Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Sunday is the fifth and last Sunday after Easter, and as custom we provide a reflection on Sunday’s Collect and propers: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/05/the-school-of-love-in-orations-of-fifth.html

Latin Mass 4pm Today at Sacred Heart in Salisbury

Today Sunday May 14 there will be a 4pm Latin Mass at Sacred Heart in Salisbury (rescheduled from last weekend). Due to a scheduling conflict, there will not be a social afterwards. However, Fr. Carlson will be hearing Confessions 30 minutes prior to Mass. For more information contact the Salisbury Latin Mass Community at: www.salisburylmc.org

Latin Masses This Week

• Wednesday May 17, 6pm – St. Ann (Vigil of the Ascension/Lesser Rogations)
• Thursday May 18, Ascension Thursday (see schedule below)
• Friday May 19, 7am – St. Ann (St. Peter Celestine, Pope and Confessor)

Ascension Thursday Latin Mass Schedule – Thursday May 18

Although not a holy day of obligation in our metropolitan archdiocese, Ascension Thursday May 18 is indeed celebrated in the Traditional Latin Mass calendar on its actual date (40th day of Easter) and it’s a wonderful gift to be able to attend Latin Mass this day. The following parishes have announced Traditional Latin Masses on Ascension Thursday:

• 9:30am – St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country, Boone, NC (2 hours northwest of Charlotte)
• 7pm – St. Ann
• 7pm – St. Thomas Aquinas
• 7pm – Prince of Peace, Taylors, SC (2 hours southwest of Charlotte)

If we learn of any more Latin Masses this day, we will share them.

Holy Face Devotions

• St. James, Concord (*NEW*) – Mondays 10-10:30am in the cry room in the church
• St Mark – Mondays at 5pm
• St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesdays 6am in the main church
• St. Ann – Tuesdays 7:30am in the chapel after the Novus Ordo Mass (uses the booklet/chaplet which takes 15-20 minutes)
• St Michael the Archangel, Gastonia – Tuesdays, 9am, Main Church
• Holy Spirit, Denver – Tuesdays 10-11am after the Novus Ordo Mass
• Don’t see your parish? Why not organize one?

2023 Women’s Traditional Silent Retreat (July 21-23)

We are pleased to share that the Legion of Mary in Raleigh is sponsoring a traditional silent women’s retreat at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, northwest of Charlotte from July 21-23. The retreat will feature Fr. Sean Kopczynski of the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, a Latin Mass order of priests in Kentucky. Masses will be offered each day. Cost is around $280 and the flyer is attached. To register or for more details please see flyer below.

Minor Rogation Days (Wednesday May 17)

This Wednesday May 17 is Vigil of Ascension and also the 3^rd day of the minor Rogation days (to petition God for mercy against natural disasters such as famines, diseases, etc.). Not to be confused with the major Rogation day of April 25, the minor Rogation days occur the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday prior to Ascension Thursday. The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter offers a reflection from Monday’s traditional breviary (1962): https://fssp.com/rogation-monday-st-ambroses-lessons-from-the-roman-breviary/

Additionally, Dr. Mike Foley has written a helpful article explaining the minor Rogation days: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2022/05/rogationtide.html#.ZGBpyaXMKHt

Latin Mass & Traditional News

• Architectural Reflections on the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima: Since yesterday was the 106^th anniversary of the first apparition by Our Lady at Fatima, Dr. Mike Foley recently reflects on his trip to Fatima, and reviews the church architecture at the apparition site, offering a comparison between the traditional and modernist building styles there: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2023/05/architectural-reflections-on-shrine-of.html#.ZF_NBKXMKHs

• How to Honor Saint Honoratus: Take the Cake: According to the Roman Martyrology, May 16 is the ancient feast of St. Honoratus, a bishop of Amiens, France and Dr. Mike Foley cooks up an essay and a recipe for the patron of chefs, taken from his book, Dining With the Saints: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2023/05/how-to-honor-saint-honoratus-take-cake.html#.ZF8O8aXMKHs

• The Glories of Mary – By St. Alphonsus Liguori: If there is one book that could encapsulate the entire month of May, dedicated to Our Lady, one could say it is The Glories of Mary, by St. Alphonsus Liguori. In this Marian masterpiece, the great Doctor of Moral Theology, spends nearly 700 pages “assembling the very finest information about Our Lady that he could find, all taken from the many writings of the Saints, Doctors of the Church, and other holy authors, as well as from Sacred Scripture”, and “is one of the greatest Catholic books ever written”, according to the summary of the 1977 TAN Books reprint of this classic. All detailing the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary both to the Church and to our own souls. TAN Books has issued a new edition which one can purchase here: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-virgin-mary/devotions/the-glories-of-mary/

The Month of May, the Month of Mary

In addition to St. Alphonsus’ writings in The Glories of Mary (above), we conclude this update with another saint’s reflection the Blessed Mother as well as the month dedicated to her; this time from the great English convert, St. John Henry Newman (courtesy of Voice of the Family):

Why is May called “the month of Mary”, and especially dedicated to her? Among other reasons there is this, that of the Church’s year, the ecclesiastical year, it is at once the most sacred and the most festive and joyous portion. Who would wish February, March, or April, to be the month of Mary, considering that it is the time of Lent and penance? Who again would choose December, the Advent season — a time of hope, indeed, because Christmas is coming, but a time of fasting too? Christmas itself does not last for a month; and January has indeed the joyful Epiphany, with its Sundays in succession; but these in most years are cut short by the urgent coming of Septuagesima.

May, on the contrary, belongs to the Easter season, which lasts fifty days, and in that season the whole of May commonly falls, and the first half always. The great Feast of the Ascension of our Lord into Heaven is always in May, except once or twice in forty years. Pentecost, called also Whit Sunday, the Feast of the Holy Ghost, is commonly in May, and the Feasts of the Holy Trinity and Corpus Christi are in May not unfrequently. May, therefore, is the time in which there are such frequent Alleluias, because Christ has risen from the grave, Christ has ascended on high, and God the Holy Ghost has come down to take His place.

Here then we have a reason why May is dedicated to the Blessed Mary. She is the first of creatures, the most acceptable child of God, the dearest and nearest to Him. It is fitting then that this month should be hers, in which we especially glory and rejoice in His great Providence to us, in our redemption and sanctification in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.

To read more visit: https://voiceofthefamily.com/the-month-of-may-the-month-of-mary/

The CLMC wishes all mothers a happy Mother’s Day.

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! This Sunday May 14 there will be a 4pm Latin Mass at Sacred Heart in Salisbury. Due to a scheduling conflict, there will not be a social afterwards. However, Fr. Carlson will be hearing Confessions 30 minutes prior to Mass. For more information contact the Salisbury Latin Mass Community at: www.salisburylmc.org

Fatima Processions – Tomorrow Saturday May 13

Tomorrow Saturday May 13 is the 106^th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady to the shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Since devotion to Our Lady of Fatima apparition is practiced by many Latin Mass attendees, we note the two Sunday Latin Mass parishes in Charlotte will be hosting Fatima processions tomorrow:

• St. Ann parish, 5:30pm – Dedication of the new Our Lady of Fatima statue/grotto and procession (occurs after the 4:30pm Novus Ordo Mass, so one may want to arrive a few minutes earlier than 5:30pm if attending)
• St. Thomas Aquinas parish, 7:30pm – Fatima procession (occurs each 13^th day from May – October)

Ascension Thursday May 18

This Thursday May 18, is Ascension Thursday in the Traditional Rite – the 40^th day of Easter. There will be two Ascension Thursday Latin Masses in Charlotte that evening:

• 7pm – St. Ann parish
• 7pm – St. Thomas Aquinas parish

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Sunday is the Fourth Sunday after Easter, and as custom we share a reflection on Sunday’s Collect: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/the-school-of-love-in-collect-for.html

First Sunday Potluck at St. Thomas Aquinas: Today Sunday May 7, there will be a potluck after the 11:30am Latin Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas.

First Sunday Latin Mass at Sacred Heart parish moved to Sunday May 14: Due to a scheduling conflict, the normally scheduled 1^st Sunday Latin Mass at Sacred Heart parish in Salisbury will be moved to Sunday May 14 at 4pm (no 1^st Sunday Latin Mass at Sacred Heart today May 7). Fr. Michael Carlson will offer the Mass. More information will be sent next week.  To learn more about the Salisbury Latin Mass Community visit: www.salisburylmc.org

Latin Masses This Week

• Wednesday May 10, 6pm – St. Ann (St. Antoninus, Bishop)
• Thursday May 11, 7pm – St. Thomas Aquinas (Ss. Philip & James, Apostles – see note below)
• Friday May 12, 7am – St. Ann (Ss. Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, Virgin and St. Pancras, Martyrs)

Ascension Thursday note: Ascension Thursday is May 18. Both St. Ann and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes will offer a 7pm Latin Mass (FYI: Ascension Thursday is not a holy day of obligation).

St. Peter of Verona Palms Available at St. Ann today (12:30pm Mass)

As noted in last Sunday’s update, we have blessed St. Peter of Verona palms available at the CLMC info table at St. Ann parish for those who did not receive them in prior years. These palms were blessed by Father Reid on St. Peter’s feast day of April 29 and this blessing is only available in the Traditional Rite. When buried on one’s property, tradition holds that they protect against natural disasters. We’re grateful for Fr. Reid for blessing these sacramentals – please consider offering a decade of one’s Rosary for him. To learn more visit our update from a prior year: https://charlottelatinmass.org/2021/04/29/feasts-of-ss-peter-of-verona-and-joseph-the-workman/

Holy Face Devotions

• St Mark – Mondays at 5pm
• St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesdays 6am in the main church
• St. Ann – Tuesdays 7:30am in the chapel after the Novus Ordo Mass (uses the booklet/chaplet which takes 15-20 minutes)
• St Michael the Archangel, Gastonia – Tuesdays, 9am, Main Church
• Holy Spirit, Denver – Tuesdays 10-11am after the Novus Ordo Mass
• Don’t see your parish? Why not organize one?

2023 Women’s Traditional Silent Retreat (July 21-23)

We are pleased to share that the Legion of Mary in Raleigh is sponsoring a traditional silent women’s retreat at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, northwest of Charlotte from July 21-23. The retreat will feature Fr. Sean Kopczynski of the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, a Latin Mass order of priests in Kentucky. Masses will be offered each day. Cost is around $280 and the flyer is attached. To register or for more details please contact Tammy Huffman at the flyer below:

Latin Mass & Traditional News

• May 11 – Feast of St. Philip and St. James the Less, Apostles: In the 1962 calendar, this Thursday May 11 is the feast of Ss. Philip and James, apostles of Our Lord. In more ancient times, the feast was actually commemorated on May 1. We share Dom Prosper Gueranger’s entry for these two inspiring  saints and apostles: “Two of the favored witnesses of our beloved Jesus’ Resurrection come before us on this first day of May. Philip and James are here, bearing testimony to us, that their Master is truly risen from the dead, that they have seen him, that they have touched him, that they have conversed with him, during these forty days. And, that we may have no doubt as to the truth of their testimony, they hold in their hands the instruments of the martyrdom they underwent for asserting that Jesus, after having suffered death, came to life again and rose from the grave. Philip is leaning upon the cross to which he was fastened, as Jesus had been; James is holding the club wherewith he was struck dead.” https://fsspatl.com/liturgical-year/528-sanctoral-cycle/may/3121-may-1-sts-philip-and-james-the-less-apostles

• Remembering Father Terrence Gordon FSSP: The Church, and particularly the Latin Mass community across the Church, lost a great priest last weekend with the unexpected passing of Fr. Terrence Gordon, FSSP. A former marine, he was a priest of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). Although he did not have ties to Charlotte, he was assigned to the FSSP parish in Richmond, VA (St. Joseph parish) five or six years ago, and those within our community who often stopped by St. Joseph’s on their travels north may have attended his Masses (which he offered on occasion wearing his combat boots). He was last assigned to the FSSP parish in Colorado Springs, CO, where his brother serves as pastor, and administered last rites to his dying brother. Please pray for the repose of Fr. Gordon’s soul. We share some tributes posted by LifeSiteNews (https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/remembering-father-terrence-gordon-fssp/) and Rorate Caeli (https://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2023/05/father-terrence-gordon-fssp-rip.html#more). Friends have also set up a website featuring some of his excellent sermons and where one can submit spiritual bouquets: https://avemariapurissima.org

• Rooting Out Hidden Faults: The FSSP Bookstore (Fraternity Publications) is promoting a reprint of Father James F. McElhone’s 1952 classic, Rooting Out Hidden Faults, which provides a path for those desiring to obtain spiritual holiness based on a book which uses prayers from the Traditional Latin Mass missal. https://fraternitypublications.com/product/rooting-out-hidden-faults/

• The Mass for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Augustine of Hippo: Some of the religious orders have their own liturgical calendar and special feast days unique to their community. The Order of St. Augustine happens to be one of them, and on May 5, the day after the feast of St. Monica (St. Augustine’s mother, who prayed for his conversion), is the feast of the conversion of St. Augustine (different than his actual feast day in August). Dr. Mike Foley writes an article on this special Mass and its prayers: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2023/05/the-mass-for-feast-of-conversion-of-st.html#.ZFcxT87MKHs

• Holy Spirit parish in Denver (NC) to Build New Church Using Traditional Architecture: A few weeks ago, Holy Spirit parish in Denver (just west of Huntersville) unveiled plans for their new church building. What may be of note to CLMC readers, is this building will follow traditional architectural principles, and the parish has hired noted architect William Heyer of Columbus, Ohio, who has helped restore or design several Latin Mass churches and Abbeys including Clear Creek Abbey in Oklahoma, Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles in Missouri, and continues to work on the restoration of the Institute of Christ the King’s Provincial Shrine in Chicago which was severely damaged in a fire a few years ago. Even more noteworthy is Holy Spirit’s parish representative mentioned that the diocese of Charlotte will no longer be building “mega-churches” anymore; and the new Holy Spirit church will be the “poster child” for new churches in the diocese of Charlotte. The new building will seat a modest 700 people. To see photos and video of the presentation click here (see full version presentation): https://www.holyspiritnc.org/parish-groups/new-church-updates/new-church-update

• New Gothic Revival Church in the Charleston, South Carolina: If one cannot wait for the Holy Spirit church to be built and desires to visit a new traditional gothic church today (and only a few hours from Charlotte), one may wish to visit the new St. Clare of Assisi parish on Daniel Island (Charleston), South Carolina. Local writer and Latin Mass attendee John Sonnen did just that and captures some of the beautiful photos and details after the building was consecrated by the bishop of Charleston last month.  Although this parish does not offer the Latin Mass, the beautiful high altar gives great hope that one will be offered there someday: https://www.liturgicalartsjournal.com/2023/05/new-gothic-revival-church-in-diocese-of.html

Monday May 8 – Ancient Feast of the Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel

In the ancient Pre-55 missal, tomorrow Monday May 8 is the feast of the apparition of St. Michael the Archangel on Mt. Gargano, Italy, where around 490, St. Michael appeared to a bishop in a cave on the mount, and declared the grounds holy (the rocks of the cave are considered “relics” of St. Michael). Another time, on May 8, St. Michael appeared again to the bishop, and eventually the bishop decided to build a church dedicated to the saint, which still exists today (and one can also request relics from this sanctuary): https://www.santuariosanmichele.it/ Incidentally, the other feast of St. Michael, on September 29, was established to mark the dedication of a different, basilica, that of St. Michael in Rome.

A Catholic World Report article provides additional historical background: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2020/05/07/calling-upon-st-michael-the-archangel-on-mount-gargano/

In closing, as the Church is besieged by diabolical attacks from within, and from without, we share Dom Prosper Gueranger’s inspiring commentary on St. Michael who among his many titles is Guardian Angel of the Church:

Guardian Angel of Holy Church! now is the time for thee to exert all the might of thine arm. Satan is furious in his efforts against the noble Spouse of thy Master; brandish thy bright sword, and give battle to this implacable enemy. The Kingdom of Christ is shaken to its very foundations. Rome is in danger of seeing the Vicar of Christ dethroned within her walls. Is it that the reign of the Man of Sin is about to be proclaimed on the earth? Are we near that Last Day, when this guilty world having been destroyed by fire, thou art to exercise, in the name of the Sovereign Judge, the terrible office of separating the goats from the sheep?—If this earth is still to exist; if the mission of the Church is not yet completed; is it not time for thee, O Michael! to show the Dragon of hell that he may not, with impunity, insult on this earth the God who created it, who redeemed it, and whose name is King of kings, and Lord of lord? The torrent of error and crime is unceasingly dragging the world to the brink of the precipice; save it, O glorious Archangel, by confounding the dark plots which are laid for its destruction!

https://fsspatl.com/liturgical-year/528-sanctoral-cycle/may/3129-may-8-the-apparition-of-st-michael-the-archangel

Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in praelio; contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperat illi Deus; supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen.

St. Michael, Guardian Angel of the Church, pray for us!

What Mass are you attending Sunday?

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! This Saturday May 6 is first Saturday, and St. Thomas Aquinas parish will offer its regular 10am High Mass, followed by a traditional blessing of religious objects afterwards in the narthex. 

First Sunday Potluck at St. Thomas Aquinas: On Sunday, there will be a potluck after the 11:30am Latin Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas.  

First Sunday Latin Mass at Sacred Heart parish moved to May 14: Due to a scheduling conflict, the normally scheduled 1^st Sunday Latin Mass at Sacred Heart parish in Salisbury will be moved to Sunday May 14 at 4pm (no 1^st Sunday Latin Mass at Sacred Heart on May 7). Fr. Michael Carlson will offer the Mass. More information will be sent next week. To learn more about the Salisbury Latin Mass Community visit: www.salisburylmc.org

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Sunday is the Third Sunday after Easter, and as custom we provide commentary on the orations for the Mass: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/the-joyful-orations-of-third-sunday.html

St. Peter of Verona Palms Available at St. Ann today (12:30pm Mass)

Yesterday April 29 was the feast of St. Peter of Verona, and there is an ancient custom only in the traditional rite to bless palms on his feast day. Tradition holds when the palms are buried around the four corners of one’s property, they protect against natural disasters. Father Reid has again kindly blessed the St. Peter palms and the CLMC will be distributing them at our Latin Mass welcome table at St. Ann after Sunday Latin Mass today while quantities last. We also have some St. Peter of Verona prayer cards which were kindly donated to accompany the blessed palms. Please note: If you already received one in prior years, you do not need new palms year (unless you moved). We also thank Fr. Reid for taking the time to bless the palms. To learn more about St. Peter of Verona, the 13^th century Dominican martyr please see the two articles below in our news section.

Latin Masses This Week

• Monday May 1 – Feast of St. Joseph the Workman (no Latin Masses scheduled for this day but see information about this feast day below)
• Wednesday May 3 – 6pm, St. Ann (Ss. Alexander and Companions, Martyrs)
• Thursday May 4 – 7pm, St. Thomas Aquinas (St. Monica)
• Friday May 5 – 7am, St. Ann (St. Pius V)
• Saturday May 6 – 10am, St. Thomas Aquinas (1^st Saturday of Our Lady) (after Mass will be a traditional blessing of religious objects in the narthex)

Fr. Lawrence Carney’s Holy Face Devotion Recap & Video

We thank everyone who attended Fr. Carney’s talk about the Holy Face devotion; and its importance in offering reparation for sins and to combat communism and freemasonry. Specifically we thank St. Thomas Aquinas parish for inviting him, as well as St. Mark and Holy Spirit parishes for hosting additional talks. St. Mark parish has kindly posted a video of his talk if you would like to review it: https://youtu.be/If-1eJnAkEI  If one wishes to learn more about the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face, please see Fr. Carney’s website, the League of St. Martin: https://www.martinians.org/

Also, to learn more about the Holy Face devotion, please see Fr. Carney’s recent book: Secret of the Holy Face: The Devotion Destined to Save Society: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/tan-books/the-secret-of-the-holy-face/  During Fr. Carney’s talk on the Holy Face he mentioned the threats to the faith posed by communism and freemasonry. For those looking to dive deeper into the latter (freemasonry), TAN Books has published a reprint of an excellent book from the 19^th century about the plan of freemasonry and its desire to subvert the Church and Christian society: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/war-of-the-antichrist/

The Holy Face devotion is an important devotion that will likely be discussed more in the future. It perhaps may be providential that Fr. Carney’s visit came ahead of the feast of St. Joseph the Workman on May 1, which was instituted (in a way) to combat Communism (something Our Lord warned about in the 1840s) and its “May Day”. See notes about St. Joseph’s feast day below.

Holy Face Devotions

• St Mark – Mondays at 5pm
• St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesdays 6am in the main church
• St. Ann – Tuesdays 7:30am in the chapel after the Novus Ordo Mass (uses the booklet/chaplet which takes 15-20 minutes)
• St Michael the Archangel, Gastonia – Tuesdays, 9am, Main Church
• Holy Spirit, Denver – Tuesdays 10-11am after the Novus Ordo Mass
• Don’t see your parish? Why not organize one?

2023 Women’s Traditional Silent Retreat (July 21-23)

We are pleased to share that the Legion of Mary in Raleigh is sponsoring a traditional silent women’s retreat at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, northwest of Charlotte from July 21-23. The retreat will feature Fr. Sean Kopczynski of the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, a Latin Mass order of priests in Kentucky. Masses will be offered each day. Cost is around $280. To register or for more details please contact Tammy Huffman at the contact information listed in the below flyer.

Latin Mass & Traditional News

• Conversion of St Peter of Verona’s Assassin: As noted earlier, Saturday April 29 is the feast of St. Peter of Verona, a 13 century Dominican who was martyred for defending the faith against heresy in Italy. However, there is actually more to the story. Like many saints, St. Peter’s martyrdom resulted in the conversion of his assassin, who is now beatified. To learn more about this story visit: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/blessed-carino-assassin-of-st-peter.html

• The Tomb of St Peter Martyr in Milan’s Portinari Chapel: Greg DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement wrote an article last year which we reshare some great photos of St. Peter of Verona’s tomb at the Basilica of St. Eustorgio in Milan: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2022/04/the-tomb-of-st-peter-martyr-in-milans.html#.Ym4BtNPMKHt

• Forgotten Customs of Rogation Days: Last Tuesday April 25 was the major Rogation Day in the traditional rite, where by prayers are offered to implore God’s mercy on creation. OnePeterFive has a helpful article explaining the ancient customs of this commemoration: https://onepeterfive.com/forgotten-customs-rogation-days/

• The Solemnity of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church 2023: Last week, in the pre-1955 calendar, was ancient feast of St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church. This was a different feast day from the general feast of March 19, but it was removed in 1955 and replaced with the feast of St. Joseph the Workman on May 1. Greg DiPippo writes a quick explanation of this ancient feast day dedicated to St. Joseph’s patronage of the Church: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2023/04/the-solemnity-of-st-joseph-patron-of.html#.ZE3r-s7MKHt

• Standing the Test of Time – Fairfield (PA) Carmelites: The cloistered nuns of Fairfield, Pennsylvania, who follow the traditional Carmelite Rite (similar to the Traditional Latin Mass) have published another installment of the building of their monastery according to the timeless principles of the great Carmelite reformer, St. Theresa of Avila. To watch this inspiring video visit: https://youtu.be/daC0uRWnj-k To donate to their project visit: https://www.fairfieldcarmelites.org/take-action

• Undoing the Dismal: Liberating Sunday’s Soul: In Fr. Carney’s talk at St. Thomas Aquinas, Father noted that one of the offenses against God was the profanation of Sundays. Providentially, Dr. Mike Foley has penned an excellent piece on the importance of why Catholics are to keep Sunday’s holy and how liberating it is for our souls, and how communists eliminated the Sunday rest: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2023/04/undoing-dismal-liberating-sundays-soul.html#.ZE3vfs7MKHt

Feast of St. Joseph the Workman – May 1

On the topic of combating communism, in the 1950s, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Workman on May 1 to counter the communist May Day “celebrations”. We share an article by Dr. Mike Foley wrote a few years ago on this important feast day: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/the-feast-of-saint-joseph-worker.html  Additionally, we share the Holy Pontiff’s predecessor’s, Pope Pius XI’s 1937 encyclical, Divini Redemptoris (On Atheistic Communism), proclaiming St Joseph the patron against Communism. We share some excerpts, specifically, Pope Pius XI explaining how the Church is the solution to the sufferings of the workers:

Faithful to these principles, the Church has given new life to human society. Under her influence arose prodigious charitable organizations, great guilds of artisans and workingmen of every type. These guilds, ridiculed as “medieval” by the liberalism of the last century, are today claiming the admiration of our contemporaries in many countries who are endeavoring to revive them in some modern form. And when other systems hindered her work and raised obstacles to the salutary influence of the Church, she was never done warning them of their error.

It may be said in all truth that the Church, like Christ, goes through the centuries doing good to all. There would be today neither Socialism nor Communism if the rulers of the nations had not scorned the teachings and maternal warnings of the Church.

To hasten the advent of that “peace of Christ in the kingdom of Christ”[48] so ardently desired by all, We place the vast campaign of the Church against world Communism under the standard of St. Joseph, her mighty Protector. He belongs to the working-class, and he bore the burdens of poverty for himself and the Holy Family, whose tender and vigilant head he was. To him was entrusted the Divine Child when Herod loosed his assassins against Him. In a life of faithful performance of everyday duties, he left an example for all those who must gain their bread by the toil of their hands. He won for himself the title of “The Just,” serving thus as a living model of that Christian justice which should reign in social life.

• Divini Redemptoris:  http://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19370319_divini-redemptoris.html

St. Joseph the Workman, pray for us!

What Mass are you attending Sunday?

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Sunday is the 2^nd Sunday after Easter, otherwise known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The name is derived from Sunday’s gospel reading (John 10:11). We share a commentary for the Collect prayer from this Sunday’s Mass:  http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/the-freefall-collect-of-good-shepherd.html

Fr. Lawrence Carney’s Holy Face Presentations (Today – Tuesday)

Just a reminder that this morning Fr. Lawrence Carney will be offering the 11:30am Latin Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas and preaching on the importance of the Holy Face devotion. Tomorrow he will also be visiting St. Mark parish and Tuesday Holy Spirit (Denver). We list the schedule of events and encourage everyone to attend one of these talks if possible. Practice of this devotion may prove to be an important way in ending the current crisis in the Church and the world.  

• Sunday April 23, 11:30am Latin Mass – St. Thomas Aquinas parish (Fr. Carney will offer the Latin Mass and preach)
• Monday April 24, 5pm Holy Hour of Reparation and Talk – St. Mark parish, Huntersville (book signing to follow – see flyer below)
• Tuesday April 25, 10am Holy Hour of Reparation and Talk – Holy Spirit parish, Denver

Local publisher TAN Books has produced Fr. Carney’s book on the Holy Face: Secret of the Holy Face: The Devotion Destined to Save Society (https://tanbooks.com/products/books/tan-books/the-secret-of-the-holy-face/)

His book has been endorsed by Bishop Athanasius Schneider and Abbot Philip Anderson, OSB of Clear Creek Abbey.

Latin Masses This Week

• Wednesday April 26, 6pm – St. Ann (Ss. Cletus & Marcellinus, Popes & Martyrs)
• Thursday April 27, 7pm – St. Thomas Aquinas (Feast of St. Peter Canisius, Doctor)
• Friday April 28, 7am – St. Ann (St. Paul of the Cross, Confessor)

Major Rogation Day – Tuesday April 25

Although no Latin Masses are scheduled Tuesday in Charlotte, Tuesday April 25 is the Major Rogation Day, which, unique to the traditional calendar, is a day instituted of petitions and formerly penances to God to protect against natural disasters and plagues. It comes from the Latin word “rogare” which is to ask or petition. Sometimes it is accompanied by a procession and the chanting of the litany of the saints. There are two types of Rogation days – major and minor. The major day is April 25, Roman in origin, and was established by Pope St. Gregory the Great in 590 A.D. for deliverance from plagues as Fisheaters.com notes: 

“Rogation” comes from the Latin “rogare,” which means “to ask,” and Rogation Days are days during which we seek to ask God’s mercy, appease His anger, avert the chastisements He makes manifest through natural disasters, and ask for His blessings, particularly with regard to farming, gardening, and other agricultural pursuits. They are set aside to remind us how radically dependent we are on God through His creation, and how prayer can help protect us from nature’s often cruel ways.  Hence, its mood is somber and beseeching; its liturgical color is purple.

Source: https://www.fisheaters.com/customseastertide3.html

Holy Face Devotions

• St Mark – Mondays at 5pm (this week led by Fr. Carney himself!)
• St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesdays 6am in the main church
• St. Ann – Tuesdays 7:30am in the chapel after the Novus Ordo Mass (uses the booklet/chaplet which takes 15-20 minutes)
• St Michael the Archangel, Gastonia – Tuesdays, 9am, Main Church
• Holy Spirit, Denver – Tuesdays 10-11am after the Novus Ordo Mass (this week led by Fr. Carney himself!)
• Don’t see your parish? Why not organize one?

Latin Mass & Traditional News

• Rogation and Ember Days – An Illustrated Guide:  On the topic of Rogation Days, Fr. Christopher Smith, who offers the Traditional Latin Mass at Prince of Peace parish in Taylors, SC (two hours southwest of Charlotte) has compiled an extensive but instructive explanation of the Rogation and Ember Days in the Traditional Rite. You can download it here: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2019/04/rogation-and-ember-days-illustrated.html
  
  
• Minor Rogation Days: Further on this topic, the minor Rogation days come during three days of Ascension week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), and is more ancient than the major Rogation day, and comes from France in the late 5^th century as New Liturgical Movement explains: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2015/05/the-institution-of-rogation-days.html

• Recap of the Bi-Annual Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage in Washington DC: Noah Peters, the head of the Arlington Latin Mass Society in Virginia has penned a recap with photos about the March 25 pilgrimage to support the Latin Mass in Northern Virginia and Washington DC: https://onepeterfive.com/lucky-indeed-suffer-church/

• Following the Habsburg Way: Catholic writer Austin Ruse has written a brief book review about The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times. It was authored by Eduard Habsburg, a relative of Blessed Karl von Habsburg of Austria (the last Catholic monarch of Europe whom the CLMC has a devotion to). The book reviews the way of life of this great Catholic royal family and cultivates seven rules the family has found timeless for faith and family throughout the centuries: https://www.crisismagazine.com/opinion/following-the-habsburg-way  The book can be found here: https://www.crisismagazine.com/product/the-habsburg-way

• The War of the Antichrist with the Church and Christian Civilization – Msgr. George Dillon: During Fr. Carney’s talk on the Holy Face he mentioned the threats to the faith posed by communism and freemasonry. For those looking to dive deeper into the latter society (freemasonry), TAN Books has published a reprint of an excellent book from the 19^th century about the plan of freemasonry and its desire to subvert the Church and Christian society: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/war-of-the-antichrist/

The Archconfraternity of the Holy Face: Why Should One Join? – by Fr. Lawrence Carney

With Fr. Carney’s visit to Charlotte this weekend, we share some excerpts of a recent article he wrote for TAN Books about the Holy Face devotion:

St. Veronica wore a head veil. She saw Jesus carry His cross and broke through the mob to console his holy face and took the veil off her head to clean it. [5] The soldiers were stunned at such bravery that they stopped and did not know what to do. After this brief encounter, St. Veronica went home and put the veil on her table and began to weep. She had seen the Holy Face of Jesus in person and it moved her deeply. Someone observed the veil and saw the Face placed miraculously on it when Jesus had wiped his Face. Veronica could not contain her joy knowing that her Redeemer left her this precious relic as a remembrance to that wonderful encounter.

Today the enemies of God attack the freedoms of mankind. They are waiting for the day to take away our Mass. They are nothing but agents moved by the demons. The venomous serpents wait for the day they can wipe the Mass off the face of the earth as they wished to wipe the Face of Jesus off the earth. But we can break through this “mob” of agents and vipers by consoling the Face of Jesus in the devotions to the Holy Face found in the Manual of the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face of Jesus. Jesus told Sr. Marie de Saint-Pierre, “…we render Him [Christ] the same service as did the pious Veronica…”[6] when we pray the prayers in this devotion!

…One must give reparation for the sins against God. Then he must strive to be more reverent. One example is by attending the Holy Mass or making efforts to encourage the bishop and priests in each local area to bring the Latin Mass there. Lastly, one must strive to intercede for reversion. This means praying for fallen-away Catholics that they will be led back into the Church. The Church was erected for two purposes, to render true adoration to God and to save souls. The devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus is an excellent outline to achieve these eternal goals.

The Archconfraternity of the Holy Face: Why Should One Join?: https://tandirection.com/tradition-restored/the-archconfraternity-of-the-holy-face-why-should-one-join/

Additionally, as we close this update, we also share an excerpt of Our Lord’s words to Sr. Mary St. Peter on the necessity of the Holy Face devotion and its ability to thwart those who wish to harm the Church. This is taken from the 1954 book by Fr. Emeric Scallan on the Holy Face, entitled The Golden Arrow.

“When a soldier knows that the reason for the war to which he is called to fight is an injury done against his ruler, he burns with indignation to avenge this insult, and therefore arms himself fearlessly for the encounter. Think now, My daughter, of the outrages inflicted on Me by this Society of Communists. They are the ones who have dragged Me from my tabernacles, and desecrated My sanctuaries.  These Communists have also dared to lay their hands on the priests of the Lord, but all their plotting is in vain, because their schemes will not succeed!

…This information must not remain fruitless in you because I am giving you these facts  in order to fire you with new enthusiasm to carry on the fight. Act in a spirit of simplicity because if you will indulge in too much human reasoning, you will not be an adequate tool in My hands. Think rather of the glory that will be offered Me by the whole heavenly court for having conquered such formidable enemies with such a puny instrument!”

– Our Lord Jesus Christ in an approved revelation to Sr. Mary St. Peter, April 1, 1847 (source: The Golden Arrow)

CLMC note: Reflecting upon these words, is there not a more timely devotion to defend the Catholic faith – including the Latin Mass – than by taking up the practice of the Holy Face devotion?

What Mass are you attending Sunday?

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Just a reminder that this weekend Fr. Lawrence Carney will be visiting St. Thomas Aquinas (and other parishes) to give talks on the importance of the Holy Face devotion.  

St. Ann 8am Respect Life Latin Mass Tomorrow 8am April 22: Before we share the Holy Face information, we just wanted to also remind our readers that on a separate matter, St. Ann will offer its regular 4th Saturday Respect Life Latin Mass tomorrow Saturday April 22, at 8am at St. Ann parish, followed by prayers at the local abortion facility or a Holy Hour of Reparation in the church (for those who prefer to stay after Mass).

Holy Face Visit

Regarding the Holy Face visit, we list the schedule of events as announced and encourage everyone to attend one of these talks. Practice of this devotion may prove to be an important way in ending the current crisis in the Church and the world.  

• Saturday April 22, Talk 7pm – St. Thomas Aquinas parish (book signing afterwards)
• Sunday April 23, 11:30am Latin Mass – St. Thomas Aquinas parish (Fr. Carney will offer the Latin Mass and preach on the Holy Face)
• Monday April 24, 5pm Holy Hour of Reparation and Talk – St. Mark parish, Huntersville (book signing to follow – see attached flyer)
• Tuesday April 25, 10am Holy Hour of Reparation and Talk – Holy Spirit parish, Denver

Local publisher TAN Books has produced Fr. Carney’s book on the Holy Face: Secret of the Holy Face: The Devotion Destined to Save Society (https://tanbooks.com/products/books/tan-books/the-secret-of-the-holy-face/)

His book has been endorsed by Bishop Athanasius Schneider and Abbot Philip Anderson, OSB of Clear Creek Abbey.

Why is the Holy Face devotion so important today?

To answer the question, we share TAN Books’ summary of Fr. Carney’s book:

From the creation of man to the current ecclesial infiltration and world revolution, the devil and his minions have sought to destroy the human race made in the image of God. No longer attacking from without, they are now secretly laying siege from within the Holy Roman Catholic Church. But why is God allowing this? He loves to see souls heroically battle for the faith.

In the nineteenth century, Venerable Leo Dupont said that Communists would one day enslave the world—that is, “close up their churches, and make them slaves of the state . . . unless reparation is done, unless men come before the Face of their Saviour to ask His forgiveness and His help!”

In this powerful book, Father Carney reveals the essence and history of the Holy Face Devotion, its apostles, and how to save society and the Church from her foes.

“Reparation is destined to save society,” said Blessed Pope Pius IX. Join the ranks of Saint Thérèse and other saints in the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face and contemplate His Face to help restore Christendom from the evils of Communism and Freemasonry. Heaven longs for this devotion. Here is a timely book that provides a counter-revolution of reparation, reverence, and reversion.

Fr. Lawrence Carney

Father Lawrence Carney was ordained for the Diocese of Wichita in 2007. In 2014, he was appointed as chaplain of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles and he walks the streets of US cities in cassock carrying a crucifix and a rosary in each hand in an effort to bring souls to the Catholic Church. In 2017, he began the League of St. Martin, a pious association of the faithful that prays for reverence, reparation, and reversion—the chief goals being enrollment in the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face and the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. In 2022 continuing as chaplain of the Nuns and director of the League, he was appointed Apostolic Priest of Wichita, Kansas. (source: St. Mark parish flyer)

Fr. Carney also offers the Latin Mass regularly and, as noted above, serves as chaplain for the Benedictines of Mary, traditional Benedictine nuns in Gower, Missouri. St. Ann Latin Mass attendees may remember Fr. Buettner offering a homily one Sunday in the summer of 2019 about Fr. Carney’s prior book which discusses evangelizing souls simply by his walking the streets and holding a crucifix: https://onepeterfive.com/review-walking-road-god-father-lawrence-carney/

We hope everyone can attend one of his talks. This is a great blessing for the faithful in Charlotte.  

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Blessed Paschaltide greetings on the Octave day of Easter, Low Sunday, otherwise known as Quasimodo Sunday, taken from the first words of the Introit.  As custom, we provide a commentary on the orations for Sunday’s Mass: https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/the-orations-of-low-sunday.html#.YmTFGtPMKHs Additionally, to learn more about the history and customs of Low Sunday, we share these links: https://www.fisheaters.com/customseastertide4.html   

Also in Sunday’s Mass, as it has been for the past eight days, is chanting of the beautiful Victimae Paschali Laudes Easter sequence,which Dr. Mike Foley describes in helpful commentary:
http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/the-easter-sequence-victimae-paschali_01217123189.html

Latin Masses This Week

• Wednesday April 19, 6pm – St. Ann (Feria of Paschaltide, e.g. no feast day)
• Thursday April 20, 7pm – St. Thomas Aquinas (Feria of Paschaltide)
• Friday April 21, 7am – St. Ann (St. Anslem)
• Saturday April 22, 8am – St. Ann Respect Life Latin Mass (Ss. Soter and Caius, Popes and Martyrs)

NEXT SATURDAY: Holy Face Presentation with Fr. Lawrence Carney Saturday April 22, 7pm (St. Thomas Aquinas)

Fr. Lawrence Carney will be visiting St. Thomas Aquinas parish to give a special talk this Saturday April 22 at 7pm. Father is the head of the League of St. Martin, which promotes the Holy Face Devotion which has been promoted often in these update. Father offers the Latin Mass exclusively, is chaplain to the traditional Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, in Gower, Missouri, and has recently published a book with TAN Books, on the Holy Face devotion: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/tan-books/the-secret-of-the-holy-face/  To learn more about his work please visit: https://www.martinians.org/ (Please see flyer below)

Fr. Carney will also be offering and preaching the 11:30am Latin Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas on Sunday April 23. Please make all efforts to attend this important talk.

Fr. Carney’s  Holy Face Talk at St. Mark Parish – Monday April 24 (5-7pm)

St. Mark parish will also have the privilege of hosting Fr. Carney for its Holy Face devotion on Monday April 24 from 5-7pm. Father will offer a talk and lead a Holy Hour. Please see the other attached flyer. He will also be available to sign his Holy Face book afterwards. His book is, Secret of the Holy Face: The Devotion Destined to Save Society, https://tanbooks.com/products/books/tan-books/the-secret-of-the-holy-face/

Holy Face Devotions

• St Mark – Mondays at 5pm (this week led by Fr. Carney himself!)
• St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesdays 6am in the main church
• St. Ann – Tuesdays 7:30am in the chapel after the Novus Ordo Mass (uses the booklet/chaplet which takes 15-20 minutes)
• St Michael the Archangel, Gastonia – Tuesdays, 9am, Main Church
• Holy Spirit, Denver – Tuesdays 10-11am after the Novus Ordo Mass
• Don’t see your parish? Why not organize one?

Latin Mass & Traditional News

• The Wooden Clapper of Holy Week: The Crotalus: Although Lent 2023 is now past, we include one final Lenten article by local writer John Sonnen, about the wooden clapper used in place of the bells during Passiontide: https://www.liturgicalartsjournal.com/2023/04/the-wooden-clapper-of-holy-week-crotalus.html

• Tradition for Tomorrow – The Wandering Oratory: The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, an order of Latin Mass priests which administer parishes in various dioceses, is building a new oratory in San Jose, California, and have produced a video about their community’s story in obtaining a church they can call home: https://institute-christ-king.org/sanjose-home/ (video: https://youtu.be/jZ5SIUzb1r0)

• The Times of Mass: Fr. William Rock, FSSP, has penned another installment on the liturgy, and answers the question, what time of the day can Mass be offered, both in diocesan parishes, as well as abbeys, for different feasts and seasons: https://fssp.com/the-times-of-mass/

• Why the Devil Hates (and Fears) Mary with Fr. Chad Ripperger: The Augustine Institute has published its fifth interview with Fr. Chad Ripperger, this time on the role of Mary in deliverance ministry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TtOyknCRko (if you would like to see the other interviews see Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV):

• Together We Can Carry the Cross in Mexico: For Holy Week, the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, a society of Latin Mass priests who operate Latin Mass parishes across the world, recently interviewed one of their priests about their mission work in Mexico: https://www.missiontradition.us/together-we-can-carry-the-cross-in-mexico/

• Missae Pro Missa – A worldwide spiritual bouquet for the preservation of the Traditional Latin Mass: There is a new Latin Mass campaign to have 1 million Masses offered by Pentecost in support of the preservation of the Traditional Latin Mass. To participate and learn more visit: https://www.missaepromissa.com

Low Sunday with Dom Prosper Gueranger

In closing, we share Dom Prosper Gueranger’s entry, from The Liturgical Year, for Low Sunday, which recounts St. Thomas the Apostle’s doubting of Our Lord’s appearances to the disciples since Easter:

To return to our Apostle — Thomas had heard Magdalene, and he despised her testimony; he had heard Peter, and he objected to his authority; he had heard the rest of his fellow-Apostles and the two disciples of Emmaus, and no, he would not give up his own opinion. How many there are among us, who are like him in this! We never think of doubting what is told us by a truthful and disinterested witness, unless the subject touch upon the supernatural; and then, we have a hundred difficulties. It is one of the sad consequences left in us by original sin. Like Thomas, we would see the thing ourselves: that alone is enough to keep us from the fullness of the truth. We comfort ourselves with the reflection that, after all, we are Disciples of Christ; as did Thomas, who kept in union with his brother-Apostles, only he shared not their happiness. He saw their happiness, but he considered it to be a weakness of mind, and was glad that he was free from it!

How like this is to our modern rationalistic Catholic! He believes, but it is because his reason almost forces him to believe; he believes with his mind, rather than from his heart. His faith is a scientific deduction, and not a generous longing after God and supernatural truth. Hence, how cold and powerless is this faith! how cramped and ashamed! how afraid of believing too much! Unlike the generous unstinted faith of the saints, it is satisfied with fragments of truth, with what the Scripture terms diminished truths. (Psalm 11:2) It seems ashamed of itself. It speaks in a whisper, lest it should be criticised; and when it does venture to make itself heard, it adopts a phraseology, which may take off the sound of the divine…

Now, it was the for the instruction of persons of this class that our Lord spoke those words to Thomas: Blessed are they who have not seen, and have believed. Thomas sinned in not having the readiness of mind to believe. Like him, we also are in danger of sinning, unless our faith have a certain expansiveness, which makes us see everything with the eye of faith, and gives our faith that progress which God recompenses with a superabundance of light and joy.

https://fsspatl.com/liturgical-year/459-temporal-cycle/paschal-tide/second-week-after-easter/3516-quasimodo-or-low-sunday

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! What Mass are you attending Low Sunday?

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Just a reminder that St. Thomas Aquinas’ Latin Mass today Easter Thursday, will be at 10am, not the normal 7pm. This change only occurs today due to the parish’s modified schedule for Easter week.

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! Blessed Pascaltide greetings on this Easter morning, the first day within the Octave of Easter. 

The great Benedictine liturgist, Dom Prosper Gueranger OSB, aptly sums up the joy of Easter Sunday morning as experienced by the Blessed Mother, who, according to tradition, was the first to see her risen Son:  

“The night between Saturday and Sunday has well nigh run its course, and the day-dawn is appearing. The Mother of sorrows is waiting, in courageous hope and patience, for the blissful moment of her Jesus’ return. Magdalene and the other holy women have spent the night in watching, and are preparing to start for the sepulcher. In limbo, the Soul of our crucified Lord is about to give the glad word of departure to the myriads of the long-imprisoned holy souls, who cluster round Him in adoring love. Death is still holding his silent sway over the sepulcher, where rests the Body of Jesus. Since the day when he gained his first victim, Abel, he has swept off countless generations; but never has he held in his grasp a prey so noble as this that now lies in the tomb near Calvary Never has the terrible sentence of God, pronounced against our first parents, received such a fulfillment as this; but never has death received such a defeat as the one that is now preparing. It is true, the power of God has, at times brought back the dead to life: the son of the widow of Naim, and Lazarus, were reclaimed from the bondage of this tyrant death; but he regained his sway over them all. But his Victim of Calvary is to conquer him forever, for this is He of whom it is written in the prophecy: “O death! I will be thy death!” Yet a few brief moments and the battle will be begun, and life shall vanquish death.

…Meanwhile, our risen Jesus, seen by no other mortal eye, has sped to His most holy Mother. He is the Son of God; He is the vanquisher of death; but He is, likewise, the Son of Mary. She stood near Him to the last, uniting the sacrifice of her mother’s heart with that He made upon the Cross; it is just, therefore, that she should be the first to partake of the joy of His resurrection. The Gospel does not relate the apparition thus made by Jesus to His Mother, whereas all the others are fully described. It is not difficult to assign the reason. The other apparitions were intended as proofs of the resurrection; this to Mary was dictated by the tender love borne to her by her Son. Both nature and grace required that His first visit should be to such a Mother, and Christian hearts dwell with delight on the meditation of the mystery. There was no need of its being mentioned in the Gospel; the tradition of the holy Fathers, beginning with St. Ambrose, bears sufficient testimony to it; and even had they been silent, our hearts would have told it us. And why was it that our Savior rose fro the tomb so early on the day He had fixed for His resurrection? It was because His filial love was impatient to satisfy the vehement longings of His dearest and most afflicted Mother. Such is the teaching of many pious and learned writers; and who that knows aught of Jesus and Mary could refuse to accept it?

• Source: Easter Sunday reflection, The Liturgical Year by Dom Prosper Gueranger, OSB: https://fsspatl.com/liturgical-year/458-temporal-cycle/paschal-tide/octave-of-easter/3509-easter-sunday

Commentary on Sunday’s Easter Collect: As custom, we share a commentary on Easter Sunday’s Collect for the Mass: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/04/the-collect-for-easter-sunday.html

Easter Sunday Latin Masses

Charlotte (Normal schedule)

• St. Thomas Aquinas – 11:30am
• St. Ann – 12:30pm

Schedule Change: Easter Thursday April 13, 10am Latin Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas: Due to Easter Week, the Thursday Latin Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas will be at 10am this Thursday. The normal 7pm Latin Mass is canceled for this week only.

Latin Masses This Week & Easter Sunday

• Wednesday – 6pm St. Ann (Easter Wednesday)
• Thursday – 10am, St. Thomas Aquinas (Easter Thursday – see schedule change above)
• Friday – 7am – St. Ann (Easter Friday)

Save the Date: Saturday April 22, 7pm (St. Thomas Aquinas) – Holy Face Presentation with Fr. Lawrence Carney: Fr. Lawrence Carney will be visiting St. Thomas Aquinas parish to give a special talk on Saturday April 22 at 7pm. Father is the head of the League of St. Martin, which promotes the Holy Face Devotion which has been promoted often in these update. Father offers the Latin Mass exclusively, is chaplain to the traditional Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, in Gower, Missouri, and has recently published a book with TAN Books, on the Holy Face devotion: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/tan-books/the-secret-of-the-holy-face/  To learn more about his work please visit: https://www.martinians.org/ (Please see attached flyer for event information)

Fr. Carney will also be offering and preaching the 11:30am Latin Mass on Sunday April 23. Please make all efforts to attend this important talk.

Holy Face Devotions

• St Mark – Mondays at 5pm
• St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesdays 6am in the main church
• St. Ann – Tuesdays 7:30am in the chapel after the Novus Ordo Mass (uses the booklet/chaplet which takes 15-20 minutes)
• St Michael the Archangel, Gastonia – Tuesdays, 9am, Main Church
• Holy Spirit, Denver – Tuesdays 10-11am after the Novus Ordo Mass
• Don’t see your parish? Why not organize one?

Easter Evening: The Road to Emmaus – Dom Prosper Gueranger, OSB

To conclude today’s update as it began, we share excerpts from Dom Gueranger’s continued Easter reflection from his book, The Liturgical Year, specifically the fifth and last appearance Our Lord made on Easter Sunday evening, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus:

The Day of Jesus’ Resurrection is fast drawing to its close. It is the day honoured by God with the greatest of all miracles: it is the most important day that has ever dawned upon the world since Light was first created: but the night will soon be upon us, shadowing the brightness of the great day. Four times has our Redeemer appeared. He would now manifest Himself to the whole of His Apostles, and thus enable them to know by their own experience what they have, a few hours since, learned from Peter’s testimony. But, leaving, for a few moments longer, these men, whom He honours with the name of Brethren, and who now believe in His Resurrection, He would first console two hearts that are grieving on His account, though their grief comes from their want of faith.

Two men are traversing the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, slowly and sadly. They are evidently suffering from some cruel disappointment; nay, they give one the idea that a motive of fear impels them to leave the city. They had been Disciples of Jesus; but the ignominious and violent death of this Master, in whom they had had such confidence, has filled their hearts with bitter despondency. They were ashamed of having joined themselves with one who is not what they took Him to be. They had hid themselves after His execution; but the report having been spread of His sepulcher having been broken into, and the Body taken away, they resolve to seek a safer refuge. Jesus’ enemies have great power, and are doubtless busy taking proceedings against those who have dared to break the seal of the sepulcher. Perhaps all that have had any connection with this Jesus will be arraigned before the public tribunal.

Whilst thus conferring with each other on the sad events of the last few days, a stranger overtakes them and walks with them. It is Jesus. So absorbed are they in their own sorrow, that they do not recognize Him. The same happens to us, when we give way to feelings of human grief, we lose sight of that God who comes to cheer us by His presence along the path of our exile…

…At length, Jesus makes himself known to our two incredulous disciples. They have placed him at the head of the table; it is for him to break the bread. He takes it into his divine hands, as he did at the Last Supper; and no sooner has he divided the bread and given them their portion, than their eyes are opened, and they recognize their guest as Jesus, the risen Jesus. They would throw themselves at his feet—but he has disappeared, leaving them mute with surprise, and yet transported with exceeding joy. It is the fifth apparition. It is described by St Luke, and forms the Gospel of tomorrow’s Mass (Easter Monday).

The two disciples cannot wait; though so late in the evening, they must hurry back to Jerusalem, and tell the Apostles that their Master is living, that they have seen him, and talked with him. They therefore leave Emmaus, where they thought to pass the night, and are soon back in the city from which they had tremblingly fled. They are soon with the Apostles; but they find them already aware of the glad tidings, and fervent in their faith of the Resurrection. Before they have time to open their lips, the Apostles exclaim: ‘The Lord hath truly risen, and hath appeared unto Simon!’[41] The two disciples then relate what has just happened to themselves.

• https://fsspatl.com/liturgical-year/458-temporal-cycle/paschal-tide/octave-of-easter/3509-easter-sunday (see Evening of Easter Sunday)

Christus Resurréxit! Resurréxit Vere! What Mass are you attending Easter Sunday?