When will it end?

With thanks to Paul from Catholic Cartoon Blog

How things change!

It's been almost three years since I started this blog, and in the two and a half years since I posted a web counter, we have had more than 126,000 visitors to this site from over 165 countries.

The early focus of this blog was on my desire to attend the Latin Mass, and the frustrations of all the liturgical abuses and modernism of the Novus Ordo Mass. Many of my earlier posts reflect this. Most I have left up, but some I have taken down. Now that I have been going to the Latin Mass for two years, I find my focus has changed more towards the traditions of the Church, like showcasing the sacred religious art of centuries past, much of which you can find here. Likewise, the Blessed Virgin spotlights many of my blog entries, as the case should be with the name of Salve Regina.

I find when I visit other blogs where the author is decrying the liturgical abuses they are exposed to, that it seems like a distant memory to me of all I have left behind. After two years of High Masses and great sermons, unlimited availability to the confessional, and the best spiritual advice of my life, I have to sometimes remind myself that there are still places where tradition is stifled. The Latin Mass is a sacred shelter from all that; a refuge that provides much spiritual comfort while dispensing the grace to grow in awareness and understanding of the Catholic faith. It is a blessing to have access to such a sacred, reverent and holy Mass.

Dear Mom

I just happened to find Patrick Madrid`s blog when I was browsing the New Advent site. He has some really good stuff there. I have several of his books on apologetics. Go check out his blog. Here is one of his recent posts:

January 22, 2023

Dear Mom:

Can you believe it is already the year 2023? I'm still writing '22 on everything! It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in the first grade and celebrating the change to a new century.

I know we really haven't chatted since Christmas, Mom, and I'm sorry. Anyway, I have some difficult news to share with you and, to be honest, I really didn't want to call or talk about this face to face.

But before I get to that, let me report that Ted just got a big promotion, and I should be up for a hefty raise this year if I keep putting in all those crazy hours. You know how I work at it. (Yes, we're still struggling to pay the bills.)

Little Timmy's been okay at kindergarten, although he complains about going. But then, he wasn't happy about the day-care center either. So what can we do?

He's been a real problem, Mom. He's a good kid, but quite honestly, he's an unfair burden on us at this time in our lives.

Ted and I have talked this through, and we have finally made a choice. Plenty of other families have made the same choice and are really better off today.

Our pastor is supportive of our choice. He pointed out the family is a system, and the demands of one member shouldn't be allowed to ruin the whole. The pastor told us to be prayerful and to consider all the factors as to what is right to make our family work. He says that even though he probably wouldn't do it himself, the choice really is ours. He was kind enough to refer us to a children's clinic near here, so at least that part is easy.

Don't get me wrong, Mom. I'm not an uncaring mother. I do feel sorry for the little guy. I think he heard Ted and me talking about this the other night. I turned and saw him standing at the bottom of the stairs in his PJ's with his little teddy bear that you gave him under his arm, and his eyes were sort of welled up with tears.

Mom, the way he looked at me just about broke my heart, but I honestly believe this is better for Timmy, too. It's just not fair to force him to live in a family that can't give him the time and attention he deserves.

And please, Mom, don't give me the kind of grief that grandma gave you over your abortions. It's the same thing, you know. There's really no difference.

We've told Timmy he's just going in for a "vaccination." Anyway, they say the termination procedure is painless. I guess it's just as well that you haven't seen that much of little Timmy lately.

Please give my love to Dad.

Your daughter.
Author unknown

Surrendering their souls

Here is a must read from the blog Real Clear Religion. It is an article written by Russian journalist Stanislav Mishin about the rapid descent of America into Marxism. He calls it like it is.

Blog for the Holy Souls

Here is a short term blog devoted to praying for the Holy Souls for the month prior to Christmas. It's a wonderful idea, and you can leave the names of your departed loved ones to be prayed for. Christmas Day is known as a day when many souls are released from Purgatory into the glories of heaven, and this blog is devoted to releasing as many souls as possible, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin.

Update on Fasting for America

The Redneck Catholic has updated me with the numbers of prayer warriors who have committed to spending three days in prayer and fasting for the upcoming US election. Obama beware!

From the email:

The count is up to 83 people commited to prayer and fasting for the election. If 17 more commit, there will be an even 100!

Since I thought it would be a good job to get 20, this is exiting! and, the call has gone out to places, even physical bulletin boards in Churches, to prayer groups and bible study groups, so I really have not idea how many people have joined in who haven't clicked on the counter.

So really, between patriarch Bartholomew , Patriarch Alyski, His Holiness, and the agenda for the upcoming USCCB meeting, I have a bit of hope this week!

If you want to join in this growing effort, click here. Maybe someone should start a Facebook page for this intention. That always seem to circulate really fast.

Fearing the Nanny State

There is a very interesting article over at the blog Cosmos-Liturgy-Sex (I always wondered how they came up with that name). The article has to do with the dangers of the nanny state, the concept that America is distinctly two political solitudes, and how these views are irreconcilable with each other. The article ties this in to what has happened in Europe and Canada, and how dangerous this is for the Church:

The Church cannot survive “Nanny State” fascism/socialism. This has been borne out in western Europe to a great extent, but most of all in Canada itself. Sandro Magister’s recent article shows that Quebec is basically lost to the faith. A new evangelization is required there. But it is not even clear that Nanny State drones/citizens are capable of being opened up to God’s grace, without divine actions being taken that are, from a worldly perspective, catastrophic.

The upcoming election in the United States portends the coming of Canadian-style, Nanny State tyranny to the United States. The situation is much more ominous than the mocking description “Nanny State” would imply. What does this sort of “soft” socialism, or “benign” fascism, do to the political order?

Go to the original article to read the rest and find out the answers to these questions. It's definitely food for thought for those who have the power to change the course of events by a single vote.

Barbarians in the Sanctuary

There is a good post over at Abbey Roads about the loss of reverence of the Holy Eucharist and how we've gone from the honour and reverence displayed in the picture above to what Terry calls "barbarians in the sanctuary." Go check it out.

I have been delinquent

...about thanking Tom and Marilena for passing this blogging friends award over to me. Oh, guys, what did you say the limit on the Visa card was???

Book Giveaway at Seeking Jesus

My sister Shirley, of the blog Seeking Jesus is giving away five copies of the book The Incredible Catholic Mass, by Fr. Martin von Cochem. (Click here for the post with the giveaway). This is a book that opens your mind to the sacred mysteries of the Mass, and inspires one to holiness. It is an absolutely incredible read. This book was sent to me a few years ago by my blogging partner Dr. Bombay (who happens to have very good taste in books!). After I read it, I passed it on to Shirley, and now five lucky others will soon be holding this helper to heaven in their hands.

Here is the excerpt from Tan Publishers:
An absolute revelation to most Catholics! Based on the Traditional Latin Mass, but actually about the essence of the Mass itself. Shows it is not just a prayer, but a powerful sacrifice given to us by Almighty God to fulfill all our spiritual needs. You will divide your life into "before" and "after" you read this book. Going to Mass will never be the same again, once you appreciate the significance of every Mass (as explained by this book). Every Catholic needs to read this! Impr. 450 pgs, PB

Ten worthy blogs

As mentioned in the post below, here are the ten blogs I feel are worthy of getting an "E for excellent" blog rating. The rules are simple. You get to stick the graphic on your blog, (see the post below) and pass this on to ten other bloggers. I know that St. Therese's Roses has been nominated more than once, and I'm keeping that tradition alive by nominating her blog yet again! If you haven't yet visited any of these blogs, what are you waiting for?

Per te, Sancta Maria
Adam's Ale
Orthometer
Saint Therese's Roses
V for Victory
Athanasius Contra Mundum
Ignorant Redneck Rants
Wife and Mom of Two
Abbey Roads and Abbey Roads 2
Real Clear Religion

Blogger's 'Quiz

Here's a fun quiz made up especially for bloggers. The rules are easy. Just post the quiz on your blog and answer the questions, then pass it on to five other bloggers, and link to them in your post. Be sure to link back to the one who sent it to you.

1. Do you attend the Traditional Latin Mass or the Novus Ordo?
I am kissing the Novus Ordo goodbye! On Sunday we are moving to the big city (West Coast) and I will be able to attend the TLM every day, instead of having to drive all day to get to one. Everything is so far away in Canada!

2. If you attend the TLM, how far do you drive to get there?
Oops! I think I answered that already in #1! It's currently a 560 KM round trip. That's 348 miles for all you metrically challenged Americans. The distance is why I only go once a month.

3. If you had to apply a Catholic label to yourself, what would it be?
Terry's got labels! I think I fall into his Traditional Catholic category, with a little sprinkling of rad trad mixed in.

4. Are you a comment junkie?
No doubt. I wasn't until Karin got me hooked on comments by always popping by my blog and chatting with me in the combox. Now I'm a hopeless addict!

5. Do you go back to read the comments on the blogs you’ve commented on?
Almost always! Sometimes there is more going on in the combox than there is in the post. Plus it's a good way to find new blogs to explore.

6. Have you ever left an anonymous comment on another blog?
Once. Who are you, the blogger's police squad?

7. Which blogroll would you most like to be on?
All of them, of course! Although, I've been waiting forever for Carolina Cannonball to add us to her blogroll.

8. Which blog is the first one you check?
Mine are listed alphabetically, so I usually go from A to Z. But Wife & Mom of Two is at the bottom of that list, and we are good buddies, so I often go in reverse order. I can get pretty tired by the time I've made it through my list of blogs! (Anita, aren't you glad I placed under A for Anita instead of V for Victory?)

9. Have you met any other bloggers in person?
Of course! Divine Mercy is my sister, and so is Shirley. It would be fun to have a bloggers get together and invite all the Catholic bloggers. I think we should hold it at Terry's place. Isn't Abbey Roads the centre of the blogging universe? I would love to meet Anita Moore, Karin and my blogging team members, Dr. Bombay and Louie Verecchio. Oh, and also Cavey.

10. What are you reading?
Anything by St. Alphonsus de Liquori. He is the most incredible Catholic writer! Right now, I'm finishing up "Duties and Dignity of the Priest" and then it'll be "Preparation for Death" by this wonderful saint. I'm also reading "Imitation of Christ" (again).

Bonus Question! Has your site been banned by Spirit of Vatican II? If it has, who do you think Father Tim really is?
Salve Regina was banned early on by the illustrious SOVII. It's a great parody site, and Father Tim's banned list hosts a plethora of great Catholic blogs. In fact, most of his banned blogs are on my blogroll. Now, about who Father Tim really is...I used to think Cardinal Mahoney, but now I'm guessing he's really Sister Chittister. Just kidding Father Tim! We all want to know who you really are! When are you going to let the cat out of the bag?

I pass this quiz on to :
1. Karin at Wife & Mom of Two,
2.Anita Moore at V for Victory,
3.Divine Mercy,
4.Sister Mary Martha,
5.Abbey Roads.
and also to Che Lovell at SOVII, cause hey, maybe he'll tell us who Father Tim really is!

Freebies!

Everybody loves contests and we all love free stuff, so head on over to Karin's blog to see what she is giving away! And Divine Mercy also has a little something for one of her lucky readers. No hints, now! You'll just have to go see for yourselves. And good luck to you all!

Trad Banners

Head on over to Athanasius' blog (the best trad blog around) to vote for one of his eight trad banners. My pick is the one you see here. I'm not sure what he's going to use them for, but I like them!

Serving it up

Unitas, over at the new blog Altare Dei has done a great post on Cafeteria Catholics. The comment box is really humming, so go on over and check it out.

Karin's new blog site

My good friend Karin, of the blog Wife and Mom of Two just let me know that she is having problems accessing her blog with Google, so she has switched over to Wordpress. You can find her blog here.

So far, I've been lucky with Google, and haven't encountered any problems, but that Wordpress layout looks really nice. Hmmmm....

New blog on the block

Here's an interesting new blog called Sacrificium Laudis written by Patrick, a student in Japan. I'd like to give him a little exposure as he is just starting out. Patrick says his purpose for his blog "is to show the texts of various Rites and Uses of the Church (both in Latin and in English) and thus bring a greater awareness of them to the public, especially those Rites which do not have a proper introduction into the Internet yet."

It looks like a good way to familiarize yourself with the prayers of the Latin mass, as he has gone to the trouble of doing side by side Latin and English text, with explanations as found in the Latin Missals.

Simon Peter, where art thou?

From the talents of Anita Moore!

Does anyone know...

...what happened to Simon Peter?

Blogger Reflections

Blogger Reflection Award: this award should make an individual reflect upon five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and who have provided a Godly example. In other words, five dear bloggers whom, when you reflect upon them, you are filled with a sense of pride and joy. . .of knowing them and being blessed by them.


My good friend Anita Moore from V for Victory has named me for the Bloggers Reflection Award, which, as you can see, is one given by the recipient to five more bloggers who mean something to you. Now, Anita would definitely be on that list, but since she has passed it on to me, I will in turn name five others whose blogs, friendship and writings are a blessing to me.

First, there is Terry Nelson who writes two blogs that I just love. Abbey Roads is well written and funny; it's like a daily surprise of offbeat humour and meanderings. The spiritual side of Terry is shown at Abbey Roads 2, with wonderful, meaningful reflections and observations. Terry finds lots to write about and he does it very well.

My good friend Karin who writes Wife and Mom of Two is more than just another blogger to me. Karin and I met on a Catholic discussion board and have been buddies ever since. We're both gardeners, and I'm hoping to meet Karin when I'm in Boston next month. She has a great sense of humour and writes about subjects of interest to me.

Angela Messenger, who happens to live in the same province as me (we're not the only two Catholic bloggers in BC are we, Angela?) has a great blog that is always on my list of first stops when I make my blogging rounds. Angela sets a good example of Christian charity on her blog that I find a welcome relief in the blogosphere.

Tom Fitzpatrick at Recta Ratio has a very uplifting and spiritual blog with lots of fantastic photos of traditional liturgical art that are very inspiring. There's no option to place comments on his blog, so I never got the chance to tell him before this that I love his blog! There's some Catholic history on every page, too.

And there's Lynne over at A Quiet Catholic, a blog that lives up to its name in its subtle and gentle approach to blogging. Lynne went out of her way to find a Saturday Vigil Mass for me to attend when I'm in Boston next month. Thanks Lynne, it was wonderful to have your help!

Now when you're done basking in your Reflections Award, each of you can think of your own inspirational bloggers you would like to honour.