On this Feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude, when some of our thoughts turn to impossible causes, the sun rose NOT at 07:36 as the screwed up Vatican calendar says, but rather at 06:38 at 107° East. It will set, again NOT as the curial calendar suggests at 18:11, but rather at 17:09 at 253° West.
The Ave Maria they got right at the 17:30 cycle which lasts until 4 November.
Speaking of impossible causes, my friend Fr. Carlos Martins is taking the relic of the arm of St. Jude – Apostle of the Impossible – all around the country. I spoke with him the other day: he was in Colorado.
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Fr. Martins has a book coming out. I’ll write about that in a different post. However, you don’t have to wait to get it. The Exorcist Files: True Stories About the Reality of Evil and How to Defeat It. As I write it is available for PRE-ORDER at 20% off! US HERE Card. Burke wrote the forward. I’ve read it. It is highly instructive and practical!
Also with impossible causes, today is my natal day. I’m officially old. It may just have happened that Sts. Simon and Jude came through for me in the apartment search. Something came in the email today which is perfect. I immediately swarmed over to the wonderful octogenarian lady realtor whose shop was miraculously open and with her in it! She was introduced to my by my octogenarian vegetable stand lady. These old ladies in the area know everything and everyone. I’ve been so frustrated with my hunt because no one responds. So, I went into the little office begging for help. She got on the phone and we have an appointment to see the place. It would be perfect.
Today I ask you humbly for prayers for my parents. For my mother in her ongoing struggle with her grave and progressive malady. For my father who, as a text this morning at 4AM indicated, was taken to the hospital for some emergency surgery – which went well. Both are 89.
A prayer please also for me, also an impossible cause. My Jesus, mercy.
Thank you, Lord, for this day.
The tomb of the Apostles Simon and Jude in the Vatican Basilica.
A detail from the Pontifical Mass for the Feast of Christ the King. Some of you will know what is going on here.
After Mass at The Parish™ the incense lingers.
Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links. US HERE – UK HERE WHY? This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc.. At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.
Here’s a nice inscription from Saturday at the Pantheon. For me, its the fire extinguisher that really adds dignity to the view.
Getting things laid out for today. In the morning, many priests – some still around for the Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage – have their Masses. NB: A few of you readers donated for these beautiful red vestments, contributing to the decorum of the sacred liturgy and edification of the faithful and of the priests who wear them.
In chessy news… HERE
In churchy news… my friend Robert Royal has a great piece at The Catholic Thing.
Cardinal Müller’s talk for the Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage.
The people who put out the three movies about the Traditional Latin Mass have a new offering. (I spotted The World’s Best Sacristan™ in the first minute.
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White to move and mate in 2
NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.
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From chess.com:
The Chess 9LX tournament, organized by the Saint Louis Chess Club, starts on Monday. On Sunday, the event is inaugurated with the Ultimate Moves exhibition match. The players take turns in two teams: Team Rex v. Team Monopoly. Among those taking part will be Garry Kasparov and main sponsor Rex Sinquefield. | Follow the action live from 19.00 CET (14.00 ET, 23.30 IST).
i intend to participate in the veneration of the relic of St. Jude in the far southern suburbs of my home town to pray for my own impossible cause & our gracious host’s residence dilemma.
Happiest of birthdays, Father! Prayers for you, your parents, and your apartment search. Thank you for all you have done with your life to help us. You’re not old, remember. You’re ossifying.
That picture…. looks like perhaps a maniple in the missal? But that wouldn’t make sense. Or in the book of the Gospels? I’m stumped!
Regardless, many prayers for you today! St Simon, St Jude, and St John the Baptist, pray for him!
Nd7+, Bxd7
Rf6#
May St. Jude answer my novena prayers, please God!
Blessings to you, Father, and for your parents.
Happy 30th!
Praying for your Mom and Dad, Mama Z and Father Z’s Father.
Father,
Back in the Catholic Online days, you might remember I always tried to be the first to wish you happy returns. (I’m the old friend of Henry Edwards)
I always remembered because today is also my anniversary. Our 35th to be precise. Although we always knew today was the Feast of St Jude, it wasn’t until several years after we married that we remembered he’s the patron of “hopeless causes.”
Yesterday after Mass, we were bantering with our pastor, a long time friend, and mentioned today was our anniversary. He immediately almost collapsed in laughter, “Hopeless causes!” Yuck, yuck.
I hope you have a fine day. Prayers for your folks, and after all these years I still remain grateful for the sane influence you have on the Church.
St Jude keep ya!
Sto lat, Father, sto lat!
Your Mum and Dad remain in my prayers. May their faith in God deepen. May they grow closer to Him and receive that peace which the world cannot give.
Happy Birthday, Fr. Z!
Happy birthday, Father Z! Thank you for your blog and your witness to the Faith. You and your parents are in my prayers. Looking forward to hearing about the result of your apartment appointment.
Happy birthday, Father! Continued prayers for your mom and dad.
back safe and sound from the veneration where i prayed for my impossible cause and Fr. Z’s residential dilemma. very well organized. two more days in Colorado (Boulder and Castle Rock) and then heading east again.
this large suburban parish is well suited to such a large event. i hadn’t been there in several years, they now have scores of their own relics on display in great glass cases including Ss. Philip & James, Therese of Lisieux, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Calcutta, Thomas Aquinas, Norbert, my confirmation saint Lawrence, and many more.
1. N-d7+ . . . B×d7 (forced)
3. R-f6#
A lot easier than mate in 4!