The weekday Masses over the past months have manifested several small but notable changes. Recently, the monastic Schola has moved its place in the choir to be positioned closer to the altar and to the rest of the congregation. Fr. Edward Mazuski's guidance of the group also has included a more semi-circular positioning, to enable the singers to hear and see each other more effectively. Yet more noticeable, this Mass has gained several young new altar servers and a lector, as the Zelden children have been "learning the ropes" from our Master of Ceremonies Brother Sixtus Roslevich, aided by the guidance of Brother Benedict Maria. Mr. Kale Zelden has posted a wonderful "trailer" on the monastery website, depicting early morning in the life of these servers getting ready to begin their new ministry. Their youthful enthusiasm has been a delightful addition to the Eucharistic celebration. You can find this "must-see TV" here - it is labelled "Trailer #1," leading us all to anticipate an upcoming sequel.

Watch "Sparrows" (Trailer #1) here

About twenty Confirmandi made their way to Attleboro, Massachusetts, led by Fr. Francis Hein and assisted by Fr. Edward Mazuski and several of the visiting Manquehue group, to complete an overnight retreat as part of their preparation for the sacrament in May. The group has been steadily progressing with their preparation, including periodic Monday evening sessions, luncheon sessions, and involvement with lectio divina. Father Francis has been truly impressed with the group's engagement in the whole preparation process, and their participation in the retreat: "It was a fantastic opportunity for the group to be together to share in prayer and fellowship. The weekend was a great experience." We keep the Confirmandi in prayer, and look forward to the celebration of the sacrament this May.

Sunday of the Word of God. Sunday, 26 January, marked a new observance established by the Pope in his Motu Proprio “Aperuit illis.” The third Sunday in Ordinary Time is now "devoted to the celebration, study and spreading of the Word of God." This Sunday focuses on making the Scriptures part of our everyday lives - a lesson Benedict and our Manquehue programs have emphasized through the practice of lectio divina. The pope began his homily with a reflection on the Gospel of Matthew that introduces the ministry of Jesus: “The One who is the Word of God has come to speak with us, in his own words and by his own life.” "Aperuit illis" had been released September 30, the feast of the great biblical saint, Jerome. Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, explained in a press conference on Friday, that the Pope hopes the entire Church will "concentrate on the great value that the Word of God occupies in its daily existence" (Aperuit illis 2). It further offers an opportunity to renew our commitment to understanding “the inexhaustible richness that comes from God's constant dialogue with his people.”

Read more in Vatican News

"Aperuit illis" (Motu Proprio)

Many visitors to the  Church of St. Gregory the Great note its beautiful Belluschi design, or the brilliant wire sculpture of Lippold. Of more profound significance to this sacred space, while positioned to the side, is the altar of the Blessed Sacrament. Hidden beneath cloth of varied liturgical colors, usually invisible to the eye, is the tabernacle. Visually setting off the entire area is a gentle and reflective tapestry, perfectly fitted to hang beneath the canopy above the altar where the host is reposed. We would like to pull back the veil, in a sense, on the two artists who produced these two works of art that subtly center the sacred heart of the church.  The tabernacle, designed well before the present church and used in the chapel of the early priory, was created by a renowned California impressionist painter and liturgical artist, Euphemia Charlton Fortune – who preferred the name "Effie," and was professionally known as E. Charlton Fortune. The tapestry was produced for its present location by Esther (Fehlen) Puccinelli, a less well-known figure, though with a no less intriguing story. See the article in the " Archives" section.
 

This Thursday evening, February 13, the Portsmouth Institute is hosting an evening presentation in Providence by New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, with a response by Professor James Keating of Boston College. The topic: “To Save the Church: Perspectives on Catholic Duty.”  The New York Times notes: “Douthat joined The New York Times as an Op-Ed columnist in April 2009. His column appears every Tuesday and Sunday, and he co-hosts the Times Op-Ed podcast, ‘The Argument.’ Previously, he was a senior editor at The Atlantic and a blogger on its website.” Wilkins is an Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Boston College, teaching in the great books program (Perspectives on Western Culture) and offering graduate seminars on the person and work of Christ, the problem of development in doctrine and theology, and other topics. Registration for this event is no closed; please see the Institute’s website for updated information.

The monastery’s invigorated efforts with communications include an actively updated and vibrant website. This is not only a means to get the word out about Portsmouth, but more fundamentally to get the Word out, to evangelize, and to widen awareness of the Benedictine expression of Christian life. Br. Benedict Maria, whose web skills have helped shape this new initiative, now seeks to take a next step, and get that Word more widely spread. A new “Web Affiliation” initiative seeks your help! Go to the “ YES” link on the website’s homepage, and you will find an invitation to join this initiative. “If you are up for this exciting adventure with us, please fill out this commitment form and start sharing the Word through your social media feeds right away. There is also an opportunity to receive our newsletter and brochure through postal mail. We would very much appreciate it if you are able to disseminate them to people or display them in your community or parish.” Please take a look!
 

The Portsmouth Institute hosted New York Times columnist Ross Douthat at the University Club in Providence this Thursday, February 13, with a response offered by Professor Jeremy Wilkins of Boston College. The program was introduced by the Institute's Executive Director, Chris Fisher, who expressed appreciation for the attendance and support of the Auxiliary Bishop Robert Evans of the Diocese of Providence, who was joined by other clergy and religious from Rhode Island and Missouri, as well as oblates, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Mr. Douthat framed his presentation within four categories of post-Vatican II Catholic thought: populists, integralists, Benedictines and tradinistas, all of which he claimed to be both unstable and shifting at this point in time. These varied lines of thinking offer different ways to interpret Christian social teaching, all struggling to offer compelling visions that effectively address the role of faith in the world today. Douthat's talk came on the heels of his recent discussion of "The Age of Decadence" in the New York Times, an essay distilling themes from his forthcoming book, The Decadent Society.  

In his Angelus address this past Sunday, Pope Francis urged Catholics to dispel “the darkness lingering in our world,” calling on the Church to embrace its mission of evangelization and service. Calling the faithful to be “salt and light,” as the day’s gospel proclaims, Francis exhorted the church to deeds that embody “goodness and mercy,” and also to “eliminate prejudices and slander.” He said further that, “The Church gives herself with generosity and tenderness on behalf of the least and the poor. She listens to the cry of those in last place and the excluded, because she is aware that she is a pilgrim community called to extend throughout history the saving presence of Jesus Christ.” Inside this issue, in our monthly column on “Works,” we look at how one of our theology courses is seeking to bring this very message to the life of the School.

So how does a monk get ready for the Lenten season? Benedict directs that, “During these days, therefore, we will add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food or drink.” On this issue’s “Wisdom” page, we look at how they prepare for this season, with practices that point to teaching offered by the U.S Bishops to the whole faithful: “During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to practice self-control through fasting…”

On Tuesday, February 18, the School held an internal, interdisciplinary evening symposium on Pope Francis’ first encyclical, Laudato Si.’ The RLH was packed with an interested group of students representing all different Forms, as a faculty panel responded to their questions. The symposium continued a series started and hosted by Michael St. Thomas, current head of the English department. The faculty answered pre-submitted questions from students, creating a shared discussion and leading to follow up questions from students. The panel consisted of Shane and Susan McCarthy, representing a strong science background, with Chris Fisher, Dan McQuillen, and Father Michael Brunner, who offered their theological and historical expertise. The discussion covered such topics as the nature of a “throwaway” society, in which not only objects but persons as well come to be treated as “disposable.” The discussion moved to the issue of biodiversity, and the struggles of maintaining environmental regulations in the face of economic and political pressures. Mr. McCarthy noted his background as both a governmental regulator, as well as working in an industry attempting to operate within regulatory requirements. He has maintained his environmental awareness, taking a “MOOC” (Massive Online Open Course) on peace and the environment, a course noting the connection between social instability in areas with industries whose interests damage the environment. Father Michael, who has offered a course on Laudato Si’ at St. Louis Priory School, responded to a question about the distinction Pope Francis makes between “creation” and “nature,” with creation pointing to a creator, and the world as “gift” pointing to a giver. Nature is not at our disposal as “dominators,” but “having dominion” points to stewardship, and even includes the root, noted by Mr. Fisher, of “domus” or home. The panel collectively noted the critical importance, and yet the great difficulty, in achieving the awareness of the world as our “common home,” and of creating sustainable policies to attain a “common good.”

The School will again hold a Lenten Fridays Fast for the Friday lunches when the school is in session, as well as on Ash Wednesday. This voluntary program allows monks, students, faculty, and staff to sign up. If they do, participants pledge to have the reduced Lenten menu at those lunches, with the savings contributed to local food needs. The program is a tangible offering connecting fasting and almsgiving. With thanks to the dining hall staff for assisting in making this program possible!

(At left, "Feed the Hungry," one of the "Corporal Works of Mercy" by Ade Bethune)