The Two Popes

I just love this picture!  What a time we live in!

Pope Francis

I love the name of our new Pope... I was tickled!  Pope Francis!  And if he truly is going to follow St. Francis of Assisi then I hope he will continue to rebuild the Church as St. Francis did.... according to the Will of God, according to the traditions of Holy Mother Church, according to a life of humility and poverty.  In our parish alone, we have shown the fruits of Pope Benedict XVI's Motu Proprio.... as we prepare for the first Traditional Confirmation in our diocese in 1/2 a century, as we prepare for the first full set of Traditional High Masses during Holy Week and this after only a little over 5 years of the TLM.  Deo Gratias!  Where we go from here remains to be seen... we can either get what we deserve or by the merciful Hand of God, get what we really need.  But I think it will be clear enough, no matter what path, we are bound to suffer as there is no path to Heaven that does not include the Cross of suffering.

Adopt a Cardinal

Adopt a Cardinal in Prayer and Sacrifice during time of prayer prior to, during and for 3 days after the conclave HERE.  These are chosen for you so that all Cardinals are included in this time of prayer  Our family adopted in groups:
Aragorn & Julie - 

Name:	Geraldo Majella Agnelo
Country:	Brazil
Day of birth:	1933-10-19
Cardinal since:	2001-2-21
Function:	Archbishop emeritus of São Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

Sam & Merry -

Name:	Santos Abril y Castelló
Country:	Spain
Day of birth:	1935-9-21
Cardinal since:	2012-2-18
Function:	Archpriest of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Galadriel & Marigold -

Name:	Ivan Dias
Country:	India
Day of birth:	1936-4-14
Cardinal since:	2001-2-21
Function:	Prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and Grand Chancellor emeritus of the Pontifical Urbaniana University

Eowyn & Poppy - 

Name:	João Braz de Aviz
Country:	Brazil
Day of birth:	1947-4-24
Cardinal since:	2012-2-18
Function:	Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

Frodo, Pippin & Bilbo - 

Name:	Audrys Juozas Bačkis
Country:	Lithuania
Day of birth:	1937-2-1
Cardinal since:	2001-2-21
Function:	Archbishop of Vilnius, Lithuania

Rosie & Eleanor - 

Name:	Angelo Bagnasco
Country:	Italy
Day of birth:	1943-1-14
Cardinal since:	2007-11-24
Function:	Archbishop of Genoa, Italy

It is very odd to think that at this moment in time, the Holy Father has officially resigned (1pm CST, 8pm Italy) and we are without our beloved Pope.

Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of Thy Faithful (Cardinals)....  (and the unfaithful ones).

Papal Lapbook

If you are into Lapbooking... here is an excellent Lapbook Unit Study on the Papacy.  Jessica at Shower of Roses also has a number of other resources to make this time in the Catholic Church interesting, informative, exciting and enjoyable for children.... and adults who are still young at heart!

Catholic Icing also has some fun Papal activities for children HERE.

How to Elect a Pope

For those who haven't seen this neat interactive tutorial in how to elect a Pope, it's simple, informative and enjoyable.

Pope Benedict XVI Resigning

Ok, there are few things that shock me, but today I was shocked.  Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI is resigning as of February 28th due to health issues.  This not only shocked me but brought tears to my eyes.... which might just turn to sobs!  He brought us so far in the freedom to offer the Traditional Latin Mass and Sacraments freely to which I am profoundly grateful and we love him so very much!  We must pray very diligently and offer many sacrifices to the Holy Spirit for our next Holy Father.  I would imagine the evil one will be working overtime these next couple weeks.

Vatican Radio:  Pope's full text HERE

NY Times Article HERE

Rosary Rally

 Every Thursday evening until the election in November Catholics meet on the steps of our beautiful Capitol building to pray 15 decades of the Rosary.  This evening I was blessed to be able to go, usually I have my holy hour but due to the excessive heat and the fact that our church is built like a brick oven, Adoration was cancelled.

 Ok, I don't know but doesn't that strike you as awesome a priest in full habit, sunglasses and cellphone?  In downtown Madison.  Awesome.

 Galadriel, Frodo and Merry went with me.

Considering when we arrived at the Capitol at 6:35pm it was 104 degrees, there was a nice size crowd.  Thankfully there was a lovely breeze so it really wasn't uncomfortable. 

I ask you to pray for a couple of the protesters whose blasphemous posters were horrendous.    Hail Mary.....