The People of God invited to join the pope when he consecrates his Pontificate to Our Lady of Fatima!

Cardinal Policarpo

Cardinal Policarpo the Cardinal of Lisbon, revealed the details of the consecration of the Pontificate of Pope Francis to Our Lady of Fatima. It will be included in the program of the International Pilgrimage of May 12/13 during the 96th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady to seers Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, and will be presided over by Mons. Orani Tempesta, the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro.

The cardinal stated that he himself will write the prayer of consecration of the pastoral ministry of Pope Francis to Our Lady and all the people of God are invited to join him in prayer for Our Lady’s protection and guidance over the pontificate of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Policarpo said that Pope Francis had asked him twice after he was elected on March 13th to consecrate his Petrine ministry to Our Lady of Fatima. He immediately added that although he could fulfill the Pope's wish alone "in the silence of prayer, "it would be beautiful if the entire Bishops' Conference of Portugal would participate in fulfilling this request."

This they will do and by making it public they are giving the entire church an opportunity to participate in this consecration and support the pope with their prayers. I have heard that some individuals and churches will join the pope by offering various novenas to Our Lady for his safety and protection. Others, along with me are renewing their Marian Consecrations on that day.

        Parents, Pastors & Bishops

Let's make or renew our Consecrations with the Pope!

Wouldn’t it be great, if all families, pastors, bishops and cardinals renewed or made for the first time the consecrations of their homes, parishes or dioceses to Our Lady by placing all the souls under their care in the Heart of Our Lady. This would surely have great spiritual benefits and hasten the longed for Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary promised at Fatima!
 
I began the 33 day preparation period with a friend on April 10th to renew my  DeMontfort Total Consecration to Our Lady on May 13th. I was consecrated for the first time in 1984 on March 25th. I had already decided to do this before I heard of the Popes intention to consecrate his papacy to Our Lady of Fatima and was happy that Divine Providence enabled me to also include my preparatory prayers along with prayer for the pope and the church.

“This Pope is a sign of hope”Cardinal Policarpo

"This Pope is a sign of hope. Do not let hope die is already proving to be his explicit message. Does this mean inevitable reforms in the life of the Church? Most certainly. Everyone is talking about a reform to the Curia; he has not spoken but this yet. But he has made it clear he will proceed." 
On this topic, the Cardinal of Lisbon foresees that the Pope will "correct something that we also experience in our dioceses which is to prioritize pastoral vitality, and not allowing administrative bureaucracy to be the first priority."
 
In the case of the Roman Curia, this reform must be done in a way that gives new meaning to the doctrine of the Second Vatican Council on the collegiality of Bishops and the just autonomy of individual churches. This reform cannot take place on the basis of errors or scandals that focuses on a much-spoken about rhetoric," he warned.

 For Cardinal Policarpo, "errors are to be corrected, people are to be converted."-----Read more

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13th of May Fatima, Portugal

--Farewell Procession

                       

Twitter and Bloggers Banter over Pope Francis and discarding some long held Traditions! What does it mean?

Photo CourtesyMoynihan's E-Reports Inside the Vatican Letter #54

Below some of the bantering over Pope Francis and discarding Traditions banted around on Twitter and blogs. What about it and what does it mean for the future? This is the comment I made to   publisher of Inside the Vatican. Some of my unsolicited thoughts on his Letter #54 regarding the Pope discarding some Traditions. What can be discarded what needs to be kept?

By the way I highly recommend you support Mr. Moynihan’s work by subscribing to his magazine Inside the Vatican or Read Robert Moynihan's Letters at the MoynihanLetters.com. He has done superb work in reporting the event that took place at the Vatican these past months and can use your support!

I responded to him that I like Traditions! I am comfortable with Traditions’ they are a safety net of sorts. They have meanings and make us who we are! I immediately thought of a scene from the Fiddler on the Roof and a song from that movie called Traditions!  

The Papa cried out in scenes as each of his Jewish daughters left to be married forsaking old Jewish customs his struggle with God over them breaking long cherished customs! He struggled back and forth yes or no! And finally Papa yelling towards the heavens shook his fist "TRADITION!!" what is wrong with Traditions?
 
              

Yes, There are rich symbolism's in the long traditions of the Papacy but symbolism are nothing if they are not lived! If Christ is not lived! I sent him the link here of the song from Fiddler on the roof called “TRADITIONS”

Moving on, In the decades since the second Vatican Council that ended in 1965, the popes have considerably dressed-down, abandoning the more formal attire that their forefathers customarily wore wrapped in tradition and symbolism. Many of the vestments are based on age-old customs.

Benedict XVI honored Catholic tradition and embraced the ceremonial and elaborate Renaissance period. It was his desire to re-connect the church with her Liturgical roots and connect us again with the Church’s traditional liturgy and doctrin. His choice of garb reflected this. “What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us, too, and it cannot be, all of a sudden, entirely forbidden or even considered harmful,” Benedict XVI Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum issued Motu Proprio

The new style of Pope Francis is also evident in his wardrobe. Simplicity is now the style. Gone were the ceremonial vestments of Benedict XVI. Rather than wear the new golden pectoral cross he was offered after his election Wednesday, he kept the simple iron crucifix he had since he was anointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992. Wearing it instead of the traditional gold cross former popes would use during their first meet and greet. He also turned down the red velvet cape that Benedict wore when he was presented to the world for the first time in 2005, He choose the simple white cassock of the papacy instead. There were no elaborate details.

Pius XII Red Shoes

Later it was noted that Pope Francis also choose also not to wear the "red shoes" that past Popes have typically worn. This tradition goes back more than 2000 years off and on. Here are Pius VII's slippers from 1808, 205 years ago: So, it is a tradition. It isn't a very important tradition. It has no doctrinal significance, of course. But it is a Tradition!

The papal shoes, along with the camauro, papal mozzetta, and cloak (tabarro), are the only remnants of the former red color of the papal garments. St. Pope Pius V (1566 - 1572), who was a Dominican, changed the papal color to white, and it has remained so since.

The red shoes probably date from early Roman times. The Kings of Rome, who were also the Pontifex Maximus (high priest) wore red boots. When the Roman Republic was established the Pontifex Maximus continued to wear red boots. When Christianity became the state religion, the popes became the Pontifex Maximus, and adopted the red shoes.

The New York Times commented on his choice of shoes: "[Francis] wore simple black shoes and an ordinary wristwatch with a thick black band to his first Mass as pontiff.... In an ancient institution where style often translates into substance, Francis, in his first 24 hours as Pope, has dramatically shifted the tone of the papacy. Whereas Benedict XVI, the pope emeritus, was a theologian who favored red loafers, ermine-lined cloaks and erudite homilies, reviving papal fashions from centuries past, Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, appeared Thursday to be sending a message of radical humility.”

I don’t know where the press, even Catholic Press gets the idea that this signifies humility. Radical simplicity is not the same as humility. These things could indeed indicate could a humble disposition but does not necessarily mean one is humble. One can take pride in one’s own simplicity! I am not accusing the Holy Father of pride here just pointing this out. Having said that, In a world of ego, pretensions and materialism coupled with the tendency to assert one’s own self importance even when we’re not!

It was attributed but not documented historically that St. Francis once said: Always Preach the Gospel and when necessary use words! I came across another similar quote years ago that always stuck in my mind: “Be conscious of who you are you may be the only Gospel a neighbor may read!”

There is no doubt an example of radical simplicity is important for our bishops, priests and religious to give us. This must and has already began at the top. Bravo Pope Francis! Let’s hope it filters down the ranks! 

More on Holy Thursday Traditions! 

What is the pope teaching us now? 

Pope Francis has won over many hearts and minds with his simple style and focus on serving the world's poorest, but he has devastated traditionalist Catholics who adored his predecessor, Benedict XVI, for restoring much of the traditional pomp to the papacy.

One of the most-read traditionalist blogs, "RorateCaeli," reacted to the foot-washing ceremony by declaring the death of Benedict's eight-year project to correct what he considered the botched interpretations of the Second Vatican Council's modernizing reforms.  Read More.....

Breaking a centuries-old tradition, Pope Francis washed the feet of a dozen inmates at a juvenile detention center he Pope washed the feet of 12 teens from all religions, including two Muslims. Another surprise was that among the 12 were two girls. He dried them off with a cloth made with yarn from the Holy Land. It also contained pieces of a fishing net used by fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.


I have to confess that this was a lot for me to digest.  I believe in TRADITIONS! What about the institution of the priesthood and the Eucharist?  Both are in need of attention and reform. Couldn't this have been done at another time? What does this all mean?

The pope told them in his homily:
“What does this mean? That we have to help one another. If you are angry at someone, let it. And if they ask you for a favor, do it. Jesus teaches us this, and this is what I do, I do it with all my heart, because it's my duty.”

If we have the real presence of Christ we also must be more like Christ in our actions in regard to our neighbor! If we do not treat our neighbor like Christ we are fooling ourselves. We are living a dream world. Even if we have the perfect priest and the perfect Liturgy. If Christ does not change us we have nothing!  In the end we will be judged with Our Lords words in Matthew 25:41-4 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me."

Jesus Christ Crucified Have Mercy upon us! Mary Most sorrowful, Pray for us! Passion of Christ, Strengthen us! Lord, I must imitate you! Lord Help me! Even when I do not understand!

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The Pope asked Our Lady to help him and also for the prayers of all Christians! Prayer for the Pope by Leo XII

"I implore the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Sts. Peter & Paul, and Saint Francis, that the Holy Spirit may accompany my ministry, and I ask all of you to pray for me! Amen"-Pope Francis Inaugural Mass

A Prayer for the Pope 

-by Pope Leo XII 

 O Lord, we are the millions of believers, humbly kneeling at Thy feet and begging Thee to preserve, defend and save the Sovereign Pontiff for many years. He is the Father of the great fellowship of souls and our Father as well. On this day, as on every other day, he is praying for us also, and is offering unto Thee with holy fervor the sacred Victim of love and peace.
  
Wherefore, O Lord, turn thyself toward us with eyes of pity; for we are now, as it were, forgetful of ourselves, and are praying above all for him. Do Thou unite our prayers with his and receive them into the bosom of Thine infinite mercy, as a sweet savor of active and fruitful charity, whereby the children are united in the Church to their Father. All that he asks of Thee this day, we too ask it of Thee in unison with him.

Whether he weeps or rejoices, whether he hopes or offers himself as a victim of charity for his people, we desire to be united with him; nay more, we desire that the cry of our hearts should be made one with his.

Of Thy great mercy grant, O Lord, that not one of us may be far from his mind and his heart in the hour that he prays and offers unto Thee the Sacrifice of Thy blessed Son. At the moment when our venerable High Priest, holding in His hands the very Body of Jesus Christ, shall say to the people over the Chalice of benediction these words: "The peace of the Lord be with you always," grant, O Lord, that Thy sweet peace may come down upon our hearts and upon all the nations with new and manifest power. Amen.

The Fatima Message Embraces
 the Pope with Prayer & Sacrifice!

"We must Pray very much for the Holy Father!"
 -Bl. Jacinta

 One day, Lucy said, we spent our siesta down by my parents' well. Jacinta sat on the stone slabs on top of the well. Francisco and I climbed up a steep bank in search of wild honey among the brambles in a nearby thicket. After a little while, Jacinta called out to Lucia: "Didn't you see the Holy Father?"  "No I did not see him." Lucia said.

 "I saw the Holy Father!" Jacinta continued. "He was in a very big house, kneeling by a table, with his head buried in his hands, and he was weeping. Outside the house, there were many people. Some of them were throwing stones, others were cursing him and using bad language. Poor Holy Father, we must pray very much for him."

VIVA LA PAPA! Today,with the feast of Saint Joseph, we are celebrating the beginning of the ministry of the Successor of Peter!

The pontificate of Pope Francis begins under the sign of St. Joseph, father and protector of  the Holy Family and the Church. And also under the sign of St. Francis, the protector of the earth, and all who are on the earth, the man of peace.

The essential message in the homily given by Pope Francis to open his pontificate draws on the image of St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, head of the Holy Family. And that message is to "protect." This message is important at a time when the figure of the person who "protects," be he or she a father, a mother, a priest, a scholar, a leader, is under attack -- in a time when the "protection" is entrusted to others, or to none, when the "protectors" are anonymous, or hidden, or when they simply don't exist. To "protect" means to make sure what one protects is not harmed, not hurt. Click to see St. Joseph's Humble Appearance at Fatima Announces A Crisis of Fatherhood in Society and the Church!

Only those like St Joseph, who serve with love are able to protect!

"He must be inspired by the lowly, concrete and faithful service which marked Saint Joseph and, like him, he must open his arms to protect all of God’s people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important, those whom Matthew lists in the final judgment on love: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison (cf. Mt 25:31-46). Only those who serve with love are able to protect!"

Follow link: "ITE AD JOSEPH!" -"GO TO JOSEPH!"

"How does Joseph respond to his calling to be the protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By being constantly attentive to God, open to the signs of God's presence and receptive to God's plans, and not simply to his own. This is what God asked of David, as we heard in the first reading. God does not want a house built by men, but faithfulness to his word, to his plan. It is God himself who builds the house, but from living stones sealed by his Spirit. Joseph is a "protector" because he is able to hear God's voice and be guided by his will; and for this reason he is all the more sensitive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping. He can look at things realistically, he is in touch with his surroundings, he can make truly wise decisions. In him, dear friends, we learn how to respond to God's call, readily and willingly, but we also see the core of the Christian vocation, which is Christ! Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation!"

"....Whenever human beings fail to live up to this responsibility, whenever we fail to care for creation and for our brothers and sisters, the way is opened to destruction and hearts are hardened.   Tragically, in every period of history there are “Herods” who plot death, wreak havoc, and mar the countenance of men and women."

This emphasis on "protecting" also seems to recall a passage in the Book of Revelation which focuses on "not hurting," that is, protecting.
In Chapter 7 of Revelation, an angel ascends from the east, bearing "the seal of the living God."  The angel cried out in a "loud voice" to the other "angels," who had been "hurting" the earth. Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Rev.7:3 

"To protect Jesus with Mary, to protect the whole of creation, to protect each person, especially the poorest, to protect ourselves: this is a service that the Bishop of Rome is called to carry out, yet one to which all of us are called, so that the star of hope will shine brightly. Let us protect with love all that God has given us!"--Pope Francis

St. Joseph Hoped against Hope!

"ITE AD JOSEPH!" -"GO TO JOSEPH!" -St.Theresa of Avilia

Did You know that St Joseph was also present at the last Apparition of Fatima on October 13, 1917?  The children saw him Blessing the world with the Child Jesus in his arms as the crowds beheld the Miracle of the Sun. 

Follow links: 

St. Joseph's Humble Appearance at Fatima Announces A Crisis of Fatherhood in Society and the Church!

St Joseph Protector of Church- Vatican II-Conversion of Russia & Timeline Leading to end of Soviet Union!

"Like Saint Joseph, the hope that we bring is set against the horizon of God, which has opened up before us in Christ."-Pope Francis

"In the second reading, Saint Paul speaks of Abraham, who, "hoping against hope, believed" (Rom 4:18). Hoping against hope! Today too, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of hope! For believers, for us Christians, like Abraham, like Saint Joseph, the hope that we bring is set against the horizon of God, which has opened up before us in Christ. It is a hope built on the rock which is God.

The Pope asked Our Lady to help him during his pontificate and also for the prayers of all Christians
 

 

"I implore the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Sts. Peter & Paul, and Saint Francis, that the Holy Spirit may accompany my ministry, and I ask all of you to pray for me! Amen"-Pope Francis Inaugural Mass 

See: A prayer for the Pope by Leo XIII

Pope Francis also mentioned Benedict XVI who was celebrating his name day. (name days are celebrated in Italy almost like a birthday). He was baptized Joseph Ratzininger. "I thank the Lord that I can celebrate this Holy Mass for the inauguration of my Petrine ministry on the solemnity of Saint Joseph, the spouse of the Virgin Mary and the patron of the universal Church. It is a significant coincidence, and it is also the name-day of my venerable predecessor: we are close to him with our prayers, full of affection and gratitude."

 Pope Francis Papal Coat of Arms 

Are the same that he used as bishop. The shield has a bright blue background, at the centre top of which is a yellow radiant sun with the IHS christogram on it representing Jesus (it is also the Jesuit logo). The IHS monogram, as well as a cross that pierces the H, are in red with three black nails directly under them. Under that, to the left, is a star representing Mary, Mother of Christ and the Church. To the right of the star is a nard flower representing Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. With these symbols the Pope demonstrates his love for the Holy Family.What distinguishes his coat of arms as pontiff is that, instead of the wide-brimmed, red cardinal's hat atop the shield, it is now crowned by the papal tiara and crossed keys.

                                       

His motto—“miserando atque eligendo”

(because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him)—is taken from the Venerable Bede's homily on the Gospel account of the call of Matthew. It holds special meaning for the Pope because—when he was only 17-years-old, after going to confession on the Feast of St. Matthew in 1953—he perceived God's mercy in his life and felt the call to the priesthood, following the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

 VIVA LA PAPA!

Habemus Papam! Pope Francis elected 3/13/13-The Fatima Message Embraces the Holy Father with prayer!

Pope Francis elected the 266th pope on 3/13/13. We thank God & Our Lady of Fatima for you! Our prayers will always be with you that God will always strengthen you to carry the burden of the church militant on your shoulders as you, follow St Francis to help Jesus "rebuild his Church"!

 

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected after two days of conclave meetings, with five rounds of voting. The voting is confidential but Francis received at least 77 votes, which is the minimum two-thirds required to become pope. There were 115 cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave. All were under 80 before Benedict's retirement, as required by Vatican rules.
Pope Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere and the first pope from the Americas. Indeed, he is the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years; the last non-European pope, St. Gregory III, was born in Syria and reigned from 733 to 741. Francis is also the first pope since Pope John Paul I to take a previously unused papal name From 1998 until his election as pope, he served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and was elevated to cardinal in 2001 and was a member of the following congregations:

• Member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
• Member of the Congregation for the Clergy.
• Member of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life
• Member of the Pontifical Council for the Family

 

Pope's First address "Urbi et Orbi"

To the city (Rome) and to the World

Brothers and sisters, good evening!  You know that it was the duty of the Conclave to give Rome a Bishop.  It seems that my brother Cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to get one... but here we are... I thank you for your welcome.  The diocesan community of Rome now has its Bishop.  Thank you!     

And first of all, I would like to offer a prayer for our Bishop Emeritus, Benedict XVI.  Let us pray together for him, that the Lord may bless him and that Our Lady may keep him.  Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be... 

And now, we take up this journey:  Bishop and People.This journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches.  A journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us.  Let us always pray for one another.  Let us pray for the whole world, that there may be a great spirit of fraternity.  It is my hope for you that this journey of the Church, which we start today, and in which my Cardinal Vicar, here present, will assist me, will be fruitful for the evangelization of this most beautiful city. 

 The First Apostolic Blessing 

And now I would like to give the blessing, but first - first I ask a favour of you: before the Bishop blesses his people, I ask you to pray to the Lord that he will bless me: the prayer of the people asking the blessing for their Bishop.Let us make, in silence, this prayer:  your prayer over me.  

Now I will give the Blessing to you and to the whole world, to all men and women of good will.[Blessing] 

Brothers and sisters, I leave you now.  Thank you for your welcome.  Pray for me and until we meet again.  We will see each other soon.  Tomorrow I wish to go and pray to Our Lady, that she may watch over all of Rome.  Good night and sleep well!

As a cardinal, Pope Francis became known for his personal humility, doctrinal conservatism and commitment to social justice. A simple lifestyle contributed to his reputation for humility. He lived in a small apartment, rather than in the palatial bishop's residence. He gave up his chauffeured limousine in favor of public transportation, and he reportedly cooked his own meals. He has invited his clergy and laity to oppose abortion euthanasia and Homosexuality.

 
When affirming church teaching on homosexuality, he also taught the importance of respecting individuals who are homosexual. He strongly opposed legislation introduced in 2010 by the Argentine Government to allow same-sex marriage, calling it a "real and dire anthropological throwback". In a letter to the monasteries of Buenos Aires, he wrote: "Let's not be naive, we're not talking about a simple political battle; it is a destructive pretension against the plan of God. We are not talking about a mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and deceive the children of God." He has also insisted that adoption by homosexuals is a form of discrimination against children. This position received a rebuke from Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who said the church's tone was reminiscent of "medieval times and the Inquisition".

My sister, is a Franciscan Religious, and is in Rome for these historic moments residing only 2 blocks from the Vatican. She said that it rained off and on during the conclave. Once the white smoke came it stopped raining sort of like the miracle at Fatima. There were also white birds, pigeons or gulls present that hovered around the smoke stack off and on during the conclave and stole the show for the news media waiting for news. One nested right near the smoke stack for quite sometime. I was reminded of the white pigeons or doves at Fatima that follow Our Lady's statue during the major processions on the 13th of each month from May-October. I heard a press reporter comment on the internet live feed; "What about the birds in the picture, I did not know they had a press pass too!! These little events suggesting hopefully Our Lady's intervention for the church! Let us follow the advice of Bl. Jacinta of Fatima who said; "We must pray very much for the Holy Father!" Let us pray the Rosary every day so that the new Pope Francis will lead us to the Triumph of Mary's Immaculate Heart!

Fatima Message Embraces Holy Father with Prayer & Sacrifice!

 "We must Pray very much for the Holy Father"

-Bl. Jacinta

"I saw the Holy Father!" Jacinta continued. "He was in a very big house, kneeling by a table, with his head buried in his hands, and he was weeping. Outside the house, there were many people. Some of them were throwing stones, others were cursing him and using bad language. Poor Holy Father, we must pray very much for him."
 
Some experts believed that this mysterious vision applied to Pope Pius XII. But it is more probable that this prophetic vision also concerned the future popes. In particular I believe Benedict XVI. Unprecedented Media Attacks on the papacy since 2010
 
Also see: At Fatima Heaven reclaims #13 from pagan worship to a sacred number You will find this heading at the very end of this post on the Anniversary of the death of Sr. Lucia who died at 96 years of age on 2/13/2005.