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