A happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day to you and your families! The word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving”, and our lives as Catholics, centered upon the Eucharist, are filled with thanksgiving to God for His Love, His mercy, and the greatest gift ever given, that of His only Son.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Colossians 3:16-17

Monsignor John Fritz, pastor of St. Stanislaus Parish, the Fraternity’s apostolate in South Bend, Indiana, completed his incardination with the FSSP at the chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary on October 18, 2017. Originally a priest of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, Monsignor has been a member of the Fraternity on a per annum basis since 2012 and pastor of the South Bend apostolate since it became a parish in 2015. We had the privilege of talking to Monsignor recently, and he told us more about how he was first drawn to the traditional Latin Mass of the Church, and the path that led him to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.

Monsignor first thought about becoming a priest when he was just 13 years old, and acted on that original inclination when he was finishing college, being ordained for the Diocese of Rockford in 2000. Although not familiar with the traditional Latin Mass growing up, it was during his time in seminary in the 1990s, while he was in liturgical studies, that he began to learn about the old Mass and to be disposed towards the traditional liturgy of the Church.

It was not long after his ordination, Monsignor explained, that he decided that he wanted to celebrate the traditional Mass. In addition, he also wished to have a traditional priesthood and to have confreres who held the old Mass in common and viewed their priesthood in the same way. He first requested of the Diocese entrance into the FSSP in 2004 and was granted permission in 2012, the incardination subject to yearly renewal until the ceremony this October.

It has been a long desire of his to be in the Fraternity, Monsignor added.  Indeed, Monsignor’s formal incardination with the Fraternity on October 18, 2017 was an event no less than 13 years in the making. The presence of Monsignor Fritz has been an immense blessing to us over the past several years, and we rejoice in his future as a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.

Congratulations, Monsignor!

Editor’s Note: “Monsignor” is a title for those who have received certain honors from the Pope. One of these honors is “Chaplain of His Holiness”, which is the honor that Monsignor Fritz holds. In addition, incardination, from the Latin incardinare, meaning “to hang on a hinge,” is the canonical process by which a priest is bound to the jurisdiction of a bishop, abbot, Order, Congregation or Society. In Monsignor Fritz’s case, he excardinated from the Diocese of Rockford and incardinated with the Fraternity.

On October 21, 2017, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Auxiliary Bishop of Astana, Kazakhstan, celebrated a Solemn Pontifical Mass at St. Mary Mother of God Parish in Washington, D.C. The Mass was the annual Mass in honor of Blessed Karl of Austria, the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire, which disintegrated following the First World War. Blessed Karl became emperor in the midst of the War in 1916, declaring peace as his central goal, and was the only world leader to unconditionally accept Pope Benedict XV’s peace plan for ending the conflict. Not only was Blessed Karl the paragon of a just and selfless statesman, but he and his wife, Empress Zita, and their eight children are also a profound example of a Christian marriage and a holy family life. He said to his future wife on the day before their betrothal: “Now, we must help each other to go to Heaven.” On their wedding rings he had the phrase inscribed: “Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix”, that is, “We fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God.”

In his sermon, Bishop Schneider described Blessed Karl as “an apostolic king, an emperor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.” He explained how Karl was particularly devoted to the Sacred Heart throughout his life, and faithfully observed such devotions as that of the First Friday in honor of the Sacred Heart. On October 2, 1918, he consecrated his family and his entire empire to the Sacred Heart, renewing it on each First Friday. He was similarly devoted to Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament, so much so that a bishop of the time called him “the Eucharistic emperor.” Blessed Karl of Austria was sent into exile in 1919, and died there of an illness in 1922 at the age of 34, with the Holy Name of Jesus as his final word in this world.

“Blessed Charles dedicated all his life not only for the temporal welfare of his people,” Bishop Schneider said, “but ultimately for the aim of the exaltation of Jesus Christ as the only King of each human heart, and as the only true King of each human and political society.”

The great-grandson of Blessed Karl and Princess Zita, Prince Dmitri Galitzine and his wife, Princess Alexandra, were present in D.C. on Saturday to honor their beatified relative. The music was a beautiful combination of the mixed-voice choir Musikanten and the St. Mary’s men’s and women’s scholas, and the Mass was followed by the veneration of a first-class relic of Blessed Karl.

Afterwards, the reception hall was overflowing with guests who chatted and enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres, sweets and drinks that had been carefully laid out for the anticipated crowd. Presentations about Blessed Karl were a part of the festivities, including a speech by the Prince himself. His Highness spoke of the exemplary marriage of his great-grandparents, how it prepared himself and his wife for the married life, and how it is an example to all Christian couples and families. “Today the Christian marriage is under a lot of pressure from a number of factors. Hence the message that Blessed Karl conveys has never been more important than it is now,” the Prince said. “Although it is hard for us to imitate him as a Christian statesman, that ruled by putting the concern of his people above his own, it is truly in our grasp to emulate the properties Blessed Karl and Empress Zita have shown in their marriage. I truly believe, that if we try, we can create a better and a more Christian society as fundamentally, the family is the backbone of society.”

If you are near the U.S. capital next year on October 21, be sure to attend this yearly Mass and celebration in honor of Blessed Karl of Austria. Of course, at any time of year you can visit St. Mary’s and venerate the first-class relic of Blessed Karl that resides on the left wall along with a large portrait of the saint. Blessed Karl of Austria, pray for us!

Our thanks to Mr. Joe Vitacco for his photos of the Mass.

by Karen Hastreiter

On Monday, October 30, 2017, All Saints Parish and a local team from NET Ministries collaborated in bringing the Gospel to the residents of Minneapolis. NET (National Evangelization Teams) is a Minnesota-based group that sends teams of young Catholics across the U.S. to assist other young Catholics in studying and living their Faith and to equip them with the skills they need for evangelization. With the approval and blessing of All Saints’ pastor Fr. Peter Bauknecht, Dan Driver, a parishioner of All Saints and also the national NET Team Retreat Coordinator, brought a team of about 10 young adult missionaries to the parish for the whole day.

Fr. Bauknecht assigned the parochial vicar, Fr. Alex Stewart, as the chaplain for the day’s activities. Fr. Stewart, who was ordained this past June at the FSSP’s parish in Warrington, England, gave talks to the young missionaries on various topics, including the liturgy, and was present for their spiritual needs. Fr. Bauknecht offered a High Mass at 4:30pm for the spiritual endeavor that the missionaries would be embarking upon. At 7:00pm, these confident, enthusiastic young men and women went, two by two, out into the secular Minneapolis residential neighborhood, knocking on doors and inviting anyone they encountered to “come light a candle in church”.

The idea was formulated in the hopes that there would be less resistance to the idea of lighting a candle than engaging in an intellectual discussion on religion, in which many people are not interested.

From 7pm until 9:30pm there was Exposition and Adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in the church while volunteer choir members from the parish sang beautiful sacred hymns interspersed with moments of silence. Confessions were heard as well.

During this time the young lay missionaries were out in the cold streets of Minneapolis talking with those whom they met, some of whom accepted the invitation to “come light a candle in church”. There were those who admitted they felt “lost”, and one man even came back into the church after he had left, saying that there was some peace he sensed there that he had never had. The faithful in church offered their prayers for the conversion of hearts and minds, not only on this cold night in a Minneapolis neighborhood, but also for all those whom God is calling to Himself.

The missionaries and the visitors who came to light a candle.

A round-the-District look at the feast days we celebrated at the beginning of November!

FSSP Calgary

Solemn Masses of All Saints and All Souls celebrated by Fr. Charles Ike from Nigeria

FSSP Dallas

¡Viva Cristo Rey! Blessed Miguel Pro, St. José Luis Sánchez del Río and the Mexican Cristeros at Mater Dei’s All Saints Eve Party!

FSSP Mexico

A look at the All Souls Day Requiem Masses at our mission in Mexico
Misas de la conmemoración de los fieles difuntos

FSSP Minneapolis

See our complete post on All Saints and All Souls Day at FSSP Minneapolis here.

FSSP Seattle

O quam gloriosum est regnum by Victoria, sung on All Saints Day during the Offertory

FSSP Thorold

All Souls Day Requiem Mass

FSSP Dallas has begun an incredible new initiative.

Michael’s Miscarriage Ministry is a new parish project dedicated to assisting those who have experienced the heartache and sadness associated with the loss of a child, born or unborn. The ministry is named for a little boy named Michael who was never able to see his birthday, as he and his parents suffered a miscarriage during the time they were expecting him. Michael’s would-be godmother is the group’s main coordinator, and after the loss that touched Michael’s parents, she now works to extend resources and support to mothers and fathers who are also suffering the pain of losing a child.

The ministry held its first annual “Evening of Remembrance” on November 6, an evening for all those who have been through or are going through this difficult experience. The evening consisted of Mass at 7pm followed by a reception introducing the ministry. Roses to represent each remembered child were available for attendees to place in vases for the Marian altar, and those who came were also invited to bring a memento of their child to place on a table at the reception.

Among those who came was Michael’s mother.

For more information on Michael’s Miscarriage Ministry, please email miscarriageministry@materdeiparish.com.

This past week, at the time of the feast of All Saints and the commemoration of All Souls, FSSP Minneapolis welcomed Fr. Gerard Saguto, North American District Superior. Fr. Saguto celebrated a Solemn High Mass on All Saints Day, assisted by Fr. Bauknecht and Fr. Stewart, the pastor and assistant pastor at the Church of All Saints, the apostolate’s home. On that day, the parish was not only celebrating a Holy Day of the Church and its own patronal feast day, but also its first official day as a newly designated personal parish in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The musical setting was Palestrina’s Missa Aeterna Christi Munera, sung by the Chorus Omnium Sanctorum under the direction of Mr. Jacob Flaherty. This is an excerpt from the Gloria.

On All Souls Day, Fr. Bauknecht, assisted by Fr. Saguto and Fr. Stewart, celebrated a Solemn Requiem Mass in honor of all the faithful departed followed by Absolution at the Catafalque. The Mass featured the Officium Defunctorum (Requiem) á 6 by Tomás Luis de Victoria. Listen to that Sanctus!

And here is the solemn and beautiful Dies Irae.

Our thanks to Tracy Dunne for her photos of the Masses.

A most blessed All Souls Day! Today we especially remember to pray for all our departed relatives, friends, benefactors, and all the faithful departed. On this day priests are allowed to celebrate three Masses, and in the liturgy we call to mind our final end and implore God’s mercy upon the Poor Souls in Purgatory and upon us sinners. Devotion to the Poor Souls is a holy practice recommended by the Church to speed the deliverance of those who have died in God’s grace but are undergoing the purification necessary to enter Heaven, and it is a great act of charity to remember these souls today, during the month of November and throughout the year. Those souls whom we aid will surely pray for us when they arrive Heaven.

Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine: et lux perpétua lúceat eis.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.

A most joyful and glorious feast of All Saints! Remember that today is a Holy Day of Obligation, and hence you are obligated to attend Mass (in most dioceses) and abstain from unnecessary servile labor. We also encourage you to call together your friends and neighbors, pray the Litany of the Saints together, throw a party, buy a cake, and otherwise celebrate this happy feast day with all due festivity. God willing, may we all one day be counted among the number of the Church Triumphant!

Omnes Sancti et Sanctae Dei, intercedite pro nobis!

The Litany of the Saints

Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison. Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison.

Christe, audi nos. Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos. Christe, exaudi nos.

Pater de caelis, Deus, miserere nobis. 
Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus, miserere nobis.
Spiritus Sancte, Deus, miserere nobis.
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, miserere nobis.

Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Dei Genetrix, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Virgo virginum, ora pro nobis.

Sancte Michael, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Gabriel, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Raphael, ora pro nobis.
Omnes sancti Angeli et Archangeli, orate pro nobis.
Omnes sancti beatorum Spirituum ordines, orate pro nobis.

Sancte Ioannes Baptista, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Ioseph, ora pro nobis.
Omnes sancti Patriarchae et Prophetae, orate pro nobis.

Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Paule, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Andrea, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Iacobe, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Ioannes, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Thoma, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Iacobe, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Philippe, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Bartolomaee, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Matthaee, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Simon, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Thaddaee, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Matthia, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Barnaba, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Luca, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Marce, ora pro nobis.
Omnes sancti Apostoli et Evangelistae, orate pro nobis.
Omnes sancti discipuli Domini, orate pro nobis.

Omnes sancti Innocentes, orate pro nobis.
Sancte Stephane, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Laurenti, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Vincenti, ora pro nobis.
Sancti Fabiane et Sebastiane, orate pro nobis.
Sancti Iohannes et Paule, orate pro nobis.
Sancti Cosma et Damiane, orate pro nobis.
Sancti Gervasi et Protasi, orate pro nobis.
Omnes sancti martyres, orate pro nobis.

Sancte Sylvester, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Gregori, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Ambrosi, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Augustine, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Hieronyme, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Martine, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Nicolae, ora pro nobis.
Omnes sancti Pontifices et Confessores, orate pro nobis.
Omnes sancti Doctores, orate pro nobis.

Sancte Antoni, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Benedicte, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Bernarde, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Dominice, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Francisce, ora pro nobis.
Omnes sancti Sacerdotes et Levitae, orate pro nobis.
Omnes sancti Monachi et Eremitae, orate pro nobis.

Sancta Maria Magdalena, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Agatha, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Lucia, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Agnes, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Caecilia, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Catharina, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Anastasia, ora pro nobis.
Omnes sanctae Virgines et Viduae, orate pro nobis.

Omnes Sancti et Sanctae Dei, intercedite pro nobis.
Propitius esto, parce nos, Domine.
Propitius esto, exaudi nos, Domine.

Ab omni malo, libera nos, Domine.
Ab omni peccato, libera nos, Domine.
Ab ira tua, libera nos, Domine.
A subitanea et improvisa morte, libera nos, Domine.
Ab insidiis diaboli, libera nos, Domine.
Ab ira et odio et omni mala voluntate, libera nos, Domine.
A spiritu fornicationis, libera nos, Domine.
A fulgure et tempestate, libera nos, Domine.
A flagello terraemotus, libera nos, Domine.
A peste, fame et bello, libera nos, Domine.
A morte perpetua, libera nos, Domine.
Per mysterium sanctae Incarnationis tuae, libera nos, Domine.
Per adventum tuum, libera nos, Domine.
Per nativitatem tuam, libera nos, Domine.
Per baptismum et sanctum ieiunium tuum, libera nos, Domine.
Per crucem et passionem tuam, libera nos, Domine.
Per mortem et sepulturam tuam, libera nos, Domine.
Per sanctam resurrectionem tuam, libera nos, Domine.
Per admirabilem ascensionem tuam, libera nos, Domine.
Per adventum Spiritus Sancti Paracliti, libera nos, Domine.
In die iudicii, libera nos, Domine.

Peccatores, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut nobis parcas, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut nobis indulgeas, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut ad veram paenitentiam nos perducere digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut Ecclesiam tuam sanctam regere et conservare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut domum Apostolicum et omnes ecclesiasticos ordines in sancta religione conservare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut inimicos sanctae Ecclesiae humiliare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut regibus et principibus christianis pacem et veram concordiam donare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut cuncto populo christiano pacem et unitatem largiri digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut omnes errantes ad unitatem Ecclesiae revocare, et infideles universos ad Evangelii lumen perducere digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut nosmetipsos in tuo sancto servitio confortare et conservare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut mentes nostras ad caelestia desideria erigas, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut omnibus benefactoribus nostris sempiterna bona retribuas, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut animas nostras, fratrum, propinquorum et benefactorum nostrorum ab aeterna damnatione eripias, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut fructus terrae dare et conservare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut omnibus fidelibus defunctis requiem aeternam donare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Ut nos exaudire digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.
Fili Dei, Te rogamus, audi nos.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Domine.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos.
Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison. Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison. Kyrie, eleison.

Pater noster (silentio)…et ne nos inducas in tentationem. Sed libera nos a malo.

We all lead busy lives, whether we be working adults, busy moms, or, like Kornelia Fukś, a student juggling the duties of parish life, school and work. Ora et labora is the cornerstone not only of the monastic life but also of the lives of people in the world, the wisdom of St. Benedict applicable to both religious communities and our own families. Oftentimes, however, our duties can be overwhelming, we become disheartened or frustrated by all the things we have to do, and prayer takes second place in our lives. How do we keep it all in order? Kornelia, who hails from FSSP Thorold in Ontario, Canada, has some insights for us.

Who are you? Where are you from?

My name is Kornelia Fukś and I’m the oldest of four children. My parents are originally from Poland, but my siblings and I were all born in Canada, and we live in a small town in the Niagara region.

Are you a lifelong Catholic or a convert? Have you always attended the Latin Mass? How long have you been attending St. Aloysius?

I am a lifelong Catholic, but I have not always attended the Latin Mass. My family discovered Queen of Angels Oratory around seven years ago when my dad started learning Latin, and we began attending the Latin Mass regularly shortly after. As more and more people joined the parish, the oratory became too small, and the bishop allowed us to move to a larger church, St. Aloysius.

It must be amazing to be so close to Niagara Falls. St. Aloysius is only a 15 minute drive from the Falls, right?

It definitely is amazing! I’ve been to Niagara Falls many times and the beauty and grandeur impress me every time.

Are you involved in any groups or activities at your parish (altar society, choir, etc)?

A few years ago, I began taking chant classes at St. Aloysius and I now sing in the choir on most Sundays and feast days. In addition to singing the regular parts of the Mass, I sing with the choir during the beautiful ceremonies of Holy Week and sing carols before the Midnight Mass every year.

Where do you go to university?

I go to Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.

What are you studying? What would you like to do when you graduate?

I am studying Applied Linguistics. I just started university this year and I don’t yet have a clear plan of what I would like to do after I graduate, but I would like to have a job involving languages.

Do you work in addition to going to school?

Yes, I work as a music teacher and teach piano and guitar to children both at a studio and at home.

As a Catholic student at a secular university, how do you bring your Faith to those around you? Do you get the chance to evangelize and share your Faith?

Topics related to the Faith come up quite often in conversations with friends, and I’ve been approached by members of various non-Catholic religious groups and clubs who are seeking new members. Most of the time, trying to persuade people that they are mistaken has little or no effect, so instead I try to ask them questions that will hopefully make them reflect on their opinions and see the flaws in their arguments. I am open to talking about and sharing my Faith, so when my friends ask about some of my beliefs, I’m always eager to explain. It’s difficult to tell how much of an effect my words and actions have, but I share my Faith when I can and pray for my classmates and friends.

Do you have any hobbies you like to pursue?

Over the past few years I developed an interest in languages and I spend a lot of my free time improving my language skills. I’m fluent in Polish and Spanish, and I’m currently working on learning Nahuatl, an indigenous language of Mexico, which is a very different but rewarding experience. I also play piano and guitar whenever I get the chance, and I enjoy making my own arrangements of songs.

What are some of the things you like to do with your friends? How important are good friendships for a young Catholic?

It can be difficult to get together during the school year since my friends and I have very different schedules, so most of the time we just meet for lunch and chat or study together, or attend some of the events held on campus. I also really enjoy attending our parish youth group, which is a great opportunity to play games and socialize with other young Catholics. Having good friendships is important because the people we associate with almost always influence us to a greater or lesser extent. Most young people want to belong to a group and have many friendships, and when they find themselves excluded from certain activities or ridiculed because of their beliefs, they are tempted to abandon their Faith. Getting together  with other young Catholics is always encouraging, and it allows us to find wholesome and enjoyable ways to spend time.

Being a working student means you have a busy life. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed with all the things you have to do, how do you maintain your peace and keep going forward? How do you, as they say, “keep calm and carry on”? What are your strategies?

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I try to step back and remind myself that God has a special plan for me, and everything happens for a reason. God is never far away, always aware of our struggles, and He will give us the strength and graces we need to carry on if only we ask Him. It’s also important to remember that challenges and suffering are not useless, and instead of complaining about how hard life is we can always offer up our hardships to God.

What do you think about the place of prayer in the life of a young person? Sometimes prayer gets sidelined because we struggle to find the time for it. How do we make the time?

Prayer is an essential part of the spiritual life of any Catholic, and it is especially important for young people who face many temptations and challenges every day. Saying “I’ll pray when I have some time today” usually results in prayer being forgotten, and we often try to convince ourselves that there really hadn’t been any good moments for prayer that day. The best way to find time for prayer is to dedicate a specific time during the day to God and make prayer a part of our schedule. This way we won’t plan anything else for that time, and we’ll be unlikely to forget about prayer. Of course, this does not mean that we should forget about God for the whole rest of the day. We can always ask God to give us strength before we begin a new task, or recite a decade of the rosary while waiting at the bus stop. Any time is a good time to speak to God, even if only very briefly, and even the busiest people can find plenty of opportunities to pray and be close to God throughout the entire day.