St. Francis Xavier Parish and the Philadelphia Secular Oratory

03 Saturday Dec 2022

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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Secular Oratory, St. Francis Xavier, St. Philip Neri

It makes sense St. Francis Xavier Parish is home to the Secular Oratory of Philadelphia. St. Francis Xavier was canonized with St. Philip Neri on the same day in 1622. Both saints were part of the Jesuit community of Saint Ignatius Loyola and the Society of Jesus. St. Francis travelled extensively through India and Japan, implanting small Catholic communities. While traveling on his first trip to China, in 1552, he became seriously ill and died on December 3 at the age of forty-six. He was canonized in 1662 and in 1927 was named patron of foreign missions. He is also the patron saint of India. The feast day of St. Francis Xavier is December 3.

St. Francis Xavier Parish in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was founded in 1839. The church originally built in 1893-1898 extended to its present size in 1906, and rebuilt in 1908 after being damaged by a fire that started in a nearby hat factory. St. Francis Xavier Church was only the seventh Catholic Church to exist within the city. The church did not modify its old High Altar following the liturgical reforms of Vatican II in 1962.

St. Francis Xavier Parish was entrusted in 1990 to the pastoral care of the Oratorian Fathers. The Secular Oratory is a community of Catholic young adults inspired by the spirituality of Saint Philip Neri. The Oratory is a community of secular priests and brothers who live a common life, observe a daily rule of prayer and practice the gift of stability, i.e., they hope to remain in one place for life. The Congregation of the Oratory was founded by Saint Philip Neri (1515-1590) in Rome and it was officially established in 1575.

“For if you seek God in truth, and enter vigorously the path which leads to Him, you will certainly find so much delight proceed from His service, as will easily mitigate and soften whatever sharpness or bitterness there is in conquering yourself.” St. Francis Xavier

“It is not the actual physical exertion that counts toward a man’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken.” St. Francis Xavier

Side by side, St. Philip and St. Francis say goodbye.

Padre Pio’s Connection with Pope Francis and Pennsylvania

23 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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bilocation, capuchin franciscan, miracles, mystic, Our Lady of Grace Chapel, Padre Pio, Padre Pio Spiritual Center, Pio of Pietrelcina, Pope Francis, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Museum, saints, The National Centre for Padre Pio

Barto, Pennsylvania. Campus of The National Centre for Padre Pio. San Giovanni Rotondo replica on right.

Padre Pio was famous for bilocation. He appeared in others dreams, by voice, by his presence, fragrance and bilocating in physical form. Near Barto, Pennsylvania, Padre Pio bilocated into Vera Calandra’s life, asking her to come to Italy quickly (he was to die several months later) and see him, as her daughter’s health was deteriorating. It was 1968 and doctors had surgically removed the child’s bladder, but after seeing Padre Pio in Rome, the child miraculously received a new bladder.

This became another of the known miracles attributed to Padre Pio, but not the miracle used for beatification or canonization. Later in life, Ms. Calandra went on to build The National Center for Padre Pio in Barto Pennsylvania, a true devotion to the saint.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the original Holy Family at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, PA.

Pope Francis and President Biden

The Connection: Pope Francis, St. Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio.

Although a Jesuit, Pope Francis has a strong devotion to St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, as evident by taking the saints name.

Pope Francis has visited and prayed at the site of the original San Damiano Cross in Santa Chiarra (St.Clare) Church in Assisi, Italy.

Padre Pio, a Capuchin Franciscan is intimately familiar with St. Francis, and like Pope Francis, has also prayed at the San Damiano Cross.

Here is the San Damiano Cross (in Barto, PA) that St. Francis of Assisi was praying, when asked by God to rebuild the Church. This Cross and St. Francis of Assisi is another connection between Pope Francis and Padre Pio. See the symbolism of the San Damiano Cross.

Pope Francis visited the USA and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, roughly 50 miles from the National Centre of Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania, where the miracle that made Padre Pio a saint originated.

Pope Francis will have the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016, to highlight the Catholic Church’s “mission to be a witness of mercy.” Jubilee for Padre Pio’s Prayer Group will take place Feb. 13, 2016, as the body of Padre Pio will be exposed in St. Peter’s Basilica Feb. 8-14, at Pope Francis’ request.

Painting in Our Lady of Grace Chapel, Barto PA.

Padre Pio celebrated his final Mass the day before he died, on September 22, 1968. He is and will always remain a Capuchin Franciscan. Like St. Francis, Padre Pio was a stigmatic, he had on his hands, feet and side the wounds of Christ, starting in 1910 and ending a few months before his death. He performed thousands of miracles and could read the hearts of those who went to his confessional. Padre Pio’s feast day is September 23.

A replica of Padre Pio’s residence in Italy. A humble life. From the Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Museum, Barto, PA.

Padre Pio’s strong devotion and love to the Blessed Virgin Mary during his lifetime and continues in Heaven.

“No matter how great the trial…never lose heart. Have recourse, with more childlike trust, to Jesus who will never be able to resist bestowing on you some little solace and comfort.” Padre Pio’s Words of Hope

Painting of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Padre Pio Spiritual Center.

On June 25, 1950, Padre Pio was seen attending to the death of a fellow monk in Milwaukee. When asked about it he said, “If Christ multiplied the loaves and fishes, why cannot he multiply me?”

Replica of San Giovanni Rotondo at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto PA, about 50 miles from Philadelphia Pa.

“Go Ahead! Courage! In the spiritual life, one who does not go forward goes backward.” – Padre Pio

Padre Pio met Pope John Paul II before he was pope in 1947 and prophesied his rise to Pope after hearing his confession.

Church at The National Center of Padre Pio. On right side of altar is Padre Pio. Due to Church infighting, no Mass is offered on the premises. They do have rosary prayers and Stations of the Cross.

Replica of Our Lady of Grace Chapel that Padre Pio prayed in each day. It is modeled after a 16th Century Capuchin Franciscan Friary Chapel.

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” – Padre Pio

“Hands of Padre Pio”, stained glass, National Centre of Padre Pio.

Have courage and do not fear the assaults of the Devil. Remember this forever; it is a healthy sign if the devil shouts and roars around your conscience, since this shows that he is not inside your will.

He’s with us now.

Padre Pio:

If the people of the world could only see the beauty of ones soul when it is in the grace of God, all sinners and unbelievers of this world would be instantly converted.

Padre Pio, Mystic

23 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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capuchin franciscan, mystic, Padre Pio, saints

Padre Pio was famous for bilocation. In Barto Pennsylvania, Padre Pio bilocated into Vera Calandra’s life, asking here to come to Itlay and see him, as her daughter’s health was deteriorating. This would become a miracle in the beatification of Padre Pio. Ms. Calandra would then build The National Center for Padre Pio in Barto Pennsylvania, a true devotion to the saint.

On June 25, 1950, Padre Pio was seen attending to the death of a fellow monk in Milwaukee. When asked about it he said, “If Christ multiplied the loaves and fishes, why cannot he multiply me?”

Replica of San Giovanni Rotondo at The National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto PA, about 40 miles from Philadelphia Pa.

Padre Pio met Pope John Paul II before he was pope in 1947 and prophesied his rise to Pope after hearing his confession.

Church at The National Center of Padre Pio. Pio is on right side of altar. Due to Church infighting, no Mass is offered on the premises, sad but true.

Relpica of chapel Padre Pio prayed in each day.
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” – Padre Pio

“Through the study of books one seeks God, by meditation one find him.” – Padre Pio

He’s with us now.

“If the people of the World could only see the beauty of ones soul when it is in the grace of God, all sinners and unbelievers of this world would be instantly converted.”

St. Philomena, The Daughter of Light

20 Tuesday Sep 2022

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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catacombs, saints, St. John Baptist Vianney, St. John Neumann, St. Philomena

St. Philomena in Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church  Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. In May, 1802, the relics of St. Philomena were discovered in Italy.

Tomb of St. Philomena in the Sanctuary in Mugnano del Cardinale, Avellino, Italy.

The catacombs of Priscilla: the Greek Chapel near the body of Philomena. St. Philomena was a second century girl whose remains were discovered in an ancient catacomb in Rome.

The glass vase, containing a vile of her dried blood, which was found inside the tomb of Saint Philomena, also with bone relics. What would a DNA sample reveal today?

The three tiles on the tomb: LUMENA / PAX TE / CUM FI.

In Latin the tomb read, “Pax tecum, Filumena”, which translates “Peace be with you, Philomena”.

Several years later Philomenia’s remains were enshrined in a village in Mugano, Italy and there begins the interventions and unusual events surrounding this girl of fourteen or fifteen. So great were here intersessions and miracles, that many religious and lay people began following her spirit. One such admirer who experienced “a burning in my heart” for Philomena, was St. John Baptist Vianney (Cure d’Ars) as explained here.

Painting of Philomena at Saint Philomena Roman Catholic Church  in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia).

She was made a saint in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI. She is the only person recognized as a saint based solely on her intersessions, since little is know of her otherwise. On the spirituality side, Philomena revealed her story to Mother Maria Luisa di Gesu, Foundress of the Oblates of Our Lady of Sorrows on August 3, 1833. Here is what St. Philomena said to Mother Maria Luisa di Gesu of her background.

“Dear Sister, August the tenth was the day of my rest, my triumph, my birth into Heaven, my entering into the possession of such eternal goods as the human mind cannot possibly imagine. That is why my Heavenly Spouse disposed, by His most high decrees that my coming to Mugnano should be on the day which had seen my coming to Heaven! He prepared so many circumstances which should make my arrival at Mugnano glorious and triumphant; giving joy to all the people, even though the priest who brought me had absolutely decided that my translation should take place on the fifth of the month very quietly in his own house. My omnipotent Spouse impeded him with so many obstacles that the priest, although he did all he could to carry out his plan, could not do so. And so it came about that the said translation was made on the tenth, the day of my feast in Heaven.” – Mother Maria Luisa di Gesu

Exterior of St. Philomena Church in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The church was dedicated on May 27, 1900 in honor of the Saint.

St. John Neumann while bishop of Philadelphia, was a true promoter of St. Philomena. He said of Philomena, “to whom God denies nothing for whoever invokes her.”

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini carried a small statue of Philomena on her numerous journeys. The Blessed Pius IX (1792-1878) also had a deep and sincere devotion to St. Philomena.

The side shrine of St. Philomena, with a first class relic below, brought from the Shrine in Mugnano del Cardinale, near Naples, Italy.
All of Philomena’s miracles are explained here.

Philomena up close.

St. Padre Pio called Philomena the “Princess of Heaven”. Padre Pio used to reply to those who doubted the existence of the Saint: “for the love of God! It might well be that her name is not Philomena, but this Saint has performed many miracles and it is not the name that did them.”

Closeup of the first class relic at St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“My children, St. Philomena has great power with God. Her virginity and generosity in embracing heroic martyrdom has rendered her so agreeable to God that He will never refuse anything that she asks for us.” by St. John Vianney, the Curé d’Ars.

Aura of Saints Peter and Paul on their Feast Day at the Cathedral Basilica

29 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, Cathedral Basillica of St. Peter and Paul, St. Paul, St. Peter, World Meeting of Families

Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? – Psalm 71:19

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones”. – Matthew 11:25

It’s the Solemnity of Peter and Paul, June 29th, a feast day of the highest magnitude at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Saint Peter.

From marble mosaic on the Sanctuary wall at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia PA. In the background is Saint Peter’s Basilica, a major basilica in Vatican City, Rome.

You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. – Matthew 16:18

And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Luke 9:20

Saint Paul.

From marble mosaic on the Sanctuary wall at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia PA. In the background is Outside-the-Walls Basilica, a major basilica in Rome.

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. – Galatians 1:12

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.

Inside the great dome, at the center, is Mary ascending into Heaven. Around Mary are panel paintings called the “Angels of The Passion. Within each group of angels is an emblem of the Passion; the cross, crown of thorns; twelve in total. The stained glass windows, detail is not shown, are of Blessed Mary holding the Child Jesus, with Saint Peter and Saint Paul on each side. The remaining stained glass windows are Doctors of the Church, including friends of ShrineTower; St. Augustine and St. Basil. The four pillars of the great dome are the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (cont’d).

Closer view of the great dome of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. Several of the “Angels of The Passion” panel paintings can be seen.

Mary Mother of God is the patroness of the United States of America.

Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the patron of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Umbralino. (Italian for “umbrella”)

The umbralino in the Sanctuary next to the Cathedra or Bishop’s chair. Whenever a Pope visits a basilica, its umbralino is opened. It was last opened on Pope Francis’s visit to Philadelphia in September, 2015.

The Tintinnabulum.

A small gold bell is hanging below an enamel plate with a picture of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. On the other side of the plate is a picture of the Cathedral Basilica. At the top of the tintinnabulum is the papal tiara and Keys of Heaven. If Pope Francis were to celebrate the Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral Basilica, the tintinnabulum would be used to lead the procession down the Basilica’s main aisle.

Ciborium – View Looking Up.

In the center of the underside of the ciborium is the Holy Spirit symbolized as a dove. The mosaic carries in Latin an inscription which translates: “In every place there is offered and sacrificed in My Name a clean oblation.” From Malachias 1:11.

Story of St. Paul follows from a stained glass window in the apse:

Paul’s Conversion

As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” – Acts 9:3-4

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. – Acts 26:15-16

Paul Preaching to the Athenians (Pagens in Greece).

Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.” Acts 17:22-23

Paul was beheaded in Rome.

“These are the ones, who living in the flesh, planted the Church with their blood; they drank the chalice of the Lord, and became friends with God.” Entrance Antiphon, Feast Day Mass.

Saint Paul at the front entrance to the Basilica Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

In Archbishop Chaput’s sermon on the Feast day Mass of June 29th at the Basilica, he said most people think of Paul’s symbol, the sword, for his martyrdom, since he was beheaded by the Romans. It really is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God where the sword penetrates our heart.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:17

Story of St. Peter follows from a stained glass window in the apse:

Jesus Giving Peter the Keys to Heaven.

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16:19

Peter Being Called by Jesus.

And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

Peter’s crucification.

Peter was crucified upside down, at his request, according to Origen of Alexandria.

Saint Peter at the front entrance to the Basilica Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Peters symbol are keys, which represent Jesus’ saying, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

Peter in chains teaching the other prisoners.

On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.- Acts 12:6-7

Successor to St. Peter: Pope Francis.

Pope Francis at Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Photo credit – VaticanRadio.com

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Building community.

St. Peter.

Aura of St. Peter

Aura of St. Paul

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. – St. Paul 2 Timothy 4:7

Drawn to the Altar: The Extraordinary Form Mass – Observations (Guest Post)

05 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines

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Communion, Extraordinary Form Mass, Latin Mass, Most Blessed Sacrament, Ordinary Form Mass

Recently, we had the Extraordinary Form Mass, the traditional Latin Mass, celebrated here at Most Blessed Sacrament parish where I am the pastor. While both forms of the Mass are the same in what essentially happens, therefore one is not greater than the other, there is a difference in how it happens.

Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Bally, Pennsylvania. Founded 1741

Delving into the Mass

From the traditional Latin Mass we can learn much about the nature of the Mass that can help us appreciate what the Mass is when offered in the Ordinary Form. Here are some of the things I observed during the Latin Mass. The first is that the priest leads the people as both face east in prayer. Our parish plans to look at that in future reflections.

Extraordinary Form Mass or Latin Mass. Photo: Church of St-Michel, Fribourg CH

Another thing I noticed is there are more moments of silence. The priest says many of the prayers in a low voice or even inaudibly. The faithful’s participation is more interior than exterior. To participate the faithful need to know what is happening during the Mass. We can certainly apply this to the Ordinary Form Mass as well. Even though most of the prayers are spoken out loud, how much the better will be the faithful’s participation if aware of the meaning of all the signs and gestures and of the words that are spoken.

Drawn to the Altar

I also observed a greater closeness of the priest with the altar in the Latin Mass. The altar is a symbol of the Lord Himself. As I celebrate the Mass I feel a special closeness with the Altar and this has continued to grow over time. It is hard to express in words, but as a priest I feel drawn to the altar. You may notice that at the Mass in the Ordinary Form, the priest reverences the altar by kissing it at the beginning and end of Mass and also we bow to the altar during the Mass. We may also incense the altar. In the Extraordinary Form, the priest also leans on the altar while saying the words of consecration. It is reminiscent of St. John leaning on the chest of Our Lord during the Last Supper. It is a beautiful symbol of the closeness with the Lord in that moment.

“The Last Supper” ceiling painting at Most Blessed Sacrament Church

There is also something beautiful about ascending the three steps up to the altar. In the Scriptures God is so often met on a mountain. The crucifixion was on the Hill of Calvary. The priest going up to the altar of God, reminds us he is going to meet God and offer sacrifice for us.

Communion: The High Point of the Mass

One of the most notable differences between the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms is the rite of Communion. Communion is the high point of the Mass and the Extraordinary Form really emphasizes the sacredness of this moment. Each communicant comes forward and kneels (if physically able) and the priest and assisting server comes to each one. The server places the patten under the communicant’s chin and the priest makes the sign of the cross over the communicant with the Sacred Host and says, in Latin,

May the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul for life everlasting. Amen.

The priest then places the Sacred Host on the communicant’s tongue. How beautiful and truly moving is this manner of receiving Holy Communion! Sadly, I believe, the Ordinary Form, with its communion line, quick prayer, and option to receive in the hand fails to help the faithful grow in devotion to and belief in the real presence of Christ and also fails to express that this is the high point of the Mass. While I believe someday we will return to the Communion Rite of the Extraordinary Form, there are a few things we can do in the Ordinary Form right now to help make this better. We can slow down and take our time receiving Holy Communion. We can make a good and deliberate act of reverence to the Blessed Sacrament. We can make an act of faith before receiving and pray after Mass a prayer of thanksgiving. We’ll look more closely at this in future reflections as well.

The Lamb of God insignia in front of Altar, Most Blessed Sacrament Church

Overall I hope the experience of the Extraordinary Form Mass in our parish will help us to understand and appreciate the Mass more and lead to a deeper love for this, the Lord’s greatest gift to us and our most fitting act of worship. – Peace, Father Adam

Altar, Most Blessed Sacrament Church

Guest Post: This is a guest post by Father Adam Sedar, pastor at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Bally, Pennsylvania. The text is from a recent bulletin article Father Adam created for his parishioners and agreed to share on this blog. Father Adam’s insights into the Mass are timely especially with increased interest in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass.

Photo Credits: Most Blessed Sacrament Church photos by ShrineTower
Extraordinary Form Mass at Church of St. – Michel photo; by Saint – Michel College, Fribourg, Switzerland

St. Thomas of Villanova: Augustinian, Educator and Carer of the Poor

11 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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Augustinian, saints, Thomas of Villanova, Villanova University

St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the campus of Villanova University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

St. Thomas of Villanova:

Charity is not just giving, rather removing the need of those who receive charity and liberating them from it when possible.

St. Thomas of Villanova, an Archbishop, educator and carer of the poor. The patron saint of Villanova University, shown in the plaza in front of St. Thomas of Villanova Monastary. He lived from 1488-1555. His feast day is September 22nd.

Details depicts Thomas dressed as a bishop with crozier and mitre, giving alms to poor children.

If you want God to hear your prayers, hear the voice of the poor. If you wish God to anticipate your wants, provide those of the needy without waiting for them to ask you. Especially anticipate the needs of those who are ashamed to beg. To make them ask for alms is to make them buy it.” – St. Thomas of Villanova

St. Thomas attended Arts and Theology at the University of Alcala de Henares and eventually became a university professor. He decided to leave the university setting and entered an Augustinian monastery.

Later in life St. Thomas received mystical encounters with God, having ecstatic visions during Mass. He sucumbed a heart condition in 1555 at the end of Mass. He is said to have died on the floor rather than in his bed, which he insisted on offering to a poor man who had come to his house.

He was a great preacher and Emperor Charles V, upon hearing him preach, exclaimed, “This monsignor can move even the stones!”

He also had a great devotion to the Virgin Mary, whose heart he compared to the burning bush that is never consumed. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII on November 1, 1658.

Villanova University’s crest reflects the school’s Catholic roots and symbolically commemorates the seal of St. Augustine, whose order founded Villanova in 1842.

Seven key elements are represented:

1. Motto: Villanova’s motto, “Veritas (truth), Unitas (unity), Caritas (charity)” is highlighted on the crest, with each term enclosed in a rectangular box.

2. Book: A large book in the center of the crest represents St. Augustine’s commitment to learning as well as his study of Scripture when making his famous conversion to Christianity.

3. Cincture: On top of the book, a cincture or cord with tassels depicts part of the clothing worn by friars in the Order of St. Augustine.

4. Flaming Heart: St. Augustine’s quest to know God meant that he needed to pursue his goal with all his heart. The flaming heart also characterizes Augustine’s commitment to love one’s neighbor.

5. Crosier: The crosier, or staff, on the Villanova crest marks St. Augustine’s role in the church as the Bishop of Hippo.

6. Crosses and Laurel Wreath: Crosses, a symbol of Christ’s death and resurrection, show the importance of St. Augustine’s conversion. The laurel wreath marks his victory through learning and knowledge.

7. Fide of the University: On the official university seal, the outer rim states in Latin “Villanova University in the State of Pennsylvania.”

The Bible tells us that the poor, the downtrodden, the oppressed, the needy, and the hungry and thirsty were the Lord’s favorites.Why, then, should they not be our favorites as well?” – St. Thomas of Villanova

St. Augustine statue with his own heart set on fire with the love for Christ. The friars of his religious order founded Villanova University, where they administer today.

Another Augustinian, St. Rita of Cascia, shown here at one of the courtyards in the St. Augustine Center for Liberal Arts at Villanova University.

This door is always open as St. Thomas of Villanova would want it.

Basil’s Family at the Basilian Spirituality Center

16 Monday Jun 2014

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Basilian Spirituality Center, Holy Trinity Chapel, Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, St. Basil

Basilian Spirituality Center.

Located in Fox Chase Manor, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, the Basilian Spirituality Center is part of the Eastern Byzantine Ukrainian Catholic Church, under the umbrella of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

The Basilian Family at the Basilian Spirituality Center.

Icons play a significant role in the Eastern Byzantine rite.

The “Basilian Family” icon, located on a wall within the retreat center is especially core to the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great. Central in the Basilian Family is Mary, her arms outstretched and the name of her Son, “IXC”, radiating from her body. In Eastern Byzantine rite this is called The Theotokos, Mary Mother of God. Macrina The Elder is to the right of Mary, to whom St. Basil attributed much of his spiritual formation. She is dressed in green, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, a woman of spiritual gifts and the wisdom of God. To the right of Macrina the Elder is St. Gregory of Nyssa, brother of St. Basil, holding the gospels as a symbol of his preaching abilities and is dressed in the ecclesiastical garb of a Bishop. To the left of The Theotokos is Macrina the Younger, Basil’s sister, in monastic garb as a foundress of the community of Neocaesarea and next to her is St. Basil also dressed as a Bishop carrying the gospel.

Song of Songs poem.

Inscribed above the wall of the Basilan Family, is the love poem from Song of Songs v8:6-7
“Set me as a seal on your heart, for love is as strong as death, its flames are flames of fire, many waters cannot quench love.”

Holy Trinity Chapel. The Solemnity of the Holy Trinity was celebrated here on June 15th.

The Byzantine rite is one of several Eastern rites recognized in full communion with the Bishop of Rome; Pope Francis. Its origin can be traced to the ancient city of Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul), renamed Constantinople when the emperor Constantine relocated his capital city there from Rome in A.D. 330.

The Theotokos.

On the rear wall of the Holy Trinity Chapel, the Chapel of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great, is the “Theotokos” icon, meaning “God Bearer” or ‘Mother of God’. Mary is the Theotokos, the one who gave birth to God. This was the Council of Ephesus (in 431) and the Council of Nicea’s definition of Mary since Jesus was true God and true Man, so Mary could be called “Mother of God”. It appeared in the Archbasilicas of Rome, built by Constantine in one of the first churches ever built.

Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane

The Eastern Ukrainian Byzantine Church has 5.5 million followers. Typically the sanctuary is separated from the congregation by an iconostasis, a screen covered with icons. Leavened bread is used for the consecration of the body of Christ in the liturgy (not called the “Mass” in Eastern rites), which is either the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom or that of St. Basil the Great. Communion is received under both kinds and administered by the priest using a spoon to the faithful.

The Pantocrator.

Located on the ceiling in the nave of the Chapel is the Pantocrator Icon, “Ruler of All”, Christ blessing his people. The Pantocrator is present in most Eastern Byzantine churches along with the Theotokos described earlier.

Byzantine Catholics operate under a different code of canon law. They also celebrate a somewhat different liturgical year with some unique feasts and saints. Latin-rite Catholics can attend a Byzantine liturgy to fulfill their obligation to attend Mass.

Two at the Tomb icon.

Pysanky eggs photo on display at the Basilian Spirituality Center.

Entrance to the Basilian Spirituality Center complex.

Creating an icon.

Each year an icon presentation and icon writing workshops are held at the Basilian Spirituality Center in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. This year (2014), famed iconographer Rev. Damian Higgins conducted the icon workshop. Rev Damien is from the Holy Transfiguration Monastery also known as Mt. Tabor Monastery in Redwood Valley, California.

One of the all time famous icons every created, “The Holy Trinity” by Russian iconographer Andrei Rublev (1360-1370).

Symbolism in the three spires on Holy Trinity Sunday.

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”
St. Basil the Great

St. Thomas of Villanova: The Man, The Church, The University

22 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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saints, Thomas of Villanova, Villanova University

Details depicts Thomas dressed as a bishop with crozier and mitre, giving alms to poor children.

St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the campus of Villanova University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He was a great preacher and Emperor Charles V, upon hearing him preach, exclaimed, “This monsignor can move even the stones!” He also had a great devotion to the Virgin Mary, whose heart he compared to the burning bush that is never consumed. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII on November 1, 1658. His feast day is celebrated on September 22.

St. Augustine’s Philadelphia Storyboard

28 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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Augustinian religious order, Philadelphia, St. Augustine, St. Rita

A Bishop and Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine continues to wield influence.

St. Augustine R.C. Church is a historic shrine in downtown Philadelphia Pennsylvania. It was established in 1796 by the Irish Friars of the Order of St. Augustine and is the fourth oldest church in Philadelphia. The Augustine Academy founded in 1811 became Villanova University, the oldest Catholic school in Pennsylvania.

Thomas of Villanova, an Augustinian in the entrance to St. Augustine Church. Villanova University is currently staffed by and operated by Augustinians.

It has been said that Augustine wrote over 100 books and 5,000,000,000 words, inspiring many theologians of his time and our time. He is one of the four Great Fathers of the Latin Church.

“In the midst of the Church he opened his mouth, / and the Lord filled him / with the spirit of wisdom and understanding / and clothed him in a robe of glory.”
Entrance Antiphon Cf. Sirach 15:5 Mass at St. Augustine Feast Day, Aug 28, 2013.

Inside the historic shrine.
“The five external senses are the doors by which life and death enter the soul.” -St Augustine

St. Rita of Cascia, an Augustinian nun, in the back of St. Augustine Church. The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is nearby and is one of the five official shrines in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Heaven with Augustine. The ceiling frescoes depict scenes from “St. Augustine in Glory.”

Teresa of Avila, taught by Augustinian nuns, also at St. Augustine Church.

Leaving St. Augustine Church.

Ignatius of Loyola – Feast Day, Founder of Jesuits; Pope Francis religious order

31 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints

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Old St. Joes, saints, St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius Of Loyola (Author rendition).

“The goal of Ignatian prayer and ministry is not to find God but to allow God to find you”

The leading Jesuit voice in Philadelphia is at Old St. Joe’s with Father Duff Society of Jesus (SJ) presiding. The emphasis is certainly on the Jesuits today, from Pope Francis (a Jesuit) and his exuberance recently displayed from the World Youth Day in Rio, to James Martin SJ of America Magazine author of the famous book My Life With the Saints. And of course, it all started with the founder of the Jesuits, the great Ignatius of Loyola, whose feast is celebrated today.

Entrance at Old St. Joseph’s National Shrine, Philadelphia PA

From Paul Coutinho, S.J.:

Ignatius is one of those Great Seers (Rishis) who attained Enlightenment (Satori in Zen Buddhism) on the banks of the river Cardoner. It was here that “the eyes of his understanding began to be opened, not that he saw any vision, but he understood and learnt many things, both spiritual and earthly and this was so great an enlightenment that everything seemed new to him” (Aut 30). From this moment on Ignatius was convinced that “if there were no Scriptures to teach us these things of faith, he would be resolved to die for them, solely because of what he has seen” (Aut 29). Ignatius found his own secret religion that helped him to scale mystical heights and also led him into constant conflict with people in power and institutions of his time.

We know that the Ignatian mysticism of service is nothing if not a deepening of our union and communion with the Divine. It is not so much doing things for God but it is a being in the Divine. Ignatian gazing or seeing is a spiritual method and exercise of contemplation where we open ourselves to what we contemplate and allow what we contemplate to seep into our hearts, filling us and transforming us into the mystery that we contemplate. Ignatius spent hours of his life gazing at the sky and through his contemplation would be moved to serve the Divine Majesty. “It was his greatest consolation to gaze upon the heavens and the stars, which he often did, and for long stretches at a time, because when doing so he felt within himself a powerful urge to be serving Our Lord.” (Aut 11).

What is Ignatius trying to tell us? If we have not shared our experiences of God with someone in one way or another, then we have lost them. But when we take the opportunity to share our experiences with someone, we will be confirmed and grow in those experiences.

Above excerpts from:
NUMBER 116 – Review of Ignatian Spirituality
IGNATIUS, AN ANCIENT SAGE WITH ETERNAL WISDOM, Paul Coutinho, S.J.
Editor: “IGNIS” Ignatian Spirituality, South Asia Gujarat, India

From Brian O’Leary, SJ:

Ignatius chose to live with the tension between accepting both the validity of inner experience and the authority of the Church.

From his conversion onwards the element of movement played a central part in the spirituality of Ignatius. At Loyola he noticed how different spirits moved him and through this he learned the rudiments of discernment. When later he offered descriptive descriptions of consolation and desolation in the Spiritual Exercises (SpEx. 316, 317) the text can, according to some commentators, be best understood in terms of inner movements towards God (consolation) and inner movements away from God (desolation).

Within the Autobiography itself the centrality of movement can be demonstrated by a comparison between the very first sentence in the text and a statement referring to the time when Ignatius was dictating his story:
Up to his twenty-sixth year he was a man given to worldly vanities, and having a vain and overpowering desire to gain renown, he found special delight in the exercise of arms. (Aut 1)
He made a solemn avowal, the gist of which was to inform me that his intention had been to be sincere in all that he had related…and that his devotion, that is, his ease in finding God, was always increasing, now more than ever in his entire life. At whatever time or hour he wanted to find God, he found him. (Aut 99)

Above excerpts from:
THE MYSTICISM OF IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
Brian O’Leary, SJ
Consultant in Ignatian Spirituality Dublin, Ireland

Altar, Old St. Josephs Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Here, the pastor of Old St. Joe’s, Fr. Dan Ruff, gives the “Ignatius Story”:

For many of you, this will be old news; but I am keenly aware that we constantly have new parishioners registering. I am also often surprised to discover that some “old-timers” still have not heard the basic “Ignatius story.” So here is the nickel version . . .

Iñigo Lopez de Loyola was born (we think) in 1491 in the little village of Azpeítia in northern Spain. The village – now called Loyola, after its “favorite son” – is in the Basque Country; and Iñigo’s own family (he would not adopt the name Ignatius until adulthood) were of the Basque landed gentry. The 13th child, he was orphaned very early in life and was raised by his older brother Pedro and his wife Maria.

Born into a world still dominated by the feudal system, the 13th child did not have much claim to family inheritance; so Iñigo no doubt counted himself fortunate when his brothers used their influence to place him, at the age of 15, as a page in the house of Juan Velásquez de Cuellar, the treasurer of King Ferdinand of Castile. There, the young man received a formal courtly education, although the evidence suggests that he took to sword play and courtly rituals more than he did to book learning.

When his patron died in 1517, Iñigo was able to secure a similar post in the retinue of Antonio Manrique, Duke of Nájera and Viceroy of Nazarre. I like to think that if he were alive in theU.S.today, this whole “courtier” phase of Ignatius’ youth would correspond to his becoming a congressional “page” with business or political aspirations. The real motivation was the chance to network, rub elbows with the powerbrokers, and enjoy the parties and “perks” along the way.

Late in life, in his so-called “Autobiography,” Ignatius would characterize his youthful self as having been much given over to vanity and worldly ambition. We also know that, like many a brash young man, Ignatius indulged in the occasional “youthful indiscretion,” relying on his political connections to protect his reputation and get him out of his self-made scrapes. At one point, for instance, he was taken to court for having injured someone in a hot-headed brawl; and rumors persist about illegitimate children.
In 1521, when he was already 30 years old, Ignatius ‘ duties to the Duke of Nájera found him defending the fortress of Pamplona with a small contingent of Spaniards against an army of French invaders. Ignatius and his comrades were greatly outnumbered, but our young hero – displaying great courage and pluck (bravado?!) – persuaded them that they could successfully defend the besieged fortress. Things were going surprisingly well until a French cannonball came over the ramparts and seriously injured both of Ignatius’ legs. With their “cheerleader” laid low, the Spaniards soon surrendered; and the French victors, impressed with Ignatius’ valor, agreed to transport the injured man to the family home in Azpeítia (Loyola).

View of Organ, Old St. Joseph’s, founded 1733 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA

Once there, Ignatius nearly died of infection; but that did not prevent his having the right leg rebroken and reset – not once, but twice (both times unsuccessfully)! Why? In hopes that he could once again wear the fashionable tight hose that would show off his fine calves to the ladies at court! As the long lonely bedridden months stretched on, Ignatius was reduced by depression and boredom to reading the only two books available – a life of Christ and a collection of lives of the saints. Attending to his daydreams, he began to find that his old ambitions for fame, glory, and the hand of a beautiful woman, while still attractive, left him unsatisfied. By contrast, new thoughts of serving God and imitating Sts. Francis and Dominic seemed to offer him deeper and longer-lasting satisfaction. Thus began Ignatius’ great conversion, and his discovery of what would become “discernment of spirits.”

In 1522, having recovered his health (but left with a permanent limp), the new convert went to the monastery at Montserrat where he made a 3-day general confession and kept a knightly vigil-at-arms at the altar of his new “Lady fair,” the black Virgin of Montserrat. Leaving his armor behind there, he dressed in a pilgrim’s sackcloth, substituting a walking staff for his sword. Intending to pass through the town ofManresa, he ended up instead residing in a cave for 10 months of solitude and prayer, living on alms and building a friendship with God and Jesus.

His extensive notes would become the basis for his “Spiritual Exercises” – the famous manual which would ground Ignatian spirituality and eventually win its author the title of “patron saint of retreats.” It is noteworthy that he wrote the “Exercises” and began to lead others through them while still a layman with no thoughts of religious life or priesthood. His lay status would lead to repeated arrests by the Inquisition, which would eventually lead to theology studies at theUniversityofPariswith an eye toward ordination. His school chums there, having made the “Exercises” under his guidance, would eventually become the first members of the Society of Jesus (the Order was given papal approval in 1540).

Ignatius envisioned a priestly order of well-trained men, distinguished in virtue, who would serve the universal (global) Church at the pope’s good pleasure, going wherever they might “help souls” – particularly where the need was greatest, and where others could not and would not go. That sense of Jesuit mission would eventually dictate that a missionary, Fr. Joseph Greaton, S.J., would found a parish in colonial Philadelphia 279 years ago. And here we are. Come celebrate our Ignatian heritage on July 31!

Above excerpt from Fr. Daniel M. Ruff, S.J. “From the Pastor” Old St. Joseph’s Parish July 2012

A fine Ignatius blog is here.

“Go forth and set the world on fire.”

― St. Ignatius of Loyola

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine

04 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by Brian in Parish Shrines, Saints, Shrines of Philadelphia

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Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shrine

The National Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, roughly two hours from Philadelphia. Her feast day is January 4th.

Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American born saint, born in New York City on August 28, 1774. She was born to into an Episcopal family, her mother was the daughter of an Episcopal minister. Elizabeth Ann Bayley, (her maiden name) married William Seton and had five children. William died in 1803 leaving Elizabeth a widow. Her home in NYC is now the Shrine of Elizabeth Ann Seton.

She converted to Catholicism and founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first Catholic religious order to originate in the United States, which after her death became linked with the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. As the name suggests the Daughters of Charity follows the rule of the Vincentian religious order. Therefore, you’ll find several miraculous medal icons on the Emmitsburg campus, influenced by the Vincentians in nearby Philadelphia, who manage the Miraculous Medal Shrine.

There are over 200 stained glass windows at the shrine.

Above photo from the 37th anniversary of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s canonization. (September 14, 1975)
For more information visit,
http://www.setonheritage.org
http://catholicgene.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/a-forest-path-and-a-favorite-rock-our-happy-discovery-of-the-stomping-grounds-of-a-saint/
http://acatholicview.blogspot.com/2013/01/st-elizabeth-ann-seton.html#links

Shrine Tower

~ Saints, Shrines and Sacred Places

Category Archives: Parish Shrines

St. Francis Xavier Parish and the Philadelphia Secular Oratory

Padre Pio’s Connection with Pope Francis and Pennsylvania

Padre Pio, Mystic

St. Philomena, The Daughter of Light

Aura of Saints Peter and Paul on their Feast Day at the Cathedral Basilica

Drawn to the Altar: The Extraordinary Form Mass – Observations (Guest Post)

Delving into the Mass

Drawn to the Altar

Communion: The High Point of the Mass

St. Thomas of Villanova: Augustinian, Educator and Carer of the Poor

Basil’s Family at the Basilian Spirituality Center

St. Thomas of Villanova: The Man, The Church, The University

St. Augustine’s Philadelphia Storyboard

Ignatius of Loyola – Feast Day, Founder of Jesuits; Pope Francis religious order

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine