My Catholic Faith: Catholic Priest Vesting, 1949

"Historians may discuss and dispute the time and circumstances in which the Christian priesthood began to use an altogether distinctive dress at the altar; but they have to agree that what was so used was held as sacred. The cloak which St. Paul seemed so careful about was early reported to have been his sacrificing robe. The same character was attributed to Thomas the Apostle’s mantle, long venerated at Rome. The centuries of persecution were not a time for elaborating ceremony or dress, yet pontiffs of the period are on record for restrictions in the use of the same garments at the altar and away from it, or by one order of the clergy and by another. The first pope who enjoyed the freedom of peace, St. Sylvester, introduced an improvement that still holds its ground: our sleeved dalmatics were prescribed by him. St. Jerome mentions the white robes of all ministers within the Sanctuary, as ordinary and long-established. Thence down through the centuries there are adaptations to place, or rite, or monastic or secular garb; but the insistence on sacred vestments, on their sacred significance and sacred employment, goes on ever increasing. Holy to the Lord, is the more and more exclusive mark on them, as on those who are privileged to wear them.

And here, my brethren, I have to call your attention to a point that may somewhat escape your notice – though when well considered it is found most practical. The holiness of the priestly vestments is very much for the priest himself. In blessing them the Church asks that the wearer may be fit and apt for so sacred a ministry; but she also implores that he may be filled with the grace of the Holy Ghost, rendered perseveringly agreeable to God, clad with chastity here and with immortality hereafter. ‘Tis particularly in the words she puts on his lips as he takes each vestment that we divine her maternal solicitude for her priest in person. All scriptural sanctities are invoked on him.

The amice, with which you may have seen him first cover his head and then tuck out of view all trace of his secular dress, is to be to him an unfailing helmet of salvation. Made white like his alb, and, in the very Blood of the Lamb, he is to be fitted for joys eternal. With the binding of his cincture, concupiscence is extinguished. His manipule tells of the exultant harvesting that will follow his tearful sowing; for of him and his fellow-laborers is it prophetically true that “going they went and wept, casting their seeds. But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves” (Ps. 125). His Stole, the special ensign of the priesthood that is forever, proclaims his right to Everlasting Life and its beatitude; while his Chasuble, though bearing a Cross before and behind, is but the sweet yoke and light burden of the Master who give both the merit and the crown. So it is with these and the other sacred vestures he may have to put on. Panoplied round with them, and with the dispositions they suppose, he is invulnerable to the assaults of every malign spirit. Even human malignity had often to refrain; for Law recognized a peculiarly punishable atrocity in assaults on the vested priest.

To the devout faithful there is an attractive sacredness in the robes which come in contact with the Altar of God; for they vividly recall that Garment, the touch of whose hem was health and holiness. And as far, my brethren, as holy vesture can announce and preserve the sanctity of the wearer, the same faithful have good reason to rejoice. Assuredly they may be said to need nothing, after the grace of God, more than they need the holiness of their priests. God’s ordination carries with it that sanction and consequence. ‘Tis markedly the races and nations most devotedly attached to the chaste sacredness of the priestly character who have best maintained the worship of the Son of the Virgin, the Priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech." Source: By the Rev. G. Lee CSSP ( A Pulpit Commentary on Catholic Teaching: The liturgy of the ecclesiastical year, 1910)

Prescribed days of prayer and penance in spring. Two sets of rogation days were kept since early Christian times: the Major Rogation on April 25, the Feast of St. Mark; and the Minor Rogations on the last three days before Ascension Thursday. They were instituted to appease divine justice, ask for protection, and invoke God's blessing on the harvest. (Catholic Dictionnary, Catholic Culture)

Rogation is simply an English form of the Latin rogatio, which comes from the verb rogare, which means "to ask". The Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension day, were called Rogation days or days of solem supplication and prayer. On these days the priest and people went in procession, singing the litanies, to beg God’s blessing upon the fruits of the earth, and be preserved from pestilence, famine, ect. (Right Rev. Dr. Challoner)


Litany of the Saints

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of Virgins,
St. Michael,
St. Gabriel,
St. Raphael,
All ye holy Angels and Archangels,
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,
St. John the Baptist, pray for us.
St. Joseph,
All holy Patriarchs and Prophets,
St. Peter,
St. Paul,
St. Andrew,
St. James,
St. John,
St. Thomas,
St. James,
St. Philip,
St. Bartholomew,
St. Matthew,
St. Simon,
St. Thaddeus,
St. Matthias,
St. Barnabas,
St. Luke,
St. Mark,
All holy Apostles and Evangelists,
All holy Disciples of the Lord,
All Holy Innocents,
St. Stephen,
St. Lawrence,
St. Vincent,
SS. Fabian and Sebastian,
SS. John and Paul,
SS. Cosmas and Damian,
SS. Gervase and Protase,
All holy Martyrs,

St. Sylvester,
St. Gregory,
St. Ambrose,
St. Augustine,
St. Jerome,
St. Martin,
St. Nicholas, p
All holy Bishops and Confessors,
All holy Doctors, pray for us.

St. Anthony,
St. Benedict,
St. Bernard,
St. Dominic,
St. Francis,
All holy Priests and Levites,
All holy Monks and Hermits,

St. Mary Magdalen,
St. Agatha,
St. Lucy,
St. Agnes,
St. Cecilia,
St. Catherine,
St. Anastasia,
All holy Virgins and Widows,
All holy Saints of God, intercede for us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.
From all evil, deliver us, O Lord.
From all sin,
From Thy wrath anger,
From sudden and unprovided death,
From the snares of the devil,
From anger, and hatred, and all ill will,
From the spirit of fornication,
From lightning and storms,
From the scourge of earthquake,
From plague, famine, and war,
From everlasting death,
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation,
Through Thy Coming,
Through Thy Nativity,
Through Thy Baptism and holy Fasting,
Through Thy Cross and Passion,
Through Thy Death and Burial,
Through Thy holy Resurrection,
Through Thy admirable Ascension,
Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete,
In the day of Judgment,
We sinners, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare us,
That Thou wouldst pardon us, .
That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance,
That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thy holy Church,
That Thou wouldst preserve our Holy Pope and all orders of the Church, in holy Religion,
That Thou wouldst humble the enemies of holy Church,
That Thou wouldst give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes,
That Thou wouldst grant peace and unity to all Christian people,
That Thou wouldst recall all who have wandered from the unity of the Church, and lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel,
That Thou wouldst confirm and preserve us in Thy holy service,
That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly desires,
That Thou wouldst give eternal blessings to all our benefactors,
That Thou wouldst deliver our souls, and the souls of our brethren, relations, and benefactors from eternal damnation,
That Thou wouldst give and preserve from harm the fruits of the earth,
That Thou wouldst grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed,
That Thou wouldst graciously hear us, Son of God,

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.

Our Father, who art in heaven, ....

Psalm 69

O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.
Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek my soul.
Let them be turned backward, and blush for shame that desire evils to me.
Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame that say to me: ‘tis well, ‘tis well.
Let all that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee. And let such as love Thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.
But I am needy and poor; O God, help me.
Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no delay.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
V. Save thy servants.
R. Who hope in Thee, O my God.
V. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength.
R. From the face of the enemy.
V. Let not the enemy prevail against us.
R. Nor the son of wickedness have power to hurt us.
V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.
R. Neither requite us according to our iniquities.
V. Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff N....
R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for Thy Name’s sake, to reward with eternal life all those who do us good. Amen.

V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.
R. Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. For our absent brethren.
R. Save thy servants who hope in Thee, O my God.
V. Send them help, O Lord, from thy holy place.
R. And from Sion protect them.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Prayer

Let us pray.
O God, whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, receive our humble petition: that we, and all Thy servants who are bound by the chain of sin, may be the compassion of Thy goodness mercifully be absolved.
Graciously hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord the prayers of Thy suppliants, and forgive the sins of those that confess to Thee: that, in Thy bounty, Thou mayest grant us pardon and peace.
In Thy clemency, O Lord, show Thine unspeakable mercy to us: that Thou mayest both loose us from all the punishments which we deserve for them.
O God, who by sin art offended, and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people making supplication to Thee, and turn away the scourges of Thine anger, which we deserve for our sins.
Almighty, everlasting God, have mercy upon Thy servant N, Our Sovereign Pontiff, and direct him according to Thy clemency into the way of everlasting salvation, that by Thy grace he may both desire those things that are pleasant to Thee, and perform them with all his strength.
O God, from Whom are all holy desires, right counsels, and just works, give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give: that both our hearts, given over to Thy commands, and our times, the fear of our foes removed, may by Thy protection be peaceful.
Inflame, O Lord, our reins and hearts with the fire of the Holy Ghost: that we may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a clean heart.
O God, the Creator and redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins: that through pious supplications they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired.
Prevent, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy inspirations, and further them by Thy assistance: that every word and work of ours may begin always from Thee, and by Thee be likewise ended.
Almighty, everlasting God, who hast dominion over the living and the dead, and art merciful to all, of whom Thou fore-knowest that they will be Thine by faith and good works: we humbly beseech Thee, that they for whom we intend to pour forth our prayers whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come hath already received them out of their bodies, may, through the intercession of all Thy Saints, by the clemency of Thy goodness, obtain the remission of all their sins, Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end.
May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear us. Amen
And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in Peace.

Blessed Noël Pinot, Priest and martyr: (1747-1794)

"We recognize the priest as one chosen from among men to serve men in the affairs of God. He is the minister of reconciliation with God, the teacher of the truth, and one who offers the sacrifice, who administers the sacraments, who prays for the people. We distinguish in him that double character of man and priest; we recognize the divine character of the priesthood which forces us to bend the knee to him for the forgiveness of sins and to receive from his hands the holy sacrifice of the Eucharist. His ordination has conferred upon the man the character of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. In the parish he is the ambassador of God, the administrator of the sacraments, the guardian of the sacred deposit of faith, the defender of the people's rights, and the unselfish friend of everyone. From the cradle to the grave, he touches intimately the lives of his people and brings to them in all the circumstances of life the blessing of the Divine Savior of whom he is the commissioned minister. The people feel that in the true priest there is no taint of selfishness, and that he is willing to sacrifice his life in order that the spiritual interests of his people may not suffer " Source: Bishop James Conaty, Our Young People, 1912

Prayer to Blessed Noel Pinot for Priests under Persecution:
Blessed Noel Pinot, who shared in the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus, the Sovereign Priest, deign to show us, your servants, the power of your intercession. Enlighten and strengthen priests; render them, like you, invincible in their defense of the Faith. Foster priestly and religious vocations in our parishes; fill those aspiring to the priesthood and the religious life with an ardent zeal. Obtain for the faithful the grace to better know and practice their religion. Ensure that families are faithful in carrying out their duties and grant that they be humble and respectful towards their pastors.
Preserve children and the youth from the many perils which threaten their beliefs and virtues; undo the plots of those who wish to tear them away from the maternal bosom of the Church. As you did during your life, aid the sick and the infirm; strengthen those who suffer and struggle. Finally, bless and crown with success the apostolic labors of the ministers of Christ and of all the Church militant, with the aim of restoring to our dear France (country) the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Blessed Noel Pinot, pray for us.

General Vicar A. Oger, Angers, France (July 10th, 1944)

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (La multiplication des pains) by James Tissot

"Q. Did Christ make any particular promise, as regards the Eucharist, before he instituted it?
A. Yes, a very clear promise, in St. John's Gospel, Chapter 6.

Q. Does this chapter regard the Eucharist?
A. Yes; even the learned Mr. Johnston, a Protestant, in his "Unbloody Sacrifice," shows, at large, that the primitive Fathers understood this chapter as referring to the Eucharist.

Q. Is there any thing remarkable in the first part of this chapter?
A. Yes; the astonishing miracle which Christ performed in feeding five thousand persons, with only five loaves and two fishes, is here related; and such a miracle was truly a suitable prelude to the introduction of that miracle of miracles: the Holy Eucharist, by which He was, with heavenly bread - that is, with His own Body and Blood - to feed all His faithful followers. The very fact, that He wrought this astonishing miracle, before introducing the subject of the Eucharist, shows that He was about to speak on a matter that required strong faith in His followers and audience. If He had merely to announce to them, that He was going to give them common bread and wine, is it likely He would have introduced it by such a tremendous miracle?" Source: Controversial catechism; or, Protestantism refuted, and catholicism established by Rev. Stephen Keenan 1874

• Was Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 really a miracle of sharing?
• The Heresy of Denying a Miracle (A non-miraculous explanation for Christ’s feeding the 5,000 ignores the plain text of Scripture and does away with a host of Catholic beliefs)

Peter and John Running to the Tomb  Eugène Burnand (1850 – 1921)

Victimae Paschali Laudes

Christians, to the Paschal victim
offer your thankful praises!

A lamb the sheep redeemeth:
Christ, who only is sinless,
reconcileth sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended
in that combat stupendous:
the Prince of life, who died,
reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring
what you saw, wayfaring:
"The tomb of Christ, who is living,
the glory of Jesus' resurrection;

"Bright angels attesting,
the shroud and napkin resting.
"Yea, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he will go before you."

Christ indeed from death is risen,
our new life obtaining;
have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen! Alleluia!

Catholic Chant

James Tissot - Holy Saturday

Institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the Christian Priesthood.

"As in the cenacle there is something more than a repast, so there is also something more than a sacrifice - there is the institution of the new priesthood. Our Savior would not have said to men: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His Blood, you shall not have life in you," had He not thought of instituting a ministry through which He would renew to the end of time what He had now accomplished in presence of these twelve men. Now these are His words to these men whom He hath chose: "Do this in commemoration of Me." By those words He gives power to them also to change the bread into His Body, and the wine into His Blood, and this sublime power shall be transmitted through Holy ordination in the Church to the end of time. Through the ministry of mortal, sinful men, Jesus will continue to work out the miracle He performed in the cenacle, and while He endows His Church with the only one and immortal sacrifice, He gives us according to His promise, through the bread of heaven the means to abide in Him, and for Him to abide in us." Dom Gueranger Annee Liturgique

Institution of the Holy Eucharist,  ©CAPG

The Office of Holy Week, 1870 (Washing of the Feet, Holy Mass, Blessing of the Oils) Daily Missal, Dom Gaspar 1925

"It is not uncommon to hear Maundy Thursday referred to as Holy Thursday. This is a mistake. Holy Thursday is a name belonging absolutely from time immemorial to the Feast of the Ascension. Maundy is a significant name and ought therefore to be jealously guarded. Enough of that element of religion which serves to make it popular has been lost in the course of past centuries.

The word Maundy is derived, through the French maundier, from the Latin mandatum: "Mandatum novum do vobis," (a new commandment I give unto you) John, 13:34. The Mandatum or Maundy was the ceremony of the washing of the feet and almsgiving observed on this day, both of which were performed as a token of that brotherly love which Christ so earnestly inculcated at the last supper.

The ceremony of the washing of the feet was and is part of the liturgy. It was performed by Pope, Bishop, and priest, and kings, nobles and peasants imitated their example. Twelve poor men were selected to be the recipients of the dignitaries' favor.

The Maundy is observed in the ceremonies of the church, and in many religious communities even at the present time.

Visiting the repositories is a custom as popular of old as it is today. It is indeed edifying to Catholic and non-Catholic alike to witness the spontaneous demonstration of devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and deeper than we are aware of is the impression produced on the multitude of unbelievers around us by this and similar acts of faith." Source: Maine Catholic Historical Magazine, 1914

Altar of Repose, Institute Christ the King, ©DC

" To draw his people more effectually to the holy Eucharist, the Cure d'Ars had endeavoured to communicate to them a taste for all holy things, and his efforts were not in vain. Sunday after Sunday these good people feasted their eyes on beautiful banners and vestments.

("In the minutes of the pastoral visitation held at Ars by the Bishop of Belley, on Monday, June 11, 1838, we read as follows: "After saying Mass and giving confirmation, His Lordship contented himself with giving Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and reciting the prayers for the departed. He deemed it unnecessary to examine the interior of the church, the chapels, vestments and sacred vessels, because everything is so beautiful and so rich that the beholder is filled with admiration" Msgr. Convert. Le Frere Athanase.)

For a long time the saint himself trained the altar boys, and achieved wonderful results. He carried out with gravity, dignity, and the utmost care all the ceremonies of the rite of Lyons, which at that time was likewise in use in the diocese of Belley. Nor was the behaviors of the altar servers less admirable when, in 1849, Frere Athanase undertook the functions of master of ceremony.

He had so fine a liturgical spirit, and he drilled the children with so much precision and good taste, that Mgr. de Langalerie, during a clergy retreat, held him up as a pattern to the clergy of the diocese. "Do you wish to see a church where all the ceremonies are carried out to the letter? Go to Ars; Frere Athanase is a living and unerring ceremonial. His example will show you what you can achieve yourselves if you will only take the means."

There were days when the people of Ars gave special edification to the pilgrims. On Maundy Thursday, in order to commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist, M. Vianney insisted on providing a splendid altar of repose, and his heart rejoiced at sight of the decorations which enhanced the majesty of the tabernacle. The whole of the chancel, which had been considerably enlarged in 1845, was draped with banners. Numerous and tastefully arranged lights transfigured the scene. However, he took every precaution lest these decorations should be a hindrance instead of a help to the interior recollection of the people."

Wednesday in Holy Week

"Admire the silence with which Christ suffers His many injuries. Who would not have supposed that Divine Justice would have armed every spectator to revenge such terrible treatment? Or, that, as least, Jesus would have defended His innocence with His own sublime eloquence? It is otherwise: "Jesus was silent." Ah, me - the innocent Jesus is accused of so many crimes, before so many judges, in the sight of so many people; and ill report is His, dangers surround Him, thorns, nails, the cross, await Him - and He is altogether silent. "Jesus was silent." He would supply for your pride by His shame, and so He is silent. "But He held His tongue."

Learn to hate your impatient volubility, when you have to suffer anything similar. "Come hither my Jesus and teach me silence." Compare your innocence with His, the accusations you incur with those of Jesus, the reasons for self defense you think you have with those of your Master. Set the sentence you have to fear side by side with that He incurred. "He was silent." And you? You can only blush for your querulous loquacity." Bellacio. "Remember me": daily readings for Lent 1924, International Catholic Truth Society

The Wednesday of Holy Week is popularly known as Spy Wednesday. On this day Judas played the spy and signed the traitor's contract for thirty pieces of silver. The Maine Catholic Historical Magazine, Volume 2, 1914.



Judas Goes to Find the Jews (Judas va trouver les Juifs) - James Tissot

Sermons de Saint Jean Marie Vianney:

• On the Prayer of a Sinner Who Does Not Wish to Abandon Sin: If Judas—Judas the traitor—instead of giving way to despair, had earnestly prayed to God to forgive his sin, the Lord would have absolved him of his fault.  From the French Sermons of the Venerable Jean Marie Vianney, 1883 Vol. 1, 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, p. 194.
• On Hope: If Judas had thrown himself at the feet of Jesus Christ to beg Him for forgiveness, Jesus Christ would have remitted his sin just as He did for Saint Peter. From the French Sermons of the Venerable Jean Marie Vianney, 1883 Vol. 2, IV Sunday after Pentecost, p. 216 .
• On Absolution: Jesus Christ Himself - God though He was, and Master of Grace - granted forgiveness only to true penitents: He received the Good Thief, whose conversion was sincere, but He rejected the wicked one because of his impenitence. He forgave Saint Peter, whose repentance He knew to be genuine, but He abandoned Judas, whose penitence was false.  From the French Sermons of the Venerable Servant of God, Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, 1883 Volume 3, XIII Sunday after Pentecost, p. 90.

Tissot: Judas Leaves the Cenacle

Judas Returns the money, Jacques Tissot

Delay of conversion: "Ah, my friend! I wish I could lead you to the very brink of despair, so that—struck by the dreadful state in which you find yourself—you might at least seize the means that the good Lord still offers you today to escape it.

-But, you might say, surely there are those who have converted at the hour of death—the Good Thief, after all, converted at that very moment.
The Good Thief, my brethren—to begin with, he had never known God. As soon as he came to know Him, he gave himself over to Him; and indeed, he is the only example Holy Scripture offers us, lest we fall utterly into despair in such a moment. 

-"But surely there are many others who have converted, even though they lived for a long time in sin."
My friend, take great care—I believe you are mistaken. You might tell me that many have repented, but to be *converted*—that is quite another matter. That is precisely what you will do, and indeed what you have already done during your illnesses: for you summoned a priest simply because you were vexed at suffering from your ailment. Well then! For all your repentance, were you truly converted by it? In all likelihood, you became only the more hardened.

Alas, my brethren! All this mere repentance signifies but very little. Saul truly repented, for he wept over his sins; yet he is damned. Cain truly repented, for he let out dreadful cries of anguish for having slain his brother; nevertheless, he is in hell. Judas truly repented, for he went to return his money, and his sorrow was so great that he went and hanged himself. 

If you now ask where all this repentance led them, I will tell you... to hell. I will always return to my conclusion: if you live in sin, and die in it, you will be damned; but I hope that this will not be the case—that you will not come to such an end." 

Source: From the French Sermons du bienheureux Jean-Marie Vianney By Jean-Marie Vianney. IV Sunday of Lent, 1909, p389-390 published By Bishop Etienne Delaroche et Dom Marie Augustin Delaroche.

Tissot, Judas hangs himself, Jacques Tissot