A wide variety of Catholic faithful gathered together in Weirton, WV, for the 2012 Catholic Identity Conference from September 28-30, 2012, including our own Fr. Gregory Pendergraft, FSSP. Saturday began with Fr. Pendergraft offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

Later in the morning, Mr. Michael Matt began the conference with “Faith, Family, and Freedom;” a talk on the threats to the Catholic Faith in the modern secular world. He spoke of the advances of the Traditional Latin Mass throughout the world and the growing anti-Christian voices attempting to silence Our Lord in this world.

Mr. John Vennari spoke on the six components of Liberal Catholicism as outlined by Msgr. Fenton in 1958, who explained the aims of liberalism well before the Second Vatican Council was called. It was Msgr. Fenton’s contention that liberalism in the Church has become so widespread that it is pervasive and almost invisible. Mr. Vennari stated that Msgr. Fenton’s prophetic warning about liberalism in the Church was necessary because Blessed Pius IX had warned that such liberalism would lead to the ruin of religion and prevent us from meriting the blessings of God. Mr. Vennari also spoke on the Church’s relationship to Judaism and the practical problems that can occur with interfaith dialogue.

Mr. Christopher Ferrara’s talk was entitled “Flatland,” and spoke of the modern nation-state that sees human beings only as voters and workers or consumers, and ignores the primary focus of the moral life, which is intrinsic to man. Mr. Ferrara explained this two-dimensional approach ends up in the atomization of society, wherein the citizen ultimately answers only to the state and leaves behind the rich social complexity that was Christendom. Mr. Ferrara explained that we have the key to free ourselves from this hideous flatland, if only we would use it.

Dr. John Rao next discussed precedents in history when there was great crisis in the Church, where there would be a small group of Catholics relatively unknown, perhaps even to each other, who would be the beginning of a great restoration. During such periods, there is often confusion between what is genuine Tradition, and what has become mere (and perhaps corrupt) custom that is mistaken for Tradition. When those fighting to restore genuine Tradition begin to make their presence felt, they are often resisted by those who have become attached to mere custom.

Mr. James Vogel concluded the afternoon presentations with an overview of the life of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and the history of the Society of Saint Pius X through the present time, including what role the SSPX serves in the Church today.

The conference ended with dinner on Saturday evening, whereafter which our Fr. Pendergraft gave a presentation that called for an ever-increasing fidelity to the Faith and an increase of prayer and sacrifice. His talk centered around Blessed Jacinta of Fatima as an example of heroic sacrifice.

Participants completed their weekend on Sunday morning with a Missa Cantata, once again offered by Fr. Pendergraft, at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Weirton. Father Pendergraft’s and the other participants’ talks can be purchased from Catholic Identity 2012, on CD.

The priests and parishioners of Holy Family Parish in Dayton commemorated Lifechain 2012 with Holy Mass and the Rosary in prayer for the unborn.  The morning began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered by the pastor of Holy Family, Father Mark Wojdelski, FSSP. Monsignor John Fitch, assistant pastor of Holy Family, preached the sermon on the sanctity of life and the Gospel.

On Saturday, Oct 13, 2012, Fraternity priests from our Chesapeake and Richmond apostolates led the inaugural Eucharistic Procession on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to commemorate the miracle of the sun at Fatima in 1917.

Approximately 400 parishioners from 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 had been erected on the stage for Exposition and Adoration. A Rosary with the meditations of the Blessed Sacrament was prayed along the way.

Fr. Neal Nichols, FSSP, and Fr. Peter Byrne, FSSP,  the pastor and assistant pastor, respectively, of St Benedict’s Parish in Chesapeake, and Fr. Robert Novokowsky, FSSP, the pastor of St. Joseph’s in Richmond, offered meditations on the message of Fatima and our world today. 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, the servers from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Richmond, and the police and officials of Virginia Beach.

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

Our Houston apostolate, under the leadership of Fr. Charles Van Vliet, FSSP, continues the process of building our own full parish under the patronage of Our Lady.  As with the monasteries of old, a new house of worship – such as a parish, chapel or monastery – is founded and built upon prayer.

To this end, on the new site for Regina Caeli Catholic Church, the Latin Mass community gathered in October for a Rosary Procession in honor of Our Lady of Fatima and Queen of Heaven.  Pictures follow.

On Sunday, September 23rd, 2012, the FSSP apostolate in the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois was honored by a visit from the Most Rev. R. Daniel Conlon D.D., Bishop of Joliet. The Mass, celebrated by the community’s Chaplain, Fr. Joseph R. Valentine, FSSP, took place at St. Bernard’s Church in Joliet. Bishop Conlon attended in choir, preached the sermon, and joined the community afterward for a reception in the parish hall.

The Joliet Latin Mass Community was established four years ago when the former bishop, the Most Rev. J. Peter Sartain (now Archbishop of Seattle) invited the FSSP into the diocese. The community now has approximately 200 families, and the Traditional Latin Mass is celebrated at Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Naperville and St. Bernard’s Church in Joliet. They are currently exploring the possibility of buying or building a church to be the permanent home for the Traditional Latin Mass in the diocese. Please visit the Joliet FSSP Latin Mass Community site for more information.

Father Gregory Bartholomew, FSSP, traveled with numerous Fraternity priests to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Scranton, PA, in order to offer his First Mass, a beautiful Solemn High Mass for the External Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary.  Fr.  Bartholomew was assisted by Fr. Garrick Huang, FSSP.  Fr. Antony Sumich, FSSP, was Deacon and Fr. Brian McDonnell, FSSP, was Sub-Deacon. Others in choir included Fr. Josef Bisig, FSSP, Rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary and Fr. Eric Flood, FSSP, the District Superior for North America.  The sermon was given by Fr. James Buckley, FSSP, on the nature of the priesthood of Christ, and the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After Mass Father Bartholomew joined St. Michael’s Assistant Pastor, Fr. Joseph Poisson, FSSP, and several other Fraternity priests and seminarians along with the lay faithful in a Rosary Procession through the streets of the West End.  The day concluded with another large reception in Father’s honor while he gave more first blessings and enjoyed the company of all. Father Bartholomew will now offer the fruits of his new priesthood to the residents of central Kansas as he joins Fr. John Rickert, FSSP, in our apostolate in Maple Hill.

Deacon Gregory Bartholomew, FSSP, was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by the Most Reverend Authur J. Serratelli, Bishop of Paterson NJ, on Saturday, October 6, 2012.  Members of the Fraternity assisted Bishop Serratelli including Fr. Josef Bisig, Rector of OLG Seminary, Fr. Eric Flood, District Superior, Fr. Pendergraft, Director of Development, and others. A large number of Fraternity priests attended in choir and were joined by several clerics and seminarians from the nearby Archdiocese of New York.

After a reception and his first blessings, Father Bartholomew traveled with numerous of the Fraternity priests to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Scranton, PA.  There he celebrated his First Mass, a beautiful Solemn High Mass for the External Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary, assisted by Fr. Garrick Huang, FSSP, Fr. Antony Sumich, FSSP, as Deacon and Fr. Brian McDonnell, FSSP, as Sub-Deacon.  The day concluded with another large reception in Father’s honor while he gave more first blessings and enjoyed the company of all. Father Bartholomew will now offer the fruits of his new priesthood to the residents of central Kansas as he joins Fr. Rickert, FSSP, in our apostolate in Maple Hill.

Our gratitude and thanks to His Excellency for ordaining Fr. Bartholomew to the Holy Priesthood, our congratulations to our new priest and his family, and thanks to all our benefactors and friends who have supported Fr. Bartholomew and the seminary during the course of his studies with prayers and other assistance. Fr. Bartholomew has asked, and we always recommend, that all of our supporters continue to pray for him, and all of the priests of the Fraternity.

Please look for an article and even more photographs of the ordinations in an upcoming edition of the monthly newsletter.

Gain a Plenary Indulgence for the Feast of Christ the King

Traditionally, the Sunday preceding the Feast of All Saints, this year October 28, 2012, is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and so the Fraternity exhorts all faithful Catholics to offer, or renew, their consecration to the Sacred Heart of our Sovereign Lord.

“The kingship and empire of Christ have been recognized in the pious custom, practiced by many families, of dedicating themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; not only families have performed this act of dedication, but nations, too, and kingdoms. In fact, the whole of the human race was at the instance of Pope Leo XIII, in the Holy Year 1900, consecrated to the Divine Heart.

We institute the Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ to be observed yearly throughout the whole world on the last Sunday of the month of October–the Sunday, that is, which immediately precedes the Feast of All Saints. We further ordain that the dedication of mankind to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which Our predecessor of saintly memory, Pope Pius X, commanded to be renewed yearly, be made annually on that day.”

– Quas Primas,
Encyclical of Pope Pius XI, December 11, 1925

Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united to Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates ourselves today to Thy Most Sacred Heart.

Many indeed have never known Thee; Many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful children, who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children, who have abandoned Thee; Grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. 

Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy towards the children of the race, once Thy chosen people: of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound  from pole to pole with one cry; praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; To it be glory and honor forever. R. Amen.

Every year, throughout the North American District, the priests of the Fraternity of St. Peter and the faithful who freely associate themselves with the Fraternity, renew the consecration of the North American District to the Blessed Mother of God. This re-consecration is done on the first Sunday of October, the Sunday recognized by the Church as being closely associated with the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. We encourage all who have not yet done so, to join in the renewal of the consecration during this month of the Rosary. The consecration in this manner is significant first and foremost because the Fraternity has chosen as one of its principle patrons, Our Lady under her august title of Mother of God. Secondly, the Feast is significant because Our Lady through the Rosary preserved so many tenacious adherents to the devotion through difficult years and, as if rewarding them with fruits for their labors, the traditional Mass was once again made available to many of them and to some the traditional Mass was made available through the ministry of the Fraternity. Finally the re-consecration on the feast of the Holy Rosary brings to mind St. Pius V who instituted the feast after the great catholic victory over the Muslim invaders at the battle of Lepanto. St. Pius also codified the traditional Mass, ensuring that it would be preserved for centuries to come, and through whose intercession it can be reasonably assumed that the traditional Mass is continually preserved by the highest guardians of orthodoxy even in our day through both the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei Afflicta and Summorum Pontificum.

Act of Consecration of the North American District of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter to the Blessed Mother of God

This consecration is made on the first Sunday of October by the members and faithful of the North American District of the Fraternity. For private use only.

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Help of Christians, behold this day before thy feet, the priests and seminarians of the Fraternity of Saint Peter, together with all those who, united with us as a spiritual family, place their hope and trust in thee. O Queen and Mother of all priests, it was by thee that Jesus, the Divine High Priest and Victim, was given unto the world, and He in turn has given thee to us.

Intercede, therefore, we implore thee, for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross. Look with favor upon the work we seek to do for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Obtain for us by thy prayers the graces we need as members of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, to be instructed and enlightened by her Magisterium, to be devoutly zealous for the graces of her Sacraments, and to be unfailingly loyal in our unity with the Vicar of thy Son.

(This section is offered by priests and seminarians only:) Conscious of our own frailty, and of the hatred of the world for the works of light, we offer thee this day, and beg thee to take under thy patronage, our Priestly Fraternity. We invoke thee, this day and evermore, as our advocate and Queen, and devote ourselves and all those souls who seek our priestly care, together with all our works and all we have and are, to thy loving protection. To thee and to thy Immaculate Heart, we entrust and consecrate ourselves. Assist us in our endeavors to spread the Kingdom of thy Son, so that those who have strayed from the truth may once more attend to the teaching of the Church; those separated from her unity may return to the one true fold; those in sin may be restored to a state of grace; and those who have abandoned the Sacraments may return with fervor to receive them. O Virgin Most Pure, do thou, together with Saint Peter, and all the angels and saints, pray for us all. May thy love and protection be ever upon our Fraternity, so that we may faithfully proclaim the Holy Gospel and bring the Sacraments to ever more souls. Obtain for us by thy prayers that we may persevere in grace until death, when we may be united with thee, our loving Mother, in our heavenly home. Amen.

The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter recently celebrated a beautiful Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass in the Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, on Sunday, August 5, 2012. The faithful responded enthusiastically, filling Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Turners Falls to overflowing. More than 400 souls crowded the church, leaving standing room only. A procession formed at the entrance, which included many young girls in traditional Polish dress, and several parish sodalities, each with their own banners.

Fr. Robert Fromageot, FSSP, was present, along with six seminarians and a music director from Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska. Fr. Fromageot celebrated the Mass and preached the sermon, while Fr. Kevin Lutz, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Columbus, Ohio, was Deacon. Mr. Nicholas Lemme, music director at OLGS, assisted Mr. Henry Gaida, the parish music director at Our Lady of Czestochowa.

Due to the strong desire of the parishioners and the great generosity of the pastor, Fr. Lutz and the seminarians stayed for several days and offered three more Masses – in the form Missa Cantata – including one at a monastery of cloistered Dominican sisters in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Later in August, in response to continued interest by the parish, another Fraternity priest, Fr. Damonn Sypher, offered a Missa Cantata during his Massachusetts vacation.

The Fraternity wishes to offer thanks to Fr. Charles Jan DiMascola, the pastor of Our Lady of Czestochowa, for his generosity, and to His Excellency Bishop Timothy McDonnell, for the overflowing spirit of faith and charity of the faithful and clergy of the Diocese of Springfield.

More pictures of this Mass will be in the upcoming newsletter. If you do not receive the FSSP Newsletter, Sign Up Today.