Spirit of Teuchtar II

Behold your Mother John 19:27

2012-02-13T20:26:00.000Z

Douay-Rheims Bible
"After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own."

This translation probably allows for the Catholic understanding of things - whether John took Mary into his home or not - that Jesus was commending Mary to John as his spiritual Mother, and him to her as her spiritual son. However the King James translation points to a more Protestant understanding of things.

American King James Version

"Then said he to the disciple, Behold your mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home."

The Protestant understanding of this passage is that Jesus was merely providing for his Mother after his departure. He wanted John to care for her. That favourite Protestant commentator Matthew Henry's views are these;

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

19:19-30 Here are some remarkable circumstances of Jesus' death, more fully related than before. Pilate would not gratify the chief priests by allowing the writing to be altered; which was doubtless owing to a secret power of God upon his heart, that this statement of our Lord's character and authority might continue. Many things done by the Roman soldiers were fulfilments of the prophecies of the Old Testament. All things therein written shall be fulfilled. Christ tenderly provided for his mother at his death. Sometimes, when God removes one comfort from us, he raises up another for us, where we looked not for it. Christ's example teaches all men to honour their parents in life and death; to provide for their wants, and to promote their comfort by every means in their power.

Reformed Online Jesus Cares for his Mother

To paraphrase: “Woman, see your son who now cares for you! Son, see your mother to be cared for by you!”

Does this purely personal domestic remark suffice for Jesus's words from the cross? Possibly. What if John's own mother, (Salome) was there at the cross too?

"John was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the Greater. In the Gospels the two brothers are often called after their father "the sons of Zebedee" and received from Christ the honourable title of Boanerges, i.e. "sons of thunder"

Catholic News Agency on the Mother of St John; St Salome

Matt 27: 26 Among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Love Jesus Hate Religion

2012-02-07T20:08:00.002Z

This is pretty cool even though you would disagree with it. 18,000,000 hits!

And a response from Catholic Answers! (7,000 hits)

You are God's Temple

2012-02-05T20:04:00.000Z

1st Corinthians Chapter 2 Vs 16 - 17

Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. American KJV

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you. God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. New Living Translation

The context of this passage seems to be the building up of the church, on the foundations stone which is Christ. Paul is warning about divisions. The Church, not the individual Christian is being equated with a temple.

Paul said elsewhere, that our bodies are temples (Chapter 6) , warning us away from sexual sins, but here (Chapter 2) he is clearly equating the Body of Christ, built on the foundation stone of Jesus, the new Christian Church, with a temple.

Why a Temple and not a Synagogue?

"Even before the Temple was destroyed, synagogues were active throughout the country and in the Diaspora. The worship at the synagogue differed considerably from that of the Temple. Instead of a sacrificial focus synagogue liturgy centered on the reading of Scripture and on prayer, and the officiants were not the priests but the laity."

http://www.liturgica.com/html/litJLitMusDev2.jsp#Rise

Celtic Cousins

2012-02-01T23:19:00.000Z

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tag/joan-mcalpine/

Interesting. James Macmillan's blog uses my favourite phrase for Scottish-Irish relations viz "Celtic Cousins" in quotation marks . Maybe he means we are not cousins any more in his eyes. Or maybe he was quoting somebody?

Mmmmm...even though he deep down seems to wants to claim Scotland for the Tory Party..I like the man.

Much as I dislike his politics and constant stereotyping of Scotland in his postings on sectarianism, at the time of the Papal Visit he was invaluable and I sent him a personal message to say so.

Good man.

Wise as Serpents Simple as Doves

2012-02-01T21:24:00.000Z

Can I have my money back?

by Rafferty Gerry

Can I have my money back, money back, money back?
Can I have my money back, please sir?
I don't hear what you're saying, don't care what you're doing
Can I have my money back, money back, money back?
Can I have my money back, please sir?

I heard a preacher man say "?His, we was? the best"
So I took up his religion and forgot about the rest
Then I heard another one calling out my name
I went and took a closer look, he was just the same

As Wise as a Serpent and as harmless as a Dove

by Rafferty Gerry

Douay Rheims Bible MarK 10 V 16 Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves.

GERALD "GERRY" RAFFERTY

Sympathy with David

2012-01-28T17:47:00.000Z

This morning as I read today's Old Testament readings, on David’s falling for Bathsheba and his cynical dispatching of Uriah the Hittite I was hit by a strange melancholy. One couldn’t help but feel a strange sadness yet a strong affinity with the Psalmist.

What in the world, is more beautiful, than a beautiful woman? I’m not entirely sure such a thing exists. Poor David, coveting, , adultery and the rest is one thing , murder is another. David seemed to have his full complement of grave sins at this time in his life.

So as I read the Miserere Mei (Psalm 51) over again from the missal this week after already reciting it each morning as part of Lauds in my Diurnal, I’ll try and think about how David was feeling at the time he wrote it. The burden of grave sin weighing heavily upon his shoulders. We have all been there. It should be enough shouldn’t it? But no…

God punishes David. He forgives him, but punishes him. Like all people of the covenant, David had to do his penance.

Luke Chapter 2

[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. [33] And of his kingdom there shall be no end

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people: [69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant

Note: This post was written over more than one day

Conversion of St Paul

2012-01-26T19:06:00.000Z

The Conversion of Saint Paul, apostle - Acts of the Apostles 22:3-16.

Some observations on the conversion of St Paul from my readings yesterday. First of all, the often cited observation that Jesus refers to the early Church as "me". "Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting me." Not "my followers" but "me". Jesus equates the early Church to Himself. He doesn't say the early Church is like Him. It is Him. This is both to be expected in the context of St Paul's referring to the Church as the Body of Christ, but also, as Jesus Himself taught, that the Kingdom of God is among you. Jesus is the Kingdom of God among us, as much as we have Him in our hearts, he is the Kingdom of God within us. As today's reading tells us, he is the Kingdom of God at hand. (Luke 10 v9 ) It is not less remarkable for these additional observations that Jesus uses this language to describe the Church.

Among the blinding lights, the voice of Risen Lord Jesus, the dazzling conversion experience and Paul's acceptance of Him for who He is, the new convert, as is often the case in Acts, is baptised for the forgiveness of sins.

Finally, St Paul, was zealous for God (and the God of Israel at that), a zeal that convinced him of his just persecuting of the "Way". Paul reminds us of ourselves. Certain of our own doctrine, our own understanding of things, our own interpretations. Paul was a zealous son of the Old Covenant, before he displayed the zeal of a convert to the New.

Sola Scriptura - The ABC Rule against

2012-01-25T19:11:00.000Z

Arminianism. Baptist-ism.Calvinism.

I'm sure D will be along soon. Unless it is already here and I just missed it.

That is all I have to say on the matter unless I contribute in more detail to the ongoing debate here (Catholic) and here (Calvinist) (Which is why I have removed the comments option for this post)

enjoy.

Sunday Cup Finals: The Half Time Advertising?

2012-01-23T21:59:00.000Z

So no sooner had I made a New Year resolution to stop watching Sunday football than the Scottish Football Association decide to let their annual show-piece Cup Final move from its usual Saturday slot in May each year to - you've guessed it - Sundays.

Yesterday I managed to avoid a rather juicy double-header of English Premiership football and instead do some edifying reading (with intermittent snoozing thanks to a generous lunch we shared with my mum and dad).

No, I am not going to watch any Sunday Cup Finals. Besides, at half-time, they will probably be advertising abortion clinics.

Scottish Catholic Unionism: the irony and the facts.

2012-01-21T17:12:00.000Z

There are many reasons for Scottish Catholics to vote for retaining the Union. The worst case is easily the argument that somehow Catholics are going to be more susceptible to sectarianism in a newly independent Scotland. The insinuation being, that somehow post-independence, due to some enhanced perception of “Scottish Identity” sectarianism against Catholics will increase.

If the prospect of increased sectarianism is the reason for voting to maintain or reject the status quo, then Scotland really is another Northern Ireland. But it isn’t. Nevertheless it seems to be the only case for the Union made by many Catholic commentators in an article in this week’s Scottish Catholic Observer. (Thankfully our hierarchy seemed to take a more practical, and dare I say, historically Scottish Catholic view.)

There is a certain irony in the “Catholics are safer in the Union” argument, as anyone with the slightest interest in Northern Ireland politics will admit. It seems Ulster Protestants and some Scottish Catholic Unionists have more in common than they could have imagined. That similar arguments are giving opposite answers on each side of the Irish sea in this manner should immediately give rise to suspicion against the Unionist agenda. Divide and Rule Britannia. As I have said in other posts, this is the case born out of fear that Unionists have sold the Scottish Catholic community for decades.

But the main point is that there is absolutely no evidence that Scottish Independence will cause an increase in sectarian attacks against the Catholic community. There is no evidence that an increased Scottish identity will cause more racism or sectarianism against anyone.

I would be equally justified in making the case that when Scottish identity has been diluted almost to non-existence, Scots, as part of the United Kingdom, were complicit in the most aggressive persecution of the Catholic faith. This was a faith practiced by both their fellow Scottish Catholics in the 18^th Century and mainly by their Irish cousin immigrants in the next. All of this persecution came since the Union. Not with an increased perception of Scottish Identity, but with an increased perception of British Identity. These are not suppositions, guesses, but historic facts.

And let us throw in fellow Scots being complicit in the ethnic cleansing of the Highlanders and their culture into that mix as evidence of the results of a dilution of Scottish Identity. In fact, I could argue that sectarianism in Scotland today against Catholics, occurs more as a result of a stirring of British identity rather than Scottish identity.

No, rather than creating an narrow Scottish identity, an increased Scottish identity will create a wider Scottish identity, and with a wider Scottish identity sectarianism and racism will reduce, not increase. That seems the logical case. That is the case that has that seems to have the weight of history on its side.

Abortion targets

2012-01-19T13:16:00.002Z

The Courier - Catholic Church says abortion target is one that should be missed

The Roman Catholic Church is happy that Tayside is not meeting its Scottish Government target on the number of abortions carried out at up to nine weeks.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Dunkeld said: ''Any abortion is an abortion too many, and if Tayside is not meeting its target for terminating human life then we are happy that this is a target that is not being met".

---

Interesting take on this subject from the Diocese of Dunkeld. I was agreeing until it become obvoius to me that the calculation for the NHS target success rate must be based on a calculation using the total number of abortionis carried out. It will not represent or take any consideration of "changes of heart." If somebody changes their mind about having terminancy they dont make the stats at all. (I assume)

Nine weeks, Ten Weeks, is there a difference?

Maybe the stats should be number of consulations with a view to Terminations which resulted in LIFE.

Culture of Death right enough.

Reconciliation or Education?

2012-01-15T20:26:00.001Z

During Lent, the Diocese of Lancaster is introducing an hour of Confession every Wednesday evening, at the same time, in every parish in the Diocese. Such an initiative has to be applauded and I pray for its success.

The blogging Bishop of Lancaster has an interesting take on the role of Catholic Schools too. He is reported in this week's Catholic Herald as stating "The Church only exists to evangelise - schools are only valuable insofar as they help that mission", and that some schools are "Catholic in name only".

Given that Scotland's Catholic Schools are predominately in the Central Belt, Teuchtar feels unable to comment extensively on this subject. Except to say that, the Church only exists to evangelise, and schools are only valuable insofar as they help that mission.

I wonder what will benefit the spiritual and evangelising life of the Diocese of Lancaster more during Lent and in he future? The existence of its schools? Or the initiative with the Sacrament of Confession?

Time for Independence

2012-01-12T21:58:00.002Z

If I ask myself seriously, I would admit I only ever dreamt of voting in an independence referendum. During the days of Labour dominance in Scotland and the Nationalists polling anything from 18-23% in the polls, it seemed as if the promises from older and in some cases now passed away fellow-nationalists that the younger generation alongside them would see the day seemed a tad wide of the mark.

It perplexed me every time. Labour Hold. Labour Hold. Labour Hold tickered constantly across our screens for election night after election night. How!?! The Westminster Parliament can not be trusted to do what is best by Scotland! Indeed, that is not an offence in itself, its very nature demands a balancing act of sorts but to exploit Scotland and systematically mislead it is. (We have some evidence of this although oil is not the only example I would use.)

It has to be said that Scotland's Catholics were particularly culpable. Now I think the opposite is the case, and I think the Catholic community, possibly because it had been so intensely loyalty to Labour was among the first to see the light. Looking back, Iraq, Section 28, Corruption in Glasgow Council, Catholic Schools, to name but a few issues maybe? The SNP hierarchy and electoral team hasn't been short of prominent and openly Catholic representation either.

There are issues now which leave Catholics, including myself, dismayed at the direction that Scotland is heading. Due to both Westminster and Holyrood. I will not even attempt to justify the Gay Marriage Consultation or some aspects of the handling of the Sectarian Hate Crime legislation to fellow Catholics.

However, the Independence Referendum which the First Minister has now announced will be in the Autumn of 2014 should only be about one issue. That is: Should Scotland be an Independent Nation?

I believe it should. Not because we will be better off. Although I do believe that will be the case, that has never been the basis for my Nationalist instincts. I support Independence because that is the right place for Scotland in the world. The Union is only 300 years old. In the history of our nation, and Scotland is a nation, this is not a long time, but it is too long a time. People trace their family trees back further. I cringe as much as anyone, at the misty eyed shortbread and tartan nationalism we sometimes witness but the evidence is still there that Scotland's rightful place in this world is as a self governing independent nation. We have a border. I can show you where it is. We have our own cultures and languages, to name but a few and, oh yes my fellow Catholics, the Holy See still recognises us by giving us our own Church Hierarchy.

At the risk of indulging in some misty eyed nationalism, If anything should rise again from the ashes with Scotlands new found nationhood when it comes, it should be its Catholicism. Aelianus's comment on the visit of Our Holy Father to these shores in 2010 has lived with me since: "Once a Nation is baptised Catholic, it remains Catholic." There can be no doubt that the prospect for Scotlands Nationhood and the fortunes of the Catholic Church within that nation have seen some very low ebbs during the last 300 years.

But we are at a cross roads now, the case for Independence needs to be made. It needs to be made well.

I am looking forward to hearing it and making it, and from the point of view of this blog, I offer this brief opening salvo.

Dabbling Like Dawkins

2012-01-10T19:27:00.000Z

Here is a chilling article from Scotland's Sunday Herald November 2006

FROM THE AFTERWORD

IN the 1920s and 1930s, scientists from both the political left and right would not have found the idea of designer babies particularly dangerous - though of course they would not have used that phrase.

Nobody wants to be caught agreeing with that monster, even in a single particular. The spectre of Hitler has led some scientists to stray from "ought" to "is" and deny that breeding for human qualities is even possible. But if you can breed cattle for milk yield, horses for running speed, and dogs for herding skill, why on Earth should it be impossible to breed humans for mathematical, musical or athletic ability? Objections such as "these are not one-dimensional abilities" apply equally to cows, horses and dogs and never stopped anybody in practice.

I wonder whether, some 60 years after Hitler's death, we might at least venture to ask what the moral difference is between breeding for musical ability and forcing a child to take music lessons. Or why it is acceptable to train fast runners and high jumpers but not to breed them. I can think of some answers, and they are good ones, which would probably end up persuading me. But hasn't the time come when we should stop being frightened even to put the question?

Richard Dawkins is Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University

As you can see back then - a full 5 years ago! - it only encouraged one comment. Hat tip to one of Scott Hahn's (joint) efforts for bringing it to my attention ;

Available from Amazon here

I recommend this wee book for anyone who feels they need a primer on issues and how to counter the arguements presented by the Dawkins and his ilk, not to mention an eye opener to the horrific potential of their moral relativism.

Anticipated Reading Mistakes ~ (Unjustified)

2012-01-08T13:24:00.001Z

Whenever I see todays Old Testament Reading (Isaiah 60) coming I am always filled with trepidation for the Reader that a wee lack of concentration could turn

"..camels in throngs will cover you,

and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah";

into

"..camels in thongs will cover you,

and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah";

Just my petty mind I suppose. In any case, thankfully, I haven't seen it happen to any Reader yet.

I'm sure there have been some crackers somewhere at sometime though!

Coming to a blogger near you soon!

2012-01-07T20:59:00.001Z

Fasting! Abstinance!

EDIT: Yes I should expand on this. Being the pagan type that I am keeping all these Holy Days, I thought a few New Year Resolutions would be in order.

1. No Booze till Burns night, possible till Easter
2. No second helpings! Whats on my plate is what I need!
3. No Sunday Footie TV! Tough one.
4. Pray for Longer, or more often.
5. Read at least a book a fortnight (I know this doesnt sound like a very tough one but I suppose it depends on what I pick up..You couldn't do the Bible in a fortnight. I think the general idea is to set myself targets with the books I read to encourage myself to read more..)
6. To be continued..!

Abortion in Reverse

2012-01-05T22:26:00.002Z

Some may argue delayed Abortion might be a better analogy, I havent decided yet. But there is an analogy in there somewhere.

During a BBC Radio Scotland debate today a supporter of assisted suicide maintained that it should be legalised as "we already do abortion and thats at the start of life why cant we have this at the end of life.."

I guess, the significance and irony of what she had just said was lost on her.

Taken for Granted Tools of Spiritual Warfare

2012-01-04T13:11:00.003Z

A (Protestant) friend of mine has been suffering from depression, and is now convinced that is she involved in an intense spiritual combat with the forces of evil. She seems to have turned to me as the last resort I would expect to be for such a problem in her eyes. I made clear to her I was in no way qualified to give spiritual advise.

We talked, we encouraged one another, and we even laughed, and at times I watched her cry. I am of the opinion that depressed as she may be, and despite the fact that this has been her only diagnoses - medical people telling her she needs to enter hospitals of various types - there is a spiritual warfare going on too. But that is my opinion, and I am not a spiritual director.

What struck me during this conversation was how much she needed Catholic things and didn't have them at her disposal. All she has is medical advise, her brothers and sisters in the church militant, and her bible. I do not mean to be disparaging to any of these, but when I considered what she was missing out on, I felt heartfelt sorry for her. Not least of these was the potential for of any of those listening to her to contemplate that she might in fact be suffering from "demonic attacks" at all. She is just more than a tad depressed bordering on insanity to them.

1. She couldn't pray for the help of the heavenly host, angels, saints and archangels. Her dependence was totally on the Church militant who she had sensibly asked to gather around her in prayer as much as she could.

2. She did not have prayers to latch on to as "emergency cover" or immediately in time of need. No prayer beads to be used for any prayers, Marian or not - for her not - no "rote prayers" which might help her focus and meditate, no "arrow prayers" to help her under attack. She didn't know any.

3. No Sacramentals, no holy water, no images, icons, no crosses or crucifixes. How much the demons hate our sacramentals.

4. No reference to the writings of the saints and their spiritual experiences save that of Christ's passion but no inclination to use even that spiritually.

5. No Sacraments. Burdened by Sin (she feels) and nothing to offer God for them and for her future well-being, worthily or unworthily.

6. It was a real eye opener for me about how much we take what we have for granted. Especially the possibility that we might come under attack ourselves. At least I felt as a Catholic it was more likely to be admitted, recognised and dealt with as such rather than immediately dismissed as "mental issues."

7. Last resorts? Exorcism?

Please pray for her. God knows who she is.

Nollaig Chridheil

2011-12-24T17:48:00.001Z

I wish you all a happy peaceful Christmas. Thank you for watching. Stay Tuned.

Ireland and Scotland's Call

2011-12-23T21:06:00.000Z

Joseph Bradley of Stirling University penned an article in this weeks SCO which is worthy of comment even if I do not bother with a detailed analysis.

The subject is the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications Bill recently passed by the SNP Government at Holyrood.

To be perfectly blunt, the insinuation is that either this Bill has been brought forward with the purpose of discriminating against those of Catholic Irish ethnicity in Scotland, or that if it hasn't been brought forward with that sole purpose, it will certainly be used, presumably by the Police, or the Justice system or both to those ends. There can be no other conclusions from the article which appeared under the scare-mongering headline "New anti-sectarian legislation, New anti-Catholic Scotland?"

Simply put, either the Scottish Government is anti-Irish, or the Police force is anti Irish, or the justice system is anti-Irish. Or all of them.

The Bill relates to the Scottish Football scene, which it is often claimed, has a problem with Catholicism, and maybe now because certain clubs are signing European Catholics on a regular basis, this has moved to focus more on Catholicism within the context of Irish ethnicity. This was also the tone of another recent article in the SCO investigating anti-Irish racism among supporters of the Scottish National Football team, the Tartan Army. (Just to point out that depsite its appetite for citing these articles almost week in week out the Scottish Catholic Observer is now bordering on being an excellent read. Many of its articles are now excellently covering the history of Catholicism in Scotland, an Scotland's Catholic Heritage. Readers of my old blog will appreciate my affinity with this approach.)

Reading everything that has been said about the Scottish Football scene recently in the SCO and other publications you would be forgiven for making certain conclusions about how Scottish Football deals with Catholic Irish ethnicity.

The SPL (Scottish Premier League) currently has 12 Clubs; It is an interesting mix.

Aberdeen - Scottish Manager formerly managed the Scottish National side.

Celtic - Most famous for its strong Irish connections. A manager who played for Northern Ireland. Famously recieved death threats and bullets in the post this year along with other prominent fans of the Club.

Dundee United - (Not relevant but previously Dundee Harp) Manager currently assists with the Scottish National side.

Dunfermiline - Manager Scottish, only because the Irish manager was sacked due to poor results.

Hibernian - The most Irish named club and at the moment has an Irish Manager.

Hearts - Fierce Edinburgh city rivals of Hibernians. Manager and ownership of the club is Eastern European.

St Johnstone - Perth Club named after Saint John's Town has a manager who played for Northern Ireland.

Kilmarnock - Ayrshire Club has a manager from Northern Ireland

Motherwell - Central Belt Club has a Scottish Manager

St Mirren - again an interesting name from a Catholic point of view - Manager is Scottish born but played for Northern Ireland B Team.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle - Manager was famously captain of England

Rangers - Fierce Glasgow city rivals of Celtic, Manager is Scottish.

Quite an interesting mix pointing rather to close cultural and geographic links between Scotland and Ireland.

I should point out that followers of certain clubs whose main city rivals have strong Irish connections are guilty of anti-Irish and anti-Catholic sentiment. As are to a lesser degree other clubs when those clubs visit them, but to use the evidence of the tribalism of football fans to take the temprature of a nation is almost as silly as the conclusions you have to make from Mr Bradley's article.

The proper context of Irish-Scottish relations are often overlooked in this football tinderbox where passions run high and paranoia even higher. Go to Edinburgh on the day of an Ireland Scotland International Rugby match and feel the kinship and watch the respect for eachothers National songs. Cite the Scottish Government's holding up of the Irish economy as our aspiration as a small independent Nation and its stout defence of this policy yet even in the face of mockery from the Scottish and English Unionist politicians when the Irish economy all but collapsed.

Scotland and Ireland have so much in common they could almost be the same nation. Divide and rule has been used with tragic consequences against both Celtic nations in the past and we should still be on the look out for that tactic in the context of modern day politics and subsequent agendas. Especially with the opportunities that lie ahead for us as Scottish Catholics, of Irish ethnicity, Polish or any other, in a new modern Independent Scotland.

St Columba Pray for us!

Bah Humbug but Merry Christmas!?

2011-12-22T19:25:00.000Z

It’s that time of year when the old Chestnuts come out. You know the ones! “It is a pagan medieval festival and it just isn’t scriptural. We don’t know when Jesus was born”

There is an irony here. If we did know exactly when Jesus was born, would more Christians accept it as a Christian Feast Day? But does it matter that we do not know when Jesus was born? We actually keep the Sabbath Rest, not on the Seventh day, but on a Sunday, which isn’t the day God rested! I acknowledge we are now celebrating the Lord Day, but we are also “remembering the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy” on the first day of the week and not the seventh. The point here is that we shouldn’t get too hung up on having the correct day, particularly if you are of the opinion we shouldn’t have any day, you should leave those who prefer to do otherwise to have any day they want!

As this change from Saturday to Sunday is not clearly mandated by Scripture, but merely implied, you could call the replacement of Sabbath Observance with Sunday Observance the Christian community’s – the Church’s first Tradition. It is not something that Scripture orders us to do. But it is something the Church did. Unless you are going to assume that Jesus gave the apostles a specific command which isn’t recorded in Scripture? (That would still be Tradition.)

However, back to the medieval festival - we’ll still get the cards, hear of the presents given and received, and we’ll hear of rushing around for last minute presents just like the rest of us.

Christmas might seem to just have become bright lights and chinking of tills to those of us who wish it was more religious, but the religious under-tones are ultimately irresistible, and will never be taken away. The religious aspects are creeping up on those who try to avoid it as much as they are being avoided by those who it shouldn’t need creeping up on.

It is something the Church did.

Iesum Dominum (Scottish Gaelic & Latin Carol)

2011-12-20T20:24:00.001Z

Fiona J Mackenzie singing a Gaelic and Latin Christmas Carol from the album and TV programme, Duan Nollaig. http://www.fionamackenzie.org/

Bad Catholic Guides...

2011-12-19T20:43:00.000Z

How seasonally right and just!

Available from Amazon US Here if you know a Bad Catholic deserving of a copy....

"and with your spirit...

2011-12-19T20:20:00.000Z

....doh!"

Heard it? Done it? Both?

Honour thy Father...And thy Mother!

2011-12-08T12:51:00.001Z

I am pleased to look back and say that I feel my devotion to Mary has increased somewhat*.

For anyone coming to Catholicism from a Presbyterian back-ground Mary is often seen as a main obstacle for conversion. I do not remember this being the case for me, indeed I think the opposite was the case. Apart from the Real Presence, Marian doctrines like the Perpetual Virginity of the Virgin Mary were most easily ticked. The Intercession of the Saints was also easily ticked, but possibly her being without Sin, her Immaculate Conception, the Feast which we celebrate today, provided a bigger obstacle.

Now, the Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina) is an integral part of my prayer life.*

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our Life, our Sweetness, and our Hope.
To Thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To Thee do we send up our sighs mourning
and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
Thine Eyes of Mercy toward us,
and after this our exile show us the
Blessed Fruit of thy Womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us O Holy Mother of God
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

This hymn sums up Catholic belief in Mary as the New Eve, the Queen Mother in the New Covenant, and intercessor beyond compare. It was this very maternal role as the New Eve, and especially as Queen Mother in the New Covenant Davidic Kingdom of the Son, the Church, that enabled me to find the Marian doctrines of Catholicism in the Scriptures.

(It also opened my eyes on the wisdom and beauty of Catholic theology and its whole big picture understanding of the economy of salvation as a whole since the Fall.)

But why the Immaculate Conception? Well, first of all there is the whole weight of evidence of the above role of Mary in the economy of Salvation. Immaculate Conception or not, for me, the Queenship and Motherhood of Mary in the New Covenant are indisputable. "Behold your Mother..!" I found Protestant arguments against the literal understanding of these word of Our Lord to his beloved disciple from the cross are tame at best.

Arguments in favour of the Immaculate Conception from Scripture are not clear. Tradition only proves the progressive Development of Doctrine, itself a particularly Catholic understanding of things. The strongest arguments are from reason. I could not accept that Mary was carrying Our Lord Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, in her womb and living an normal existence at the same time as a slave to sin.

If she was one has to ask which sins did she commit? Coveting? Adultery? Greed? Murder? Theft? Idolatry? Doubt? Could Our Lord have been so closely associated with such things? Could Satan have had such control of the vessel God chose to carry his only Begotten Son? While she was carrying Him?

Suffice to conclude with personal experience from my Spiritual life that Catholicism has yet again proven to be true. The closer I am to Jesus and the more I acknowledge his Divinity, the more abhorrent these suggestions become, and the further they have to be from the truth.

So Honour thy Father and thy Mother in the New Covenant Davidic Kingdom of the Son.

*This is especially the case since I became a devotee of the Divine Mercy. It seems to me that God gave me these tools in His Providence to compliment one another, especially considering the Salve Regina's description of Mary as "Mother of Mercy.." and her "Eyes of Mercy..".

That'll be an ecumenical matter (for some).

2011-11-28T14:19:00.001Z

From various Media outlets both online and print;

Sirs,

We understand that there is to be an ecumenical Christmas service held at Martin’s Memorial Church on the 3rd December, which will be televised by BBC ALBA on Christmas Eve.

Ministers from the Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church are to participate.

Is this then to inform the Scottish public that the “Disruption” was a silly disagreement with the Moderates that should never have got out of hand, and that the “Protestant Reformation” was a gigantic mistake to be repented of now!

Surely Chalmers and Knox are turning in their graves? Are there any ministers of island churches that will raise their voices and say that they are shocked that this is happening?

Have congregations here been taught anything of the evil and disobedience of ecumenism or does nobody care anymore?

Pastor Keith Baker

Stornoway Baptist Church

Stornoway

Hatred at Holyrood and Hatred at Hampden

2011-11-23T18:57:00.001Z

At the risk of infringing on The Smith's copyright for the song "Panic" ;

To be honest Scotland is doing my head in at the moment. It is like the whole country is falling out with itself on the Independence Referendum, Gay Marriage, proposed Anti-Sectarian & Offensive Behaviour legislation, Environmental Issues, Public Pay Cuts, to name but a few. Not to mention football.

There is hatred at Hampden, hatred at Holyrood and I’m hatin’ it all.

Cardinal O’Brien was spot on to turn his fire on the politicians about the tone of the debate. Although I am at a loss to decide if they are the root cause or the result of how Scotland is behaving at the moment. There are a lot of potential culprits. The Media?

Debates on other issues in Scotland are being carried out in an equally polarised tone. There is nothing conciliatory being said anywhere. Everyone has forgotten how to be pleasant and respectful. Engagements with the other side now contain insinuations, of a lack of transparency and truth, and if you go on line it deteriorates beyond that.

Can I be against Gay Marriage (I am) and not be described as homophobic? Can I be in favour of keeping the Union ( I am not) and not be labelled a “Brit Nat”? Can I be in favour of removing references to Ireland’s and Ulster’s armed struggles from Scottish Football Stadia (I am) and not be accused of anti Irish racism, or ignoring the what the other side is doing “wrong”. At the moment the answer to all these seems no. Intolerance and suspicion abound.

Incidentally, nobody ever said inappropriate was wrong. Inappropriate and wrong are not the same thing. It is a pity the current legislators chose the word “offensive”, and not “inappropriate”.

But that is entirely the problem. Inappropriate is too conciliatory. It gives to much ground. When you compare it to “offensive” it is almost respectful.

Consulting on Gay Marriage

2011-11-19T17:40:00.001Z

Submitted today;

Dear (MSP and familylaw@scotland.gsi.gov.uk )

I wanted to formally state my opposition to the proposal to re-define marriage as something that same sex couples can consider themselves as entitled to.

I have left this for a while to consider the arguements. I do not consider this as just a different term of reference to Gay Partnerships, but an encroachment upon something that is by its very nature reserved for relationships between man and woman.

I am also of the opinion, that whatever the intentions of the Parliament to protect the rights of the Church, that this will not satisfy the lobby in favour of introducing the legislation, and it would only be a matter of time, before any restrictions protecting the Church was further challenged. In other words, I am afraid there is an agenda here, much greater than perceived equality of status any legislation would bring to same sex couples.

Unfortunately, I do not think I will be able to continue my membership of a party that would be complicit in introducing legislation which attacked the institution that is marriage and left the Church so wide open to further harassment in the secular courts.

best regards

Remembrance Sunday; Our Catholic Soul

2011-11-13T16:00:00.000Z

Watching the Remembrance services today, being carried out with solemnity both locally and nationally gives us a glimpse that man is naturally Catholic by instinct. What could be more Catholic than the solemn actions of gathering together at a monument or statue, saluting it, laying flowers at its feet, and giving praise God?

I have always argued the point that praying for the dead was a religious instinct which is suppressed for some. One could argue the same about the instinct to make a religious offering or sacrifice. Although there is nothing as blatantly Catholic as these at the various events up and down the country, there is still an obvious Catholic soul to a lot of what is going on.

Pride before Hyphothermia

2011-11-12T16:53:00.001Z

Hebrides News Report

This is like the Parable of the Good Samaritan in reverse. The Greenpeace boat is flipped over while harrying a French trawler south of the Western Isles. The Greenpeace activists who ended up in the water refuse help from the French trawlermen! They were rescued when the another Greenpeace ship sent aid. Pride comes before Pneumonia and Hypothermia? Luckily not on this occasion.

New Translation Update from Parish Teuchtar

2011-11-10T19:30:00.000Z

Sometimes it is just time to start tapping the keyboard and typing any old nonsense. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since I considered myself a semi-serious blogger. So it is difficult to know where to pitch it when I approach my blog tentatively again. What subjects to consider worthy of my tapping?

I could start with the New Translation which we are due to start using in Advent, the liturgical fruits of which are already evident in our parish. I have high hopes so far. It looks like we are going to have a regular mass setting for the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnes Dei which ticks all the liturgical boxes, unlike the Peruvian, American, Walk like an Egyptian et all that will I hope be consigned to the bins of history. What can one say?

Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

Most interesting for me so far has been the standing role us lay folk are to have at the prayers. We have been instructed to stand, from the Preparation of the Gifts and “Pray Brethren....” right up to the Sanctus, just before the Consecration. Also, for the Prayer after Communion and the Dismissal. It has probably been most striking because I didn't see it coming unlike other instructions like striking our breast at the appropriate part of the Confitier. I’m not sure if it instructed or just our PP taking the opportunity to pretend it is.

My first reaction was..eh? I want to kneel! But you soon get to see that kneeling just before the consecration rather than a good while before it focuses your attention on just why you are actually kneeling in the first place!

Most ironic is that two of what I would have considered the most traditional Catholics in my parish have, God love them, decided they want to kneel anyway. Now I would have bet my bottom dollar that they would have decided that the thing to do in this situation is follow the instructions. Which just goes to show one of two things is true;

1. Tradition is sometimes what we want it to be.

2. My Catholic-Spectrum judgements are very poor.

Great article on this at crisismagazine.com

Simple Truth Simply Spoken

2011-11-09T21:02:00.000Z

"Christ is for us the source of grace, because, having paid all our debts to Divine Justice by His life, Passion and his death, He has merited to distribute every grace to us; Causa satisfactoria et meritoria"

Christ Life of the Soul by Blessed Columba Marmion

This is the kind of sound Catholic doctrine, which is not repeated often enough. Sometimes to point out error, you need to do it by simply speaking truth.

Pope Benedict, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

2011-10-21T19:54:00.000+01:00

CT has just returned from Madrid. No! I didn't get lost on the way back! It just so happens that I timed my holidays in Spain to miss both the Papal visit and the visit of the Scottish National Team and their Tartan Army of followers. Maybe in the latter case it is just as well. Scotland lost 3-1 to the World and European Champions. The Tartan Army had a ball as usual though.

Madrid is a wonderful city, still selling of its remaining souvenirs from World Youth and the Papal Visit. There are images of Pope Benedict still in all the souvenir shops. He is still there with Real Madrid FC's Cristiano Ronaldo and FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

The Cathedral in Madrid was completed as recently as 1993. It left CT and Mrs CT looking across the aisle at one another stunned with jaws dropped. It is really beautiful. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena

It has a statue of Pope John Paul II outside as the Blessed Pope consecrated the cathedral as late as 1993.

Most stunning though is the side chapel containing the tabernacle which was wall to ceiling colour mosaic tile images portraying some of the most significant moments of salvation history starting at the very beginning with Adam and Eve being tempted by the serpent.

The Tabernacle itself has a larger mosaic tile image of the face of Our Lord Jesus on it.

Cameras were prohibited in this part of the Cathedral, and a sign on the glass door read "No Photos, Only Prayer" although the odd tourist did break the rules as I knelt before the Tabernacle. However I am bitterly disappointed to discover that there are no images available of this part of the Cathedral even on the internet.

The image of the young lady, kneeling, crouching as if almost hiding from His presence in theTabernacle behind the back of the pew in front of her, whilst simultaneously pulling her head scarf over the top of her head, in such surroundings, will stay long in my memory.

Please pray for her. Whoever she may be.

There are some other great religious sites in Madrid, and CT didn't have the chance to visit Toledo, old Spanish Capital and Cathedral. A mere 30 mins outside Madrid on the train. I'll just have to go back then!

X Factor and the Pope

2011-09-22T19:29:00.002+01:00

Pope announces visit to *X
Media report anticipated hostility and apathy in *X
Pope visits *X
Pope bowls *X over with charisma and hope!
Pope has huge following in *X
*X gobsmacked
Media flummoxed.
But Pope is going to *X2

Media report anticipated hostility and apathy in *Xv2
Pope visits *Xv2
Pope bowls *Xv2 over with charisma and hope!
*Xv2 gobsmacked
Pope has huge following in *Xv2
Media flummoxed (x 2)

and so it goes on...

* insert Scotland/England/Germany/Spain/etc...etc as appropriate to your location

Scary Spirit Life

2011-08-26T22:04:00.000+01:00

The fact that God doesn't just want a couple of half hour prayer sessions a day in morning and evening with a Mass thrown in here and there but our whole lives is quite scary.

Singing the Reformation!

2011-08-23T19:51:00.000+01:00

Do not miss the exhibition at the University of Edinburgh or James Macmillan's superb article at Telegraph Blogs.

Speeding towards Advent

2011-08-23T07:28:00.002+01:00

The Catholic Herald has a Christmas Catalogue Card flyer insert this week! :o

Confession wish

2011-08-22T23:02:00.000+01:00

I'm so grateful for confession. It gives me a wonderful peace. There is nothing like it. I should really go once a week and make it more of a defence against subsequent sin than a reaction to sins committed.

Please God may it be so.

Course; Gaelic Songs of the Jacobite Era

2011-08-14T13:55:00.000+01:00

Sabhal Mor Ostaig present

Gaelic Songs of the Jacobite Era

Date:	15/08/11 - 19/08/11
Cost:	£160
Students:	£100

Tutor: Margaret Stewart

How would you like to spend a relaxed and informative week at one of the most glorious locations in the Highlands, whilst learning about and singing some of the Gaelic songs relating to the Jacobite era; one of the most fascinating periods in the history of our nation.

Throughout the five day course we will cover historical detail and songs from the birth of the Jacobite era through to the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. I will use archive recordings and live singing to illustrate and teach some of the songs.

Join me for a relaxing week of song and lore in the 'Garden of Skye'. You don't have to be a singer or a Gaelic speaker to join this five day course, but by the end of the week you will have picked up enough songs and Gaelic to get you started.

Join us, participate, share information, chat and sing. It's not just a singing class, it's a cultural experience !

How to book a course: Here

Somalia

2011-08-13T12:10:00.001+01:00

From TimesOnline

Gay Rights and Human Rights

2011-08-08T12:09:00.000+01:00

John Mason MSP, and other other SNP politicians are doing Scotland a favour by tabling a motion on the same sex-marriage debate .

"Nationalist MSP John Mason has tabled a motion at the Scottish parliament stating that no person or organisation should be forced to be involved or to approve of same-sex marriage.The motion is backed by three other Nationalist MSPs."

reports the Scottish BBC Website

Whilst this is an emotive subject it is clear that those condoning same sex marriage are able to claim the moral high ground now and label those who oppose it, or have reservations about it, either due to religious affiliation or their own personal moral compass as "bigots".

SNP MEP Alyn Smith may "not ask for their approval but demand equality" in this weekend's papers, is a tad ironic when all the motion is saying is that you can have equality but don't demand my approval. Further, do not label me a bigot when you do not get it.

For an excellent article on this read the Glasgow IUniversity Human Rights blog

I quote;

Green MSP Patrick Harvie said the motion was "specifically anti-gay", so I challenge Patrick Harvie to bring forward a private members bill that forces religious organisations such as the Catholic Church, Protestant and Muslim faiths to have gay marriages in their places of worship.....

...Typically and getting the wrong end of the stick, Glasgow University product and Labour's deputy leader at Holyrood, Johann Lamont, has asked First Minister Alex Salmond to distance himself from what she called a "coded attack" on gay people.

I take the view that this is a coded attack on religious organisations.

Ireland now most Anti-Catholic country in western world?

2011-07-31T16:33:00.001+01:00

I doubt it but...

While America’s attention has been absorbed in recent weeks by domestic affairs, something quite remarkable has become unmistakably clear across the Atlantic: Ireland — where the constitution begins, “In the name of the Most Holy Trinity” — has become the most stridently anti-Catholic country in the Western world Read more at the National Review Online

60 Years Celebration for Canon Angus J MacQueen; PICS!

2011-07-28T22:26:00.001+01:00

The people of the the Isle of Barra, and clergy from across the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles , including Bishop Joseph Toal, gather at the grotto, Northbay, Isle of Barra, to celebrate 60 years of service to Holy Church by Canon Angus John MacQueen.

St Philip

2011-07-27T22:21:00.000+01:00

According to Canterbury Tales Blog the tomb of St Philip has been found in Turkey!

Chesterton on Remembering the Dead

2011-07-27T20:48:00.000+01:00

Daily Express; Amy Winehouse; Back to Black Album Set to Top Charts

"Even in an empire of atheists, the dead man is sacred" G K Chesterton

"It is strange that even the materialists. who say that death does nothing, except turn a fellow creature into refuse, only begin to reverence that fellow creature, at the moment that he has been turned into refuse." G K Chesterton

RIP AMY

Scottish Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham

2011-07-24T15:50:00.001+01:00

Teuchtar notices that the Catholic Herald is reporting that the "Ordinariate expands to Scotland" with a former Episcopal minister having been ordained into the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

A wonderful development it is too but Teuchtar is going to cheekily suggest the Scottish version be renamed the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Isles.

Shameless Popery: Answering Nine Protestant Arguments About the Bible

2011-07-22T23:29:00.000+01:00

If you're not following this debate, you should be.

Shameless Popery: Answering Nine Protestant Arguments About the Bible...: "After yesterday's post, Brent Stubbs pointed out that a thoughtful Protestant named Shawn Madden raised a number of arguments against the ..."

Best Catholic Book of 2011?

2011-07-21T23:11:00.001+01:00

This has been a great read. It re-iterates everything I already new about our Mass and reminds me of some really important aspects I either wasn't aware of or wasn't putting enough emphasis on.

Most striking for me is the developing of the argument I had already heard Scott Hahn make about how Jesus didn't finish the Last Supper in the Upper Room, but rather, integrated his Crucifixion into the Passover he was celebrating. This is of huge importance because it shows how his disciples would only have understood his Crucifixion as a sacrifice, rather than a straight forward execution, in the context of the Passover he had just celebrated with them - The Last Supper.

I also enjoyed the emphasis on our Christian Journey as a new Exodus.

This book does what it claims by "Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper." Every Catholic should read it or be aware of what it has to say about the Eucharist, and they will see why it is central to our Catholic faith.

Kudos to New Liturgical Movement for the head up on it.

Musings of a Scottish Catholic Teuchtar Archive

2011-07-20T23:23:00.001+01:00

Incidentally, the archive of the old blog is still available in the side bar. However some images from archived posts did not import again.

Musings of a Scottish Catholic Teuchtar

2011-07-20T23:03:00.001+01:00

It was much to my surprise that whilst clearing out my Google accounts and emails I realised I had deleted my blog "Musings of a Scottish Catholic Teuchtar".

For reasons best known to myself I didn't rush to re-enable it but accepted the status as a fact of life. I probably thought at the time it was providential.

A wise priest consoled me that even our Lord retreated to solitude to pray.

This has stuck with me.

Then I realised that when I had the blog I felt I had nothing to say, and that when I didn't have it I felt I had a lot to say. The latter is a more frustrating condition.

So here we go again.

The Pyramid Effect?

2011-05-15T15:09:00.000+01:00

It struck me this weekend after the release of Universae Ecclesiae that not many people in my parish are likely to hear about this document and have even yet probably never heard of Summorum Pontificum. I'm not entirely sure what the solution is but I imagine that assuming that it is up to the laity to go and find out what is coming out from Rome and whether it is of great importance and significance to us is not the right way. This would be a similar negligence that left thousands of Catholics poorly catechised and open to proselytising now and in the past.

Or is that not the assumption? If not why will the thousands of Catholics who attended Mass in Scotland today or next week not be told about it either verbally or in the parish bulletins? Some are quick enough to give the Homily over to various charity appeals or have it replaced with and kid's nativity plays or the likes.

It isn't enough to assume that we buy the Catholic press or go looking on the Internet for the latest developments in Rome. We, as a community, really have to be able to rely on our clergy to keep us up to date one way or another.

More Island Parishes

2011-05-08T20:11:00.000+01:00

Alleluia on BBC Alba tomorrow (Monday) evening at 23.30 has a bit of an island Catholic theme to it with a nice article on a Gaelic Hymn to the Statue of Our Lady of the Isles, including some footage of the statue, and a personal account on being brought up a young Catholic on the Island of Lewis. You can watch it live online if you do not have Sky.

Scottish Elections Part III

2011-05-07T00:14:00.000+01:00

Scottish Elections Part II

2011-05-06T21:12:00.000+01:00

Scottish Elections Part I

2011-05-06T13:28:00.000+01:00

Labour's positive message for Scotland?

2011-04-29T14:07:00.000+01:00

The above is a pic of Labour Scotland's Twitter page with the following tweets;

Tweeting Here

Scots worried about lights going out if SNP reelected. For hunger, uncertainty, crime and darkness vote SNP. For none of the above Labour.

Typical SNP Racism

Scots disgusted by SNP's 100% renewable target. They back nuclear power. It is safe and uses Scotland's resources and Scotland's knowhow.

Scots disgusted at Alex Salmond's refusal to publish his birth certificate. Ian Grey is proud to be born in EDINBURGH.

Dont sleepwalk toward independence, wake up and vote Labour on May 5th.

Midge Ure Never Married a Catholic Girl, but he does have tattoos.

2011-04-28T12:00:00.000+01:00

His mother told him "Never do drugs, never marry a Catholic girl, and never be tattooed", and he says that he has stuck to that, apart from one unfortunate incident with a hash cake, and a small star on his upper right arm. His main concession to the lifestyle was a fondness for Jack Daniels which more recently developed into full-blown alcoholism, culminating in a spell in detox early last year.

Typical advise for a Lanarkshire lad?

In any case. Two out of three ain't bad. I married a Catholic girl, and err... I have tattoos. Never did drugs though, unless you count copious amounts of alcohol ~~in my teens~~.

Midge is supporting the SNP Scottish Election Campaign. Not bad for a Lanarkshire lad whose mam told him not to marry Catholics.

Easter Octave Variety

2011-04-27T21:48:00.000+01:00

Don't miss this great post "Jesus didn't just die for our Salvation" on the resurrection and the Catholic and Protestant understanding of it in the context of Justification. A great primer for those struggling to come to grips with an alternative to the Penal Substitution understanding of our Lord's Passion. Unfortunately too many Catholics fall un-wittingly into this understanding today.

This article from the Guardian; Scottish Sectarianism? Let's Lay this Myth To Rest might raise a few eyebrows among some of you?

Apart from that for some reason I picked up St John of the Cross' "Ascent of Mount Carmel" again this week. This is probably my third attempt at reading this work, and I am pleased to say that this time I am further than ever before into it, and I am still interested. Anyone come out the other side of this one and benefited in their spiritual life? What is the balance between this emphasis on "detatchment" and for example Josemaria Esriva's, the founder of Opus Dei's emphasis on living our vocation where we are in the world. Comments and spiritual advise welcome.

God Bless you all.

Deo Gratias

2011-04-23T17:36:00.000+01:00

The Easter Vigil is my absolute favourite Mass. Not just because it is a beautiful story, the readings are lovely, the symbolism striking and hopefully the homily moving. It is my favourite because each and every year it is the anniversary of my reception into the Church. Although the rhythm of the Church's liturgical calender causes you to reflect on each and every passing year, I suppose for converts who were received at the Easter Vigil this particular night is especially poignant.

Tonight is the 10th Anniversary for me, so I am sure that somewhere along the line being the emotional sentimental wreck I sometimes can be, a tear of joy, gratitude, love, will be shed. Probably just after receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Deo Gratias.

Please remember those being received into the Church tonight in your prayers.

A very happy Easter to you all.

Not Very Holy Week Reflections.

2011-04-22T19:11:00.000+01:00

What the....!?

Where to start? Even our priest mentioned the bomb threats to prominent Catholics including three who had strong connections with "a certain football club". The irony is that the idiotic, clumsy, but let us face it murderous intent, of a few has raised the issue of sectarianism to a level not seen in Scotland before.

There are so many ingredients in this couldron of hatred that manifests itself as sectarianism in Scotland. That football rivarly plays itself out along religious lines is central to Scottish sectarianism. The three recipients of bombs this week were Trish Godman, Labour MSP, born Govan, Neil Lennon, Manager Celtic FC, born Lurgan, Northern Ireland, and Paul McBride, a Scottish QC, (QC! - Queens Council!!) based in Edinburgh. Two born in Scotland I assume, one from Northern Ireland, all Catholics, probably none practicising, but all with high profile connections to "a certain football club".

All this has taken sectarianism to the front pages. For example, the previously un-reported story that Cardinal O'Brien had recieved bullets in the post before last year's Papal visit. Why was this un-reported?

Also playing a part is anti-Irish racism. This in effect is an easy way to target Catholics. If you are anti-Irish you have a 90% chance you are hitting the "bead-rattlers" too. But again, the degree to which this exists outside the strong association of Ireland with "a certain football club" is hard to gauge. The comradre and backing Scots give to Ireland in the Six Nations Rugby for example, - just to stick with the sporting context - when they play England, would surely leave the English aggrieved.

Even growing up in a staunch Presbyterian environment, I was always brought up respecting the Irish and Welsh as our "cousins". Religion was never an issue, something deeper was. It is obviously different elsewhere in Scotland.

Elsewhere during Holy Week, Cardinal O'Brien sees fit to get stuck into Nuclear weapons during an Election Campaign. Ach you have to love the ~~Irish rogue.~~ Scottish cardinal who knows how to act like a Scottish Cardinal, in the best traditions of the (independent) Scottish Church. I wonder if he is in Jim Murphy MP's equivalent MSP ward in Edinburgh? I hope they do not have a dinner date soon.

Go Lassie Go has blogged on the First Minister's Act of Settlement letter. As I commented on her site and blogged before, this would be a can of worms in the event of independent Scotland. At least if some weren't content to just see it as a peice of anti-catholic legislation.

More later. Loads more maybe. On the other hand...

The Mass Settings, Hymns etc. - momentum gathering.

2011-04-15T20:36:00.000+01:00

The ~~times~~ tunes and settings - they are a changing!

Please God!

Joseph Cullen TABLET 9 April 2011

Polyphony to Polyfilla
After his recent visit to Britain, Pope Benedict spoke warmly of the excellence of some of the Catholic liturgies which he celebrated here and of the ecumenical service of Evensong in Westminster Abbey. Sadly such excellence is untypical of the vast majority of our Catholic churches. There is a glaring lack of sympathy for the heritage which should be the bedrock of worthy sacred music in today's Church and it is hard to discern any attention to the 1967 instruction Musicam Sacram, the "Instruction on Music in the Liturgy".

....

When the Mass in English was introduced in the 1960s, there was a dearth of suitable ritual music in the vernacular. The first need was for Mass settings - for those intrinsic parts whose texts are already there but which rely on being set to music to solemnity them. One effect was that hymns started to be used as filler, anything to sing which was in the "new" language. Hymns intended for use in devotions, Benediction and Holy Hours came to be used inordinately - often inappropriately - at Sunday Mass.

There was a second effect. New settings of the Ordinary of the Mass were urgently needed. Some, composed by monks, had a certain dignity. But the 1970s were mostly characterised by a free-for-all when unsuitable settings used the same trite tunes for the different parts of the Mass Ordinary, illicitly paraphrasing the texts to fit and lacking any affinity to the words.
The Church guards the texts of its rites with diligence. Less diligent are the checks on the texts and settings used in liturgical music. Low-quality material in both inspiration and facility is commonplace.

....."

In The Tablet no less. Hat tip to James Macmillan for the heads up. (I love name dropping me!)

There you have it. I dont even have to wait for Mass on Sunday to think about where we are and become "En-raged from Teuchtarland!"

Glasgow Cathedral

2011-04-11T22:23:00.000+01:00

OK, who has been to the Cathedral? Pics gratefully received by email. Meanwhile a great article in The Herald.

Poltical Advise for Scottish Catholics Part II (Part I)

2011-04-09T19:32:00.000+01:00

My attempt at tweeting humour/blog post on the next Scottish Elections and how Catholics should vote raised a few ganders. So I think I owe you all an explanation and a declaration of intent. CT is a card carrying SNP member. I'm not entirely sure why. Apart from the fact that they are the main vehicle for Scottish Independence which I wholeheartedly support. I have a Nationalist instinct. I could just as easily lend that support to the Scottish Greens or the Scottish Socialist Party should they become a convenient vehicle for my main political agenda.

With this mentality I waited with anticipation for my first chance to vote. I was going to vote SNP. No shadow of a doubt. However, the Scottish Labour Party activists very cleverly diluted my intent with their "Tartan Tory" card at the SNP. Vote SNP, get Tory they pleaded. "SNP votes = a Tory Majority" they argued.. "Bad for Scotland" they exclaimed. I wobbled, voted Labour................... and got Tory.

From that day and since, I realised something. It has been and ongoing process of realisation. I realised that what they did to me personally, they did and continue to do to Scotland nationally. I had been duped. Scotland is, was and has been duped.

First of all they duped us on Labour stopping the Tories. They didn't. Even when they finally won the Westminster Elections. There was no difference. They have sold their souls, make no mistake. There is no difference.

ISSUE                         LABOUR ARGUMENT                                   TACTIC

MY VOTE               Tories will win if we (Labour) lose                        Fear/Duplicity

IRAQ                       Weapons of Mass distruction.                              Fear

SCOTTISH            SNP figures do not add up!                                 Fear

PARLIAMENT

MEGRAHI Scottish Labour slate the SNP                              Duplicity

INDEPENDENCE   Scotland will be "like Iceland"     Fear

BUDGET (Scotland) We need more apprenticeships Duplicity

BUDGET (UK)          Terrible cuts                                                      Duplicity

Thankfully now the media and electorate are beginning to wise up. Although quite how this Parcel of Rogues continue to score so high in the Scottish Polls is really beyond me.

The front page of their political manifesto for the upcoming elections in Scotland (above) show how Scottish Labour works. They can not even have a Political Manifesto headline without insinuating negatively that their opponents (read the SNP) are not fighting for what Scotland really wants. This is a message alien to the Scottish People - that the SNP is not fighting for what Scotland really wants - and shows that Scottish Labour has not come out of the complacency over what kind of hold it has over the Scottish People, which I hope costs it dear.

Tonight on Twitter, I recieved this from SNP sources;

Also a bit surreal to have Michael Portillo on #sp11 trail. Not campaigning I hasten to add...he was interviewing Alex! http://t.co/Ad1uCTb

I then recieved this from Labour sources;

Michael Portillo out and about with the SNP on the campaign trail #saysitall #sp11

Actually, that does say it all. Not about the SNP though.

Lenten Reflections (Update)

2011-04-07T19:22:00.000+01:00

As Lauds said this morning, and I should have said yesterday, rather than holding my hand, I have been dandle upon the knees and suckled on the breasts of mother church, she has revived my drooping spirit.

Meanwhile I'm writing on the Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh "Express" Train. The scenery is as only raw Highland scenery can be. Dark and bright. Sunny but with snow on the hilltops. Beautiful and bleak. All within seconds.

The tragic past of these parts is not understood or appreciated. It is another of Scotland's "shhhh" factors . Like the wanton waste of North Sea Oil. You can't pass through places still called "Achnashellach" and not wonder what might have been. What was. So of I go. Onwards towards Easter with my lamp lit.

--

Sent from my mobile device

Disgruntled Down Under writes..

2011-04-05T19:30:00.000+01:00

Hi CT,

Hope the old lent is going well, mines not I'd given up swearing until read Rampant Scotland website on St Mungos Museum of Religious life and Art http://www.rampantscotland.com/visit/blvisitmungo.htm in Glasgow, in its second paragraph it enthuses "Despite being named after St Mungo, Glasgow's patron saint, it tries to cover all religions, not just Catholicism or Christianity." Why build, fund, and promote a museum which is suppose to enlighten the layman on religion if it cant even get it's fundamentals right before you walk in the door, that said its not often you see the word Catholic in any tourist guides as anything of ancient Catholic origin is always billed as pre-reformation! Why do they persist in this rhetoric?

Yours disgruntled

Lenten Reflections - Week 3 (& Half of week 4)

2011-04-05T19:28:00.000+01:00

I'm not really very good at this Lent stuff. Thankfully, Jesus is. Whatever I am doing I can hardly be considered as following in the footsteps of his trial in the desert, never mind faithfulness.

Reflecting on this week, my main emotion is one of failure and dissapointment. A bit of humility isn't a bad thing and the Good Lord knows I need high dosages of it at times. I mean, I started a religious blog! How guid a conceit of yourself do you need to do that!?

I would keep reminding myself that faith is a constant spiritual battle. But I do not need to. It is there in front of my face. He who perseveres to the end will be saved. I feel this a lot now and not just because of Lent. They could take the whole Liturgical year and rename it "Penitential Season" and for me it wouldn't make any difference. (This probably isn't true. It just feels like it at the moment.) The Easter Vigil and the milestone of 10 years in Holy Church is looming large. Maybe more of a millstone, than a milestone. I haven't been a good Steward.

At least I have Jesus, and at least I have the Church, to hold my hand with her Lenten Readings.

It has been a week of dissapointments. The book that didn't arrive in my mail. The broken glass of orange juice, the time a soaking wet Canine Teuchtar decided to shake himself dry all over me. I swore at him. Just after Lauds. I have lost my Pearl. Serves me right. It all seemed too much. Like Penance. Sure God wouldn't make a glass of Orange Juice slip through my fingers. (Evidence all the Whisky I have managed to successfully hold onto in my time when it would have been wiser not to). Sure Canine's timely shake wasn't divinely inspired. There are people in the world with much more important things to grumble about. But see when your down, you are down.

But its been a real "By the Rivers of Babylon sitting and weeping as we remembered Sion" kind of week.

This week, I have to go to Confession. It is the only cure.

Scottish Elections - A voting guide for Catholics

2011-03-29T21:32:00.000+01:00

Don't Vote Labour!

Lenten Reflections - Week 2

2011-03-27T19:02:00.000+01:00

Another stooshie on sectarianism in Scotland brewing. What sounded like the majority of Rangers' FCs' twenty-thousand odd supporters were clearly heard to sing about there being no Pope of Rome, chapels saddening their eyes, a lack of nuns or priests or rosary beads and every day being the 12th of July during a Football Cup Final against arch-rivals Celtic last weekend. The Catholic Church is reported to be diving in. I do not really agree with that course of action. The Irish Community in Scotland are equally upset and rightly so about the in-famous taunts contained in The Famine Song "the Famine is over, why don't you go home?"

Catholics and people of Irish ethnicity in Scotland could rightly claim that comments by Justice Secretary Kenny Macaskill praising the exemplary behaviour of fans were less appropriate than the release of Megrahi. Strathclyde police made equally blind-to-the-truth remarks about the behaviour of fans. This was mass sectarianism and racisim on the largest scale heard for some time. It blew the "small minority" fall back theory out of the water.

However I still cringe when the Church goes wading in. Why? I am not sure. Making statements of condemnation is one thing but scanning videos of a football game along with the police for evidence of sectarianism isn't high up there on what I want my Church to be involved in. Is this in danger of the persecuted becoming the persecutor?

Some good news. A supposed relic from the Crown of Thorns will be on display in the British Museum when it opens their "Treasures from Heaven" exhibition on 23rd June. Read the Scotsman article here for more information and on its links with Catholic Scotland.

Artefacts will be loaned from the Vatican and the whole thing is an exciting prospect. Imagine being as close to a real life relic from the cross as that! The whole thing had got me tremendously excited until for some reason it came to my mind after receiving communion today and it all seemed a bit of a damp squib in that particular sense if you get my drift. Still hoping I can make it down to London though.

Truth in the Translation

2011-03-20T22:39:00.000Z

Y'all know I like re-producing great letters. This one from the Catholic Herald this week.

Sir-

The current discussion about the Authorised version and Doua-Rheims verson of the bible needs to focus not on the language but on the theological truth. The issue of the language is ultimately one of personal opinion, but that of theological merit is one of truth. Your readers should hold in mind that the AV was produced by an Anglican establishment that was virulently anti-Catholic. In its very preface (still published today) the Catholic Church is viciously maligned.

The King James Version (KJV) translators, to undermine their authority, also relegated the Deutorcanonical books to the special subsection designated the Apocrypha. The would eventually lead to their complete loss in the 19th century. Catholics should remember that the Church had pronounced these books as Canonical. The Protestants based (and still base) their canon on that defined by the decrees of an anti-Christian, post New Testament Judaism.

The intrinsic Protestantism of the AV is witnessed by various errors within the text such as the inclusion of the doxology added to the word of the Lord's Prayer which is not authentic, but a liturgical gloss. Other examples are the designation of Cephas as "stone" and the deliberate omission of the word "priestly" in Romans 16.

It was only natural that Bishop Chaloner revised the text of the Douai-Rheims version, as language is constantly changing. It would take Protestants another 100 years before they faced up to the reality with the AV.

Indeed some Protestant fundamentalists believe the text of the King James Version is unalterable. It is ironic that the most stingent critics of Papal infallibility have deemed the work of the KJV translators as beyond criticism

yours faithfully

********

Bangor is y Coed ,

Wrexham

Lenten Reflections - Week 1 - Peer Pressure

2011-03-19T21:37:00.000Z

"Fancy a dram?"

"No thanks"

"uh! - you ok?" (tells its own story that one!)

"yeh I'm fine"

"go on then have one.."

"no thanks"

"you sure"

"aye thanks"

"Got the car?"

"Nope"

"oh?..right?!?..beer then?"

"ok, thanks, I'll have a beer"

"sure you dont wanna whisky with that!"

"No thanks!"

"You sure you're ok?"

"I'm fine!"

"you on the wagon?"

"Naw, I'm having a beer aint I?"

"Something wrong - the missus been on your case?"

"nope"

"aw well I'm haveing one, sure you..."

"..NO!"

"How No?"

"Just fine with the beer OK?"

"You got a doctors appointment coming up?"

"No!?!"

"What is it then?"

"Just dont fancy anything but a beer to be honest"

"The missus has been on your case hasn't she?"

"No she hasn't! Why would she be?!"

"Well what about that night.."

"..OK! OK!...no she hasnt been right!"

"Chill man!"

"No, look, I do not want a whisky because it is...well..its Lent!

If Susan Boyle can stop chocolates I can stop whisky! Surely?"

"Ah!! Lent! Why did you not say man! Thats awright then! Slainte!"

Controversies

2011-03-11T22:20:00.000Z

If we take an interest in the controversies in our seperated brethren's ecclessiastical communities, it is because we probably see a little bit in them of what we see in our selves.. A letter in this week's West Highland Free Press seems to empathise with a lot of what many Catholics feel about their church today. "Returning to its radical roots is exactly what Free Church needs to flourish once again." is the headline.

Others are thinking different, as they drag that institution to the stormy waves of changes in liturgical practice and..well it looks like..the r word...relativism.

Sound familiar?

In any case Mr Donald Mackay, Glasgow penned a letter which struck me for this;

"There are necessary conditions for Presbyterianism to function; the headships of Christ: a unity in the spirit; a uniformity of worship and doctrine founded upon the Word of God; the principle that the minority do not tyrannise the majority; the adherence of office-bearers to doctrinal commitments; a lovingly enforced discipline; the adherence of church courts to Biblical and constitutional principles; the submission of all to the lawful acts and edicts of the courts of the church."

I see a lack of objectivity in these conditions, and there-in is the problem. Everyone believes they are upholding these principles.

It is rather ironic that the unity and objectivity they seek is to be found in the institution they most oppose.

Simples. For Catholics too.

I almost forgot to ask the question; what do you think are the necessary conditions for Catholicism to function?

I blame Catholic Schools for...what?!

2011-03-06T13:42:00.000Z

The Telegraph has an interesting article which says a lot about Tom Conti.

The son of an Italian father and Scottish mother, Conti was brought up in Glasgow. To keep the Italian relatives happy, his father reluctantly sent him to Hamilton Park, an independent Catholic boys’ school, an experience that left him disillusioned with religion.(CT - Conti is not directly quoted as saying that but...)

“I came to realise that it was silly,” he says. “The whole idea of God to me is completely silly – there’s no logic to it, particularly this idea of a just and loving God. Ju st and loving? What’s happening in Libya this afternoon: is a just and loving God saying, 'Ooh look, they’re fighting. Isn’t that fun?’

Doh! "Fail" on that last part Mr Conti! Or maybe as they used to say in your Catholic School - "F" .

But it seems that this school achieved the very opposite of what it should have?

I suppose if I had a Catholic education, and subequently fell away to lets callit an unrepentant lifestyle, I would quite happily point the finger at the school. However, Tom Conti is not alone here. I have personal contact with people like Tom Conti who blame their athiesm directly on their Catholic schooling. To be cynical is an easy way out here.

More Our Father , but a less Catholic Our Father?

2011-03-01T20:37:00.000Z

Not to spoil things in Christian Unity Week, (or something like), and I know you can all read between the lines yourselves and do not need me highlighting text with bold font, but;

"After Vatican II, in an attempt to better adapt the Mass to emerging ecumenical standards, the Our Father prayer had a verse inserted after it that is often attributed to Martin Luther, who wrote it as a footnote in his own Bible,(CT - no way!!!?) but which is actually first seen in the Didache which was written at the advent of Christianity. It is commonly used by the Protestants. This line reads "For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, now and forever." This is only found in modern versions of the Catholic Mass as an ecumenical offering of the post-Vatican II liturgical commission though is not actually part of the "Our Father" nor is it added in the recitation of the "Our Father" when prayed outside of Mass, for instance, like in the Rosary. "

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_Catholic_version_of_the_Our_Father_prayer#ixzz1F60aP7n3

It is Wiki right enough..?

"Protect us from all anxiety"

2011-02-26T17:55:00.000Z

I've always wondered about this little petition after the "Our Father". Anyone?

Wisdom! Be Attentive!

2011-02-23T20:00:00.000Z

Wednesday of the Seventh week in Ordinary Time

Book of Sirach 4:11-19.

Wisdom instructs her children and admonishes those who seek her.

He who loves her loves life; those who seek her out win her favor.

He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.

Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the LORD loves.

He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.

If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her.

She walks with him as a stranger, and at first she puts him to the test; Fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline; With her precepts she puts him to the proof, until his heart is fully with her.

Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveal her secrets to him.

But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers

This is an absolutely stunning Old Testament Reading today, and given my spiritual journey of late it both pierced my conscience and gave me great joy at the same time, if that should be possible. Which it must be because it feels as if that is what it did..

Plainsong Mass Scottish Premiere

2011-02-21T23:40:00.000Z

A new setting of a plainsong Mass is a rarity. Roxanna Panufnik's Schola Missa de Angelis, will be given its third performance – and Scottish premiere – in Glasgow on 5 March. REPORTS INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC NEWS

Commissioned by the Schola of the London Oratory School, Schola Missa de Angelis is a 20 minute work for mixed choir by Roxanna Panufnik. The work will be heard this year in Scotland, for the first time, in a brand new arrangement with string ensemble accompaniment. It is based on the original plainsong Mass – the Missa de Angelis – which has been in use in the Catholic Church for centuries.

READ MORE AT CATHOLIC NEWS

The concert also includes music by the leading Scottish composer James MacMillan CBE. The Schola has a long connection with MacMillan - most recently performing his specially composed Mass of the Blessed John Henry Newman for the Papal visit earlier this year – and is looking forward to working with the composer during this visit to Scotland.

The concert takes place on Saturday 5 March, 7.30pm in Saint Aloysius Church, 25 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RE.Admission Free (retiring collection).

Scottish Episcopalians Coming Home to Rome?

2011-02-16T23:31:00.000Z

Landed here?

This might be the page you were looking for;

http://www.scotlandordinariate.com/

Red Red Roses, Long Long Noses.

2011-02-08T20:37:00.000Z

I had no intention of posting about this blog from James Macmillan, but I will now, in the context of the latest revelations about the Megrahi episode, which showed the Labour Party in Scotland, to be beyond even what I expected from them. A more hypocritical and unscrupulous bunch I can not imagine.

Which is where James' post comes in. At least thats what i always though about the Scottish Labour Party. But their colleagues in the Scottish Media are fast moving up the league table for any beyond the pale description that befits "orchestrated" agendas by political parties.

The facts as I see them;

Scottish Government - rightly or wrongly - release Megrahi.

The Labour Party machine swings into action, condemning this act, and the ensuing media frenzy lasts close on a week, if indeed it has ever gone away.

It has now been shown that the Labour Government of the time was actively pursuing the release of Megrahi. That was their favoured policy.

Further more the Scottish Labour Party's claims of a position of opposition to the release as a distinct viewpoint from the UK Government is undermined because the then Scottish Secretary of State, Jim Murphy - dishonest darling of the Scottish Catholic gentry - was cc'd into the minutes of meetings with Jack Straw/Alex Salmond.

So, what headlines do we get in the Scottish Media today? What coverage does this outright deceit from a political party claiming to be the official opposition in Scotland get? Search it out for yourselves. It is scandalous.

James Macmillan is right. Thank goodness for the interweb. The Scottish Media are selling our nation short on balance. There is nothing but agendas.

They are a breed undeserving of our attention and our respect. At least in that respect they do have something in common with their seeming paymasters at Labour Party HQs both North and South of the Border.

New Face of Scottish Catholicism Coming Soon! "Benedictine" or "Modernist"?

2011-02-07T20:56:00.000Z

Our Catholic Hierarchy is set for a "new look". The Herald calculates that the effect of this timebomb; "three-quarters of Scotland’s Catholic hierarchy leave their posts or apply for retirement within two years, with an entire new generation of bishops soon to lead the faith."

The article goes on to report

"Contenders for the soon-to-be-vacant posts include Monsignor Gerard Tartalgia, brother of the Bishop of Paisley, Monsignor Peter Magee, Fr John Keenan and Fr Patrick Burke, all very broadly seen as more orthodox, intellectual and closer to the teachings of Pope Benedict.

Others include Monsignor Peter Smith, Fr Paul Conroy and Fr Gero McLoughlin, generally seen as more representative of modernist face of the Church."

Obviously the modernist face of the church and the teachings of Pope Benedict are two different things?

Island Parishes

2011-02-05T12:52:00.000Z

Quite ironic that on the week I posted about hymns - poor hymns - getting in the way of decent liturgy, a presbyterian minister has chosen to leave his denomination and his central belt congregation, in protest against his church's acceptance of hymns in the normally psalm-only environment of the Free Church of Scotland.

I once read in the Donald Macleod's West Highland Free Press column that one man's symphony was another person's cacaphony. This is very true. It was very interesting to see the former Professor of Free Church College's interview on BBC Alba last Sunday. At one point where he commented on the schism which created the Free Church Continuing he described people as people "having put themselves outside the authority of the Church". Presumably he sees islander Rev Kenneth Stewart as having done just that too.

(One point he alluded to I hadn't realised, was that his comparing of Presbyterian minister Ian Paisley's Northern Ireland to South Africa's Apartheid system had also alienated many of his fellows.)

Last night's episode of Island Parish was titled "Forgive us our sins", where our three clerical tv stars heard the confessions of the parish - the figure of 200 was mentioned - before settling down for a dram and some craic. It was Catholic parish life in action. I was reminded of Belloc's

"wherever the Catholic sun does shine,

there is music and laughter and good red wine.

At least I have always found it so,

Benedicamus Domino"

But there was a serious part too. Fr John Paul reminded us all of our human frailty, and the fact that we all fail from time to time, and that Confession was a "healthy thing to do."

This program will run for another 9 weeks, and I can not see it avoiding controversy. Somebody is going to disapprove of something or other at some time. Maybe there will be too few candles on an alter or the crucifix will be in the wrong place or - God forbid - we'll hear the liturgy massacred by some dire hymns.

But we'll remain under the authority of Holy Mother Church. God Bless her, and keep her, our Priests and laypersons, suckling on her breasts, for ever more. And "forgive us our sins" indeed.

Ban these Hymns and Mass Settings now!

2011-01-30T16:49:00.000Z

This is the hymn book we use in our parish. It is fine. If you are a girl guide having a sing song around a camp fire.

I must say I am looking forward to the new translation coming into effect in Scotland because hopefully it will make the above culprit, guilty of dire hymn lyrics and sentiments such as “turning the whole world upside down” dodgy and inappropriate mass settings such as “Father of All have Mercy on us!” Spirit of all have mercy on us!” and a whole host of other abominations in our liturgy absolutely redundant.

Knowing our “liturgists” as I think I do, we will probably get “new translation? From the Vatican? Really? Lets just stick with the hymn book!”

Jet that went down in sea flying over the Western Isles on fire before cra...

2011-01-28T19:35:00.000Z

Although some of you might have been surprised at my contempt for the RAF planes in a recent post this is the video of the plane that hit the news yestersday, flying over the villages in the Western Isles, engines on fire, with its under-carriage down, shortly before it went down in the ocean close to the Skye and the mainland. Check the height of this plane and the noise. I can assure you, emergency or not this level of flying and noise is nothing new for residents of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Invincible Britain

2011-01-28T17:23:00.000Z

Have I got news for you? Yes. Phone tapping is wrong!

This week I was put of my hotel breakfast when I saw a man on Sky News trying to justify phone tapping. You know the type, the now stereotypical bolshie journo.

"But what if they have done something wrong! The public deserve to know!"

"We don't want to know if the Chancellor phones his wife to say he will be late home for tea, but if he is doing something wrong, we have a right to know!"

It really does prove how far this press in this country has fallen when someone who is respected enough to be interviewed on Sky News and employed in that profession can come out with such tosh and believe hiimself to be right. There is an air of invincibility in too many spheres of public life in Britain now.

We have had politicians with expenses, bankers with lending, and then with bonuses, sportsmen (especially footballers) with sex, and journalists with the truth.

Did anyone mention Andy Gray?

reading list

2011-01-27T20:59:00.000Z

CT is reading "The Way" by founder of Opus Dei Josemaria Escriva. In a way it is like opening

a bible. Just open - anywhere -start reading, be inspired.

Love the format. This is a book that will be close at hand for quite some time.

What you all on at moment?

Highland Playground

2011-01-27T16:41:00.000Z

Another military jet down in the Highlands. Albeit in the ocean but
how long before its a town or a village?

--
Sent from my mobile device

Protestant to lead pontifcal academy

2011-01-23T17:48:00.000Z

According to the Catholic Herald which I unwrapped this afternoon Pope Benedict has appointed a retired Protestant professor as the head of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. He will be leading the Vatican's science council. There is a joke in there somewhere about what he will uncover. I just cant put it together though. Eucharistic Miracles on Mars?

Catholic fame

2011-01-22T23:00:00.000Z

I was very interested today to see that there was a funeral mass in Paisley for the late Gerry Rafferty. Many people have commented on Glasgow's (Buddies will disagree) contribution to the celebrity list.

I would like to pay tribute to Catholic Glasgow's contribution to the celebrity list. Obviously Gerry Rafferty would qualify.

The list is endless! Away you go .....comments welcome.

Island Parish

2011-01-21T06:14:00.000Z

Do not miss the new series Island Parish on BBC2 Scotland at 7.30pm tonight which follows the life of a parish priest as he takes up his new Parish on the lovely Island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides.

Protestants in Purgatory

2011-01-20T23:08:00.000Z

The book "Ransoming Martin Luther" was plugged in an email I received from Zenit. It says of the author

"His discoveries –include the unsuspected fact: the Protestant stream of Christian peoples and churches is the only grouping of faith believers, anywhere in the world, ever, to abandon its souls at death without prayers and sacrifices to help them enter heaven."

Of course Protestants go to purgatory. Of course the Roman Catholic Church doesn't distinguish between Protestants and Catholics when praying for the dead.

The author has a point. Of course they will argue that the point is what scripture allows - and that is a matter of debate - but I am of the opinion that the answer is in the fact that this non-practice by Protestants stifles one of man's most natural inclinations in response to death.

there is nothing new under the son

2011-01-18T21:49:00.000Z

Ordinary Time has become very ordinary. The struggling to get back into routine. The new resolutions to improve one's health. The regret at the tinsel Christmas. Even the seasonal weather being unseasonal across the globe. The unsolved Christmas mystery. You could have written the news reels and the emotions of our hearts for the first two weeks of Ordinary Time during Advent. Yes, weeks 1 and 2 or Ordinary Time, are the same every year.

CT has taken it upon himself to scramble through to Ash Wednesday without having to attend confession too often, but going as often as I can, if you know what I mean. By the grace of God it will be so.

It is good to have targets. CT was a bit more inward looking than usual on Sunday morning. In fact if it hadn't been for a few choice providential encouraging Readings in the morning, my guilt might have led me not to go for communion.

It isn't a bad thing really. When you feel weak, then you realise the huge gift of the Mass and "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed."

"The Mass has ended. Go in the Peace of Christ."

"Thanks be to God."

So it was.

Scotland's oldest catholic church

2011-01-06T20:20:00.000Z

Many thanks to one of my readers from down under for this heads up. I should of course provide a link to the wonderful Scalan website on my blog for those who share my (and obviously Andrew's) inclination to dabble in the History of Scottish Catholicism. Thank you Andrew. Hope your not too caught up in the unusually threatening weather down there and have got over the... err.... dare i mention it...cricket!

-------- Forwarded message ----------

From XXXX
Date: Mon, Jan 3, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Subject: scotlands oldest catholic church
To: Catholic Teuchtar <catholicteuchtar@googlemail.com>

Happy New Year CT

While browsing the net I came across a site about the oldest "post reformation" Catholic Church in Scotland, "The Banffshire Bethlehem" - St Ninians,Tynet

web address :http://www.scalan.co.uk/ansontynet.htm

It is a really interesting read, so good it could almost have been written for Catholic Teuchtar, I think it would be worth checking out and maybe having a link on CT for it.

May God Bless You in the coming year

The lowland Scot from down under

Andrew Heaney

He meant to pass by them

2011-01-05T21:48:00.000Z

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 6:45-52.

Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.

When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.

Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them.

But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out.

They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"

He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded.

They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

I wonder what the significance of that highlighted sentence is; "He meant to pass by them". ?

Bliadhna Mhath Ur!

2010-12-31T19:52:00.000Z

Le moran taing dha "His Girl Friday" airsonn brosnachadh a phost seo aig a mhionaid anmoch seo! Tha mi an dochas gu mi Dia maille ribh uille 'sa bhliadhna 2011. 'S e Criosd ar Righ!

With much thanks to "His Girl Friday" for encouraging this post at the last minute. I hope God goes with you all in the year 2011. Christ is our King!

with apologies to the Gaelic experts out there. :-)

Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-25T01:52:00.000Z

I ask Christ, the light of the nations, to dispel whatever darkness there may be in your lives and to grant to every one of you the grace of a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

May God bless all of you!

Pope Benedict XVI BBC Radio Thought For the Day

Spiritual Gluttony?

2010-12-24T13:14:00.000Z

It is possible, I read about it somewhere.

I decided to give mass a miss today, seeing as I'm going to the Vigil. I usually attend both and then tomorrows Christmas day mass. Communion 3 times in 24 hours is a bit much maybe. Probably safe enough but not for me this year, I'll appreciate the vigil more I think.

I could have gone and not taken communion of course! So the vigil and tomorrow's Christmas day mass will do for me this year.

What's your Christmas plan?

Tommy Sheridan

2010-12-23T19:08:00.000Z

You might be guilty Tommy, I do not know the answer. I would be no
more convinced of your guilt or innocence by the decision of the
courts. But better to have fought for the poor and fallen along the
way than to be associated with the News of the World. Good luck.

--
Sent from my mobile device

Heaven and Earth are full of your Glory!

2010-12-23T17:04:00.000Z

And although I can't personally vouch for the former, I'll just take God's Word on that, the latter certainly is, even more so in unusual weather.

I was very blessed to be able to take canine teuchtar around and about today, the first time I have been able to do so in some time. Work has become a bit too big a part of my life of late. As for the walk, it was fresh, scenic, gorgeous.

It was very cold, but absolutely beautiful never the less. I hope as I embark on the holYdays, that God will bless me with daily Mass, and a blessed time with family and friends.

And for you, God bless you. Have a wonderful HolYday period. Remember me in your prayers, and may you have a restful time body and spirit.

Auntie Beeb: Wee things that make you a Nationalist # 102,101,201,010

2010-12-22T20:55:00.000Z

Pope to deliver Thought For The Day on Christmas Eve

It will go out as the Thought For The Day on the Today programme on Radio 4.

It is the first time that Pope Benedict has addressed a Christmas message especially for one of the countries he has visited during the year.

The BBC's David Willey says it is the Pope's way of saying thank you for what he regarded as a hugely successful trip to England and Scotland in September.

Must have decided to do it in alphabetical order. Obviously. Maybe even in order of size? Certainly not the order the Pope visited them.

light hearted

2010-12-22T20:41:00.000Z

"I hate women that wear stupid amounts of make-up.

My wife has just the right amount of foundation on her face.

She's buried under the house"

Jesus? Wotz at all about den?

2010-12-22T19:22:00.000Z

Well what is it about? This Christianity lark doesn't get any easier does it? What is in it for me?

It doesn't really work like that though does it?

I loved this intercessionary prayer from Lauds this morning. I thought it was the summation of my Christian life and hope!

"May we live our lives to the full in this world - and transfigure it with the hope of future Glory! Lord Jesus come to us in love"

I want to live life to the full, and I know what that entails, and it is so simple, and yet I grasp at it like an addict knowing that it is in somebody else's power to give, not mine to take. I can not just "do it". It is beyond my means this "life to the full"

That is not a pessimistic ungrateful longing. I am happy. But I know I am happy in as much as I am living a Christian life, in communion with Jesus Christ, through his body, and the closer the better.

"Hope of Future Glory" I will begin to worry about when I reach purgatory, God willing, when I reach Purgatory.

Spirit of Teuchtar II

Behold your Mother John 19:27

Love Jesus Hate Religion

You are God's Temple

Celtic Cousins

Wise as Serpents Simple as Doves

Sympathy with David

Conversion of St Paul

Sola Scriptura - The ABC Rule against

Sunday Cup Finals: The Half Time Advertising?

Scottish Catholic Unionism: the irony and the facts.

Abortion targets

Reconciliation or Education?

Time for Independence

Dabbling Like Dawkins

Anticipated Reading Mistakes ~ (Unjustified)

Coming to a blogger near you soon!

Abortion in Reverse

Taken for Granted Tools of Spiritual Warfare

Nollaig Chridheil

Ireland and Scotland's Call

Bah Humbug but Merry Christmas!?

Iesum Dominum (Scottish Gaelic & Latin Carol)

Bad Catholic Guides...

"and with your spirit...

Honour thy Father...And thy Mother!

That'll be an ecumenical matter (for some).

Hatred at Holyrood and Hatred at Hampden

Consulting on Gay Marriage

Remembrance Sunday; Our Catholic Soul

Pride before Hyphothermia

New Translation Update from Parish Teuchtar

Simple Truth Simply Spoken

Pope Benedict, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

X Factor and the Pope

Scary Spirit Life

Singing the Reformation!

Speeding towards Advent

Confession wish

Course; Gaelic Songs of the Jacobite Era

Date:

Cost:

Students:

Tutor: Margaret Stewart

How to book a course: Here

Somalia

Gay Rights and Human Rights

Ireland now most Anti-Catholic country in western world?

60 Years Celebration for Canon Angus J MacQueen; PICS!

St Philip

Chesterton on Remembering the Dead

Scottish Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham

Shameless Popery: Answering Nine Protestant Arguments About the Bible

Best Catholic Book of 2011?

Musings of a Scottish Catholic Teuchtar Archive

Musings of a Scottish Catholic Teuchtar

The Pyramid Effect?

More Island Parishes

Scottish Elections Part III

Scottish Elections Part II

Scottish Elections Part I

Labour's positive message for Scotland?

Midge Ure Never Married a Catholic Girl, but he does have tattoos.

Easter Octave Variety

Deo Gratias

Not Very Holy Week Reflections.

The Mass Settings, Hymns etc. - momentum gathering.

Glasgow Cathedral

Poltical Advise for Scottish Catholics Part II (Part I)

Lenten Reflections (Update)

Disgruntled Down Under writes..

Lenten Reflections - Week 3 (& Half of week 4)

Scottish Elections - A voting guide for Catholics

Lenten Reflections - Week 2

Truth in the Translation

Lenten Reflections - Week 1 - Peer Pressure

Controversies

I blame Catholic Schools for...what?!

More Our Father , but a less Catholic Our Father?

"Protect us from all anxiety"