The Churching of Women: Victoria Ordinariate (Saint John Henry Newman)

-
Reception in the narthex of the church: mother kneeling with son.

The Churching of Women (benedictio mulieris post partum), i.e., the blessing of one woman with her brand new baby boy (who is less than a week old!), on Monday, February 17th, the memorial of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church.

Celebrating Motherhood!

The brief and beautiful ceremony, of 15 minutes or so that involved family and friends gathered before God, was a first for this blogger.
Churching is the woman's way of giving thanks to God for the birth of her child, and predisposes her, through the priestly blessing that is a part of the ritual, to receive the graces necessary to raise her child in a manner pleasing to God.
Congratulations to the happy parents, Fr. Kenyon and wife Elizabeth, on the arrival of their second son!


Saints Sebastian and Edward: pray for him.

Procession to the Sanctuary

At the Gate: sprinkled with holy water.

The eldest son serving; Father Kenyon officiating.

Mum with five of her six children and grandparents.

Comments

Post a Comment

Your comments will be appreciated and posted if 1) they are on topic and 2) preserve decorum.

Stand by your word.

Popular Posts

Novus Weirdo | Atrocious Acts Of Turning God's Temple Into A Circus.

-
Image
A whale of a time? Well, what do you know? The Ordinary Form of the Mass is under attack once more. By now, word has probably spread far and wide about recent unusual acts, to put it mildly. Sword swallowing priest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkLmfuuV6pA&t=75s Whale sculpture in church.  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVKcE3FCC6b/ XANTEN, Germany — Serious concern has emerged after a life-size sculpture of a dead humpback whale was placed inside Xanten Cathedral, one of the country’s historic Catholic churches. The artwork, known as the Cast Whale Project and created by Gil Shachar, now lies prominently in the nave of the cathedral. Church officials say it is meant to symbolize the “vulnerability of creation” during Lent. However, many faithful Catholics view the installation as deeply inappropriate. Critics argue that placing the image of a dead animal inside a consecrated church undermines the sacred character of the sanctuary and shifts the focus away from Christ and t...
Read more

Liturgical Stew Since Vatican Two

-
Image
Does the weakening of Catholics' testimony to Christ stem solely from the Second Vatican Council? Council teaching was susceptible to manipulation by rival groups, each keen to assert their claim to magisterial power, given that it was established during a period of revolt. Easy scapegoat. Three tales concerning Annibale Bugnini, the president of the consilium tasked with revitalizing the holy liturgy and the poster child for conspiracy theories, are frequently shared by opponents of the liturgical reform. Some versions even claim that Paul VI was a Freemason or that an impostor took his place. Archbishop Bugnini was a Freemason who attempted to deceive Pope St. Paul VI and compromise the Liturgy. In order to appease Protestants, Bugnini purportedly changed the Catholic liturgy by deleting aspects that were essential to Catholic identity. This assertion is sometimes connected to a comment that Bugnini is said to have made about getting rid of everything that Protestants would find ...
Read more

Liturgy Wars No More. The Significance of Divine Worship

-
Image
Estne conflictus sola optio? Died-in-the-linen-or-polyester adherents of the Novus Ordo Missae and the Extraordinary Form, locked in a love-hate embrace—mostly hate (of the other) it seems—plug away at their respective polemics in ways that one wonders whether or not they love the very Church they claim to serve. One side brushes off the rubrical precision that supports an authentic  ars celebrandi , while the other rejects the use of the vernacular and an expanded lectionary. One side seems mired in liturgical abuses, the other preoccupied with conspiracy theories—at least, that’s how it appears if you take either set of opposing commentaries at face value. They remain in the uneasy comfort of their own stances, idly picking at a scab that only slows the healing process. Said actors seem to have missed a third way of being a Latin Rite Catholic. While many have been caught up in the pre/post-Vatican II fracas, there has appeared a missal brought together by a dedicated team assign...
Read more

Who is Brian Holdsworth? And Why You Should Watch His Videos.

-
Image
Are you thirsty for solid Catholic content? Do you seek to raise your children in a vibrant Catholic culture that helps them become faithful adults? Are your hungry for truth, goodness and beauty? Are you tired of parish programs that waste resources and do little to feed the soul? Are you seeking to learn how you can help build up the Body of Christ? Introducing Brian Holdsworth. If you haven't watched this articulate, insightful and faithful fellow share a thoroughly Catholic understanding of the Faith, then you are invited to start by watching one of his videos. Visit Mr. Holdsworth's main site at:  https://www.brianholdsworth.ca/ Brian Holdsworth, a Catholic convert, resides in Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife and seven children. His videos are rich with genuine Catholic content, revealing a deep faith. Far from being just another "influencer" or social media personality, he is a true man of God, passionately advocating for truth, goodness, and beauty within the C...
Read more

The Mandorla: Shape And Meaning

-
Image
Ever wonder what the curious pointed oval shape in religious art is called, the shape that is also used in various designs adopted by guilds and religious groups? That almond shape is called the mandorla, the Italian word for almond. The mandorla is a significant symbol in Christian art and theology, characterized by its almond shape, which is formed by the intersection of two circles. This shape has deep theological implications and is often used to represent the divine presence, particularly in relation to Christ and the Virgin Mary. Symbolic Meanings Divine Presence. The mandorla is frequently depicted as a radiant shape surrounding Christ in His glory, particularly in scenes of the Transfiguration or the Ascension. It symbolizes the divine light and glory that emanates from Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as both God and man. The use of the mandorla in art serves to highlight the sacredness of the figure it surrounds, marking a clear distinction between the divine and the eart...
Read more

Lent By Newman: A Reflection

-
Image
The Love of God Tactical retreats are necessary to attend to one's spiritual well being in the midst of the workaday world to better cooperate with God in the ongoing mission to share the Good News for the salvation of souls. Right Way The Way of Jesus is to take up one's cross and know that Jesus is wed to our lives, sharing our journey as the lover of our souls. Are we faithful to our spouse, the Lord? Asking of God the grace to enter into our wounds in order to grow closer to Christ makes a place in us for God, to grow in holiness and the love of God and neighbour. Without the mercy of God's grace, we might as well make of ourselves a hell in which we are never touched by love nor know the blessing of authentic freedom. As the saying goes: know Jesus, know peace; no Jesus, no peace. Likewise: know Jesus, know truth; etc. Saint John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church, offers wise counsel for making the most of Lenten practices. The earnest disciple would do well to take i...
Read more

ST AUGUSTINE

The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.

POPE LEO XIV

The right to freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, religious freedom, and even the right to life are being restricted in the name of other so-called new rights, with the result that the very framework of human rights is losing its vitality and creating space for force and oppression. This occurs when each right becomes self-referential, and especially when it becomes disconnected from reality, nature, and truth.

MARCUS AURELIUS

There is but one thing of real value - to cultivate truth and justice, and to live without anger in the midst of lying and unjust men.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.

MARK TWAIN

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.