Vatican Radio
report This week marks the 34th anniversary of the death of Pope Paul VI who
died on August 6th, 1978 after reigning for 15 years. He presided over a
momentous period in the history of the Church, in particular carrying through
the reforms of the Second Vatican Council which had been convened by his
predecessor, John XXIII. One person who had the opportunity to observe closely
the figure of Pope Paul VI was the veteran journalist Bob Miller who spent over
20 years in Rome as correspondent for ABC news. In the following interview from
our archives, Miller spoke to Jill Bevilacqua about the personality of what he
called a "misunderstood and underrated" Pope."
NOVENA OF OUR LADY : OFFICIAL FOR ASSUMPTION FEAST WITH INDULGEANCE
OFFICIAL RACCOLTA NOVENA PRAYER WITH INDULGEANCE:
To all faithful Christians who, in private or public, in
church or in their own houses, shall keep any of the following Novenas, in
preparation for the principal feasts of most holy Mary, Pope Pius VII., at the
prayer of several holy persons, granted, by Rescripts issued through his
Eminence the Cardinal-Vicar, Aug. 4 and Nov. 24, 1808, and Jan. 11, 1800 (all of
which are kept in the Segretaria of the Vicariate) -
i. An indulgence of 300 days, daily.
ii. A plenary indulgence to all who shall assist at these Novenas every day, and who shall afterwards, either on the Feast-day itself, to which each Novena respectively has reference, or on some one day in its Octave, after Confession and Communion, pray to our Lord and to the Blessed Virgin ac cording to the pious intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
Veni Sancte
Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.i. An indulgence of 300 days, daily.
ii. A plenary indulgence to all who shall assist at these Novenas every day, and who shall afterwards, either on the Feast-day itself, to which each Novena respectively has reference, or on some one day in its Octave, after Confession and Communion, pray to our Lord and to the Blessed Virgin ac cording to the pious intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur.
R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.
Oremus.
Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.
TRANSLATION.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught the hearts of Thy faithful people by the light of the Holy Spirit; grant us in the same Spirit to relish what is right, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
HYMN.
O gloriosa Virginum,
Sublimis inter sidera,
Qui te creavit, parvulum
Lactente nutris ubere.
Quod Heva tristis abstulit,
Tu reddis almo germine:
Intrent ut astra flebiles,
Coeli recludis cardines.
Tu regis alti janua,
Et aula lucis fulgida:
Vitam datam per Virginem,
Gentes redemptae plaudite.
Jesu, tibi sit gloria,
Qui natus es de Virgine,
Cum Patre, et almo Spiritu
In sempiterna saecula. Amen.
TRANSLATION.
O Queen of all the Virgin choir,
Enthroned above the starry sky;
Who with pure milk from thy own breast
Thy own Creator didst supply.
What man hath lost in hapless Eve,
Thy sacred womb to man restores;
Thou to the sorrowing here beneath
Hast open’d Heaven’s eternal doors.
Hail, O refulgent Hall of light!
Hail, Gate sublime of Heaven’s high King!
Through thee redeem’d to endless life,
Thy praise let all the nations sing.
O Jesu! born of Virgin bright,
Immortal glory be to Thee;
Praise to the Father infinite,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
GLORY OF MARY IN DEATH.
She was well prepared to die.
Let us meditate how glorious Mary was at the moment of her death, because in life she was so well prepared to die: first, by reason of her ardent longing to see her God and to be again united to her Son; and next, by the unapproachable merit of her consummate perfection. Then reflecting how different we are from Mary in our own practice of preparation for our death, let us say:
i. Most holy Virgin, who, in order to prepare thyself for a holy death, didst live in continual desire after the Beatific vision; O, take from us all vain desires for the frail things of earth.
Three Ave Marias.
ii. Most holy Virgin, who, in order to prepare thyself holily to die, didst in life ever sigh to be united to thy Son Jesus; obtain for us fidelity to Jesus, even unto death.
Three Ave Marias.
iii. Most holy Virgin, who, in order that thou mightest die holily, didst attain an unapproachable height of merit and of virtue; intercede for us, that we may know that virtue alone and the grace of God will lead us to salvation.
Three Ave Maria’s.
Let us now give praise to Mary, so prudent in preparing for death; and whilst we exalt her glory, we will unite with the nine angel choirs who, on her Assumption into heaven, escorted her; singing with the first choir -
The Litanies;
| Lord,
have mercy on us. (Christ have mercy on us.) Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. (Christ graciously hear us.) God, the Father of heaven, (have mercy on us.) God the Son, Redeemer of the world, (have mercy on us.) God the Holy Ghost, (have mercy on us.) Holy Trinity, one God, (have mercy on us.) | |
| Holy
Mary, Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church Mother of divine grace, Mother most pure, Mother most chaste, Mother inviolate, Mother undefiled, Mother most amiable, Mother most admirable, Mother of good counsel, Mother of our Creator, Mother of our Savior, Virgin most prudent, Virgin most venerable, Virgin most renouned, Virgin most powerful, Virgin most merciful, Virgin most faithful, Mirror of justice, Seat of wisdom, Cause of our joy, Spiritual vessel, Vessel of honor, Singular vessel of devotion, Mystical rose, Tower of David, Tower of ivory, House of gold, Ark of the covenant, Gate of heaven, Morning star, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, Queen conceived without original sin, Queen assumed into heaven, Queen of the most holy Rosary. Queen of the family, Queen of Peace, |
p
r a y f o r u s |
|
Lamb
of God, who takest away the sins of the world, (spare us, O
Lord.)
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, (graciously hear us O Lord.) Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, (have mercy on us.) Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. (That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.) Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord. (Amen.) | |
R. Super choros angelorum ad coelestia regna.
Oremus.
Famulorum tuorum, quaesumus Domine, delictis ignosce: ut qui tibi placere de actibus nostris non valemus, Genitricis Filii tui Domini nostri intercessione salvemur.
Oremus.
Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen
TRANSLATION.
V. The holy Mother of God is exalted.
R. Into the heavenly kingdom above the angel choirs.
Let us pray.
We beseech thee, Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants; that we who by our own works are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ.. Who, &c.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught the hearts of Thy faithful people by the light of the Holy Spirit; grant us in the same Spirit to relish what is right, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
EUROPE : FRANCE BISHOPS - OFFICIAL PRAYER FOR FRANCE TO OUR LADY
The Bishops' of France have called all the French to pray for their country on the Feast of the Assumption on August 15.
The Bishops are renewing the old custom which was instituted by King Louis XIII in 1638 and was neglected after World War II.
PRAYER
On this day when we celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, under the patronage of which was placed France, present to God through the intercession of Our Lady, our believing prayers for our country:
1. In these times of economic crisis, many of our citizens are victims of various restrictions and see the future with concern, pray for those who have decision making powers in this area and ask God to make us even more generous in solidarity with our fellow men.
2. For those who have been elected recently to legislate and govern, their sense of common good of society outweighs the special requests and they have the strength to follow the instructions of their consciousness
3. For families, that their legitimate expectation of support from society is not disappointed, that their members support with fidelity and tenderness throughout their existence, especially in the painful moments. That the commitment of the spouses towards each other and their children are a sign of loyalty to love.
4. For children and youth as we help all people to discover their own path to progress towards happiness; they cease to be objects of desires and conflicts of adults to fully benefit from the love of a father and a mother.
Lord our God, we entrust the future of our country. Through the intercession of Our Lady, grant us the courage to make hard choices and a better quality of life for all and vitality of our youth through strong families and loyal. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Translated from http://www.eglise.catholique.fr/download/1-20607-0/proposition-nationale-priere-assomption-2012.pdf
IMAGE SOURCE http://www.chretiensmagazine.fr/2010/01/vive-la-france-catholique.html
AUSTRALIA : FR. BIRD CSSR - NEW BISHOP OF BALLARAT
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE
REPORT:
ON 1 August, the Holy
Father appointed Fr Paul Bird CSsR Bishop of Ballarat.
Bishop-Elect Paul Bird CSsR will be ordained Bishop on 16 October, 2012.
Statement from Archbishop Denis Hart, President of the ACBC:
On behalf of the Australian Bishops and for the bishops, priests and people of the Province of Melbourne, I warmly welcome the announcement of the appointment of Father Paul Bird CSsR as Bishop-elect of Ballarat.
Father Bird has given distinguished service to the Redemptorist Order as Provincial and as retreat-giver, liturgist and teacher. For twenty years from 1987 he was Superior of the Redemptorists in Melbourne and editor of Majellan Publications. After fifteen years as a member of the Provincial Council, he has served as Provincial since 2008.
We welcome Bishop-elect Paul and know that his exceptional gifts will bring rich blessings to the people of the Diocese of Ballarat, whom he will serve with faith, generosity and love. He is a gifted leader and will be welcomed warmly by the people of Ballarat Diocese and beyond.
Statement from the Bishop-Elect Paul Bird on his appointment as Bishop of Ballarat:
I’m feeling excited but also rather nervous about taking up the role of bishop of the diocese of Ballarat. The nervousness comes from the fact that this role will involve new responsibilities and I’m not sure how I will go in meeting the challenges involved. At the same time, I’m excited at the prospect of meeting the people of the diocese and doing whatever I can to encourage them in their faith and in their Christian lives.
I did spend four years in Ballarat as a student, from 1968 till 1971, at the Redemptorist seminary in Wendouree. That gave me an introduction to the city of Ballarat and some of the country areas and I look forward to coming to know more in the years ahead as I travel throughout the diocese.
Bishop Peter Connors phoned me straight after hearing of my appointment and gave me a warm welcome. I hope to follow the great lead that Bishop Connors has given in his kindness and compassion.
Over the years I have drawn much inspiration from Christians of many denominations and from people of other faiths, as well as from those who profess no particular faith but give generous service to those in need. I’m sure I will be able to draw continuing inspiration from such people all through the Ballarat diocese.
In the next few weeks I will need to finalise a number of matters in my role as provincial of the Redemptorists and hand over tasks to Fr Pat Corbett as the new provincial. I also hope to spend some time in Ballarat to meet some of the priests and people of the diocese as well as preparing for my ordination as bishop on October 16.
Statement from Bishop Peter Connors on his retirement:
In March 2011, shortly after my 74th birthday, I tendered my resignation from the office of Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat. This was a year earlier than the usual age of 75, and was prompted by a number of health concerns that remain with me till this day.
Having just completed fifteen years of ministry as Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat, I am grateful that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted my resignation and appointed my successor.
I am full of joy and thanks to God that Father Paul Bernard Bird CSsR has been chosen as the eighth Bishop of Ballarat. He will bring with him wonderful gifts of personality, of spirituality and of academic excellence. Our Diocese is being specially blessed during this Year of Grace. I ask that you pray for him as he prepares for his Ordination on Tuesday 16th October. Meanwhile, at the request of Pope Benedict XVI, I shall be the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.
In my letter of resignation, I mentioned that I had met personally with a considerable number of victims of sexual assault inflicted by priests and religious of the Diocese, prior to my coming to the Diocese. The current Parliamentary Inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations will no doubt examine how the Church in Ballarat has responded to these victims, and I remain committed to assisting that inquiry as it examines this disturbing and complex issue.
I will continue to live in Ballarat, and I look forward to participating in the life of the Diocese as a retired Bishop.
I wish to thank all the priests, religious and lay people who have worked with me during my ministry in the Diocese of Ballarat, and who contribute so much to the many communities of the Diocese. It has been a great privilege to serve as Bishop of the Diocese over the last fifteen years, and I have every confidence in God’s continued blessing for our Church.
Bishop-Elect Paul Bird CSsR will be ordained Bishop on 16 October, 2012.
Statement from Archbishop Denis Hart, President of the ACBC:
On behalf of the Australian Bishops and for the bishops, priests and people of the Province of Melbourne, I warmly welcome the announcement of the appointment of Father Paul Bird CSsR as Bishop-elect of Ballarat.
Father Bird has given distinguished service to the Redemptorist Order as Provincial and as retreat-giver, liturgist and teacher. For twenty years from 1987 he was Superior of the Redemptorists in Melbourne and editor of Majellan Publications. After fifteen years as a member of the Provincial Council, he has served as Provincial since 2008.
We welcome Bishop-elect Paul and know that his exceptional gifts will bring rich blessings to the people of the Diocese of Ballarat, whom he will serve with faith, generosity and love. He is a gifted leader and will be welcomed warmly by the people of Ballarat Diocese and beyond.
Statement from the Bishop-Elect Paul Bird on his appointment as Bishop of Ballarat:
I’m feeling excited but also rather nervous about taking up the role of bishop of the diocese of Ballarat. The nervousness comes from the fact that this role will involve new responsibilities and I’m not sure how I will go in meeting the challenges involved. At the same time, I’m excited at the prospect of meeting the people of the diocese and doing whatever I can to encourage them in their faith and in their Christian lives.
I did spend four years in Ballarat as a student, from 1968 till 1971, at the Redemptorist seminary in Wendouree. That gave me an introduction to the city of Ballarat and some of the country areas and I look forward to coming to know more in the years ahead as I travel throughout the diocese.
Bishop Peter Connors phoned me straight after hearing of my appointment and gave me a warm welcome. I hope to follow the great lead that Bishop Connors has given in his kindness and compassion.
Over the years I have drawn much inspiration from Christians of many denominations and from people of other faiths, as well as from those who profess no particular faith but give generous service to those in need. I’m sure I will be able to draw continuing inspiration from such people all through the Ballarat diocese.
In the next few weeks I will need to finalise a number of matters in my role as provincial of the Redemptorists and hand over tasks to Fr Pat Corbett as the new provincial. I also hope to spend some time in Ballarat to meet some of the priests and people of the diocese as well as preparing for my ordination as bishop on October 16.
Statement from Bishop Peter Connors on his retirement:
In March 2011, shortly after my 74th birthday, I tendered my resignation from the office of Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat. This was a year earlier than the usual age of 75, and was prompted by a number of health concerns that remain with me till this day.
Having just completed fifteen years of ministry as Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat, I am grateful that Pope Benedict XVI has accepted my resignation and appointed my successor.
I am full of joy and thanks to God that Father Paul Bernard Bird CSsR has been chosen as the eighth Bishop of Ballarat. He will bring with him wonderful gifts of personality, of spirituality and of academic excellence. Our Diocese is being specially blessed during this Year of Grace. I ask that you pray for him as he prepares for his Ordination on Tuesday 16th October. Meanwhile, at the request of Pope Benedict XVI, I shall be the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.
In my letter of resignation, I mentioned that I had met personally with a considerable number of victims of sexual assault inflicted by priests and religious of the Diocese, prior to my coming to the Diocese. The current Parliamentary Inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations will no doubt examine how the Church in Ballarat has responded to these victims, and I remain committed to assisting that inquiry as it examines this disturbing and complex issue.
I will continue to live in Ballarat, and I look forward to participating in the life of the Diocese as a retired Bishop.
I wish to thank all the priests, religious and lay people who have worked with me during my ministry in the Diocese of Ballarat, and who contribute so much to the many communities of the Diocese. It has been a great privilege to serve as Bishop of the Diocese over the last fifteen years, and I have every confidence in God’s continued blessing for our Church.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE
OF MELBOURNE
AFRICA : SUDAN : AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - NO LIVE AMMUNITION
At least 10 people, many of them high school students, were killed on July 31 when Security services and paramilitary police opened fire in Nyala, South Darfur, during a demonstration against fuel prices and the cost of living. Dozens more were injured.
Medical staff at Nyala Public Hospital told Amnesty International that the wounds inflicted on the eight bodies admitted to their morgue were consistent with those caused by 5.56mm and 7.62mm automatic rifles.
“Any individual members of the security forces involved in the events that caused this bloodbath must be suspended immediately,” said Paule Rigaud, Amnesty International’s Africa program director.
“The Sudanese government must investigate why protesters were directly targeted by the security force personnel who opened fire on them with live bullets.”
The Sudanese authorities have routinely used excessive force against mostly peaceful demonstrations which have occurred regularly in Sudan’s major cities since mid-June.
According to the United Nation’s Basic Principles of the Use of Force, live ammunition should not be used, either directly against demonstrators or as warning shots, unless it is absolutely necessary and only after less extreme means have proved ineffective.
“Sudanese citizens must be allowed to express their opinion peacefully without experiencing systematic repression. Attacks against peaceful protesters are an unacceptable violation of their right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.”
Amnesty International is also concerned that injured protesters may have been denied medical care following eye witness reports some were arrested and that plain clothes National Security Service personnel were deployed within Nyala General Hospital.
Police forces have used batons, tear gas and rubber bullets at close range against demonstrators.
And, in response to the protest movement, the National Security Services (NSS) arrested hundreds of known political and civil society activists, regardless of their involvement in demonstrations. Many told Amnesty International they had been tortured with sticks, water hoses and fists, and made to stand under the scorching sun all day.
Dozens of activists remain in administrative detention.
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
ASIA : INDIA : BRINGING JESUS TO PRISON INMATES
ASIA NEWS REPORT: Yesterday the
Indian Church celebrated the day dedicated to the Pastoral Care of prisons. The
testimony of an activist who spent five years in prison, an innocent man. The
government’s tightening on pro human rights movements. Indian priest: a story of
hope, reminiscent of "the daily challenge of Christ crucified."
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Innocent of all charges he spent five years in prison for his commitment to the marginalized and victims of violence. Because, he explains, since September 2001, the Indian government has promoted a "security" policy which also targeted social activism. His indictment, false, is for having collaborated with and membership of the Maoist Naxalite movement, but even amid violence and abuse in prison he never lost his faith and hope, which enabled him to regain freedom. This is the story that Arun Ferreira, Scripture Scholar and Seminary Professor and Parish Priest yesterday told the parish of St. Peter, in Bandra Mumbai (Maharashtra), on the occasion of the day - Sunday, August 5 - that the Indian Church dedicates to the prison ministry. "A story of hope" for Fr. Errol Fernandes, which reminds us of "the daily challenge of Christ crucified" and resurrected.
Arun Ferreira, 39, studied at St. Xavier College in Mumbai and from a young age was active in society. In the period 1992-93 he helped the thousands of Muslim victims of violence at the hands of Hindu extremists in Babri Masjid. He later joined the student movement Vidyarthi Pragati Sanghatan, which proposed to build a democratic and egalitarian Indian society.
However, the attack on the Twin Towers on 11 September 2001 caused a radical change in government policies, which began to see popular movements as a hostile enemy to be vanquished. "The organizations were banned," said the man, "their ideas listed and social organizations branded as terrorist." This is why those who used to bring help to the oppressed in the tribal areas of countryside were accused of "Maoism" and arrested.
In the months before his arrest, many Dalit activists were arrested and imprisoned. "Despite the climate - continued Arun Ferreira - I never thought I too would be targeted by the government." In May 2007 he was imprisoned, with general allegations of being a member of the Naxalite movement. He suffered violence and abuse, evidence was fabricated against him that led to his sentencing, but this was not enough. In September 2010 the court ordered the release of Nagpur, but in a short time he was re-arrested by plainclothes agents, with generic allegations of violations of the prison regime during his time behind bars.
Finally, January 4, 2012, his release on bail and return to full freedom. Arun said, he was sustained during his years in prison by "the spiritual help of my parents during their visits to prison" and "legal assistance" received from friends.
Fr. Errol Fernandes, researcher and university professor, told AsiaNews that his story is "a story of hope" for the support received from family (a "enlarged" family, which includes friends and colleagues at university). He never lost the will to fight for justice and truth, earning a master's degree during his years in prison. His story, the priest continues, "invites us to go beyond the pain of the moment, the injustices and errors." Like Jesus, he teaches us how to carry the cross to earn the final resurrection and testifies that "we can withstand any challenge or difficulty" because of faith. (NC)
shared from ASIA NEWS IT
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Innocent of all charges he spent five years in prison for his commitment to the marginalized and victims of violence. Because, he explains, since September 2001, the Indian government has promoted a "security" policy which also targeted social activism. His indictment, false, is for having collaborated with and membership of the Maoist Naxalite movement, but even amid violence and abuse in prison he never lost his faith and hope, which enabled him to regain freedom. This is the story that Arun Ferreira, Scripture Scholar and Seminary Professor and Parish Priest yesterday told the parish of St. Peter, in Bandra Mumbai (Maharashtra), on the occasion of the day - Sunday, August 5 - that the Indian Church dedicates to the prison ministry. "A story of hope" for Fr. Errol Fernandes, which reminds us of "the daily challenge of Christ crucified" and resurrected.
Arun Ferreira, 39, studied at St. Xavier College in Mumbai and from a young age was active in society. In the period 1992-93 he helped the thousands of Muslim victims of violence at the hands of Hindu extremists in Babri Masjid. He later joined the student movement Vidyarthi Pragati Sanghatan, which proposed to build a democratic and egalitarian Indian society.
However, the attack on the Twin Towers on 11 September 2001 caused a radical change in government policies, which began to see popular movements as a hostile enemy to be vanquished. "The organizations were banned," said the man, "their ideas listed and social organizations branded as terrorist." This is why those who used to bring help to the oppressed in the tribal areas of countryside were accused of "Maoism" and arrested.
In the months before his arrest, many Dalit activists were arrested and imprisoned. "Despite the climate - continued Arun Ferreira - I never thought I too would be targeted by the government." In May 2007 he was imprisoned, with general allegations of being a member of the Naxalite movement. He suffered violence and abuse, evidence was fabricated against him that led to his sentencing, but this was not enough. In September 2010 the court ordered the release of Nagpur, but in a short time he was re-arrested by plainclothes agents, with generic allegations of violations of the prison regime during his time behind bars.
Finally, January 4, 2012, his release on bail and return to full freedom. Arun said, he was sustained during his years in prison by "the spiritual help of my parents during their visits to prison" and "legal assistance" received from friends.
Fr. Errol Fernandes, researcher and university professor, told AsiaNews that his story is "a story of hope" for the support received from family (a "enlarged" family, which includes friends and colleagues at university). He never lost the will to fight for justice and truth, earning a master's degree during his years in prison. His story, the priest continues, "invites us to go beyond the pain of the moment, the injustices and errors." Like Jesus, he teaches us how to carry the cross to earn the final resurrection and testifies that "we can withstand any challenge or difficulty" because of faith. (NC)
shared from ASIA NEWS IT
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : MONDAY AUGUST 6, 2012 - TRANSFIGURATION
| Mark
9: 2 - 10
| |
| 2 | And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them, |
| 3 | and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them. |
| 4 | And there appeared to them Eli'jah with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. |
| 5 | And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah." |
| 6 | For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. |
| 7 | And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." |
| 8 | And suddenly looking around they no longer saw any one with them but Jesus only. |
| 9 | And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of man should have risen from the dead. |
| 10 | So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant. |
TODAY'S FEAST: AUG. 6: TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
The Transfiguration of the Lord
Feast: August 6
 Information:
|
|
The Transfiguration of Christ is the culminating point of His
public life, as His Baptism is its starting point, and His Ascension its end.
Moreover, this glorious event has been related in detail by St. Matthew (xvii,
1-6), St. Mark (ix, 1-8), and St. Luke (ix, 28-36), while St. Peter (II Pet., i,
16-18) and St. John (i, 14), two of the privileged witnesses, make allusion to
it.
About
a week after His sojourn in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus took with him Peter and
James and John and led them to a high mountain apart, where He was transfigured
before their ravished eyes. St. Matthew and St. Mark express this phenomenon by
the word metemorphothe, which the Vulgate renders transfiguratus est. The
Synoptics explain the true meaning of the word by adding "his face did shine as
the sun: and his garments became white as snow," according to the Vulgate, or
"as light," according to the Greek text.
This
dazzling brightness which emanated from His whole Body was produced by an
interior shining of His Divinity. False Judaism had rejected the Messias, and
now true Judaism, represented by Moses and Elias, the Law and the Prophets,
recognized and adored Him, while for the second time God the Father proclaimed
Him His only-begotten and well-loved Son. By this glorious manifestation the
Divine Master, who had just foretold His Passion to the Apostles (Matt., xvi,
21), and who spoke with Moses and Elias of the trials which awaited Him at
Jerusalem, strengthened the faith of his three friends and prepared them for the
terrible struggle
of which they were to be witnesses in Gethsemani, by giving them a foretaste of the glory and heavenly delights to which we attain by suffering.
LOCATION
OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
Already
in Apostolic times the mount of the Transfiguration had become the "holy mount"
(II Pet., i, 18). It seems to have been known by the faithful of the country,
and tradition identified it with Mount Thabor. Origen said (A.D. 231-54) "Thabor
is the mountain of Galilee on which Christ was transfigured" (Comm. in Ps.
lxxxviii, 13). In the next century St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Catech., II, 16) and
St. Jerome (Ep. xlvi, ad Marcel.; EP. viii, ad Paulin.; Ep. cviii, ad Eust.)
likewise declare it categorically. Later St. Proculus, Patriarch of
Constantinople (d. 447; Orat. viii, in Transfig.), Agathangelus (Hist. of
Armenia, II, xvii), and Arnobius the Younger (d. 460; Comm. in Ps. lxxxviii, 13)
say the same thing. The testimonies increase from century to century without a
single dissentient note, and in 553 the Fifth Council of Constantinople erected
a see at Mount Thabor (Notitif Antioch. . . . patriarch.).
Some
modern writers claim that the Transfiguration could not have taken place on
Mount Thabor, which, according to Josephus, was then surmounted by a city. This
is incorrect; the Jewish historian speaks neither of a city nor a village; he
simply fortified, as he repeats three times, "the mount called Itabyrion"
("Bell. Jud.", II, xx, 6; IV, i, 8; Vita , 37). The town of Atabyrion of
Polybius, the Thabor or Celeseth Thabor, the "flank of Thabor" of the Bible, is
situated at the foot of Mount Thabor. In any case the presence of houses on a
wooded height would not have made it impossible to find a place apart.
It
is again objected that Our Lord was transfigured on Mount Hermon, since He was
at that time in its vicinity. But the Synoptics are all explicit concerning the
lapse of time, six days, or about eight days including those of departure and
arrival, between the discourse in Caesarea and the Transfiguration, which would
infer a somewhat lengthy journey. Moreover the summits of Hermon are covered
with snow as late as June, and even the lesser peaks of 4000 or 5000 feet are
likewise snow-covered in February and March, the period of the Transfiguration.
Finally, the ancients judged of the height of mountains by their appearance, and
Thabor especially was considered a "high mountain", if not by David and
Jeremias, at least by Origen and St. Jerome and the pilgrims who made the
ascent.
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SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/transfigurationofthelord.asp#ixzz1UFvTmfM8
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