Trials will leave priesthood, church stronger

CNS STORY: Trials will leave priesthood, church stronger, priest-psychologist says
I believe it.

Feast of newly canonized St. Damien

Church to celebrate feast of newly canonized St. Damien: "Honolulu, Hawaii, Apr 12, 2010 (CNA).- This Thursday is the feast day of St. Damien de Veuster, better known as St. Damien of Molokai...."

Article on the Canonesses

CatholicMom.com has a nice article on our Sisters: 5 Questions – Celebrating Sisterhood: A Conversation with the Norbertine Sisters by Colleen McNatt: Video Link
Q: The Norbertine Sisters are approaching their 10-year anniversary in Tehachapi, CA. Are there any special celebrations planned to mark this milestone?
Although there are no special celebrations planned, each day that we have been in Tehachapi has been, in a way, a “spiritual celebration”, as we continue to give thanks to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us since moving here in May of 2000, especially the many friends He has brought us locally, throughout California, and across the country. We will be praying for you all in a special way this May, in thanksgiving for your friendship in Christ, support and prayers over these past ten years. We also give thanks to God for the young women the Lord has called to our way of life, having grown from the first five “founding sisters” to our current number of twenty. We know that it is the prayers and support of our families, friends and benefactors like you that are helping to draw down God’s grace upon us. May God bless you all a hundred fold! Read the rest...

Easter Ostrich Eggs

A friend of mine just sent this.  At St. Michael's, we actually do have a few ostrich eggs displayed at Easter in the Abbey building (but not in the church).  

From the First Book of the Rationale Divinorum Officiorum of Wm. Durandus of Mende, late 13th century:

In some churches two eggs of ostriches and other things which cause admiration, and which are rarely seen, are accustomed to be suspended: that by their means the people may be drawn to church, and have their minds more affected.

Again, some say that the ostrich, as being a forgetful bird, leaveth her eggs in the dust (Job 39.14): and at length, when she beholdeth a certain star, returneth unto them, and cheereth them by her presence. Therefore the eggs of ostriches are hung in churches to signify that man, being left of God on account of his sins, if at length he be illuminated by the Divine Light, remembereth his faults and returneth to Him, Who by looking on him with His Mercy cherisheth him. As it is written in Luke that after Peter had denied Christ, the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. Therefore be the aforesaid eggs suspended in churches, this signifying that man easily forgetteth God, unless being illuminated by a star, that is, by the influence of the Holy Spirit, he is reminded to return to Him by good works.

From the Voyage Liturgique of Sieur de Moleon (a.k.a. Jean Baptiste de Brun Desmarets), 1718:

At the conclusion of Matins [at the Church of St. Maurice in Angers on Easter Day] two chaplains take their place behind the altar curtains. Two corbeliers in dalmatics, amices, and mitellæ, with gloves on their hands, present themselves before the altar. The chaplains chant, Quem quæritis? The corbeliers representing the Maries, reply Jesum Nazarenum Crucifixum. The others answer, Resurrexit, non est hic. The corbeliers take from the altar two ostrich eggs wrapped in silk, and go forth chanting, Alleluis Resurrexit Dominus, resurrexit Leo Fortis, Christus, Filius Dei.

O C Register Article on St. Michael's

Where mystery and Easter are alive
I recommend this very well written and kind article about our Abbey and Prep School. I think that it will encourage some who have been troubled by recent attacks on the Church by the media.

The Kalends of April

Yes, it's that day again.

Google has changed its name to Topeka.
Gmail has lost its vowels.
Something about a mission to Mars.
Starbucks offers a bucket size coffee.