On Sunday, Oct 11, 2015, the priests of St Benedict’s Parish in Chesapeake participated in the annual Eucharistic Procession on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to commemorate the miracle of the sun at Fatima in 1917.

Approximately 500 faithful from St. Benedict and local parishes participated. The event began with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and hymns, followed by the procession from Star of the Sea at 14th Street along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the 24th Street Park, where an altar was erected for Exposition and Adoration. A Rosary with the meditations of the Blessed Sacrament was prayed along the way.

Once at the altar of repose, Fr. Neal Nichols, FSSP, pastor of St. Benedict, was joined by assistant pastors Fr. David Nix and Fr. Anthony Forte, along with other priests of the area, in offering meditations on the message of Fatima with the need for reparation and adoration to God. After Benediction and the recitation of the Divine Praises, the procession returned to Star of the Sea while praying the remaining mysteries of the Rosary of the Blessed Sacrament, and singing traditional hymns.

Prayer and gratitude goes to all those that aided in the procession, especially the Most Rev. Francis DiLorenzo, Bishop of Richmond, Fr. Esteban DeLeon and the parishioners of Star of the Sea, and the parishioners of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Special thanks also to St. Joseph’s Men’s Guild, St. Anne’s Sodality, Knights of the Altar and the police and officials of Virginia Beach.

Most importantly, thanks were given to Our Blessed Mother by all who attended, for her intercession on such a beautiful day. More images follow.

The Church of All Saints, our parish apostolate in Minneapolis, enjoyed the beauty of their newly renovated church as they commemorated their Patronal Feast. For the Solemn Mass of the day, the parish welcomed a recently ordained priest from the Diocese of Madison to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Fr. Christopher Gernetzke was assisted by Fr. Michael Malain, FSSP, as deacon, and Fr. Peter Bauknecht, FSSP, pastor of All Saints, as subdeacon. Enjoy pictures of the day, and the beautiful new interior of the parish. Many thanks to Tracy Dunne for the lovely images.

The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter celebrated the admission of eleven new tonsurandi as members of the Fraternity.  The Most Rev. Fabian Bruskewitz, Bishop Emeritus of Lincoln, traveled to Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary on Saturday, October 24, 2015, to administer the Rite of Tonsure.

The Rite of Tonsure is administered early in the second year of formation, and is the point at which a seminarian ends his life in lay clothes and is invested with the cassock and surplice.

The 1911 Catholic Encyclopedia gives an excellent overview of the rite:

(From the Latin verb tondere, “to shear.”)

A sacred rite instituted by the Church by which a baptized and confirmed Christian is received into the clerical order by the shearing of his hair and the investment with the surplice. The person thus tonsured becomes a partaker of the common privileges and obligations of the clerical state and is prepared for the reception of orders. The tonsure itself is not an ordination properly so called, nor a true order. It is rather a simple ascription of a person to the Divine service in such things as are common to all clerics. Historically the tonsure was not in use in the primitive Church during the age of persecution. Even later, St. Jerome (in Ezech., xliv) disapproves of clerics shaving their heads. Indeed, among the Greeks and Romans such a custom was a badge of slavery. On this very account, the shaving of the head was adopted by the monks. Towards the end of the fifth, or beginning of the sixth, century, the custom passed over to the secular clergy.

As a sacred rite, the tonsure was originally joined to the first ordination received, as in the Greek Church it still is to the order of lector. In the Latin Church it began as a separate ceremony about the end of the seventh century, when parents offered their young sons to the service of God. Tonsure is to be given by a candidate’s ordinary, though mitred abbots can bestow it on their own subjects. No special age for its reception is prescribed, but the recipient must have learnt the rudiments of the Faith and be able to read and write. The ceremony may be performed at any time or place. … According to canon law, all clerics are bound to wear the tonsure under certain penalties. But on this subject, Taunton (loc. cit. inf.) says: “In English-speaking countries, from a custom arising in the days of persecution and having a prescription of over three centuries, the shaving of the head, the priestly crown, seems, with the tacit consent of the Holy See, to have passed out of use. No provincial or national council has ordered it, even when treating of clerical dress; and the Holy See has not inserted the law when correcting the decrees of those councils.”

Many thanks to Bishop Bruskewitz for his time and support of the Fraternity of Saint Peter. Look for further coverage and pictures in the next Fraternity Newsletter. If you do not receive the newsletter, please sign up today.

In your kindness, please pray for our new tonsured seminarians, and for all of our postulants, seminarians, sub-deacons, deacons, and priests. Enjoy pictures of the day.

Fr. Antony Sumich, FSSP, chaplain of our Calgary apostolate, and Fr. Gregory Bartholomew, FSSP, currently stationed at Christ the King in Sarasota, recently ventured to Africa. There they traveled to Tanzania, where they ascended Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest point on the continent.

Once there, both offered the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. What follows is Fr. Sumich’s account of the day:

Pax Christi,

This (pictured above) is where I said Mass on Wednesday, 30th September 2015.

The top of Kilimanjaro is nearly 6,000 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level.

Needless to say, it was a little hard to breathe after the 7-½ hours it took to walk up there! But mainly the difficulty breathing was from the altitude.

The table I used, and the altar and Mass vestments, etc., were carried up by our porters. One of them (who we gave the name “table-guy”) literally carried a table strapped on his back the whole way up. After my Mass, Fr. Gregory Bartholomew said his Mass also.

We prayed a lot, and our porters & guides joined us in daily Mass, and prayers for good weather. Our prayers were answered and the temperature stayed at about +5 C deg (low 40s F), there was no wind whatsoever (very rare) during the two hours we spent at the top.

The Mass was attended by a number of Tanzanian guides who were so happy to see Our Blessed Lord physically on top of Africa.

Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP, the new District Superior for North America, has begun the work of introducing himself to the apostolates of the District. As part of this, he recently visited St. Michael the Archangel in Scranton to offer a Solemn High Mass for the Sunday, to preach on the challenges and responsibilities of fatherhood, and to meet the parishioners after Mass.

Assisted by the Rev. Mr. Edward Brodsky, FSSP, as deacon, and acolyte Mr. Matthew Vierno as subdeacon, the new District Superior gave a lively and challenging sermon on true manhood and the responsibilities of fathers in today’s world.

Father began by speaking of the assault on the family happening in today’s world, and how a father’s character is of prime importance. This assault has led to widespread problems in the modern world.  Although man has a natural desire to provide and protect, more often than not the modern notion of power for men is about commanding power, but this misses the point of true masculinity. Power is not license for men to indulge themselves, and it does not permit men to shirk their duties as a husband and father. True manliness is just the opposite; conforming your will and duties to your state in life.

He then showed that the answer is the epitome of manhood — our Lord Jesus Christ.  Christ shows us that true masculinity isn’t that a man exercises power, but how a man exercises power. Since Christ is a model of seeking the highest good and being always faithful to duty, a true Catholic exercises power and real manliness by emulating Christ. He does this by avoiding distractions and harmful behavior, and choosing what is important and good.

Fr. Saguto stressed how crucially important is not to just know about Christ, but to know Christ. Fathers have to show their love for Our Lord to their children. They do this by fulfilling and living the Christian life, frequenting the Sacraments, leading their children in prayer, and praying for their family.  He concluded by stressing that fathers must be an example to their sons so they see that a devout life and sacrifice for family is true manliness. Equally important is fathers being a good example to their daughters, so that those girls know what to expect in the men around them; be it their brothers, friends, or future husbands.

After the conclusion of Mass, Father enjoyed brunch and refreshments as he talked with parishioners in the parish hall. Enjoy pictures of the day.

The fourth annual Saint Francis Xavier Mission Trip was another tremendous success. 38 young people from the United States, Canada, and Mexico accompanied 4 priests, 3 seminarians, and 3 sisters to Piura Peru from July 28th to August 10th.

Piura, which is located in the northwest corner of Peru, is not the most beautiful part of Peru from a natural point of view, being a barren, sandy desert. Supernaturally, however, it is very beautiful. Although there is much poverty, the roots of faith run very deep in the culture.

The members of the group spent their time in a variety of corporal and spiritual works of mercy. They built and repaired houses, visited orphanages, delivered food donations, painted a school, visited the sick, and assisted with catechesis. These experiences certainly made a lasting impact on everyone as they learned firsthand the beauty of making a sacrifice of oneself to serve those in need. There is also something very moving about being able to connect with people of a different culture and who live in very different circumstances through the bonds of Christian charity.

Each year the trip also makes a lasting impact on the participants on account of the friendships it engenders. On a large map that hangs in the refectory where the missionaries ate each day, a mark was placed on the city from which each missionary hailed, ranging from Vancouver to Guadalajara. The resulting impression was profound. These young people, most of whom had not known each other before, were united in a common commitment to the traditions of the Church and a desire to put their faith in action. In the words of one of the missionaries:

“I am certain that this trip and the persons on it will remain in my heart and prayers for the rest of my life.”

They shared work, prayer, recreation, exhaustion, and strong sense of accomplishment and renewal in their desire to be strong Catholics. They had opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the faith by submitting their questions to the priest-panel. And, of course, there were always opportunities for one on one conversations, confession, or spiritual direction.

This year’s trip was especially unique in the degree to which the participants were truly missionaries of the Traditional Mass. Almost every day, the four priests were sent to celebrate Masses in the scattered villages the comprise the parish of Santisimo Sacramento. Some of these places are very rarely visited by a priest. Some had not had Mass since the Saint Francis Xavier Mission Trip had come last year. And for others it had been even longer. In many of these places confessions were heard for the first time in decades. The boys assisted by serving and many of the girls enhanced the beauty of the Masses with sacred music. Everywhere that the Mass was introduced, it was received positively, with love and enthusiasm. Many people eagerly wanted to know when the group would be returning with this treasure again. Not only was the ability to bring the Mass a gift for the Peruvians, but for the missionaries it opened the eyes of many to the great blessing it is to have regular access to the Mass and the other sacraments, especially in this beautiful and holy form.

The greatest fruit for the missionaries who participate in this trip is that for two weeks, what is most important in life is brought emphatically into focus. In a short time, the young people are able to form relationships with the people in Peru, even though most of them do not speak the same language. There is a great joy in holding and playing with the numerous children met in Peru, in visiting the very simple but very welcoming homes of the Peruvians, and even in making sacrifices of one’s sleep and comforts. Through these experiences, and even the more difficult but equally beautiful ones of visiting the dying and the suffering with the consolations of Church, one realizes in the Peruvians and in oneself that happiness is certainly not a product of one’s material possessions. Certain of Our Lord’s words perhaps, as a result of this trip, ring all the more true: “Seek ye therefore the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things will be added unto you;” and “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

As one missionary wrote:

“I will never be the same again because of this Peru trip. I mean, what person gets the opportunity to travel to South America, do mission work, and go to twenty-four Traditional Latin Masses in about ten days-? Not many, I think, and I am so grateful to have been given this life-changing opportunity by you and the Fraternity.

I hope and pray that this trip changed me for the better and formed me into a more generous and mature person, but as you said to all the missionaries in Peru, the hard missionary work is at home, and in the everyday mundane things. I hope to become a better missionary in my own home and parish, and I hope to see you next year!”

(our thanks to Fr. Daniel Heenan, FSSP, for the contribution of this article)

On the 1st of July, 2013, the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter arrived at the Church of All Saints to assume the parochial care of one of the oldest parishes in North East Minneapolis. The Church of All Saints was originally established in 1919 to serve the expanding Polish community. Over the years however, the neighborhood community has changed, with many parishioners relocating to other parts of the Twin Cities. As a result, the community of All Saints dwindled, and the parish has been without a pastor for the last ten years.

With the arrival of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, the parish is rediscovering its Catholic identity as an Extraordinary Form parish and is blossoming in a new springtime of liturgical and pastoral renewal.

As the parish draws closer to its 100th anniversary, renovation work begun in January is now reaching its conclusion. To celebrate the installation of a new High Altar and the completion of a $350K remodeling of the church interior, Fr. Peter Bauknecht, FSSP, pastor of All Saints, invited the Most Reverend Andrew Cozzens, Auxiliary Bishop of Minneapolis, and Fr. John Berg, FSSP, Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity, to join over 500 members of the faithful in celebrating a Pontifical High Mass on the Feast of the Assumption. The occasion was the first time a Solemn High Mass had been offered on the new altar, which had originally come from another All Saints parish in northern Pennsylvania.

Bishop Cozzens, who previously celebrated the Traditional Mass in the Saint Paul Cathedral last October, reported that he was delighted to make his first visit to the parish, and to meet so many of the young families at the outdoor reception afterwards. Fr. Bauknecht expressed his delight with the occasion and his thanks to all those who have helped renovate and restore the traditions of the parish, particularly the members of the St. Martha’s and St. Joseph’s Guilds.

Speaking with Fr. Berg afterwards, Fr. Bauknecht laid out his plans for an improved homeschool co-op and advanced catechesis classes, beginning this Fall. The Pontifical Mass also provided an opportunity for the Fraternity’s new District Superior, Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP, to visit one of the newer parishes in North America, where he expressed his gratitude and support for Fr. Bauknecht during his homily at the 10:30 Sunday High Mass.

For more information of the Church of All Saints please see our Minnesota apostolate information here, or visit the parish website at www.fsspminneapolis.org. Many thanks to Tracy Dunne for images of the day.

“There stood an angel at the altar of the temple, having a golden censer in his hand, and there was given to him much incense, and the smoke of the incense went up before God, Alleluia. “ (Apoc. viii 3, 4)

Thus does the Bishop speak when he is incensing the altar at its consecration. The rite of consecrating an altar of sacrifice can be traced back into the Old Testament. We read in Genesis that Jacob even anointed without oil the stone memorial he set up before God when he vowed his vow to the Lord of Hosts.

On the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Year of Our Lord 2015, His Excellency Edward Slattery, Bishop of Tulsa, Oklahoma, consecrated the newly hewn marble altar of the Church of the Most Precious Blood. This solemn event was followed by Pontifical High Mass, where His Excellency was assisted by Fr. Gregory Pendergraft, FSSP; Fr. Angelo van der Putten, FSSP, the former pastor of the apostolate, as deacon; and Fr. William Define, FSSP, the current pastor of Most Precious Blood Parish, as subdeacon.

From the solemn procession with the relics of the martyrs that are enclosed in the sepulcher of the altar — St. Justin Marytr, St. Maria Goretti, and an ancient, unnamed martyr, to the fires lighted upon the five crosses engraved in the marble mensa, the ceremony is one of the most elaborate in the Roman Church. The reason for this is that upon this altar the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered. Here the sacrifice of Calvary is renewed, and here upon this sanctified altar will Christ dwell in the true presence of the Eucharist in the tabernacle.

May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, be praised, loved, and adored, in all the tabernacles of the world, even unto the end of time.

(our thanks to Fr. Gregory Pendergraft, FSSP, for the contribution of this article)

Fr. John Kodet, FSSP, recently ordained in May, returned home to the archdiocese of Minneapolis to offer one of his first Masses on June 29th, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. The Mass was offered at All Saints, our parish apostolate in Minneapolis, and Fr. Kodet was assisted by Fr. Simon Harkins, FSSP, as deacon and Mr. Daniel Mould, FSSP, as subdeacon.

The feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a feast of ancient origin, already being celebrated in the 2nd century. It was natural for the early Church to celebrate these two great Apostles of Rome, who ministered and preached to the Romans, and both of whom eventually died in the city.

Saint Peter suffered martyrdom in AD 64 and was buried on Vatican hill, where Saint Peter’s Basilica was subsequently erected over his tomb.  Saint Paul preached throughout the Mediterranean basin, and was ultimately captured and brought to Rome, where he was beheaded there in AD 67.  The Basilica of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls holds the tomb of St. Paul.

In a sermon in the year 395, St. Augustine of Hippo said of Sts. Peter and Paul:

Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.

The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul is a patronal feast of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, and offers a plenary indulgence each year for those who are enrolled in the Confraternity of St. Peter.  Enjoy pictures of the feast and one of Father Kodet’s first Masses, courtesy of Minneapolis photographer Tracy Dunne.