St. Mary Major and Shiner

One most likely would never consider that there is a connection between The Liberian Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Italy and Shiner, Texas but there is...of a sort!

As we all know, the two Greek brothers who came to be known as Cyril and Methodius, are called the Apostles to the Slavs because of their evangelization and catechesis of the Slavic peoples. To accomplish this great task of evangelization and catechesis, Cyril and Methodius were responsible for the development of an alphabet and the translations of things like sacred scripture, theological and philosophical texts, and even the Latin Rite's Roman liturgy into the Slavonic language. It was not licit at the time for Holy Mass to be celebrated in the Latin Rite in any language other than Latin. So, Cyril and Methodius eventually made their way to Rome to see the Holy Father and ask for permission to celebrate Holy Mass using the Slavonic language. There was much opposition to this and at times, Cyril and Methodius were confronted with accusations of heresy.

However, in 869 A.D., Cyril and Methodius received the necessary permission from Pope Adrian II, who signed the edict of permission in Cyril and Methodius' presence in the Basilica of St. Mary Major! Almost simultaneously, Pope Adrian II ordained both Cyril and Methodius as bishops. Cyril never left Rome, dying later that same year. However, Methodius returned to missionary work amongst the Slavs.

Saints Cyril and Methodius are the patron saints of our parish in Shiner and so, we in Shiner, have a connection to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome!

The photos above show a plaque in the baptistry at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome commemorating Pope Adrian II's edict (signed in the basilica) in the presence of Cyril and Methodius. By the way, Saints Cyril and Methodius are not buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, rather they are interred at San Clemente Church here in Rome.

Liturgical Music and Film

I subscribe to First Things magazine and hope I'm not breaking any copyright laws; but I wanted to share this piece from the August/September 2009 issue:

"Jeffrey Tucker [not sure who this gentleman is?] notes that watching Angels and Demons wasn't an altogether unpleasant experience. The movie had a better sense of liturgical music than most Catholic parishes:

'Actually, the real reason I like to see any film in which the Catholic Church is featured prominently concerns the music. Let's just say that "On Eagles' Wings" is never featured at a Catholic funeral on film. And it pleases me to see confirmed that even the most secular parts of the industrial media sector understand what sacred music probably sounds like. Sure enough, this movie opens with the Introit of the Requiem Mass playing at the funeral. Indeed, whenever there is a need to call forth some sense of solemn liturgy, a modal piece comes on featuring vague outlines of Kyrie Eleison and Agnus Dei. There were several peoples' chants featured here and there--probably more than most parishes hear in the course of one liturgical year, sad to say.'

Sad to say indeed, but it all comes down to how you view the Church. If the Catholic Church is a large institution full of tradition, majesty, and mystery, the music one associates with it will reflect that. Whether or not that mystery is redolent with Illuminati conspiracy or the source of grace and truth, it nonetheless exists and will be reflected in the art associated with the deep traditions of Christianity. But if mystery and tradition are thrown away, there is no reason to have majesty in art. Gather us in on eagles' wings because the whole thing is just about us and our experiences, not anything deeper.

Of course Ron Howard knows that that's not true. But it would be nice if more Catholics did, too."

AMEN!

Madrid!

A large, vibrant, exciting, eclectic, fascinating city...the capital of Spain, Madrid! We spent one whole day in the Museo Nacional del Prado...truly an amazing and outstanding collection (I'm told it's one of the best in the world!) of art ranging from the 14th to 19th centuries. Stunning collections of El Greco, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Rubens, Velasquez, Murrillo, Goya, and perhaps my favorite, Ribera. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed (I think they want you to buy the books in the museum store!). We also attempted a day at the Reina Sophia Museum; however, it's all very modern art and I couldn't quite stomach more than an hour or so. Although I did spend 20 minutes or so gawking at Picasso's famous Guernica??? Anyway, Madrid has much to see and do...beautiful parks, amazing architecture, delicious paellas (y otras comidas muy sabrosas!), intoxicating sangrias, and much, much more. Quite an experience...Madrid!

Las Floras de La Alhambra

The Generalife gardens at the Alhambra had such beautiful gardens that I couldn't help taking a few floral shots. I'm thinking of publishing a coffee table book!

The Jewel in the Spanish Crown

Surely, Toledo is my favorite Spanish city! It is like stepping back into the 13th and 14th centuries!! Every turn of a corner brings a new feast for the eyes and it only gets better as night falls. Te quiero much, Toledo!!

Tu es Petrus!

"On this Rock I will build My Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it."

These words tumbled through my mind as we saw the 265th Vicar of Christ today in general audience. This is extremely reassuring in difficult and uncertain times (when is the world not in "difficult and uncertain times"?). Perhaps that's precisely why our Lord created the Petrine office in and for the Church. It's all part of His not leaving us like sheep without a shepherd. We have no need to fear the wolves...who or whatever they may be! His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI...ad multos annos!

Que Hermosa...Espana!!

Avila...Salamanca...Sevilla...Granada...Toledo...Madrid...certainly a whirlwind tour of southern Spain but oh how marvelous a whirlwind it was of an extremely beautiful country!! I can't begin to describe how grand and wonderful Spain is...so old, yet so modern; tremendously friendly people; deliciously exotic food; so much history (both ecclesiastical and civil); a true feast for the eyes!!! I took so many pictures I hardly know where to begin posting. These are just a few of the photos I took...hopefully they will give you a feel for the wonder that is Spain! So most definitely, if the opportunity ever presents itself, be sure to include Espana on any future travel itineraries!