Saintly bands...

So I was thinking,... what if the saints had modern bands? What might they be called?

Iggy and the Jesuits
Francis and the Animals
Paul in Chains
Upside Down Crosses
Catherine's Wheel
Puddle of Lourdes

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7 Quick Takes 29July

1. I saw an article this morning that archaeologists in Turkey have found what they believe is St Phillip the Apostle's tomb. I already posted on it, but I wanted to mention it again here. I hope it turns out to be true.
2. I've started seeing ads for the next episode of Doctor Who and it looks amazing! I can't wait to see it in late August!
3. I'm thinking about a vacation. I'm thinking either northern Minnesota or Vicksburg. Why one of those two random places? There both on my list of places to visit someday.
4. I really like this image. I have always liked the Eucharistic symbolism of the bird cutting itself open with its beak, sacrificing itself so it's children may eat and live.

5. I've also thought that it would make for a great new tattoo.
6.Please pray for Father Ly's release. He's still imprisoned by the Communist goverment of Vietnam.
7. "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20

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St Phillip's Tomb Found in Turkey

DENIZLI, Turkey (EWTN News) — An archaeological team working in southwest Turkey says it has uncovered the tomb of St. Philip the Apostle.

Italian professor Francesco D’Andria, head of the excavation team at the ancient city of Hierapolis in the province of Denizli, told reporters on July 26 that experts had reached the apostle’s tomb.

Archaeologists had been working for years to find the tomb, he said. They reached the monument while working on the ruins of a newly unearthed church in Hierapolis, the Turkish news agency Anadolu reports. The city of Hierapolis, whose name means “sacred city,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its historical hot springs and was used as a spa since the second century. It features a mixture of pagan, Roman, Jewish and early Christian influences.

The structure of the tomb and the writings on it prove that it belonged to St. Philip the Apostle, D’Andria said. He characterized the discovery as a major development both for archaeology and the Christian world.

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/st.-philips-tomb-found/#ixzz1TU6DBYrL

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Saints and Scripture 144

Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war;

My safe guard and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust, who subdues peoples under me

Psalm 144:1-2

We all have our own internal battles and the spiritual war rages within and all around us. Fortunately, the Lord of Hosts provides grace, especially through the Sacraments and Mass or the Divine Liturgy (for Eastern Catholics/Orthodox).
St Michael the Archangel is the poster angel for spiritual warfare. After all, in Revelation we see that he was the leader of those angels loyal to the Almighty. He is the one depicted with Satan underfoot about to stab him. His name means "Who is like God?", a stern rebuke to the pride of Satan and his followers.

This week's Saints and Scripture over at The Kennedy Adventure

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Great quote on the Arab Spring

Muslims want the benefits of Christendom without the Christianity of Christendmom.
--Abu Daoud

h/t to Islam and Christianity

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Clouds

Just as the sun's rays are sometimes hidden from the earth by thick cloud, so for a while a person may be deprived of spiritual comfort and of grace's brightness. This is caused by the cloud of the passions. Then, all of a sudden, without that person being aware, it is all given back. Just as the surface of the earth rejoices at the rays of the sun when they break through the clouds, so the words of prayer are able to break through to drive the thick cloud of the passions away from the soul.

St. Isaac the Syrian

hat tip to Word from the Desert

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Memorial Day

This is a video of a friend of mine singing God Bless America.

Long may He bless these United States and continue to give His guidance!

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I found this while wandering around the web. I came across a blog called Ramblings of a Byzantine Catholic. I like the video of various scenes in Byzantine Church life and the singer repeating a common Byzantine prayer called the Jesus Prayer.




H/T to Ramblings of a Byzantine Catholic

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Happy Easter!

Christos anesti! Christ is Risen!

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Saints and Scripture Welcome

‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;--Matthew 25:35 (emphasis mine)

The above quote is from the parable of the sheep and rams in Matthew 25. Everyone remembers that Christ calls on all of us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty and visit the imprisoned, but how many of us remember that He also calls on us to welcome strangers?
Yet, welcoming others, especially strangers, is an important Christian trait. If not because Jesus said so in Matthew, then because the theme of hospitality and welcoming strangers occurs again and again. In Genesis there is the example of the Hospitality of Abraham. Later, in Hebrews, there is teaching:
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

St Benedict of Nursia understood this when he wrote his Rule which is still used today by the Benedictines and Cistercians. In it he wrote:
"All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, who said: 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me'."
-- Rule of St Benedict 53

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Coals of fire on his head

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.--Romans 12:20
I read a great homily on the above passage at Logismoi. He takes the passage and tells you to look at it from the perspective of Christ's Earthly Ministry. He gave us His Body and Blood for our hunger and thirst. This was meant not as a revenge, but a loving offering that our souls would be overcome with His love. The "coals of fire on his head" are meant not as vengeance (vengeance is the Lord's) but rather to stir the soul to repentance and love. In much the same way that Christ's selfless torment on the cross (the word excruciating comes from Latin meaning "of the cross") has brought many souls to repentance.
Please read the homily I linked to above. He says it more eloquently and goes into more detail.

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Catholic Band: Theandric

Continuing with my Catholic Metal theme as of late (I, II and III), here is a song by the band Theandric called Veni Creator Spiritus:



Lyrics:
In the beginning the earth was a formless void
And darkness covered the face of the deep
The Spirit of God hovered over the waters
(before the serpent's crawl and creep)

Veni Sancte Spiritus
fill the hearts of thy faithful
Veni Sancte Spiritus
inside of them thy holy flame ignite

As the prophets foretold, in the fullness of time
An angel of God descended to earth
"Be not afraid, Highly Favored One!
This is no accident of birth"

Veni Sancte Spiritus
and they shall be created
Veni Sancte Spiritus
thou shalt renew the face of the earth

VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS
MENTES TUORUM VISITA
IMPLE SUPERNA GRATIA
QUAE TU CREASTI PECTORA

A voice crying out in the wilderness
"Prepare the way of the Chosen One"
Spirit descending - a heavenly advice
"This is My Beloved Son"

When the hour had come
for Jesus to pass from this world
The right hand of God would be His throne
He said to the Twelve in the upper room
"I will not leave you alone"

"I will send another Advocate
Who will lead you to all Truth.
If you doubt His boundless Mercy
My Cross shall be the greatest proof"

DEO PATRI SIT GLORIA
ET FILIO, QUI A MORTUIS
SURREXIT, AC PARACLITO
IN SAECULORUM SAECULA
AMEN

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Love and Knowledge

"Love is inseparable from knowledge."
-- St Marcarius

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A thru Z saints

I saw a challenge on Catholicism for Everyone to come up with a list of Saints for every letter of the alphabet. So here is my attempt:

Anthony of the Desert
Benedict of Nursia
Cyril
Diogenes
E
Francis of Assissi
George
H
Ignatios of Antioch
John Climacus
Kevin
Lawrence
Maximillian Kolbe
Nino
Otranto Martyrs
Peter
Q
Robert Bellarmine
Stephen the Protmartyr
Thomas the Apostle
Ursula
Veronica
William of Norwich
Xavier
Yves
Z

That's all I can get without Google's help.
With Google's help I also can put:
Elmo
Helena
Quentin
Zachary

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Gospel of St Luke and the Deuterocanon

Luke 1:42 - Elizabeth's declaration of Mary's blessedness above all women follows Uzziah's declaration in Judith 13:18.
And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Luke 1:42	And Ozias the prince of the people of Israel, said to her: Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Judith 13:18
Luke 1:52 - Mary's magnificat addressing the mighty falling from their thrones and replaced by lowly follows Sirach 10:14.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. Luke 1:52	The thrones of the arrogant God overturns and establishes the lowly in their stead. Sirach 10:14
Luke 2:29 - Simeon's declaration that he is ready to die after seeing the Child Jesus follows Tobit 11:9.
Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Luke 2:29	Then Anna ran up to her son, threw her arms around him, and said to him, "Now that I have seen you again, son, I am ready to die!" And she sobbed aloud. Tobit 11:9
Luke 13:29 - the Lord's description of men coming from east and west to rejoice in God follows Baruch 4:37.
And there shall come from the east and the west, and the north and the south; and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. Luke 13:29	For behold thy children come, whom thou sentest away scattered, they come gathered together from the east even to the west, at the word of the Holy One rejoicing for the honour of God. Baruch 4:37
Luke 21:24 - Jesus' usage of "fall by the edge of the sword" follows Sirach 28:18.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword; and shall be led away captives into all nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles; till the times of the nations be fulfilled. Luke 21:24	Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not as many as by the tongue. Sirach 28:18
Luke 24:4 and Acts 1:10 - Luke's description of the two men in dazzling apparel reminds us of 2 Macc. 3:26.
And it came to pass, as they were astonished in their mind at this, behold, two men stood by them, in shining apparel. Luke 24:4	Moreover there appeared two other young men beautiful and strong, bright and glorious, and in comely apparel: who stood by him, on either side, and scourged him without ceasing with many stripes. 2 Maccabees 3:26
Luke 20:29 - Gospel writers refer to the canonicity of Tobit 3:8 and 7:11 regarding the seven brothers.
There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. Luke 20:29	Because she had been given to seven husbands, and a devil named Asmodeus had killed them, at their first going in unto her. Tobit 3:8 Now when Raguel heard this he was afraid, knowing what had happened to those seven husbands, that went in unto her: and he began to fear lest it might happen to him also in like manner: and as he was in suspense, and gave no answer to his petition,... Tobit 7:11

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Saints and Scripture Great Commission

"Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19
This passage at the end of St Matthew's Gospel is well known as the Great Commission. In it we are called to share and spread the light of Christ and the Good News of His Salvation to all peoples. When we think of missionaries we normally think of the Colonial Age of Europe when Europe conquered the world and they sent missionaries to the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa. We don't normally think of the 1st Century mission work to Ethiopia, Armenia, Georgia, Persia, India, or Rome.During the Age of Exploration when Europeans finally sailed around the continent of Africa and began sailing to India, they discovered there was already a vibrant Christian community there. St Thomas, better known for his disbelief at towards the end of the Gospel of St John, had gone there a few short years after the Resurrection. He had preached there and baptized there and the Church survived his martyrdom. The Indian Church received its priests and instruction from the Syrian Christians. Even after the Muslim conquest they still kept in contact and the St Thomas Christian communities thrived and evangelized for well over a millennium before European missionaries came bearing Latin Rite Christianity. Some of the Indian Christians joined the Latin Rite, many others became Catholic as groups (Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankar Church Sui Uirisi), but many others still remain unreconciled with the Catholic Church.

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More Catholic Metal

I just discovered the Catholic Metal band "Cradle Catholic". They recite traditional Latin Prayers to an outstanding Metal sound. I love every song of theirs that I've heard.
I've posted before on my search for Christian and especially Catholic Metal. I also in the discovery of Cradle Catholic found an entire blog dedicated to the subject of Catholic Heavy Metal Bands. Apparently, there are tons of Catholic Heavy Metal bands out there I just wasn't looking in the right places.
Here are two of my favorites so far from Cradle Catholic. I especially like the first one, Anima Christi.




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7 Quick Takes 18 FEB 2011

1. The burning bush is often seen, especially in Eastern Christianity, as a prefiguring of Mary. See more.

2. Pope Benedict XVI is apparently considering a visit to Iraq to visit the Ur.

3. A closed parish in Albany is being sold to a college fraternity. I remember what went on in frat houses when I was in college and I have to say that I don't like the idea of it happening, even if it is a closed parish and no longer in use.

4. The Thomas More Law Center has appealed to the Supreme Court against the City of San Francisco for its open hostility to the Catholic Church and it's teachings. So much for the government not favoring one faith over another.

5. Someone had the time and inclination to come up with an anti-laser. I'm still wondering when there would be a need for such a thing, outside of a Sci-fi movie. I'm sure someone else with the time and inclination will come up with a practical reason.

6. I've noticed lately that's its really hard to find an old fashioned barber shop anymore. Everywhere seems to become a metrosexual beauty salon anymore.

7. "O eternal Trinity, You are a deep sea in which the more I seek the more I find, and the more I find, the more I seek to know You. You fill us insatiably, because the soul, before the abyss which You are, is always famished; and hungering for You, O eternal Trinity, it desires to behold truth in Your light. As the thirsty hart pants after the fount of living water, so does my soul long to leave this gloomy body and see You as You are, in truth." --St Catherine of Siena

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Gospel of St Mark and the Deuterocanon

Mark 4:5,16-17 - Jesus' description of seeds falling on rocky ground and having no root follows Sirach 40:15.
And other some fell upon stony ground, where it had not much earth; and it shot up immediately, because it had no depth of earth… And these likewise are they that are sown on the stony ground: who when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but are only for a time: and then when tribulation and persecution ariseth for the word they are presently scandalized. Mark 4:5, 16, 17	The offspring of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches, and make a noise as unclean roots upon the top of a rock. Sirach 40:15
Mark 9:46-48 - description of hell where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched references Judith 16:17.
And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out. It is better for thee with one eye to enter into the kingdom of God, than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished. For every one shall be salted with fire: and every victim shall be salted with salt. Mark 9:46-48	Woe be to the nation that riseth up against my people: for the Lord almighty will take revenge on them, in the day of judgment he will visit them. Judith 16:17
Mark 12:20-22 - Gospel writers refer to the canonicity of Tobit 3:8 and 7:11 regarding the seven brothers.
Now there were seven brethren; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no issue. And the second took her, and died: and neither did he leave any issue. And the third in like manner. And the seven all took her in like manner; and did not leave issue. Last of all the woman also died. Mark 12:20-22	Because she had been given to seven husbands, and a devil named Asmodeus had killed them, at their first going in unto her. Tobit 3:8 Now when Raguel heard this he was afraid, knowing what had happened to those seven husbands, that went in unto her: and he began to fear lest it might happen to him also in like manner: and as he was in suspense, and gave no answer to his petition,... Tobit 7:11

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7 Quick Takes 11FEB

1. The floors are being redone in our parish. So for the next little while we are celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the Coptic Church in town. Apparently they don't have a resident priest so they only celebrate their Divine Liturgy every other Saturday. I've noticed that all the icons set outdoors are in the desert. I've also noticed that St Mark (the first Patriarch of Alexandria) and the Holy Family traveling to Egypt are recurring themes in their icons.
   
2. I made a list of 100 places that I want to visit. I realized the other day that I've already been to 5 of them since I wrote the list. Only 95 more to go.
   
3. I think the next place on the list will be Vicksburg, MS. I really enjoy American history and also military history. That and its the closest of those left.
   
4. Maybe on the way over I'll stop in and see the place where EWTN is filmed.
   
5. I'm still debating on whether or not to change my rite of ascription and become a Melkite Catholic. I have fallen in love with the Divine Liturgy and Eastern Christian Spirituality, but I wonder sometimes if I am too impulsive.
   
6. Everything looks good to own a house later this month!
   
7. I am thinking about taking a vacation in May to Minnesota. Its kinda random, but I want to see Lake Itasca, the source of the Mississippi. Its #86 on my 100 places list.

Be sure to check out this week's 7 Quick Takes at Conversion Diary

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