Beautiful Martyrs

Today's the Feast day of St. Anthony Mary Claret, tomorrow's the Feast day of one (of the 3) of the 7 archangels whose names we know: St. Raphael, who appeared to Tobias. Raphael means Medicine of God in the hebrew.

And I was reading this just the other day, its so beautiful, the way the martyrs lived and died. Here is the link to the District of Asia's most recent newsletter with a huge dossier on Japanese Catholicism, including a letter by St. Francis Xavier himself. Here's a beautiful excerpt from an article from the newsletter: A Pilgrim's Diary of a very Memorable Japanese Pilgrimage.

"Then, after an intense walk in a light rain, while reciting the Rosary for Asian and especially Japanese vocations, we arrived on the bank of the Kamo river which crosses Kyoto, and were shown, inserted in the hedge on the side of the road, a simple stone-monument, with some Japanese inscription on it. This monument which was put up in spite of much opposition only a few ten years ago, recalls the martyrdom of 55 Catholics, on October 6, 1619. That day is called “The Great Kyoto Martyrdom”.

(When I came home I found the following details on that event:)

There were more than 300,000 Catholics in Japan at that time. That is why the Shogun (highest military commander), fearing his authority was seriously in danger, decided, under the influence of his Buddhists advisers, to eliminate the Christians.
In The Christian century in Japan (1951), one can read of an Englishman who was there, on that very day of October 6, 1619, and who describes how he saw ‘fifty-five persons of all ages and both sexes burnt alive on the dry bed of the Kamo River, and among them little children of five or six years old in their mothers’ arms, crying out, ‘Jesus, receive their souls!’ ” Here is the description of one of these executions:

“The ordeal was witnessed by 150,000, according to some writers, or 30,000 according to other and in all probability more reliable chroniclers. When the fagots were kindled, the martyrs said sayonara (farewell) to the onlookers who then began to entone the Magnificat, followed by the psalms Laudate pueri Dominum and Laudate Dominum omnes gentes, while the Japanese judges sat on one side ‘in affected majesty and gravity, as in their favorite posture’. Since it had rained heavily the night before, the faggots were wet and the wood burnt slowly; but as long as the martyrdom lasted, the spectators continued to sing hymns and canticles. When death put an end to the victims’ suffering, the crowd intoned the Te Deum.” (C.R. Boxer, The Christian Century in Japan, University of California Press, 1951, pp.342,343, 349)

These 55 Martyrs are among the 188 Martyrs that were declared Venerable last June 1, 2007, and should be beatified in the very near future. And among them is this heroic family of John Hashimoto Tahyôe, his wife Thecla and their five children, Catharina 13, Thomas 12, Franciscus 8, Petrus 6 and Ludovica 3. During the execution, the fire actually freed Catharina who was tied to a separate cross at a short distance from the cross where her mother and the 3 youngest children were tied together. She ran to her mother saying, ‘Mother, I can’t see!’ Her mother replied, ‘pray to Jesus and Mary’. The last thing bystanders saw of the mother was that she was drying tears from her 3 year old baby who was in her arms. After the flames and the smoke abided, the mother was still seen holding her youngest, tight in her arms, both dead.

The image of them offering their lives along with those of their children became a symbol of the martyrdom of the Japanese Church. (cf. The Great Kyoto Martyrdom: October 6, 1619, Yūki Ryōgo, 1987)"

Certainly very beautiful and most admirable! Deo gratias et Mariae. I am reminded of something I read in the Epistle that St. Paul wrote to the Hebrews, Chapter 13.

Divers admonitions and exhortations.

1 Let the charity of the brotherhood abide in you. 2 And hospitality do not forget; for by this some, being not aware of it, have entertained angels. 3 Remember them that are in bands, as if you were bound with them; and them that labour, as being yourselves also in the body. 4 Marriage honourable in all, and the bed undefiled. For fornicators and adulterers God will judge. 5 Let your manners be without covetousness, contented with such things as you have; for he hath said: I will not leave thee, neither will I forsake thee.

4 "Marriage honourable in all"... Let marriage be honourable in all-- That is, in all things belonging to the marriage state. This is a warning to married people, not to abuse the sanctity of their state, by any liberties or irregularities contrary thereunto. Now it does not follow from this text that all persons are obliged to marry, even if the word omnibus were rendered, in all persons, instead of in all things: for if it was a precept, St. Paul himself would have transgressed it, as he never married. Moreover, those who have already made a vow to God to lead a single life, should they attempt to marry, they would incur their own damnation. 1 Tim. 5. 12.

6 So that we may confidently say: The Lord is my helper: I will not fear what man shall do to me. 7 Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation, 8 Jesus Christ, yesterday, and today; and the same for ever. 9 Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. For it is best that the heart be established with grace, not with meats; which have not profited those that walk in them. 10 We have an altar, whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle.

11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the holies by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people by his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore to him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For we have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise always to God, that is to say, the fruit of lips confessing to his name.

13 "Bearing his reproach"... That is, bearing his cross. It is an exhortation to them to be willing to suffer with Christ, reproaches, persecutions, and even death, if they desire to partake of the benefit of his suffering for man's redemption.

16 And do not forget to do good, and to impart; for by such sacrifices God's favour is obtained. 17 Obey your prelates, and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you. 18 Pray for us. For we trust we have a good conscience, being willing to behave ourselves well in all things. 19 And I beseech you the more to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 20 And may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great pastor of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the blood of the everlasting testament,

21 Fit you in all goodness, that you may do his will; doing in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom is glory for ever and ever. Amen. 22 And I beseech you, brethren, that you suffer this word of consolation. For I have written to you in a few words. 23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty: with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you. 24 Salute all your prelates, and all the saints. The brethren from Italy salute you. 25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori

Jesus, Mary, I love Thee; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

What is Faith?

God, Church and Soul

I stole this video from The Sleepless Eye's blog. Do watch it. It's so beautiful and plus its way cool. Way way cool. =) God Bless the person who did this ;)

And from Joyce's blog, I got the link to H.E. Bishop Williamson's blog. Here's the link. It's Dinoscopus for you.

And from the Sacred Heart Choir blog, there's some beautiful news, coming from the Vatican...

Pope Ratzinger seems to be stepping up the tempo. The curia will have a new office with authority in the field of sacred music. And the choir of the Sistine Chapel is getting a new director...

by Sandro Magister

ROMA, October 18, 2007 – In the span of just a few days, a series of events have unfolded at the Vatican which, taken all together, foretell new provisions – at the pope's behest – to foster the rebirth of great sacred music. ... (Click here to read more)

Absolutely beautiful. Deo gratias et Mariae.

And now, my dear blog readers, What is Faith?

As St. Thérèse my dearest patron said:

And, here's what St. Paul writes, so beautifully, in his epistle to the Hebrews, Chapter 11, on Faith:

What faith is. Its wonderful fruits and efficacy demonstrated in the fathers.

1 Now faith is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things that appear not. 2 For by this the ancients obtained a testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the world was framed by the word of God; that from invisible things visible things might be made. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice exceeding that of Cain, by which he obtained a testimony that he was just, God giving testimony to his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Henoch was translated, that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had testimony that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and is a rewarder to them that seek him. 7 By faith Noe, having received an answer concerning those things which as yet were not seen, moved with fear, framed the ark for the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world; and was instituted heir of the justice which is by faith. 8 By faith he that is called Abraham, obeyed to go out into a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he abode in the land, dwelling in cottages, with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise. 10 For he looked for a city that hath foundations; whose builder and maker is God.

8 "He that is called Abraham"... or, Abraham being called.

11 By faith also Sara herself, being barren, received strength to conceive seed, even past the time of age; because she believed that he was faithful who had promised, 12 For which cause there sprung even from one (and him as good as dead) as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 All these died according to faith, not having received the promises, but beholding them afar off, and saluting them, and confessing that they are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. 14 For they that say these things, do signify that they seek a country. 15 And truly if they had been mindful of that from whence they came out, they had doubtless time to return.

16 But now they desire a better, that is to say, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered Isaac: and he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten son; 18 (To whom it was said: In Isaac shall thy seed be called.) 19 Accounting that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Whereupon also he received him for a parable. 20 By faith also of things to come, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.

19 "For a parable"... That is, as a figure of Christ, slain and coming to life again.

21 By faith Jacob dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and adored the top of his rod. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the going out of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents; because they saw he was a comely babe, and they feared not the king's edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, denied himself to be the son of Pharao's daughter; 25 Rather choosing to be afflicted with the people of God, than to have the pleasure of sin for a time,

21 "Adored the top of his rod"... The apostle here follows the ancient Greek Bible of the seventy interpreters, (which translates in this manner, Gen. 47. 31.,) and alleges this fact of Jacob, in paying a relative honour and veneration to the top of the rod or sceptre of Joseph, as to a figure of Christ's sceptre and kingdom, as an instance and argument of his faith. But some translators, who are no friends to this relative honour, have corrupted the text, by translating it, he worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff; as if this circumstance of leaning upon his staff were any argument of Jacob's faith, or worthy the being thus particularly taken notice of by the Holy Ghost.

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasure of the Egyptians. For he looked unto the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the fierceness of the king: for he endured as seeing him that is invisible. 28 By faith he celebrated the pasch, and the shedding of the blood; that he, who destroyed the firstborn, might not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea, as by dry land: which the Egyptians attempting, were swallowed up. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, by the going round them seven days.

31 By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with the unbelievers, receiving the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I yet say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, Barac, Samson, Jephthe, David, Samuel, and the prophets: 33 Who by faith conquered kingdoms, wrought justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, recovered strength from weakness, became valiant in battle, put to flight the armies of foreigners: 35 Women received their dead raised to life again. But others were racked, not accepting deliverance, that they might find a better resurrection.

36 And others had trial of mockeries and stripes, moreover also of bands and prisons. 37 They were stoned, they were cut asunder, they were tempted, they were put to death by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being in want, distressed, afflicted: 38 Of whom the world was not worthy; wandering in deserts, in mountains, and in dens, and in caved of the earth. 39 And all these being approved by the testimony of faith, received not the promise; 40 God providing some better thing for us, that they should not be perfected without us.

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Jesus, Mary, I love Thee; Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

"He must increase: But I Must Decrease!" (John 3:30)

Today's the Birthday of St. John the Baptist :)

Here's something from Alone with God, a meditation on St. John the Precursor, I love especially this that St. John said: "He must increase; but I must decrease." - John 3:30.

Alone with God
By Fr. J. Heyrmann S.J.

June 24
THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

1. Holy Church celebrates three birthdays: the birthday of Jesus, the All-Holy, the birthday of His Holy Mother conceived without sin, whose soul never knew spot or stain; lastly of St. John the Precursor, who was sanctified before birth, by the presence of Jesus in His Mother’s womb. Jesus Himself bore witness that “there hath not risen among those who were born of women a greater than John the Baptist” (Mt. 11:11).

2. Petition: The grace to understand and to admire the greatness of John the Baptist. May we learn from him, by our whole life, to bear witness to Christ and to bring souls to Jesus.

I. The Forerunner

When John was born, his father Zachary, by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, had spoken in prophecy, “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76).

“And the child grew and was strengthened in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel” (Luke 1:80). This was the hidden life of John, in the manner of the ancient prophets: in the silence and solitude of the desert he communed with the Holy Ghost in preparation for the task that lay ahead. Some months before Jesus left Nazareth to begin His public ministry, John, emerging from solitude, had appeared on the banks of the Jordan, “in the spirit and power of Elias” (Luke 1:17). The people’s response was wonderful: crowds heard his message, disciples gathered around him, and his influence was overwhelming. Had he but spoken the word, they would there and then have proclaimed him Messiah. But that word he would not speak. He said, “I am not the Christ” (John 2:20) but I am sent before him. “There shall come on, mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose” (Luke 3:16).

John did more than merely announce the coming of the Messiah; at the Jordan, he saw Him coming; enlightened by the Spirit, he recognized Him, and bore testimony to Him, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world. (Ecce Agnus Dei, Ecce qui tollis peccata mundi) This is he of whom I spoke … The next day again John stood, and two of his disciples, And beholding Jesus walking he said, Behold the Lamb of God. And the two disciples heard him speak; and they followed Jesus” (John 1: 29-37).

The Baptist placed all his great authority, all he had and all he was, at the service of Jesus: a model of self-denial and self-sacrifice. How great he is in his humility! So all those must act whose vocation it is to bear testimony to Christ.

II. The Friend of the Bridegroom

This is another title which St. John gives himself, and which makes us penetrate deeper into his soul. When Jesus, helped by the testimony of the Baptist, was gradually establishing His authority and was gathering disciples, some of John’s followers felt piqued. “They came to John and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou gavest testimony: behold, he baptiseth (probably not Jesus Himself, but some of His disciples) and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man cannot receive anything unless it be give to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom’s voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled” (John 3: 26-29). According to Jewish usage the friend of the bridegroom had the duty of preparing everything for the wedding feast; but as soon as the bridegrrom appeared, the friend disappeared, rejoicing over the bridegroom’s happiness. We may regard this pleasing feature as a reflection, cast on the austere countenance of the Baptist by “the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour” (Tit. 3:4) which here begins to manifest itself.

III. “He Must Increase: But I Must Decrease”

With these words John concluded his testimony, “He must increase: but I must decrease.” We feel how these words spring from the very depths of his heart. We know what a tragic fate is in store for him; to please the whims of a dancing girl, a voluptuous tyrant will have John’s head cut off in a dark dungeon. Was it thus that he had to decrease, to disappear utterly from before the eyes of the people and of his own disciples, in order that he might help Jesus to increase and to enjoy greater freedom of action? … Fod is wonderful in His Saints, and in the dispositions of His Providence. Many a time here on earth we see the vilest passions triumph over the noblest and fairest virtue: but “the just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus” (Ps. 91:13).

Prayer: O God, who hast made this, the birthday of Blessed John, a day well worthy of our honour: grant unto Thy people the grace of spiritual joy, and direct the minds of all the faithful into the way of everlasting salvation. Through our Lord (Collect, Mass of today).

Faith of Our Fathers: (Beautiful hymn, we sang today at Mass :))

(via the Blue Traditional Roman Hymnal published by the SSPX, page 214)

Faith of our Fathers I

1. Faith of Our Fathers, living still,

In spite of dungeon fire and sword;

O how our hearts beat high with joy

When e'er we hear that glorious word!

Faith of Our Fathers, Holy Faith! We will be true to thee till death!

2. Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,

Were still in heart and conscience free;

How sweet would be their children's fate,

If they like them could die for thee!

3. Faith of our Fathers, Mary's pray'rs

Shall bring our country close to thee;

And through the truth that comes from God

This land shall then indeed be free.

4. Faith of our Fathers, We will love

Both friend and foe in all our strife;

And preach thee too,

as love knows how,

By kindly words and virtuous life.

Jesus, Mary, I love Thee: Save Souls!

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)