Sacred Miscellany

A Prayer for One Who is Afraid

I honestly don't remember where this came from and I stumbled across it today on my hard drive while I was looking for something entirely different.  However, it might have some value for someone reading this blog.

A Prayer for One Who is Afraid

O you, who are the ever-blessed God, the underlying peace of the world, speak to me the words of assurance: “Fear not, for I am with you.” Put such a spirit of trust within me that all fear and foreboding shall be thrust out and the right reason and calm assurance may rule my thoughts and impulses. Let quietness and confidence be my strength. Show me that around and about me are your unseen and bounteous powers. Let me remember that you do not give to any spirit of fearfulness, but a spirit of faith. In this faith, grant that I may summon the energies of my soul against the miseries that cast me down. Give me courage, confidence and an untroubled heart. Amen.

Vespers this Friday

The St. Augustine Schola Cantorae will be in their favorite shrine again this Friday evening at 6 p.m. for Vespers of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Someone asked me why we sing that particular vespers.  (1) It's a Marian shrine.  (2) Our Lady enjoys the honor. 

The antiphons for the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary are wonderful verses drawn from the Song of Songs.  In the rich allegorical world of the early Middle Ages, the Virgin was the Bride.  Here's antiphon 2 which comes with a sensuous Tone 4 melody:

Laéva  éjus *sub cápite méo, et  déxtera   illíus  amplexábitur me. His left hand is under my head; and his right hand embraces me.

The Ageless Story by Lauren Ford

This charming children's book just came to my attention.  Read all about it and then take a moment to think. The boyhood of Christ accompanied by Gregorian antiphons.

What was the world like in the late 1930's when it was written?  War was looming on the horizon and a worldwide depression seemed unending.  Violence was everywhere, accompanied by despair. 

And yet, in the midst of all these trials, was this enduring vision of salvation, music, beauty, and trust. 

Why is this man smiling?

This is Jeffrey Tucker.  Why is Jeffrey smiling?  Because he is a mover and shaker in the Church Music Association of America (CMAA).  Go here and see all the wonderful things that are happening.  Be part of the action yourself with the Winter Chant Intensive or the Summer Colloquium.  Participate in discussions that welcome newcomers in sacred music into conversation with some of the most knowledgeable singer, organists, and choir directors around. 

You'll be smiling too.

(Thanks to Hymnography Unbound for the photo.)

Surplus Books from the Mepkin Abbey Library on Sale at Amazon

Like to buy religious books?  Like to help monasteries?  You can do both by shopping here.  These are duplicates and deaccessioned titles.

Mepkin Abbey is one of the loveliest places in the world.  You can learn more about this treasure on the banks of the Cooper River in South Carolina, by visiting the abbey's website.

Shrine of the Dorest Martyrs

Thanks to the Hermaneutic of Continuity, I learned about this fantastic church.  There's always some new and beautiful ecclesiastical corner to explore.

Hurray and thank you, Fr. Finigan.

Musical Revival in the Shul!

 Prepping for a radio show featuring music heard in Colonial America's synagogues, I came across this article in Cantors World.  Quality cantorial singing is having a revival!  And the volunteer effort making this happen reminds me of the labors of the Church Music Association of America (CMAA).

And we in the Catholic Church thought we were the only ones.  May all who seek to beautify worship prosper in year 5770.

Vespers at the Shrine

The St. Augustine Schola Cantorae will be singing their monthly vespers at the Shrine Chapel of La Leche this evening, September 25, 2009, starting at 6 p.m. with the Angelus. 

Our Magnificat tonight will be something new: a two-part arrangement of the Znamenny chant with the traditional refrain, "More honorable than the Cherubim" inserted between the verses. Simple in appearance but tricky to keep light and moving forward.

Hoping for some cooling breezes from the Intracoastal Waterway while we sing!  It still feels like summer in Florida.

Rural Life Prayerbook 1955

There were bright moments in the mid-century American Catholic scene.  And the Rural Life movement was one of them with its vision of Catholic agrarian families and community.  This prayerbook is a delight to peruse, includling a prayer for the blessing of woodlots.

A Lovely Invitation

From the Prologue to the Rule of St. Benedict:

And the Lord, seeking his laborer
in the multitude to whom He thus cries out,
says again,
"Who is the one who will have life,
and desires to see good days" (Ps. 33[34]:13)?
And if, hearing Him, you answer,
"I am the one,"
God says to you,
"If you will have true and everlasting life,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips that they speak no guile.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek after peace and pursue it" (Ps. 33[34]:14-15).
And when you have done these things,
My eyes shall be upon you
and My ears open to your prayers;
and before you call upon Me,
I will say to you,
'Behold, here I am'" (Ps. 33[34]:16; Is. 65:24; 58:9).

What can be sweeter to us, dear ones,
than this voice of the Lord inviting us?
Behold, in His loving kindness
the Lord shows us the way of life.

Selections above from Saint Benedict's Rule for Monasteries, translated from the Latin by Leonard J. Doyle OblSB, of Saint John's Abbey, (© Copyright 1948, 2001, by the Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, MN 56321). Adapted for use here with the division into sense lines of the first edition that was republished in 2001 to mark the 75th anniversary of Liturgical Press. Doyle's translation is available in both hardcover and paperback editions.

You can receive the daily reading from the Rule in your email.  The portions are short and quite manageable.  Find out more at www.osb.org.