Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart

O sweet Jesus, Whose overflowing charity for me is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Your alter (in Your presence) eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries, to which Your loving Heart is everywhere subject.

 Mindful alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Your pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation not only for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those, who, straying for from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow You, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the vows of their baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of Your Law. We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against You; we are determined to make amends for the manifold offenses against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holidays, and the shocking blasphemies uttered against You and Your Saints. We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Your Vicar on earth and Your priest are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of Your Divine Love; and lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which You have founded. Would, O divine Jesus, we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Your divine honor, the satisfaction You once made to Your eternal Father on the cross and which You continue to renews daily on our altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of Your Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of Your grace, for all neglect of Your great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth we will live a life of unwavering faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the gospel and especially that of charity. We promise to the best of our power to prevent other from offending You and to bring as many as possible to follow You.

 O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowing gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to You, so that we may one day come to that happy home, where You with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, world without end. Amen.

Summary:
Therefore, to do this devotion to the Sacred Heart, you must do the following:
1. Be in the state of Sanctifying grace to receive the Eucharist worthily on First Friday. So go to confession, especially if you have one or more Mortal Sins on your soul. Without true repentance and ceasing of the situation, you will obviously not be able to receive the Eucharist in certain situations (e.g. co-habitation, 2nd marriage if 1st was not annulled, masturbation with/without pornography ...)

2. You must attend Mass on First Friday and receive the Eucharist in the state of sanctifying grace, for 9 consecutive months, with no break in between occasions. 

3. For the promises to be fulfilled, you must be promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart, whether it be by taking about the devotion, generally why you love the Sacred Heart of the lord, prayer to the Sacred Heart, etc.

In addition to these conditions,
3. You may also attend , and should, the Eucharistic Adoration that comes before and after the Mass. Under the usual conditions of Confession, Communion, and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (at minimum 1x Our Father, 1x Hail Mary, and 1x Glory be, or a specific prayer for His intentions), PLUS a minimum of 1/2 hour of adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, you will gain an indulgence aside from the usual benefits and graces.

4. While it is not absolutely necessary according to numerous sources, some recommend the addition of the Act of Reparation and Consecration to the Sacred Heart to be said during those First Friday sessions. I say, do it.

Pax Tibi Christi, Julian Barkin.

Works Cited
Pius XII. Encyclical of Pope Pius XII Haurietas Aquas On the Devotion to the Sacred Heart. May 15, 1956. [http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_15051956_haurietis-aquas_en.html]. Retrieved 2013 May 28.

Catholic Truth Society. First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained. Catholic Truth Society: London, UK. 2008. 

Report: Missa Cantata/High Mass in the Extraordinary Form for Sacred Heart June 8, 2018 7pm EST

Hello everyone,

Once again St. Patrick’s Gregorian Choir, (herein, SPGC,) based out of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in downtown Toronto, began their season of organizing Latin masses a.k.a. the Extraordinary form of the Roman Rite, with a Missa Cantata or High Mass, last month on Friday June 8, 2018 at Saint Edward the Confessor Catholic Parish in North York, Ontario, within the Archdiocese of Toronto.

It is the pleasure of this author, once again serving the Lord Jesus Christ on the altar for these offerings, to be reporting on this sacred beauty of a liturgy in the Church.

Mass Preparation

At first, it was possible there would be no offering of Sacred Heart, due to the choirmaster`s other commitments in the classical music sphere within the city of Toronto. As of June 1st, Fr. Russell Asch who is now the official Chaplain for the Latin Mass in the Archdiocese of Toronto, agreed to be the celebrant for a Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. In addition, an experienced Master of Ceremonies, Giovanni, who has frequently aided Fr. Asch in carrying out Latin masses in the Archdiocese, and training of servers for those Masses, assisted in recruitment of servers to serve the Lord on the altar, as well as performed the duties of the liturgical role of Master of Ceremonies for this offering.

As soon as the necessary people were gathered, a serving practice was held the night of Wednesday, June 6, at the confirmed parish for the Mass. The practice went quite well, and it helped that the servers present, including myself, were already experienced in serving the Latin Mass.

At the choir end of things, the SPGC, of who most of the members are veterans, practiced their repertoire for the Latin mass, and it was easily mastered as many of them have been with the choir over the years, including singing the Gregorian chant propers, specific for this feast as per the Liber Usalis, as well as being familiar with the Mass setting (No. 12/XII, For Feasts of the Third Class, ``Pater Cuncta,``) chosen by the choirmaster, Mr. Surinder S Mundra.

Prior to the day of the Mass, Giovanni and choirmaster Mundra went over the chants that were going to be used in the musical repertoire, so Giovanni would be able to predict timing on the altar, and for servers to be cued at the appropriate times, as well as for Fr. Asch's intonations, chanting etc.

The Day of the High Mass, June 8th.

With all servers and clergy in place, the sacred liturgy of the Latin mass was carried out well. The serving was nearly flawless without hesitation by any server involved, and everything went seamlessly. This includes my service to the Lord in the role of crucifer and the ringing of the bells (with some minor roles such as removing the Roman Missal for one of the incensations of the altar, and directing people at communion to the 2nd step,) during the Mass of the Canons a.k.a. the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

As per my usual reporting of these events, below are the usual pictures of the altar pre-Mass:

Further, once again Fr Russell Asch preached an excellent homily with points that teach new insights into our faith every day. Of the points I can recall, he preached on this relating to the Sacred Heart:

• When it comes to devotion to the Sacred Heart, there is history behind the devotion, and even up to today it’s symbolism persists in the Church, despite it being not as popular or well known as other devotion in the Church.
• A poignant note that happened around the late 1200`s or start of 1300`s, is the vision of St. Gertrude whom was allowed in her vision to rest her head near Christ`s wound and could hear the beating of the Sacred Heart. 
• St John Capistrano and another saint or individual, were mentioned, more in regards to devotion to a part of Jesus. For St. John Capistrano, that would be the sacred and Holy Name of Jesus, particularly attributed to a victory during the invasion of the Ottoman Turks against Christian cities, such as Belgrade, where his victory occurred.  
• The promotion of the devotion of Sacred Heart, was attributed directly to St. Mary Margaret Alacoque, to whom Christ directly revealed the desires of his Sacred Heart, as well as the particulars of the devotion such as Communion on the 9 First Fridays. 
• The Jesuits hold the devotion to the Sacred Heart quite prominently in their order. St. Claude de Colombiere, SJ, was the spiritual director of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Fr Asch at this point showed the two sides of a red badge of olden days, the ``League of the Sacred Heart,`` one side having the sacred heart with light rays emitting from itself, the other side with Christ with arms extended (as seen below:)

(Source: https://www.sacramentals.org/SacredHeart.htm)

• The Passionist order of priests, hold the Sacred heart dearly though Christ`s Passion, death, and resurrection, with their heart emblems on their clerical robes, as well as their adjoining sisterly order, the Passionist Nuns.

• It is fitting that the symbolism of Jesus' Sacred Heart represents much of Christ giving himself, his whole self, to us in his ultimate sacrifice and act of mercy, and taking upon all our sin and suffering. Even pagan cultures, recognized the legitimacy of this symbolism to some extent. 
• On this relevant note is the death of one of our Canadian saints in this regard, St. John de Brebeuf, one of the "Canadian Martyrs."
• The Iroquois were NOT a friendly tribe of the Native Canadians to those priests who were trying to promote Catholicism in Canada. In 1649, the Iroquois attacked villages where the priests were doing their work, and attacked the village where St. John was, taking him hostage.
• St. John suffered brutal torture at the Iroquois' hands, of which Fr. Asch only describes some of the grotesque actions they took against John, but most noteworthy was that after St. John died, they cut our his heart and ate it raw. To them, the heart was the seat of the soul or the everything of a person, and to consume it would bestow life or vitality to them, as well as deliver the finishing blow to totally annihilating and enemy. 

• This symbolism with meaning, is also present in our faith lives, via the feast days of our Church. Each major feast day in the Church, points to a specific part of Christ`s life, whereby God allowed the Lord into our lives, and Christ poured our himself in the ultimate act of mercy and love, in his birth, passion, death, and resurrection. This is evident in Church solemnities and feast days, from Christmas, up to this very feast of the Sacred Heart. Some examples given were:

• The Feast of the Purification/Candelmas (Feb 2nd:) Here, candles are blessed and lit, representing Christ entering into the world as the Light of Hope for our salvation. This also commemorates historically Christ being presented to the Temple as first born son, which Jews were obligated to do. We Christians reflect this in the Sacrament of Baptism, baptizing our children as soon as they are born. 
• The Feast of Corpus Christi (June 2nd in the EF calendar, or Body and Blood of Jesus in the Novus Ordo on a Sunday usually in June:) When priests actually allow a Eucharistic Adoration procession to take place, often children who had (or will have) their Sacrament of First Communion take part, donned in their first communion clothes or all white, spreading a path of red rose petals as they go (e.g. Here at New Liturgical Movement.) The rose petals, represent the blood spilled by Christ from his wounds, including the lance piercing on the cross. 

After the Mass was concluded, and Fr. had done the Dismissal (a.k.a. "Ite Missa Est.") Fr. knelt at the foot of the altar and did the Act of Consecration and Reparation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Such an act receives a plenary indulgence when recited on this Feast of the Sacred Heart in the Church, under the usual conditions (Confession, Communion, and prayers for the Intentions of the Pope (1x Our Father, 1x Hail Mary, some people add 1x Glory Be) (See here, ``The gift of the indulgence.``)

Despite the short notice and planning of this offering in one weeks time, and small promotion of the offering only online (e.g. on Facebook(TM) groups and this blog,) about 40 to 50 lay faithful (including one priest or seminarian in semi-Jesuit cassock) were in the pews. Some of these included commrades in EF serving (and their significant others,) and/or fellow Brothers and Sisters of Christ of the clergy or servers. They were treated to a beautiful and sacred liturgy in the Archdiocese of Toronto! Even more so is the fact that even 40 to 50 individuals came to this offering in a short time frame, speaks for the Latin Mass and it’s growing interest and importance in the daily life of the church, as well as that the faithful are willing to spread news of when such offerings are held, and to invite others to be part of the Mass in the pews.

To all those who attended, we hope that you were spiritually moved and fulfilled by what you experiences, your senses aroused, and your souls enlightened to Heaven`s high, with all the angels and saints. Special gratitude is given to Fr. Pat, pastor of St. Edward the Confessor, who allowed another Latin Mass in his parish.

As for the next offering of the Latin Mass by SPGC, unless circumstances permit an offering in between, it will likely be on Sunday October 28, 2018, for the Feast of Christ the King in the EF calendar, which will be the 12th anniversary of the formation of the choir.

Pax Tibi Christi, Julian Barkin.

Report: Solemn Latin Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart, Friday June 23, 2017 @ St. Paul's Basilica 0730h.

Note: Please read my blog's disclaimer here.

Hello Everyone,

Despite my tardiness in the release of this report, between my full time job, home duties, weekend appointments, and the tiredness of full adulthood, this author once again is pleased to report on a Latin Mass offering that happened in our diocese, that occurred this summer, on the Friday evening of, June 23, 2017 at 730pm E.S.T. Once again, the St. Patrick's Gregorian Choir (herein SPGC) started their year of offerings, with another Solemn Latin Mass for their usual offering of the Feast of the Sacred Heart in the Latin Mass calendar.

In spite of some highly jealous and racist individuals doing the works of the Devil, in the form of harassment of the choir or detraction of the offerings held by SPGC, the Lord once again triumphed and through the protection of St. Michael the Archangel, their offering went ahead as planned.

Pre-Mass Preparations

Written confirmation of the site, with instructions for operations the day of, was submitted by either the pastor of the Basilica, or administrative staff, a week and a half before this offering of the Mass.

Due to the extremely busy work lives of professional choirmaster, Surinder S. Mundra, as: professional organist for parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto, the St. Patrick`s 5pm Saturday Vigil in the Novus Ordo with Latin Propers and Responses (and following practices for the SPGC weekly,) , the Mississauga Children`s Choir, and personal assistant, apprentice conductor, and pianist/harpsicordist for the Toronto Concert Orchestra, spearheaded by Maestro Kerry Straton; as well as that of the Master of Ceremonies, Surinder's brother, Paul, for the altar servers, a practice was not be able to be arranged on short notice.

However, on a positive note, all servers involved were veterans, having served at least one or more Latin Masses in other Masses organized by SPGC, or offerings by other lay organizations that do not reflect the goals and aims of this blog, or Latin Mass parishes. We were working with an experienced crowd at the serving end of things. In addition, this author stepped up a bit in leadership for some extra preparation, by sending all servers involved some YouTube videos, including one commonly sent to servers in past, exactly for the Feast of the Sacred heart. 

Let me also state positively, that because of the growth overall of the Latin Mass in our Archdiocese, it is not surprising that every server who aided in this sacred liturgy was experienced enough to have served one or more roles in a Solemn level Latin Mass. Clearly enough offerings have been made available over time in Toronto (or its out-skirts), via the parishes, or other lay initiatives/choirs, or certain priests, that a number of young men now display competency in our diocese. While review and re-training is always a benefit to every acolyte, that enough young men are now of decent competency really speaks for itself in the progress that has been made over these last several years, that there IS A DEMAND FOR IT AMONG YOUNG CATHOLICS, with even more room for growth and for new bodies to join in, with veteran young men for those new servers to have as reference. The SPGC has played a central part in this process with its offerings, in the introduction of a number of young men (including an aspiring applicant to the seminary,) to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, including serving in that Form.

In light of the absence of a pre-Mass practice, all acolytes were to arrive earlier than normal, 1.5 hours prior to the Mass versus the normal 1 hour prior, for a run-through of the roles, and any decisions made by the MC in terms of places, positioning, assigning of specific tasks in the Mass, etc. (... while there are guidelines and the Fortescue Book, certain tasks can be assigned to other servers practically which does not invalidate the Latin Mass.)

However, the men for the clergy roles DID receive training from our M.C. As one of the bright signs that the Latin Mass is growing in this, the 10th year since Benedict XVI released Summorum Pontificum, we had two new men step up to the roles of Deacon and Sub-deacon, who have never done so before. To quote prominent internet priest and Latin Mass/Traditionalist 'encyclopedia,' Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, we rebuild the Church and the Liturgy, "brick by brick."

The deacon role was done by a permament deacon in the Archdiocese of Toronto in a central region parish. As for the sub-deacon role, a layman embarking on the path to seminary (that aspiring applicant,) who was with myself and others in choir at the St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, Solemn Latin Mass in 2016 for Christ the King, stepped up, and was allowed to do so under the provision for "Straw" sub-deacon (Note "hardcore" Traditionalists: while certain communications have been passed around, there has not been one "silver bullet" declaration from Ecclesia Dei that reconciles the Straw Subdeacon position with modern seminary formation and clerical/sub-clerical position, with post-Vatican II practices, since the removal of the minor orders in the 70's.) Both of these men have never been in a position of the clergy roles for a Latin Mass, and were new to the roles, so it was clearly a sign of the ``New Evangelization`` to have them here. Deo Gratias!

Day of The Mass 

The setup of the Mass went up without a problem as the SPGC came fully prepared with all the necessary altar ware and linens, needed for the Latin Mass. They prepared the altar properly, efficiently, and with the speed of the 5th inning clean-up in a Major League Baseball game.

All clergy and servers arrived promptly before the Mass, went over necessary points with a little fine tuning for our clergy members chanting via the M.C. and the Choirmaster, and with excellent sacristan help from the Basilica`s lead sacristan, a gentle and radiant soul by the name of Catherine, we were off and away to do the Latin Mass.

Despite the new-ness of our non-Celebrant clergy, and some nerves sadly on my part as Acolyte 1, we nonetheless bought the Latin Mass of Ages once again to the Basilica of St. Paul. Our men in the new clergy roles, did their absolute best, and actually did a decent job when chanting their necessary parts. Thankfully, our celebrant, Fr. Russell Ashe, veteran to the Latin Mass circuit and holy and reverent priest, who does all offerings in the Archdiocese of Toronto without political slant or a preference for only those who are ``professional,`` led the way as our Celebrant and was, with our MC, a great leader to our novice clergy members.

As per the usual structure of these reports, allow this author to share pre-Mass photos of the setup of the altar for the TLM:

A zoomed out view of the main Sanctuary, to highlight the incredible artwork and mural of the Last Supper in the main space. Some more setup of a couple of items for the altar were to come.

The credence table with the (makeshift) Book of Epistles for the non-Gospel reading, Chalice in veil and with humeral veil, cruets with water and whine, and lavabo bowl and manutergium. 

The altar set up with the Missaile Romanum 1962, and in a much better light. 

As for homily notes, as usual in my reports, Fr. Ashe`s Homily, was, between my nerves much was missed [edited: 5/11/17,] for the most part by this author. It was a little hard to piece together. All I can say is this:

• Fr. did open his homily, speaking about the current state of the world, and while it is NOT the absolute end of the world, he did mention that there is a general feeling of woe and despair, one that ever more speaks to the necessity of devotion to the Sacred Heart today. [Editorial Note: I would go even as far as to say that despair exists within our Church, with laypeople disparaging priests and bishops, and even against the Holy Father himself, such as the recent Filial "Correctio" by some 60+ odd Catholic lay scholars, clergy, and the head of the non-Canonical and Francis-hating SSPX ``Bishop`` Fellay. This is reminiscent of the Devil's ``non-serviam`` to God, and a complete dismissal of the Mark of the Church that is Holy. Matthew 16:18 anyone?] 
• Fr. Did do a brief history lesson on the development of the Sacred Heart, starting back from the 13th century with St., leading up to the establishment of the current practice of the 9 First Fridays thanks to St. Mary Margaret Alacoque, and the publishing of the Papal pre-Vatican II encyclical, Haurietas Aquas, by Pius XII. 
• Fr did end on a note of entrusting ourselves to the Sacred Heart via this practice, which incorporates the Sacraments of Pennance and Holy Eucharist in the Mass, but stating that it is by practicing these Sacraments (even outside of First Fridays) that will unite us to the Sacred Heart. 

Regardless, despite all the roadblocks that the Devil loves to throw at those who do the Lord`s work, especially in doing the Latin Mass, with many temptations of the evils, prejudices, and dark hearts of men, our Lord allowed His Sacred Heart to shower the Love of the Holy Mass in the hearts of at least 120 attendees, give or take 20, to quote a choir member.

As for those attending, I saw a number of our frequent attendees, some friends of old, a couple of fellow brothers/sisters of Christ (including a fellow brother of the Knights of Columbus,) and even recently new acquaintances. Of note, a handful of young men alone, or with a friend/family were in attendance! Perhaps even, maybe a few were members from the new Juventutem Toronto Chapter that opened up last year? It's these poignant notes, not: surging numbers, fancy titles, logos, prominence/"Professionalism," etc. that the radicals value ever so much, that count when it comes to the Holy Mass. That those who attend the Latin Mass, do so out of Love for our Lord, and that His Sacred heart, the love it exemplifies, be given to others, including fellow Catholics within the Latin Mass, and the "Novus Ordo" church, to the fallen on the peripheries, to paraphrase our current Pontiff, Pope Francis. 

May you have enjoyed another report from Servimus Unum Deum, of the offerings of the SPGC. The next offering of the SPGC, will be the following: Feast of Christ the King (in the Extraoirdinary Form Calendar), on Sunday, October 29th, 2017. This mass will likely have a start time of 3pm, location To Be Determined in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Pax Tibi Christi, Julian Barkin. 

Update to St. Patrick`s Sacred Heart Mass 2015: SPGC Featured on New Liturgical Movement Blog! Deo Gratias!!!

Hello Everyone,

Just an update to the SPGC Sacred Heart Mass from last Friday, June 12, 2015.

I, and likely many other Traditional Catholics or Latin Mass lovers, follow a popular liturgical blog on the internet with various contributors (including some prominent lay people in liturgical academia,) called the New Liturgical Movement. Seeing their awesome photo montages called `photoposts` constantly, I had a wild idea to see if maybe they would feature the work of the layperson who took our photos, Emad Alfred, from our last Mass.

After contacting the two laypeople on staff who do this frequently, Ben Yanke (who gave an auto-return message of absence) and Gregory Dipippo, I was truly blessed to receive a reply this past morning from Gregory, and THIS:

http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2015/06/photopost-follow-up.html#.VYTR5vlVhBc

I couldn`t believe it! The Mass with SPGC was featured in their latest photopost! Deo Gratias!!! Thank you, Gregory, for doing this for a great group of devoted siblings of Christ that I am with and have the pleasure to serve in their organized masses for.

The NLM photopost also provides a link to the album on Facebook, with the full complement of pictures of the sacred liturgy that took place last week. Enjoy!

Pax tibi Christi, Julian Barkin.

SOLEMN LATIN MASS FOR FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART IN TORONTO! JUNE 12, 2015 AT ST. PAUL'S BASILICA

Hello everyone, 

It is my pleasure and honour, to promote the next Solemn Latin Mass being organized by the St. Patrick's Gregorian Choir under the esteemed direction of Surinder S. Mundra, professional choirmaster and organist. I also will be once again aiding the choir in a role of service to our Lord and His Sacred Heart upon His most holy altar. 

The details for this annual offering done by St. Patrick's Gregorian Choir in Toronto is as follows:

Monday, December 8, 2014 - Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Patrick's Gregorian Choir 

• When: Friday June 12, 2015
• Location? St. Paul's Basilica, Toronto, ON
• Address?  83 Power Street, Toronto, ON
• Start time? 7:30 pm
• Organizer: St. Patrick's Gregorian Choir under Surinder S. Mundra
• Primary Contact/Inquiries for Choir & Serving: 416 731 4485.  
• Parish Websites: http://stpaulsbasilicaparish.com/
• Parish Contact/Information: 416 364 7588
• Facebook event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/570638033079468/
• Poster: 

Please invite everyone you know to this Sacred and Holy event happening in one of the most beautiful parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto, with one of the most talented choirs this archdiocese has to offer. 

Pax Tibi Christi, Julian Barkin.