UPDATE 9 Jan ’25 06:08:
Today’s entry in the traditional Roman Martyrology states:
At Ancona, St. Marcellinus, bishop, who, according to St. Gregory, miraculously delivered that city from destruction by fire.
St. Marcellinus of Ancona! Pray for us!
Originally Published on: Jan 8, 2025 at 22:29
Uncontrolled fire is terrifying.
There are uncontrolled fires now in populated areas of California near Los Angeles.
One of you readers suggested that I repost something I wrote when Hurricane Milton was projected to slam into land from the Gulf… perhaps soon to be renamed? (Just a little levity in an otherwise serious post.)
That post was HERE.
That post contains the text of a prayer which could be recited – with adaptations – against the fire “storm” which large fires can develop.
PRIESTS/BISHOPS: Ideally? Your Excellencies stand with crosiers in hand on the steps of your respective churches, in cope and miter, surrounded by clergy, and pronounce (if you can) from the traditional Rituale Romanum the Litany of Saints in Latin with the deprecatory prayers against storms.
Fathers, do the same, with the relevant changes.
At churches near fires, ring real bells if you have them. Bells are sacramentals. They are “baptized” and given names. They speak. In valleys of mountainous countries, as storms approached, people would ring the bells and pray the Litany. That’s one of the reasons why we have consecrated bells!
Bishops, priests of California, you all talk to each other: perhaps coordinate your timing.
I know that in every chancery at least one person reads this blog, probably more. Readers, especially if you know your bishops personally, ask them to do this.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE?
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So horrible. Praying for the souls in Los Angeles and everyone involved!
Reminds me of the Great Chastisement foretold at Akita: fire will fall from the sky.
This past Fall, I made appointments with my Pastor and his priest. When they said they would not learn the TLM even if I paid for it, I finally took the leap to the wagon wheels (another Fr Z golden oldie). I am going to the SSPX and offering my rosaries for the restoration of the ONE (not two), HOLY (not of this World) Catholic (universal) and Apostolic Church.
Watch a Michael Davies video. The SSPX is not in schism. I have realized it is the ark. It is how hell will not prevail. I got up from the table and am going to The Sacrifice of Calvary.
Our Lady said the Holy Ghost is as available for us today as He was at Pentecost! We only have to ask. Let us ask.
Viva Christo Rey. Keep the Faith!
Please pray for the people of Los Angeles and surrounding communities. I particularly pray for my cousin and his family who have lost their home. The church where they were married is also gone. I also pray for another cousin who is on evacuation warning.
I am in the LA region, but not (so far) directly impacted by the fires. But let me tell you, there’s plenty of indirect impact too! The power companies are shutting off power to massive areas, to reduce likelihood of sparking from downed lines. Phone and internet services are often out, which means you can’t get information you need. Power out puts many businesses out of work too – including pharmacies, so if you need medication you might not be able to get it. Urgent care facilities, too. This leads to: many emergency rooms are full to bursting and sending patients elsewhere (which can double or triple ambulance ride times). There are ER doctors, nurses and staff who are also losing their houses, some as they work their shifts, which must be doubly heartbreaking. Lots of people with asthma are having problems with the smoke in the air, (even people without lung problems, too, because it’s pretty bad). I and my family have experienced all of the above first hand, including one of us who works at one of these hospitals affected.
I thank God my family has have been safe so far, and most of the fires’ impact on us has been relatively minor. So far. Please pray for LA to get these fires out and then recover.