Urbi et Orbi- 2011

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas messages over the past 6 years (the reign of Pope Benedict XVI). We'll look at one a day, leading up to the Urbi et Orbi for Christmas 2011.

Urbi et Orbi translates into "to the City (of Rome) and to the World." Best of all, there is a plenary indulgence attached to the message and blessing.

Urbi et Orbi- 2010

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas messages over the past 6 years (the reign of Pope Benedict XVI). We'll look at one a day, leading up to the Urbi et Orbi for Christmas 2011.

Urbi et Orbi translates into "to the City (of Rome) and to the World." Best of all, there is a plenary indulgence attached to the message and blessing.

Urbi et Orbi- 2009

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas messages over the past 6 years (the reign of Pope Benedict XVI). We'll look at one a day, leading up to the Urbi et Orbi for Christmas 2011.

Urbi et Orbi translates into "to the City (of Rome) and to the World." Best of all, there is a plenary indulgence attached to the message and blessing.

Urbi et Orbi- 2008

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas messages over the past 6 years (the reign of Pope Benedict XVI). We'll look at one a day, leading up to the Urbi et Orbi for Christmas 2011.


Urbi et Orbi translates into "to the City (of Rome) and to the World." Best of all, there is a plenary indulgence attached to the message and blessing.

Urbi et Orbi- 2007

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas messages over the past 6 years (the reign of Pope Benedict XVI). We'll look at one a day, leading up to the Urbi et Orbi for Christmas 2011.

Urbi et Orbi translates into "to the City (of Rome) and to the World." Best of all, there is a plenary indulgence attached to the message and blessing.

Urbi et Orbi- 2006

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas messages over the past 6 years (the reign of Pope Benedict XVI). We'll look at one a day, leading up to the Urbi et Orbi for Christmas 2011.

Urbi et Orbi translates into "to the City (of Rome) and to the World." Best of all, there is a plenary indulgence attached to the message and blessing.

Urbi et Orbi- 2005

In the spirit of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas messages over the past 6 years (the reign of Pope Benedict XVI). We'll look at one a day, leading up to the Urbi et Orbi for Christmas 2011.

Urbi et Orbi translates into "to the City (of Rome) and to the World." Best of all, there is a plenary indulgence attached to the message and blessing.

John Cardinal Foley: Funeral Mass Text

Archbishop Timothy Dolan delivered the homily at the funeral Mass for John Cardinal Foley. Please say a quick prayer for His Eminence:

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the soul of Thy servant John Cardinal Foley, which Thou hast taken from the toilsome conflict of this world, may have fellowship among Thy Saints. Amen.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us!”

How to Get Silence in Your Church

We've all been there: you enter into your church, take a deep breath of the palpable sanctity of the place, and sit down to pray... right beside a conglomerate of gossiping, conversationalists (what I'm terming a person that carries on a conversation). While I'm sure you "offer it up to the L-rd," every once in a while you can't help but get angry as their whispers rise into a small roar.

Well, I'm tired of it. Not of the occasional whisper (we've all done that), but of the entire conversation that some people have as others (like me) are trying to carry on our own conversation (with G-d).

I've got a plan to slowly motivate silence and cease the excessive and distracting noise.

The Pope's Christmas List

Ever wondered what to get the Pope for Christmas? Well, on Wednesday, December 7 (The Feast of St. Ambrose), Pope Benedict XVI lit the world's largest Christmas tree from his papal apartment via a tablet.

His Holiness took the opportunity to give us his Christmas list. There are only three things, so you should be able to get him every single one.

18 Questions for "Saved" Roman Catholics

If you're not a hermit, you've probably heard the question "are you saved," or one of its derivatives such as "are you born again."

But haven't you ever worried that, in fact, you aren't saved and that you aren't born again? I mean, how can you really know?

You can imagine my absolute delight when I found this list, then! Finally, a sure-fire, 100% proof-positive way to figure out whether I'm saved or not. The Bible doesn't even provide one of these handy-dandy checklists. What an absolutely beautiful invention (please note the dripping sarcasm).

Why Be Catholic? The Four Marks of the Church

Besides taking 18 credit hours, 2 writing intensive courses, working on a 103 page honors thesis, and belonging to 13 organizations, I've also been helping out at St. Mary's RCIA class.

I gave a presentation over the Four Marks of the Church, titled "Why Be Catholic?"

For those that might be scratching their heads and wondering what the Four Marks are, I'll help you out: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.


I've added the materials on the right-side bar under Articles, Papers, & Other Writings. Or you can just click here.

First Anglican Ordinariate in U.S.- January 1, 2012

Donald Cardinal Wuerl confirmed today (11/15/11) that an Anglican Ordinariate will be established in the U.S. on January 1st, 2012 (I bet it's just a coincidence, because January 1st is simply the beginning of the year, but it also coincides with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God).

While you can read the news release here, you might want to check out this website for a more engaged look into what Cardinal Wuerl had to say about the upcoming erection of the ordinariate.

Time for a New Primus Inter Pares?

When the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church broke apart, the Patriarch of Constantinople (now called the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople) took charge as primus inter pares, or first among equals.

This was a result of the primacy of his see, Constantinople. He enjoyed this honorary status (and the rights, duties, and obligations that come from it) because of the idea that Constantinople was the "Second Rome." It was not the result of any dogmatic reason, like the Pope's primacy, but instead based upon necessity and the antiquity/honor of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Eternal Rest: Archbishop-emeritus John Francis Donoghue

This evening (11/11/11), Archbishop-emeritus John Francis Donoghue passed away.

You can read about His Excellency's life here.

Here is a press release by the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Here is an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article on His Excellency.

The motto for his coat-of-arms read "To Live in Christ Jesus."

Please take a moment and pray for His Excellency. You can use one of the prayers below.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the soul of Thy servant Archbishop-emeritus Donoghue, which Thou hast taken from the toilsome conflict of this world, may have fellowship among Thy Saints. Amen.

Requiem Aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetuae luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen

Eternal rest, grant unto him and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of G-d, rest in peace. Amen.

Don't Miss Your Two Chances at an Indulgence

This coming Tuesday and Wednesday is All Saints Day and All Souls Day, respectively. As the days get closer, don't forget that you have two chances at a plenary indulgence. While it's not easy, at least for the first one- during which All Saints Day occurs- you'll be at a Church anyway (it's a Holy Day of Obligation).

Posts on Mary

We're talking about the Four Marian Dogmas tonight at RCIA. I'm providing links to two different series that I've done on Mary. The first is a general overview of the dogmas and a brief answer to common objections. The second series takes questions from a Fundamentalist against the Four Marian Dogmas, and answers those objects.

Just click on 'Read the Rest>>'

21 'Tough' Questions for a 'Roman' Catholic Part 3 of 3

Colossians Two Ministries (C2M) put up 21 'tough' questions for Catholics, which were just begging for answers. I guess they didn't get any of the memos that the Catholic Church is the Church Christ founded, upon the Rock of Peter, that has preserved the Truth. Someone should get them one of those memos, like this one from Cardinal Ratzinger.

Well, let's answer the rest of the 'tough' questions, shall we?

Pope Benedict XVI Declares a "Year of Faith"

In a homily on October 16, Pope Benedict XVI announced a "Year of Faith"  (which you can read here, or watch here). He said that he would further elucidate what his ideas were in an Apostolic letter later in the week.

Well of course he did!

Vatican Continues Three-Pronged Attack on the Culture of Death

Back in June I posted a piece about the Vatican's million dollar commercial agreement with a U.S. adult stem cell company. In case you don't want to read the link I provided above, the Vatican signed a $1 million agreement with NeoStem, which will further adult stem cell research, as well as provide several Vatican-sponsored conferences over the cultural impact of stem cell research.

Orthodox, Liberal, Conservative, Heterodox... Having Your Cake and Eating it too

Definitions are important, especially when it comes to talking about religion. If you have a different definition of what salvation is, or what predestination is, then you're not going to get anywhere in any conversation with someone that disagrees with you.

21 'Tough' Questions for a 'Roman' Catholic Part 2 of 3

Colossians Two Ministries (C2M) put up 21 'tough' questions for Catholics, which were just begging for answers. I guess they didn't get any of the memos that the Catholic Church is the Church Christ founded, upon the Rock of Peter, that has preserved the Truth. Someone should get them one of those memos, like this one from Cardinal Ratzinger.

Well, let's answer the  'tough' questions 10-16, shall we?

21 'Tough' Questions for a 'Roman' Catholic. Part 1 of 3

Colossians Two Ministries (C2M) put up 21 'tough' questions for Catholics, which were just begging for answers. I guess they didn't get any of the memos that the Catholic Church is the Church Christ founded, upon the Rock of Peter, that has preserved the Truth. Someone should get them one of those memos, like this one from Cardinal Ratzinger.

Well, let's answer the first 9 'tough' questions, shall we?

Why the Archbishop will Never Hire Me (a funny story)

I am what you could call a Catholic nerd. I love all things Catholic (liturgy, history, dogma, law, etc.), like a Trekkie loves all things Star Trek. That's why when the priest assigned to our Catholic campus ministry (Berry College) told me that Archbishop Gregory would be celebrating Mass at our sister college ministry, I dressed up in a coat and tie, loaded up a group of us, and made the 1 hour trek to Kennesaw State University.

I've met bishops (and cardinals) before, but every time I still get excited. I play everything out in my mind, how great it's going to be to meet a successor of the Apostles (especially one that was president of the USCCB!)

Of course, I didn't go to the restroom before we left, so when we arrived I busted into the living room asking for the location of the bathroom. A good man pointed the way, and led me into a back room. After jiggling the doorknob, he told me to check the other side to see if that door to the bathroom was unlock. So I ran into the other room...

... and came face-to-face with His Eminence, Archbishop Gregory. "Your Eminence" was all I could say as I stared at him and backed into the restroom.

I face-palmed myself all through the restroom room processes (don't worry, I still washed my hands). Afterwards, I turned towards the door, squared my shoulders, and opened it- only to see Archbishop Gregory looking at me with a big smile on his face as he said, with a great sigh of relief "Whew!"

I smiled, even though inside I was banging my head against the wall. It's like a Star Wars fan meeting George Lucas... but the Star Wars fan forgot to bathe that day, had a pizza stain on his t-shirt, and doesn't have anything for Lucas to autograph.

I walk into the chapel with the other Berry students (who laughed uncontrollably at the story), and celebrated a beautiful Mass presided by His Eminence. It was beautiful, and Archbishop Gregory gave a good homily.

But of course the night was young! We had refreshments afterwards, and so I poured myself a glass of sweet tea, encircled by my group of Berry friends. Unfortunately, the sweet tea container had a small crack in it, so a little spilled onto the floor and my (nice) shoes.

I bend down (awkwardly, because I'm wearing khakis- basically, I have my butt in the air and am leaning oddly to one side) to wipe up the spill and clean my shoes. I straighten back up into my group of friends, only to see Archbishop Gregory staring at me as he talks to our little group. Behind the Archbishop (who is facing me), I can see my friends holding back their derisive giggles at the fact that I just embarrassed myself for the second time in one night.

So now the Archbishop knows me as that weird kid. It wouldn't all be as funny if it had happened to another Catholic, such as one who isn't as prim and proper as I am or who isn't 'Catholic crazy'.

So if you're listening, Your Eminence, please don't let this keep me from ever getting a job with the Archdiocese!

Pope Benedict XVI's Letter on the Anniversary of 9/11

Pope Benedict XVI sent a letter to Archbishop Timothy Dolan (president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), concerning the anniversary of 9/11. I've copied the letter bellow (just click on "Read the Rest>>"), but you can also read it in its original form here.

God Is Not Rational

If there are two things that someone is never supposed to question, they are:

1.Democracy is the best form of government, and

2.God is rational

The second never-to-be-questioned statement must be questioned and scrutinized. Once it is, I believe the statement will fall apart into (of all things) irrationality, and will be seen as an inferior description of G-d.

Reporting from World Youth Day (although not live)...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 17, 2011: That biological clock is starting to malfunction

Reporting from World Youth Day (although not live)...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

 

August 16, 2011: A rough start to a great beginning

In Defense of My Mother- Assumption 4 of 4

Here we go, the last wave of attacks against Mary (for now, at lest). This time, the attacks are leveled against her assumption. I'm not going to prove that Mary was assumed into Heaven (I've attempted that here). Instead, I just want to defend the doctrine against these objections/attacks. These objections/attacks were posted on a Fundamentalist's blog, and illustrate the regular 'talking points' of Fundamentalists. The result is bad logic, bad theology, and a lack of Scriptural knowledge. Quotes are in bold and orange, my defense is in regular print.

Reporting From World Youth Day (although not live)...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 15, 2011: The long and treacherous road

Mass and September 11

General Instruction of the Roman Missal 374 states that "In cases of serious need or pastoral advantage, at the direction of the diocesan Bishop or with his permission, an appropriate Mass may be celebrated."

That said, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided some liturgical resources, such as intercessions that could be said during the Prayer of the Faithful, as well as homily notes, on their website. Also worth a read are some suggestions for celebrating Mass, such as celebrating the "Mass for Peace and Justice (with white vestments) or the Mass in Time of War or Civil Disturbance (with purple vestments)."

Also on the USCCB website are a collection of reflections and remembrances of 9/11; there is also a collection bishops' statements on 9/11.

In Defense of My Mother- Mother of God 3 of 4

Alright, put up your shields and prepare for another pathetic attempt to attack Mary. Today's attack consists of the doctrine of the Mother of G-d (more properly, the Theotokos). I will rarely refer to Mary as Mother of G-d, and will usually use the term Theotokos. Theotokos, or G-d-bearer, more properly expresses the doctrine, and its more constant use would help avoid some of the attacks we're about to look at. Again, these were all found on a Fundamentalist's website. Also, I'm not seeking to prove that Mary is the Theotokos, but rather defend against the attacks levied against the doctrine. I've already attempted, somewhat, to prove the Theotokos here. Quotes are in bold and orange, my defense is in regular print.

Reporting from World Youth Day...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 14, 2011: The Holy Water at Lourdes

Reporting from World Youth Day...

One of my Vice-Presidents for the Catholic Student Association at my college is over at World Youth Day. Stephanie Prisland is blogging about her experience:

August 13, 2011: Three planes and a bus ride later…

In Defense of My Mother- Perpetual Virginity 2 of 4

Continuing on in this series 'In Defense of My Mother', we take a look at the Perpetual Virginity of Mary. As a recap, I found these attacks on a Fundamentalist's blog. I'm going to go through each of them answering the objections raised and defending against the attacks made. I'm not seeking to prove Mary's perpetual virginity (I've already done that here) . Instead, I just want to defend the doctrine against these attacks, and show why these attacks are false. Charges are in bold and orange, and my answer is in regular print.

Technology and the Mass of the Future

How will technology change the way in which we celebrate Mass? Are there ways now in which technology can be utilized at Mass? These questions can lead the imagination to some wonderful speculation and, maybe one day, innovation. I really want to know what ideas you might have, so drop some ideas in the comments section.

In Defense of My Mother- Immaculate Conception. Part 1 of 4

There was a blog post on a Fundamentalist's website. Normally I'd link to it, but the objections that are raised against the Catholic Church are so elementary and ridiculous that it'd be a waste of your time and would give unnecessary attention to the blogger that posted it.

Anyway, the post was a 'Biblical' (read: bad interpretation) attack on Mary. It was categorized into sections specific to the 4 Marian Dogmas (Theotokos, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, and Assumption), and I'll deal with them in those sections. It should be understood what the very core of her argument is: "If modern Catholic teachings and doctrines about Mary are true, then they will not be contrary to Scripture, the writings of the Early Fathers, or the decrees of past popes. For a devout Catholic to question these issues and put them to the test can be painful. It certainly was for me. However, it would be far more painful to have God correct us when we face Him on Judgment Day." I totally agree, but I think that doing so will lead to a much different conclusion than the Fundamentalist might think.

Requirement to go to Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption in 2011?

This year, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary falls on Monday, August 15. Because it falls on a Monday this year, the precept to attend Mass on this day is abrogated (waived, repealed). This means that you are not required to attend Mass on that date.

Good Video on the Forthcoming New Translation

I'm not a parent, but this is still a good video. It's geared towards parents, but only for about 20 seconds. The rest of it is a good, quick summary of the reasons for the new translation and the process it took to bring it about.

Again, it's geared towards parents but only for a short period. The rest of it is a good video that everyone can enjoy.


Word for Word [Parents] from Life Teen on Vimeo.

Why Pray Out Loud?

A friend asked me recently why one should pray out loud? The question was specific to the Prayer of the Faithful. Why pray out loud, my friend asked, when G-d knows everything we want and are going to pray for? At first I was a little stumped; after all, I didn't want to give just a 'because it's good for you' answer, and it's not something that I've really thought about to a large extent. I decided to answer not just about the Prayer of the Faithful, but also about praying out loud generally.

In Defense of Amazing Grace

An argument is starting to rage over the internet, which began with a critique of Michael Voris (RealCatholicTV) by Mark Shea. Interestingly, the argument first began over the hymn Amazing Grace (Voris said it wasn't compatible with the Catholic Faith, Shea launched into an attack of Voris). Instead, the argument has descended into critiques of people instead of ideas. People are attacking Mark Shea (just read the comments on the website that I linked to above), and people are attacking RealCatholicTV. I'm not getting into it, and I'm keeping my opinion about these individuals to myself

Since it doesn't appear that anyone is actually talking about the hymn anymore, I thought I would. So I've attempted to look at Amazing Grace in light of the Catholic Faith, to see if the hymn can be reconciled to the Faith.

First Scottish Priest for Our Lady of Walsingham

The first Scottish Priest for Our Lady of Walsingham was ordained this past Sunday at St. Mary's Church, Greenock. Father Len Black is 61, and was an Episcopal minister for 30 years. Father Black estimates that a dozen parishioners will join with him in the ordinariate. There will be two groups in Scotland that will be part of Our Lady of Walsingham, the Highland Ordinariate Group and the Central Scotland Ordinariate Group. Both the Ordinariate (Our Lady of Walsingham) and the Scottish Ordinariate Group have websites.

Congrats Diocese of Savannah

Some important ecclesial news has come out today. The first, and the one that will hear the most news about, is the appointment of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. That Archdiocese is in desperate need of a fresh start after a huge sexual abuse crises hit the diocese this past year.

The second important ecclesial news, at least for my region, is the appointment of the Diocese of Savannah's new bishop, Franciscan Father Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv. I want to focus on Father Hartmayer, because Archbishop Chaput will receive plenty of articles of his own.

Valid Baptism

In an earlier post, I looked at the differences between validity and liceity. Namely, one must have form & matter and disposition. Form & matter can be thought of as the 'substance' of the Sacrament, while disposition has a multi-faceted aspect to it. In this post I want to look at Baptism and what makes a baptism valid (i.e. what fulfills the form & matter and disposition requirements).

Marriage Videos from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, chair of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, announced the new video "Made for Life" during his report to the U.S. bishops at their June 2011 meeting in Seattle. The video that he announced is the second of five similar videos (all of which I will post), all of which are aimed at promoting and defending marriage (which is between one man and one woman).

Vatican Finances Compared

The Vatican has issued its income and expenses for the 2010 fiscal year. In short, the Vatican took in €245,195,561.00 ($356,281,000.00) as income and spent €235,347,437.00 ($341,972,000.00)- a surplus of €9,848,124.00/$14,309,800.00

I always get a good laugh when people talk about the 'waste' at the Vatican. Many people make it out to seem that the Pope swims in money like Scrooge McDuck. In honesty, the Vatican operates with very little money, especially considering all that the Vatican does (restoration of priceless art, feeding the hungry, wages for lay employees, education, aid to the poor, etc.) The Vatican operates, arguably, the largest organization in the world, and yet it has a relatively low budget. You might want to check my math, but let's compare:

Of Archbishops and Palliums

Archbishop Jose Gomez will receive his Pallium on June 29, the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. Incidentally, this is the same day that I find out my LSAT scores, and is the Feast Day of my patron saint (Peter). Archbishop Gomez isn't new to the Pallium or the liturgy that goes on around it. His Eminence previously received one as Archbishop of San Antonio, but now that he is in charge of a different Ecclesiastical Province (a group of Dioceses in the same geographic area), he needs to get a new one to signify this new location.

Vatican Launches Three-Pronged Attack on Culture of Death

The Vatican has signed an agreement with NeoStem for its first ever commercial agreement with an outside company. NeoStem is a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical firm that advances ethical research into stem cells. The Catholic Church approves of adult stem cell research, but not embryonic stem cell research which results in the loss of life (the embryo). Dr. Robin Smith (CEO of NeoStem) pointed out that "there are no current therapies using embryonic stem cells today but there are over 70 treatments available using adult stem cells including anemia, leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma."

Why Does the Catholic Church Discourage Bible Reading? A Protestant Answers, and I Answer Back

A commenter recently wrote the following on one of my posts (Why Does the Catholic Church Discourage Bible Reading?) I've corrected his or her spelling and given a better citation for the Trent citation. I've also assumed that the Commenter is speaking about accurate or justifiable interpretations of Scripture, and not unsupported or crazy interpretations:

Furthermore, in order to restrain petulant spirits, It decrees, that no one, relying on his own skill, shall,--in matters of faith, and of morals pertaining to the edification of Christian doctrine, --wresting the sacred Scripture to his own senses, presume to [interpret] the said sacred Scripture contrary to that sense which holy mother Church,--whose it is to judge of the true sense and interpretation of the holy Scriptures,--hath held and doth hold; [Page 20] or even contrary to the unanimous consent of the Fathers; even though such interpretations were never (intended) to be at any time published. Contraveners shall be made known by their Ordinaries, and be punished with the penalties by law established.
[Trent, Session 4, "Decree Concerning the Edition, and the Use, of the Sacred Books"]. The priests (mother church) [are] necessary for interpretation according to [Rome] and the laity is not allowed to interpret on their own.

Validity and Liceity

It's been a while since the last post. Quite a few things have happened here in the South that has caused me to neglect the blog: the storm that blew through in late April; preparations for the LSAT; thesis work; and many other things that have kept me from blogging. It's a big shame, too, because a lot happened in Catholic news! Off to the post:





Questions often arise about the validity of particular Sacraments, like Masses, Baptisms, Confessions, etc. Going further, liceity goes hand-in-hand with validity.This question is particularly relevant for our own time, when the laity is faced with priests that try and change the liturgy. Is a Mass valid if the priest doesn't believe in Transubstantiation? Is a Confession valid if a priest doesn't provide a penance? Is a Mass valid without the Nicene Creed, with a female priest, or with something other than wine? These questions all relate to the validity and liceity of the Mass, which paints a larger picture of what makes a Sacrament licit and/or valid, and what the difference is between these two terms. For the remainder of this post, I'll explain the difference between validity and liceity, with a follow-up post(s) on what makes particular Sacraments valid or invalid, licit or illicit.

Stations of the Cross & Easter with the Holy Father

Easter Vigil homily

Urbi et Orbi Message

Address of Pope Benedict XVI after Stations of the Cross

Maundy Thursday with the Holy Father

Today is Holy Thursday! For those that wish to feel closer to the Holy Father, you should check out these out:

Homily from the Chrism Mass

Video from the Chrism Mass (Quick Time)

Homily from the Mass of the Lord's Supper

Video from the Mass of the Lord's Supper (Quick Time)

Office of Readings for Blessed Pope John Paul II

The Vatican has put up on its website the Office of Readings for Pope John Paul II's feast day (October 22).
You can read the English here.
And the Latin original here.

This follows shortly on the heels of the announcement of Blessed Pope John Paul II's feast day (you can read the post here). As someone that prays the Divine Office, I enjoy feast days that allow me to read from the writings of the particular saint. It is appropriate that the chosen text for Pope John Paul II's feast day is from his homily at his papal inauguration, because it corresponds to the date of his feast (October 22- the date of his papal inauguration).