Mailing Address for Italy

Dear Friends and Family,

Several of you have asked for my mailing address in Italy.

For the first half of 2020 my mailing address will be:

Via del Palagio in Colognole 15, 
50065 Pontassieve (FI),
Italy

Then that will change to Rome.

Buon Natale!
Fr. Pillari

Hope, Pray, and Forgive

Nativity Scene in Lanherne Chapel.

Close-up.

Dear Friends and Family,

Merry Christmas! I love still being able to say that every day of the Octave. The week has been so blessed for me here. One of my favourite parts of Christmas day is the traditional custom--after both the midnight Mass and after each Masses of Christmas day--is the veneration of the Child Jesus. As soon as each Christmas Mass ends I have the privilege of turning toward the congregation and inviting them to come forward to the altar rail, to kneel there as I bring to them the Newborn King to be kissed and adored.

Then, walking toward where the child Jesus is enthroned, I kneel and incense Him, then stand, adore Him myself, offering Him a kiss as I take Him from His throne, and proceed to present Him to each acolyte, then each one of the Nuns, then to each member of the congregation at the altar rail. And during this whole time, Christmas Carols are sung, beginning with "O Holy Night." It is such a joy to present Him to little children, to parents, to teenagers, and to catch a glimpse of the devotion of each as He is adored. At the midnight Mass, which is entirely by candlelight, this moment marks in a particular way the end of the long wait for our Savior and of Advent's penitential season, and the beginning of the great celebration of the Lord's Birth.

After placing Him back in His crib (held in a make-shift sort of throne), we process to the sacristy, pray prayers of thanksgiving, and then head to the dining room of the presbytery for hot chocolate, sweets, and a time of celebration. This finished around 2:30AM this year. I then had the blessing of some moments back in the chapel alone, with the whole house in silence, to adore the Newborn King.

Then on Christmas Day, after a 6:30AM Mass at the convent and two sick-calls, I had the great joy of singing the Mass at St. Edward's. The veneration of the Child Jesus was particularly touching for me that morning--"Come to the Manger" sounded especially vibrant as all processed to the altar rail to adore the Newborn King. That moment, and these past few days of the Octave, have been full of joy, but have also been bittersweet as I am having to say goodbyes to families as I prepare for my assignment in Rome. But while this has been emotionally draining it has been the occasion of thanking the Lord for so many many blessings that I have had during these past few years of ministry.

To give you a glimpse of one of the recent home visits (note: I am posting this photo as it's the only one I have on hand at the moment. Each of the other family visits was also wonderful!), here is a photo of one:

This particular visit included vigorous games of "Duck, Duck, Goose" "Sly Fox" (a modified version of red light green light, for those of you in the U.S.), and "Pickle in the Middle" (apparently known as "piggie in the middle" here in England). The latter was especially fun and I am grateful that we managed not to break anything in the living room with the ball we were tossing so quickly back and forth.

But rather than just list Christmas blessings, I wanted to share with you all some helpful advice I read this week: advice in how to deal with unjust, painful, situations; advice about how to turn those into occasions of grace, of how to open your soul to God's special plans:

Hope, Pray, and Forgive

Hope: when it seems like your world is crashing in around you, when you can't understand how any good will come out of this and on the contrary when it can seem that "all is lost," then hope. Make acts of supernatural hope: placing your hope in God, not in what you can understand and do. Tell Him that you hope in Him, which means that you believe in Him--you believe that He is all-powerful and that He loves you infinitely, that He is your loving, heavenly Father. You hope in Him, you trust that He has plans to draw a greater good out of this suffering, if you will cooperate with His plans.

Pray: Pray to the Father, to Our Lord, to Our Lady, asking them for their help. But don't merely ask them to solve your problem, ask them to help you embrace God's will. And, even more importantly, take time to pray by contemplating Our Lord in the mysteries of His life. The rosary is such a tremendously helpful tool for doing this. Spend time with Our Lady contemplating the mysteries of Our Lord's life. The more you do this the more you will open your soul to His light and wisdom.

Forgive: a crucial third step. Forgive from your heart the ones who have (or who may have, because sometimes we misjudge people), caused you this suffering. Tell God that you forgive them, that you do not seek revenge, that you do not want to make them suffer like you're suffering, but that you want what is best for them. Then place them in God's hands. If punishment is needed, He will see to that, in His time and way. But for yourself, let go of revenge, hatred, and so many other things that chain our soul to the things of this earth.

Christmas is a truly beautiful and joyful season, but that sometimes brings to the surface painful injustices. If that is the case in your life, apply the above three steps (often many more times than once!) and you will begin to open your soul to the special blessings God has in store for you through those sufferings.

May Jesus and Mary guide you during this beautiful season.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Gaudete in Domino Semper

Sunrise over St. Mawgan village.

Dear Friends and Family,

The Lord is near! Now just a little over 48 hours away... Saint Paul writes these beautiful words, which the Church gives us every Gaudete Sunday, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:4).

We might be tempted to think, "Those words are unrealistic. Perhaps for someone who has an easy life, it would be possible to 'rejoice in the Lord always,' but not for me with all the things I have to deal with." But St. Paul did not have an easy life. Nor was he used to dealing with people who had easy lives. He writes the Philippians from prison, after having been unjustly accused and condemned, and many of the Christians he had been ministering to were in very difficult situations of suffering or persecution. So St. Paul's advice is meant for ordinary people like us, living lives in the midst of challenges and suffering.

How then can we rejoice in the Lord always? One key is, at each moment of our day, to make a choice that I will seek my joy in Jesus Christ. He is my true joy, the source of my hope, the source of all good things. So when we're tempted to feel a bit sad, or discouraged, or weighed down, we can make an interior act of the will: "I choose you, Jesus, as my only treasure, as the One from whom I await all that is good, the only One who can give me a true joy in the midst of this world's storms." Each time we make that choice, even when it is a difficult choice made in the obscurity of faith, because we cannot feel any sensible joy at that moment, we open our soul a bit more to the true joy and peace that only He can give.

As we approach the most Holy Night on which Our Savior was born, and prepare to gather at midnight around His crib, to adore Him and to sing carols to greet the Newborn King, may the Virgin Mary, the queen of that Holy Night, be your comfort and guide, and may She draw your heart into the true adoration of the King of Kings, and to the joy He wishes to grant you.

You all will be in my heart and prayers as the clock strikes midnight and the Holy Mass begins.

And on a more down-to-earth note, this morning families at Lanherne engaged in a beautiful little exchange of gifts and cards. I tried to take a photo of a member of the congregation proudly carrying home his gift, but the photo did not come out too well. Nonetheless, I post it here below.

May the Lord dawn in your hearts, in a dawn much more beautiful than the dawn pictured above.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion

Dear Friends and Family,

The past two days were full of blessings. Today was so full that it began at 4:45 and I only returned from Plymouth to Lanherene about 30 minutes ago (9:30PM), so I will need to be brief. But they were a wonderful two days!

Hopefully, I will receive some photos tomorrow that I can add to this post...

Saturday afternoon I had the great joy of baptising and confirming a young mother, and then of giving her First Holy Communion this morning. It was a tremendous joy to see her join her husband as a Catholic, and the to distribute Holy Communion this morning not only to her but also to her two oldest children.

And the First Holy Communion was such a joy! Four little children kneeling on custom-made small kneelers in the sanctuary--custom-made by the Nuns and decorated by them with flowers--following attentively the Holy Mass, receiving devoutly Jesus Christ for the very first time in Holy Communion. Then, after Mass, kneeling with them in quiet thanksgiving. Then, after photos, seeing them laugh and celebrate during a very joyous Gaudete Sunday breakfast put on by the congregation. Hopefully, I will have tomorrow some photos to share. But for the moment, I had best pray compline and get some sleep.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you in this last full week of Advent.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Our Lady of Walsingham Pilgrimage

Toulouse Airport right now

Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to you from Toulouse Airport, France, which is largely empty due to a national strike. Though my flight to London was cancelled, I was able to get on a flight to Rome and then a flight from Rome to London. So, God-willing, I will arrive in London a little before midnight tonight, and then be on my way to Walsingham in the morning.

Unless you see an update to this post tonight, I will be in Walsingham tomorrow and Sunday as the chaplain for a pilgrimage co-sponsored by the Latin Mass Society and by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children. I will be confiding in a particular way to Our Lady of Walsingham's care all those entrusted to me here in England, and my own upcoming assignment.

Because I will not arrive back at Lanherne until late Sunday night, I will plan to write you about the pilgrimage either during the week or next Sunday.

May Our Lady of Walsingham intercede powerfully for all of us in Great Britain, especially for the hearts and souls of innocent children.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Assignment to Rome

Dear Friends and Family,

Please find below the text of today's sermon and announcement of my upcoming assignment. For those of you reading this in Texas, you know the challenges of when a priest receives a new assignment. Please pray for all those here in England who will be affected, including me. God's will be done!

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Srm December 1^st Announcement 2019

Sermon Notes

Lesson from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans

Rom 13:11-14
Brethren: Understand, for it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we came to believe. The night is far advanced; the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in debauchery and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ

Continuation ✠ of the Holy Gospel according to Luke
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Luke 21:25-33
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations bewildered by the roaring of sea and waves; men fainting for fear and for expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the son of Man coming upon a cloud with great power and majesty. but when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand. And He spoke to them a parable. Behold the fig tree, and all the trees. When they now put forth their buds, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things coming to pass, know that the kingdom of God is near. Amen I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all things have been accomplished. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

“But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand.”This is how we should react as Catholics to whatever suffering or trials God sends our way. Because it is through the Cross that Jesus Christ triumphs over sin and death and that the greatest graces are obtained. So whatever suffering you may have in your life right now, as Advent begins, or whatever suffering and trials you fear might be about to happen, “look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand.” Face those trials courageously, with faith and hope in God, and trusting in the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints.

On this First Sunday of Advent, I need to ask for your help with an important matter. I need to confide to your care something very dear to me. At sacred ordination, every priest promises reverence and obedience to the bishop and to his successors, knowing that God will guide him through that obedience. Bishop O’Toole, as of January 9^th, is assigning me to a post that will require me being away from St. Edward’s and also from Lanherne, at least for several years. A good priest will be coming to take my place, but as he transitions into his new role, I very much wish to ask to your help in caring for a treasure dear to my heart: the work of God in each of your souls, in your families, and in you as a congregation—which is meant to be a bit like an extended family that supports each other on the journey to Heaven. 

A priest of the Institute of the Good Shepherd, Fr. Xavier Champagne, will be arriving in January to serve both Lanherne and St. Edward’s. Then, in the summer of 2020, Bishop O’Toole will be making longer-term assignments for Lanherne and St. Edward’s, to begin in September. By that time, the Bishop will have at his disposal several options: Fr. Champagne is one. Father Champagne’s institute is exclusively dedicated to the traditional Mass and Sacraments in the same way that the Fraternity of St. Peter is, but as a more recent foundation they are not yet as well known. The Institute of Christ the King will also be arriving in the Diocese at that time, with multiple priests. Then there are other options involving priests who would be dedicated full-time to the traditional Mass and Sacraments. Such assignments will not be made until next summer, but I am hopeful that separate chaplains will be assigned for both Lanherne and St. Edward’s, to better provide for you than I have been able to do.

As for my own assignment, you are all aware of the terrible crisis that the Church is going through right now, above all a crisis of faith but also of morals, with sad lapses among the clergy and much that needs to be straightened out and better governed in that area. The Bishop has therefore decided to assign me, for several years, to Rome, to try to become expert in this domain and in other domains, by obtaining doctorates in canon law and theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Though it is not the custom, and is normally not prudent, to describe the details of how such a decision was made, I think it only fair to share the main points with you.

This decision came as quite a surprise to me, at a time when I had in fact proposed to cut down on studies in order to sink down roots long-term in my assignments. Some months ago, I wrote to the Bishop, presenting the option of dropping permanently half of my studies so that I could gain those hours for ministry. Before I wrote to him, my spiritual director had asked me something which he has never before asked. He told me to be extremely attentive to any indications from the Bishop, and that if he indicated his preference by so much as a smile at one possibility or another, I should be very responsive and receive that as the will of God. (This is not at all the sort of thing my spiritual director is accustomed to say, and he said it quite earnestly). Furthermore, he indicated that if the Bishop asked me to accept to complete a doctorate in canon law, I should accept. I had actually been hoping to not study canon law further. In fact, in spite of what my spiritual director had said, when I wrote the Bishop, I didn’t say anything about further canonical studies. Instead, I only asked about continuing one of my current programs of studies, in either theology or civil law, and dropping the other. 

The Bishop wrote back, thanking me for the options but instead asking me to pursue a doctorate in… canon law (just as my spiritual director had predicted). When you are asked to accept an assignment by the bishop to whom you owe obedience in virtue of the solemn vow at your ordination, and when your spiritual director asked you to give a prompt yes if this specific assignment were asked of you, the will of God is clear: you say yes and trust that God will provide for the flock you have to leave. 

As of January 9^th, I will head to Italy for six months of Italian study, followed by several years of canon law and theology studies in Rome. To speak frankly, Rome is not a place I would have chosen to live right now. I would very much ask for your prayers, that I might carry out faithfully whatever work God will be asking of me there, not only in terms of studies but also in terms of apostolate—whether that apostolate be with seminarians, fellow priests, or others. 

But I would above all ask for your help in protecting and promoting the great treasure of the traditional Mass and Sacraments here in the heart of Plymouth/Cornwall. It has been a real privilege and blessing to serve you and to see God’s grace work in your lives, in your families. I can assure you that God will not stop offering His graces and guidance to you. One privilege of being a priest is that you have a front-row-seat to the poverty of your limited human gifts, along with many shortcomings and failings, and at the same time a front row seat to God’s action, to how generous God is in pouring out His graces through the hands of a priest, because of the grace of sacred ordination. God will continue to offer those graces through the next chaplain. But your cooperation, or lack thereof, with grace will make a great difference in what God is able to do here in Plymouth/Cornwall.

So many, many souls are in need of this Mass, which in this coming year each of you will have an even more important role of fostering. Every year on Dec. 27^th the traditional breviary gives a reading describing the end of the life of St. John the Evangelist. In this manner, the church has ever priest throughout the world—at least those who use the traditional breviary—look to the great apostle and bishop as a model for how we should guide our own flock. 

At the end of his life, St. John would tell his congregation each Sunday, “Little children, love one another.” After some time of this, his disciples asked him why he kept repeating the same message. He replied, “Because it is the commandment of the Lord. And if it alone were done, it would suffice.” When our Lord promulgated this new commandment that we love one another as He has loved us (no longer simply as we love ourselves), He asserted that it was the great sign by which “all men will know that you are my disciples.” “A house divided cannot stand” (Mt. 12:25). The more that genuine charity flourishes among you, God will use that not only to pour out many graces upon you and the congregation, but also to draw other souls to the great treasure of the Mass.

And God can do this even when everything around you is not perfect. For example, when I visited the monastery in France, as a 21-year-old discerning entry, I was with three brothers talking after lunch during the dishes. Two of them were talking in a rather rude or uncharitable fashion, but I was so impressed by the charity and patience of the other brother that I said, “If this sort of charity exists in this monastery, it is a good sign that I should enter.” May each of you strive to be that sign of charity for each other and for all who will come here seeking God.

And may God reward you for the wonderful blessing you have been in my life these past 3 ½ years. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and your families. You have been the source of so many blessings in my life and will always be in my prayers.

As we enter now into the heart of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, let us confide to Our Lady the infinite treasure of the celebration of this Holy Mass here at St. Edward’s/Lanherne, and let us confide to her that precious treasures that are each of your souls. May God’s will be done and may we be docile to His guidance.

Consider the Lilies of the Field

Dear Friends and Family,

We are now just a week away from one of the most beautiful and spiritually fruitful--if lived well--times of the year: Advent and Christmastide. As the saying goes, "A good Advent makes for a joyful Christmas." Though most Catholics have forgotten, Advent is one of the two great penitential seasons of the year, along with Lent. Traditionally, Catholics would fast throughout Advent: having each day, except for Sunday, just one full meal and two smaller meals that together did not equal a full meal, forgoing sweets, etc. If you've never tried this, I would encourage you to give it a shot. It will help your soul open to the graces that God wishes to give in these coming weeks.

Speaking of coming graces... please keep in your prayers the 5 members of the congregation at Lanherne preparing for their First Holy Communion on Gaudete Sunday. And please keep me in your prayers as I serve as chaplain for a pilgrimage to Walsingham, of the Latin Mass Society and England and Wales and of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children. The pilgrimage will take place Sunday, Dec. 8th, and the intention is the protection of the innocence of children in the face of some awful educational laws coming into force in 2020 in the UK. Providentially, I will be able to thank Our Lady for the past 13 years of priesthood as that Sunday will correspond with the anniversary of my ordination.

Today I wish to share with you a blessed part of my week that is often hidden: the prayerful meditation of Scripture. This morning I was meditating on chapter 6 of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, especially the section on not being anxious about our life or clothing, nor anxious about tomorrow, but seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. They are simple words that I have heard many times, but it was a real joy to meditate on them, to spend some time in the Lord's presence realizing how foolishly I have been worried on so many occasions and contemplating His amazing love and providential care for us.

How good it is to make acts of faith and trust in our Heavenly Father! The above photo of lilies in a field is a beautiful image of how He wishes to care for us. As is the beautiful images of birds having food provided for them. Really the images are so beautiful and rich that I don't think I'll comment on them further. And then the very practical advice: "Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

It was great throughout the day to be more conscious, when some worry about tomorrow arose, that God was calling me to place that in His hands and not worry about it, but to instead live of the graces offered in the present moment. I have found that some time daily spent meditating on a passage from the Gospels pays rich rewards. May God grant you also to make good use of the tremendous nourishment for our souls that is the Word of God.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Centralia vs. Our Lady of Fatima

Image of Our Lady of Fatima in my room.

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope this email finds you well in the midst of the beautiful month of November dedicated to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. I had the blessing of re-reading the beautiful story of the children of Fatima over the past two weeks and was struck by the contrast between the love of the children and the "parable of Centralia, Pennsylvania." A priest-friend of mine shared with me that story as part of a sermon warning of the dangers of letting anger and unforgiveness simmer, which was the topic of today's sermon. I share below the story of Centralia, and then a few words on the children of Fatima.

T

he story began almost fifty years ago along the outskirts of Centralia, Pennsylvania, when trash was burned in the pit of an abandoned strip mine, which connected to a coal vein running near the surface. The burning trash caught the exposed vein of coal on fire. The fire was thought to be extinguished – but it apparently wasn’t – when it erupted in the pit a few days later. Again the fire was doused with water for hours and thought to be out. But it wasn’t.  The coal then began to burn underground. That was in 1962.  

For the next twenty years, workers battled the fire, flushing the mines with water and fly ash, excavated the burning material and dug trenches, backfilled, drilling again and again in an attempt to find the boundaries of the fire and plan to put the fire out or at least contain it. 

All efforts failed to do either, as government officials delayed to take any real action to save the village of Centralia. By the early 1980s the fire had affected approximately 200 acres. Homes had to be abandoned as carbon monoxide levels reached life-threatening levels.  An engineering study concluded in 1983 that the fire could burn for another century or even more, and “could conceivably spread over an area of approximately 3,700 acres.” 

As time passed, each feeble attempt to do anything to stop the fire or help the residents of Centralia would cost more and more due to the fire’s progression. Over 50 years and 40 million dollars later the fire still burns through old coal mines and veins, under the town and the surrounding hillsides, on several fronts. The fire, smoke, fumes and toxic gases that came up through the back yards, basements and streets of Centralia literally ripped the town apart. Most of the homes were condemned and residents were relocated over the years…. Today Centralia is a virtual ghost town with only a few remaining residents. 

A smoldering, underground fire that ripped the town apart…

thataga
The story of the children of Fatima, on the other hand, is such a beautiful story and one full of so much hope. Re-reading the history (in preparation for some work with children) I was struck by the spontaneity and simplicity of Lucia, Francesco and Jacinta. It's amazing how quickly, in the space of a few minutes, they could go from speaking of the seriousness of Hell, or of making sacrifices for sinners, etc. to joyful laughter and gratitude. It seems to me that God permitted their story to be carefully recorded to allow all who wish to have a refreshing taste of the simplicity and purity of children unstained by the world, since they were raised in their tiny village far removed not only from society but from the media, etc. So, if you are looking for a refreshing and uplifting read... I encourage you to consider the story of Fatima. The book I just read is this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lady-Fatima-William-Thomas-Walsh/dp/0385028695 which is quite good. But there are many others.

May Our Lady of Fatima intercede for you and watch over you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

A Movie Worth Watching

A Beautiful Sunday in Cornwall.

Dear Friends and Family,

Today is Remembrance Sunday in England: the annual Sunday where requiem Masses are offered all throughout England and Wales to pray for the repose of the souls of all the soldiers who gave their lives in battle during the First World War.

So at Lanherne this morning, as is the custom in churches where the usus antiquior is celebrated, a "catafalque" was placed out before Mass, covered with a black funeral pall and flanked six large candles. For those not familiar, a catafalque is essentially an empty casket or something designed to look like an empty casket when covered by a pall. Before Mass, the six large candles around it are lit, providing a powerful visual aid for the congregation to pray for the souls in purgatory, and a reminder that we should live our own lives in view of the fact that we will one day find ourselves in a casket.

Though a solemn occasion, it is, in a unique way, a particularly joyful one. For by the end of the Mass surely a good number of souls will have left purgatory to enter the infinite joy of Heaven. And what greater joy is there than that?

Last Saturday, Nov. 2nd, following the three Masses offered for the Holy Souls in purgatory, I led a men's gathering during which we watched the film "Unplanned." If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it. It is the beautiful story of the conversion of Abbey Johnson, who, as the director of a Planned Parenthood for years, was complicit in taking of the lives of 22,000 children. And if someone in that position can convert, then there is hope for anyone!

A few parts (probably 5 - 7 minutes in total) are not easy to watch because two abortions are shown, sort of. Nothing graphic is directly shown, but you see an ultrasound in one scene and in another some of the results of taking RU486. But while not easy to watch, these are very real evils that thousands are dealing with each week. Speaking for myself, the film was a powerful reminder of the depth of evil taking place, of its consequences upon so many women, of the power of grace to work conversions, and of the need to pray and work more earnestly for an end to abortion.

On the whole, the move is quite uplifting, and is beautifully and professionally done. I have been told that copies can be purchased even at a local Walmart. If you have yet to watch Unplanned, I recommend it.

Finally, I had to travel to London Thursday and spent some time praying in the beautiful St. James' Church in Spanish Place, pictured below, and also spotted this cafe walk walking through downtown. It appears to have been there for some time and to have no connection to the Amazon Syond, but its title was of interest.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you this week.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

The lighting is quite dim in this photo, but the church is truly beautiful.

From confirmandi to confirmati!

Newly Confirmed Catholics and their sponsors.

Dear Friends and Family,

Two days ago, on the Solemnity of All Saints, I had the great joy of confirming four adults and of and giving First Holy Communion to three of them. They are pictured above: the three gentlemen in the middle row and the lady in black in the front row. Their sponsors, and the altar boys, are also pictured.

In our diocese, the Bishop customarily grants the priest the faculty to confirm when bringing converts into the Catholic Church, and I was also granted the faculty of confirming another parishioner along with them. For those not familiar with the traditional rite of Confirmation, it is very simple. Since there were a number of non-Catholics in the congregation, I preached briefly before the ceremony began. Then we processed in and knelt for a solemn chanting of the Veni Sancte Spiritus. Then the ceremony (given in an English translation below) followed.

It was quite humbling to have these adults kneel before me and to invoke solemnly upon them the gifts of the Holy Ghost and the sacramental character which will remain with them the rest of their lives. It has been a great joy to see the three converts, each led in a different manner to the Truth, come to firmly believe in the saving faith that Our Lord confided to His Church, and to see each of them sincerely express their willingness to sacrifice their lives for that truth. And it was also a real joy to confirm the adult who has always been a Catholic but whose courage I have been impressed with in speaking the truth in difficult circumstances. May the Lord grant all four to be courageous witnesses to the Faith!

After the rite of Confirmation, the solemn Mass began for All Saints, during which the new converts received the Bread of Angels for the very first time. What a beautiful occasion--the Feast of All Saints--to receive these graces!

By the time the Mass was finished it was 8 PM, on a cold, raining night. I was afraid that not many people, especially those with young children, would be able to stay for the reception before long drives home. I was wrong! The reception was packed and so very joyful. Lots of homemade goodies filled the table, newcomers to the Mass were there to congratulate the confirmati and to ask about the beautiful Mass of Ages, and the congregation, sponsors, and all rejoiced and celebrated. People were still having a great time when, at 9 PM, I needed to begin the drive back to Cornwall.

I drove back with a grateful, joyful heart. For those who may never have experienced a traditional Confirmation, a translation of the simple rite follows below.

May Jesus and Mary watch over each of you and your families.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

....As the candidates kneel before him with folded hands, the celebrant, remaining in the same position, folds his hands on his breast and says:

May the Holy Spirit come upon you, and may the power of the Most High keep you from sin.

All: Amen

4. Then, as he makes the sign of the cross on himself, he continues: 

Celebrant: Our help is in the name of the Lord. All: Who made heaven and earth. Celebrant: Lord, heed my prayer. All: And let my cry be heard by you. 

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. All: And with your spirit.

5. Next he holds his hands outstretched over the recipients, saying: 

Almighty everlasting God, who once gave new life to these servants of yours by water and the Holy Spirit, forgiving them all their sins; send forth on them from heaven your Holy Spirit, the Advocate, along with His sevenfold gifts. 

All: Amen

Celebrant: The Spirit of wisdom and understanding. 

All: Amen

Celebrant: The Spirit of counsel and fortitude. 

All: Amen

Celebrant: The Spirit of knowledge and piety. 

All: Amen

Celebrant: Fill them with the Spirit of holy fear, and seal them with the sign of the cross of Christ, in token of everlasting life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. 

All: Amen

6. ... When one row is finished all rise and others kneel in place, and so on till the end. The celebrant asks the name of each one as he is presented by the godfather or the godmother; and dipping the tip of his thumb in chrism he confirms in the following way: laying his right hand on the head of the recipient he marks with his thumb the sign of the cross on the person's forehead, while saying the first part of the form up to the word cross inclusive, and goes on with the rest of the form, making a threefold sign of the cross over him at the places indicated:

N., I seal you with the sign of the cross; and I confirm you with the chrism that sanctifies; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen

Then he strikes the confirmed lightly on the cheek, saying:

Peace be with you.

7. ...the priest wipes the spot carefully with cotton which is later burned.

8. After all have been confirmed the celebrant cleanses his fingers with bread and washes them over a bowl. The water together with the bread is poured into the sacrarium, and the same is done with the ashes of the burnt cotton.

9. During the washing of hands the entire congregation sings or recites the following antiphon

Confirm, O God, * the work you have begun in us from your heavenly sanctuary, the new Jerusalem. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Confirm, O God, the work you have begun in us from your heavenly sanctuary, the new Jerusalem.

10. ...

Celebrant: Lord, show us your mercy.

All: And grant us your salvation.

Celebrant: Lord, heed my prayer. 

All: And let my cry be heard by you.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

All: May He also be with you.

While the newly confirmed kneel, the celebrant continues singing or reciting the following prayer:

God, who gave to your apostles the Holy Spirit, ordaining that they and their successors should hand down that Gift to the rest of the faithful; look with favor on our lowly service, and grant that the same Holy Spirit may come on these persons whose brow we have anointed with holy chrism and sealed with the sign of the holy cross. May He consecrate their heart as a worthy dwelling for His glory. We ask this through you, who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

All: Amen

11. Then he adds:

See, thus shall everyone be blessed who lives in the fear of the Lord.

Turning to the newly confirmed he blesses them with the sign of the cross:

The Lord bless  you from Sion on high, that you may see the glory of Jerusalem all your days and be rewarded with everlasting life.

Nuns and Children

Vestments for Feast of St. Theresa of Avila.

St. Theresa, poised over the Nuns' choir, preaching.

Dear Friends and Family,

I am sitting down to write this at 8:45 PM, quite happy--even if a bit tired--after a full Sunday. In addition to the normal schedule of prayer, Masses, and Confessions, I had the joy this morning of hearing the first Confessions of three adults who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church.

Today's Gospel seemed especially appropriate: the parable of the King's wedding feast for His son. Those invited refused the invitation, so the King sends out servants to call in "whomever they shall find." The parallel text in Luke speaks of the blind, lame, etc., and St. Paul speaks of the lowly condition of most of the first Christians (see 1 Corinthians). A good reminder of the unmerited grace we have received, and a beautiful Gospel in light of those preparing to take the first steps toward that wedding banquet.

After Mass, they came one by one and knelt, with their right hand placed on the Gospels, to make their profession of faith. Almost all the congregation stayed to pray for them. And the Mass had a number of new families and individuals. It was a real joy to get to know some of them, and to look forward to getting to know the others. At about 3PM the gathering in the hall came to an end and I headed off to make a house-call. Coming in the door around 7:15 I had so much to be thankful for.

There were many other blessings during the week, but what came to mind especially was the child-like faith and simplicity of little children and of contemplative nuns. Both live normally on a different level from the storms of this world. This afternoon I spent some time stacking legos with two little boys and their parents. They also wanted to show me their "priest costumes" and how they played at Mass. It was wonderful to see. I tried to help the older one learn the proper gestures surrounding the consecration and elevation, and he did a pretty good job. Earlier this week I taught four children preparing for their First Holy Communion. They are learning well and it was a joy seeing their progress, and then this morning talking with them after Mass--during breakfast--about such important topics as which type of cereal they had. At first, I thought two of them preferred rice crispies and that another preferred the sweet cereal that looked like little chocolate chip cookies. But a mother explained to me that the two had rice-crispies because that had not been so well-behaved during Mass ...

It was a real joy to be with them. May Jesus and Mary watch over each of you and your families. And may They grant you some share of child-like faith and simplicity.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Soon-to-be Catholics

A Square in downtown Toulouse, France.

Dear Family and Friends,

I just returned from a week of studies in France. It is truly wonderful to be back here in the peace of the countryside of Cornwall.

This past week focussed on the "Divine Economy"--i.e. how God has acted in history to bring about redemption, and on metaphysics. We have about 15 new students to bring our total number to around 25. Here are photos of some of the class taken as we were opening a class with prayer.

It is an excellent group of priests to be around. I also had the blessing of spending a few hours in the center of Toulouse at the Couvent des Jacobins, where St. Thomas Aquinas is buried. I asked him to intercede so that my poor mind might grow in wisdom.

But I wanted to especially share with you a great joy I had today. After Mass in Plymouth this afternoon I spent two hours interviewing each of four candidates for Confirmation: three of whom had requested to enter the Catholic Church and one of whom is a cradle Catholic who never received Confirmation. I am pleased to say that all 4 passed the examination. I will thus have the joy next Sunday of receiving the profession of faith from three of them, as well as giving them absolution for the first time in the Sacrament of Confession. Then, on the Feast of All Saints, they will receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

Having followed them for some months or years it was a real joy to see them reach this step. Beyond the fact that their knowledge was sufficient to receive the sacraments, I was very pleased to see the depth of their intentions and desire to be Catholics. May God grant them the grace to persevere and to grow in holiness. I would invite you to join me in praying for them these next 20 days as they prepare for and receive these sacraments.

Lastly, if interested, you should see a brief interview I gave in Rome appear on the web by Wednesday.

May Jesus and Mary watch over each of you and guide you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Roma: Praying for the Church

Altar prepared for this morning's Holy Mass.

Dear Friends and Family,

The past week was very intense and blessed in Rome. I was accompanying and assisting with the Voice of the Family pilgrimage and conferences for young adults. Monday we had the great blessing of making St. Philip Neri's Seven Church's Pilgrimage: where you hike from church to church in order to visit the 7 major Roman Basilicas. I was under the weather the night before and that morning, but joined them half-way through the pilgrimage and discovered that a hiking village to pray in front of relics was just what I needed to cure me! By the end of the day, I felt fine.

To see a 6-minute video of that day, see here: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/young-people-receive-solid-catholic-formation-during-lifesite-sponsored-program-in-rome

The hikes between churches were great opportunities to speak with the youth one-on-one.

Tuesday and Wednesday were conferences to the youth on the spiritual battle, vocation, etc. See here for more details: https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/cdl-burke-top-catholic-thinkers-inspire-youths-at-rome-conference

Then came Friday's conference, which was great. See here: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/lay-catholic-leaders-warn-about-amazon-synod-pope-francis-has-gravely-harmed-the-faith-it-is-time-to-say-it-out-loud

I have to get on the plane now, so have to go!

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Chideock Martyrs

Dear Friends and Family,

Today was a beautiful pilgrimage to the shrine of the Chideock Martyrs. Really grace-filled. Because of how full tomorrow will be I wanted to at least post some photos for you tonight.

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The Sacristy, which had been richly painted as a chapel, after the persecution ended.

The Church where I offered Mass, with a full congregation.

Our good organist. The music was beautiful!

A travel Mass kit from... the 1500's.

Approach to the Church, seen in the background.

For more photos and information, see here: https://www.chideockmartyrschurch.org.uk

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

The Joy of the Martyrs

Dear Friends and Family,

This past week I had the wonderful blessing of my parents' presence. They were able to join me for Catechism--and a fun game of soccer (football for you Europeans!) with some of the children--dinner, rosary, a visit to Auntie Rhoda, who will be 100 years old in a week, and then a pilgrimage to some sites of the English martyrs in London.

"Auntie Rhoda" who lives in the village and who will turn 100 next week. She spent her life as a housekeeper for Anglican Vicars. Please pray that she might become a Catholic!

Some highlights of the trip to London were the chance to pray at the Tyburn Convent, where 105 Catholics were martyred in the 16th and 17th centuries, after cruel tortures and questionings. A convent of nuns there maintains perpetual adoration and gives tours of the impressive collection of relics kept in the crypt. The nun giving us our tour is just beginning her novitiate, and spoke movingly of what the martyrs went through for the holy Faith. Though some of the stories are rather gruesome, I found it quite uplifting to contemplate the joy, peace, and courage that God granted to them during those trials. What a gift to have such friends and heavenly intercessors! How great is God's grace and mercy to grant such gifts to weak men!

After visiting the convent, we walked to the actual site of their martyrdom, which is now in the midst of a traffic circle, with a commemorative marking as pictured below:

The "Tyburn Tree" was a triangular scaffold so large that 8 men at a time could be hung on each of the three sides...

We then visited the Tower of London, where it was moving to see the engravings that martyrs had carved in stone during their captivity: a beautiful image of the Sacred Heart, moving engravings of devotional words, professions of faith. We also saw the instruments of torture used on them. Really impressive that God gave them the grace to resist courageously all of that.

I then caught the metro to Paddington Station, with plenty of time to catch my train until... the metro came to an abrupt halt and it was announced that it would be stopped for an indefinite time and that we should seek alternative transportation. I flagged down an uber who spent the next 45 minutes dodging the London traffic in the hope of making my 3:03 PM train. Somehow, he managed to beat the clock and get me within a few hundred yards of the station at 2:58 PM. Hopping out of the car and running with my luggage to the station I reached the main entrance at 2:59. Now to find the platform... As I scanned the board the clock struck 3:00. Locating platform 4 I ran toward it and hopped aboard the train... 1 minute before it left the station.

A good number of Memorare's were prayed during the journey and I'm most grateful to Our Lady for getting me there on time.

May God grant you a blessed week. Please pray for me this Saturday as I offer Mass for a Latin Mass Society pilgrimage to the site of the Chideock Martyrs in our diocese.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari

Saint Michael's Mount and Land's End

Saint Michael's Mount from a distance

The old monastery on the Mount from up close

Dear Friends and Family,

I had the special joy of spending this Sunday with my parents here in Cornwall. After Mass and breakfast, I took them to see St. Michael's Mount: a small island off the south coast of Cornwall, where Benedictine monks built a monastery where they worked, prayed, sacrificed, and received pilgrims for several centuries until the reformation. While the visit was bittersweet, realizing that their monastery had been seized by the Crown and turned into a secular castle, which now hosts protestant services in its chapel, it was nonetheless a joy to visit a holy site where so many prayers and sacrifices were offered up, and where tradition holds that St. Michael appeared.

Please find below a few more photos:

Some of the gardens below the monastery.

The lower part of this room used to be the monks' refectory, while the upper half was their dormitory, and all the ornate carvings were not present at the time.

Looking down on some of the gardens.

Back window in the stone chapel.

We then visited Land's End--the farthest point West you can go in England before the land is swallowed up in the ocean and the next stop is... North America.

Looking toward the U.S. from Land's End. A last lighthouse is perched on the rocks.

But before all of this the day began with a special joy: to offer Holy Mass for my parents as part of the congregation, and then to introduce them to many of the parents and children who have been confided to me here as a little flock. (For those in Plymouth, I am sorry that my parents did not get to meet you this time!). It was a real joy to let them meet those I have spoken about these past few years.

I will finish by presenting you with a theory of my father's. His theory is that the key to good health is eating donuts. Though you might be skeptical, there is a certain logic in this theory. He says that when you eat donuts you are happy. And when you are happy this helps your health. Therefore...

Since he practices what he preaches, we stopped into the Land's End donut shop. And I must say that their donuts were particularly tasty.

May Jesus and Mary watch over you and guide you this week.

In Cordibus Iesu et Mariae,
Fr. Pillari