Christmastide Edition (December 25 through January 6, 2018) (noeltide.htm)

Station for today's Mass is at St. Stephen's Church on the Coelian Hill in Rome. The Jewish origin of Saint Stephen is universally acknowledged; he is known and loved everywhere as the first follower of Christ to give to his martyred God love for love, blood for blood. It is not certain whether he was among the seventy-two disciples of Jesus; some believe he was of the Greek tongue and not a native of Palestine. He studied with Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas under the famous Doctor of the Law, Gamaliel, who, being a member of the Sanhedrin, ...more

The two turtledoves represent the Old and New Testaments - the Word of God which over the years has been so watered down by "interpretations and political correctness" that often it loses its true meaning and must be properly discerned through the Church's reliance on the Holy Ghost. Contrary to so much syncretistic novelties and concessions to the Jews, while the Old Covenant is treasured by Holy Mother Church for its roots, the New Covenant established by Christ takes priority and reinforces the meaning and fulfillment of the Old Testament and there have been countless saints who were martyred for standing by the New Testament in fulfillment of God's holy Will with St. Stephen being the first. For more on the Day Two on the True Meaning

To Forgive and to Pray Inspiration on St. Stephen by Dr. Thomas A. Droleskey

On this day after the Nativity, Bishop Daniel Dolan provides a six-minute-plus sermon, courtesy of Traditional Catholic Sermons, on the Protomartyr St. Stephen

Saint John, brother of Saint James the Greater, the Apostle of Spain, is the beloved disciple. He was privileged, with his brother and Saint Peter, to behold Our Lord raise up a dead child to life, then saw Him transfigured on the mountaintop; he alone reposed his head on His breast at the Last Supper. After the crucifixion it is he who, with Saint Peter, hastened to the empty tomb on the morning of the Resurrection. Standing beside Mary at the Cross, he had heard his Master confide that Blessed Mother to him to be henceforth his Mother also. He took his precious treasure for refuge to Ephesus when the persecution of the Jerusalem Christians became too intense; and from there he went out to evangelize Asia Minor, of which he became the first Archbishop. He was later exiled to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Apocalypse, but afterwards returned to Ephesus. Compared with an eagle by his flights of elevated contemplation, Saint John is the supreme Doctor of the Divinity of Jesus of Nazareth. ...More

John Gregory with the cogent comprehensive Catholic Commentary penned by Father George Leo Haydock on the Douay-Rheims version of the New Testament. The commentary for the Double of the Second Class Feast of St. John the Evangelist reveals in the beloved disciple's own Gospel that Christ indicated to him and to Peter, and quite possibly the other Apostles, that John was to be preserved from a violent death for Our Lord had other plans for John, thus symbolized by the eagle as an indication of soaring to greater heights in God's overall plan of salvation. Represented by the Eagle

Love Unalloyed for Love Incarnate Inspiration on St. John the Evangelist by Dr. Thomas A. Droleskey

The three French hens represent the Three theological Virtues of FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY which enabled Catholics to stay in the state of grace by practicing and promulgating these vital virtues when the sacraments were not readily available. So also today when, because of the plethora of aberrations in the Novus Ordo rite and the novelties and modernist novelties that exist everywhere, the sacraments are not readily available either and so Traditional Catholics must reinforce in their thoughts, words and deeds these theological virtues. In the face of the warped logic of conciliar catholics and their empty resolutions all void of defense by the infallible, perennial Magisterium of the Church, it takes great fortitude, patience and, yes, charity. Faith and Hope spur Traditional Catholics on just as Traditional Catholics were encouraged in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. For more, see Day Three on the True Meaning

Thanks to Traditional Catholic Sermons for this feast of the beloved disciple, you can listen to Bishop Donald Sanborn's sermon on St. John the Evangelist

The wily king Herod, who was reigning in Judea at the time of the birth of Our Savior, learned from three Wise Men from the East that they had come to Jerusalem, advised by a star in the Heavens, in search of the newborn King of the Jews. Herod's superstitious fear of losing his throne was awakened, and he grew troubled. ...More

Today we begin the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany as we anticipate the Coming of the Magi with Day One.

The four calling birds represent the four Gospels where truly the Word of God through Jesus and His life for all of us to emulate was recorded. Since Catholics were not allowed to keep bibles or preach during those times, they reinforced others through the song to read the Gospels in private and live it, and not to subscribe to the altered version known as the King James Bible, but to remain true to the Latin Vulgate translated by the great Doctor of the Church Saint Jerome. Those who were caught were often persecuted and executed, much like those Holy Innocents slaughtered by Herod, those little ones who we honor today For more, see Day Four on the True Meaning

Wholly Innocent Inspiration for the Feast of the Holy Innocents by Dr. Thomas A. Droleskey

Also listen to a ten and a half-minute sermon by Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI given at Midnight Mass as he reflects on the story of Christmas and how we can all benefit from the message of Christmas in Keep Our Children Innocent

Saint Thomas a Becket, son of an English nobleman, Gilbert Becket, was born on the day consecrated to the memory of Saint Thomas the Apostle, ...More

Also listen to Bishop Daniel Dolan's sermon on St. Thomas a Beckett

We continue the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Two.

The five golden rings represent both the first Five Books of the Old Testament or the Pentatuch which reminded fellow Catholics of the roots and, after the devotion became more widespread and known, the Five Decades of the Rosary and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Rosary was given to St. Dominic to fight heresy and few were as brave as St. Thomas a Becket in standing up to his King because he believed in a greater King to whom Thomas' earthly king had to be subjective to and rule in accordance with God's holy Will or face the consequences. The temporal consequences for Thomas were tragic, but his eternal consequences have been heavenly. We should study his life for we too may confront just such choices eventually in our own lives and the question is: Will we choose the same path Thomas did? For more, see Day Five on the True Meaning

A Martyr for the Church's Liberties Inspiration on St. Thomas a Becket by Dr. Thomas A. Droleskey

This Mass, like Sunday, is the Mass within the Octave of the Nativity is also the same as the third Mass on Christmas, but Epistle and Gospel are from the Second Mass. The sacred liturgy, in revealing to us the supernatural Sonship of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which affects our souls more especially at this time of Christmas ...More

We continue the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Three.

The six geese a-laying represent the six days God took to create the earth, the universe, and all creatures. It was a way for all Catholics to remind fellow faithful and be reminded that, despite persecution, they were not second-class citizens but rather first-class children of God and rightful heirs to His mansions in the Heavenly regions if they persevered in the One, True Faith. It encouraged all Catholics, in the face of great apostasy, to believe and adhere the first dogma of the Church, "Extra Ecclesia Salus Nullum" - "Outside the Church, there is no salvation." Thus the sixth day represents the sixth day octave of Christmas and Creation. For more, see Day Six on the True Meaning

We present, thanks to Traditional Catholic Sermons, a nearly 18-minute sermon from last year on how Christmas hymns and carols have such an influence as Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI shares when he relates about the True Music of the Night

Saint Sylvester was born in Rome. When he reached the age to dispose of his fortune, he took pleasure in giving hospitality to Christians passing through the city. He would take them with him, wash their feet, serve them at table, and in sum give them in the name of Christ, all the care that the most sincere charity inspired. ...More

We continue the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Four.

The seven swans a-swimming represent the Seven Sacraments established by Jesus Christ as well as the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost. With the Sacraments and Gifts Catholics could sustain themselves through the dark times and encourage others at this holy time of the year with this Christmas song, reminding each other of the wondrous glory of God and His munificence on the seventh day of the octave of Christmas. Just as this falls on the last day of the year, so also with the Seven Sacraments the old covenant was ended and replaced by the New Covenant which Our Lord left to His Church and for all generations with the promise of the protection of the Sanctifier, the Holy Ghost, especially through the true Successors of St. Peter such as today's saint. For more, see Day Seven on the True Meaning

A Pope Who Was No Puddy Tat Inspiration on Pope St. Sylvester by Dr. Thomas A. Droleskey

On this final day of 2017, listen to a short sermon by Bishop Daniel Dolan, courtesy of Traditional Catholic Sermons, on today's saint, the highly respectedd Sovereign Pontiff Pope St. Sylvester I

Circumcision was a sacrament of the Old Law, and the first legal observance required of the descendants of Abraham by Almighty God. It was a sacrament of initiation in the service of God, and a promise, an engagement, to believe and act as He had revealed and directed. The law of circumcision continued in force until the death of Christ. Our Saviour having thus been born under the law, it became Him who came to teach mankind obedience to the law of God, to fulfill all justice, and to submit to it. He might redeem those who were under the law, by freeing them from the servitude of it, and that those who were formerly in the condition of servants might be ...More

We continue the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Five.

John Gregory has provided Father Leo George Haydock's cogent comprehensive Catholic Commentary on the Douay-Rheims version of the New Testament. The commentary for Double of the Second Class Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord is very brief, repeating the Epistle of the First Mass on Christmas at midnight and only one verse in the Gospel of St. Luke, but it is in that very commentary that we understand the wisdom of why Our Lady obeyed the Jewish Law and why God allowed it. Obedience to the Law

The eight maids a-milking represent the Eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus Christ on His sermon on the mount and which Catholics, no matter how persecuted, could practice good deeds through the Beatitudes and gain great consolation and courage from these. It exemplifies the Christian attitude He called for in the Two Great Commandments, to love God with all our might and, secondly, because we love Him, to love our neighbors as ourselves. On this first day of the year we celebrate the human nature of Christ as He, through his obedient, holy Mother Mary and foster father St. Joseph, shed the first drop of His Most Precious Blood with His Circumcision which would be shed 33 years later to the very last drop on the cross for us. For more, see Day Eight on the True Meaning

We invite you to listen to a New Year's sermon by Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI. courtesy of Traditional Catholic Sermons, on fascinating subject of Time

Holy Mother Church reveals to us the greatness of His name. It was on the occasion of the rite of Circumcision that a name was given to children among Jews. So the Church uses the same Gospel as that of the Feast of the Circumcision, and dwells on the second part which tells us that "the Child was called Jesus"

(Gospel), "as God had bid that He should be called" (Collect). This name means Saviour, for "there is no other name given to men whereby we must be saved." The origin of this feast is traced to the sixteenth century, when it was celebrated by the Franciscan Order. In 1721 the Church, under the rule of Pope Innocent XIII, ...More

We continue the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Six.

This special feature, provided by John Gregory with the Haydock Commentary found at the bottom of each page of the Douay-Rheims Bible, With the type so small in most bibles, we publish it here in larger type in conjunction with the Epistle and Gospel for the Sunday Mass provided by John Gregory with the cogent comprehensive Catholic Commentary penned by Father George Leo Haydock on the Douay-Rheims version of the New Testament. The commentary for the Double of the Second Class Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is, like the Circumcision, very brief, this time repeating the Gospel with the Epistle from Acts in those familiar words written by St. Paul that there is "no other name under Heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved" which immediately narrows it down to the only way to be saved is through Christ and His true Church, not the man-made counterfeit church of conciliarism. No other Name

The nine ladies dancing is not about partying but rather the Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit as described in Galatians 5: 22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, modesty and continency." These fruits helped Catholics to practice the virtues and remind fellow Catholics how to stay out of harm's way as far as their souls were concerned. For more, see Day Nine on the True Meaning

For this special Double of the Second Class Feast, listen to a sermon by Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI from a few years ago and available thanks to Traditional Catholic Sermons, on The Holy Name of Jesus

Holy Mother Church reveals to us the greatness of His name. It was on the occasion of the rite of

Circumcision that a name was given to children among Jews. So the Church uses the same Gospel as that of the Feast of the Circumcision, and dwells on the second part which tells us that "the Child was called Jesus" ...More

We continue the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Seven.

The ten lords a-leaping symbolize the Law of God - the Ten Commandments. It was not a leap to obey the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai for the Protestants, who were persecuting the Catholics of those times and countries, also believed in the Ten Commandments, but the reference to "lords" was in reference to the rich and powerful for they were the ones who could change the laws that governed persecution and curtailment of the Catholic Faith. Yet it was the "lords" who were lax in obeying God's laws and Catholics wanted to remind their fellow Catholics that no matter how wealthy or spoiled the princes were, faith and perseverance was more important by reminding them of the law of ages and that at the Most Holy Name of Jesus every head should bow for He alone is our Sovereign King to Whom we owe obedience above man. For more, see Day Ten on the True Meaning

Thanks to Traditional Catholic Sermons, we invite you to listen to Bishop Donald Sanborn's sermon on The Holy Name

Holy Mother Church reveals to us the greatness of His name. It was on the occasion of the rite of Circumcision that He received the name of Jesus, which was assigned to Him by the Angel before He was conceived, and which signifies Savior. That name, so beautiful, so ...More

We continue the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Eight.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the Eleven Faithful Apostles who stuck with Jesus when seemingly all others had abandoned Him. They were referred to as "pipers" for they indeed were sent out to all corners to spread the Gospel as Our Lord had commanded and, like the "Pied Piper of Hamlin" they attracted many to the One, True Faith. It was a way for Catholics to remind their fellow faithful to keep this in mind during the hard times for all but Saint John were persecuted and martyred for the faith. If they remained faithful to their Faith and to Jesus, they, too, would one day enjoy the same rewards of Heavenly bliss, continuing to adore, obey and honor Him always For more, see Day Eleven on the True Meaning

Also listen to a sermon by Bishop Daniel Dolan, courtesy of Traditional Catholic Sermons, on Morning Prayers

Mass is for the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas except for the Gospel, and the Third Collect, Secret and Postcommunion for St. Telesphorus. The 8th Successor of Peter, St. Telesphorus was a Greek who composed the 'Gloria in Excelsis Deo' and instituted ...More

We complete the Nine Day Novena for the Feast of the Epiphany with Day Nine

The twelve drummers drumming represented the Twelve Points or Articles of Belief in the APOSTLES' CREED. It's interesting that Catholics chose drummers for their symbolism for to keep reminding each other of the twelve points of the solid creed known as the Apostles' Creed for this was their profession of faith and there was a constant need to keep hammering home this point or should we say "bang the drum" so fellow Catholics would get the "beat" and get into a rhythm of their religion, encouraged by all Jesus promised and professed in the Creed. Today we observe the Vigil of the Epiphany, in anticipation of the day traditionally accepted of when the three Magi from the East arrived about a year after Christ was born, bringing Him regal gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myhrr. For more, see Day Twelve on the True Meaning

On the Vigil of the Epiphany listen to a sermon by Bishop Donald Sanborn, courtesy of Traditional Catholic Sermons, on The Epiphany

First Friday Devotions

Consecration & Enthronement of the Sacred Heart

This feast was celebrated in the East as early as the third century and it spread to the West towards the end of the fourth century. The word "Epiphany" means "manifestation." As at Christmas it is the mystery of a God Who makes Himself visible, but it is no longer only to the Jews that He shows Himself: "It is to the Gentiles on this day that God reveals His Son" (Collect). And Isaias in a grand vision perceives the Church under the figure of Jerusalem, where "the kings and the nations abound, the multitude who inhabit the borders of the sea and the strength of the Gentiles. They come from afar with their numerous caravans, singing the praises Of the Lord and bringing Him gold and frankincense" (Epistle) "The kings of the earth shall adore God, and all nations shall serve Him "'(Offertory). ...More

This special feature, provided by John Gregory with the Haydock Commentary found at the bottom of each page of the Douay-Rheims Bible, With the type so small in most bibles, we publish it here in larger type in conjunction with the Epistle and Gospel for the Sunday Mass provided by John Gregory with the cogent comprehensive Catholic Commentary penned by Father George Leo Haydock on the Douay-Rheims version of the New Testament. The commentary for the Double of the First Class Feast of the Epiphany shows the fullfillment of the Prophet Isaias that "Gentiles shall walk in Thy light, and kings in the brightness of Thy rising" while "bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord." This is carried out, as we see, in the Gospel of St. Matthew that they were indeed non-Jewish kings from the East, who honored the newborn King with "gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

For the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, listen to a six-minute sermon by Fr. Casimir Puskorius. CMRI, courtesy of Traditional Catholic Sermons, on the Spiritual Lessons of The Magi

First Saturday Devotions

Tomorrow, January 7 is the beginning of the Nine Day Novena in preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor on January 15. During the French Revolution of the late Eighteenth Century, priests and religious were persecuted and often had to go into hiding in order to administer the Sacraments and keep their vocation and apostolates. This is what happened with the Ursuline nuns of the Convent of Pont-Saint-Esprit. One of the nuns, Agathe Gensoul, who could no longer use her religious name, Mother St. Michel, still lived her vocation, starting a school with another Ursuline, Sophie Ricard. Agathe had a cousin who was an Ursuline also, but who lived in America, in New Orleans, which had been at that time under Spanish domain, but had been taken back by the French. Fearing French persecution, the Spanish Ursulines there went back to Spain, which left the convent in need of more nuns. See Day One and more on the Novena to Our Lady of Prompt Succor

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