Why We Should Remember All Souls Day

By Marie Derosiers, Staff Writer

ROME-RUTHENIA 02 November 2023 (NRom)

All Souls Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is a day dedicated to remembering and praying for our loved ones who have passed away. While it may not be as widely celebrated as other holidays, such as Halloween or Christmas, it holds great significance in many cultures around the world.

One of the main reasons we should remember All Souls Day is to honor and show respect for our ancestors and those who came before us. It is a time to reflect on their lives and the impact they had on us. By remembering them and asking our clergy to remember them at the liturgy, we keep their memory alive and ensure that they are not forgotten.

Another important aspect of All Souls Day is the opportunity to pray for the souls of the departed. Many believe that on this day, our prayers can help ease their journey in the afterlife. It is a way of expressing our love and care for them even though they are no longer with us physically. This is the point for the special divine liturgy of All Souls' Day! 

Another benefit is that observing All Souls Day helps us come to terms with grief and loss. It provides a designated time for mourning and remembrance, allowing us to process our emotions in a healthy way. By acknowledging our feelings and honoring those who have passed away, we can find solace and healing.

Additionally, All Souls Day reminds us of the fragility of life and encourages us to cherish every moment with our loved ones. It serves as a reminder that death is inevitable and prompts us to make the most out of our relationships while we still can.

This day in the liturgical calendar holds great importance in remembering and honoring our deceased loved ones. By taking part in this tradition, we not only pay tribute to those who have passed away but also find comfort in knowing that they will forever hold a place in our hearts.

The Importance of All Saints' Day

By Alberto Hernandez, Staff Editor

ROME-RUTHENIA 01 November 2023 (NRom) 

The Importance of All Saints Day

All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1st each year, holds great significance in the Christian calendar. This holy day is dedicated to honoring all the saints, known and unknown, who have lived exemplary lives and are believed to be in heaven.

One of the main reasons why All Saints Day is important is because it reaffirms the belief in the communion of saints. It reminds us that we are not alone in our faith journey; we are part of a larger community that spans across time and space. On this day, Christians come together to remember and venerate these holy men and women who have gone before us.

All Saints Day also serves as an inspiration for believers to strive for holiness in their own lives. The saints provide us with role models, showing us what it means to live a life centered on God's love and grace. Their stories teach us valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, compassion, and selflessness.

Moreover, All Saints Day offers comfort and hope to those who have lost loved ones. It is a time to remember and honor those who have passed away, knowing that they are now among the heavenly host. This day provides solace by reminding us that death is not the end but rather a transition into eternal life with God.

In addition to its spiritual significance, All Saints Day has cultural importance as well. In many countries around the world, this day is marked by various customs and traditions. People visit cemeteries to clean and decorate gravesites with flowers and candles as a way of paying tribute to their departed relatives.

All Saints Day holds deep meaning for Christians worldwide. It strengthens our faith, encourages us to follow in the footsteps of the saints, brings comfort in times of loss, and fosters a sense of community among believers. This day serves as a reminder that holiness is attainable and that we are part of a larger, eternal family.

Archfather Celebrates Solemn Mass of great Florentine Saint Felipe Benizi

FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 August 2020 (ORCNS) -- Earlier today H.H.E. the Florentine Archfather celebrated a solemn mass in his private chapel for the great Florentine Saint Felipe Benizi. The Saint, born in Florence, was credited with reviving the Order of the Servites and was one of its superiors General. The cult of Saint Felipe Benizi was first recognised by Pope Leo X, founder of the legacy of the Anglican Patriarchate, in 1516 and was later canonised in 1671 by Pope Clement X.

H.H-Em. the Archfather celebrates the solemn mass
of Saint Felipe Benizi using the complete
solemn Patriarchal vestments.

The offering during the Holy Mass. 

Hospice Chaplain Ordained Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte, and Sub-Deacon

 FIRENZE-NUOVA ROMA 23 August 2020 (ORCNS) -- The Reverend Brother Elliott Francis, TOR Mar was ordained to the minor orders of Lector, Exorcist, and Acolyte and further to the Sub-Diaconate yesterday. The rites were officiated by H.H.E. the Archfather and took place in his private chapel. Brother Elliott is a hospice chaplain and continues with his studies towards the priesthood. He also holds the office of Guardaroba (Wardrobe Master) of the Patriarchal Household and is a veteran of the US Army. 

In the Anglo-Roman Rite used by the Anglican Patriarchate (Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church), the ordination to the orders of Lector and Exorcist involve the laying on of a single hand by the ordaining bishop while imposing the Breviary and a book containing the rites of Exorcism respectively. The ordination to the order of Acolyte involves the laying on of both hands while the ordinand holds an unlit candle in the right hand and an empty cruet in the left. Each object imposed signifies the nature of the ministry of the particular order. 

At the ordination to the sub-diaconate, the first Holy Order that serves directly at the altar in the Holy Mass, both hands are laid on by the ordaining bishop, invoking the Holy Spirit. The new sub-deacon receives the amice, alb, maniple, and tunicle, the vestments of the sub-diaconate. The Book of Epistles is also imposed, signifying the right to read the Epistle at the mass. After the ritual, a chalice and paten are presented for the new sub-deacon to touch, signifying his ability to hold the Sacred Vessels. Similarly he is presented two cruets, one with wine and the other with water, and a lavabo basin and towel to touch in further symbolism of the role of the sub-diaconate. 

The Archfather ordains Brother Elliott as an Acolyte.

The Archfather imposes the Book Epistles during the
rites of ordination to the sub-diaconate. Brother Elliott
is vested in the tunicle and maniple,
the vestments of a sub-deacon. 

The Archfather and Brother Elliott after the ordination.

Stations of the Cross - Archfather Leads Private Recitation

SANS-SOUCI OUEST 10 April 2020 (ORCNS) - HHE Archfather Don Rutherford I led a private recitation of the Stations of the Cross, otherwise known as the Via Crucis, today, Good Friday, at the Résidence Sans-Souci Ouest. The Stations of the Cross are a Catholic devotion commemorating the last day of Jesus Christ on earth as a man. There are fourteen or stations, each with a devotion focusing on specific events of that day. It begins with His condemnation and ends with Him being laid in the tomb. The devotion for each station involves a meditation, the Pater Noster, the Ave Maria, and a series of other prayers, versicles, and responses. Although this recitation is done in one single location, the Via Crucis often involves moving from one icon to another, each representing one of the fourteen stations. The Via Crucis recited here is according to the traditional Catholic ritual as found in the Rituale Anglicanum, published by the Imperial Patriarchate, with both Latin and liturgical English used. Following its long-standing practices and experience, the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate, Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church continues to lead the way during in reaching diverse global audiences through media and mission work during the global pandemic.

Rolling Parish - ARRCC Priest, Walsingham Guard Chaplain Serves Firefighters

LEXINGTON, S.C., USA 12 May 2018 (ORCNS) - Fire trucks are a well-known sight that indicates help is on the way. For Msgr. Abbot Anthony Giunta, TOR Mar, PhD, JCD, fire trucks are also a parish on wheels. As a fire chaplain, he not only helps the public he encounters, but serves those who serve. Firefighters and other first responders often are unable to attend church regularly and receive pastoral counseling, so Abbot Anthony brings the church to them. 

Msgr. Giunta leads worship on Sundays and also conducts scriptural studies on Wednesdays. Holy Week rites were also provided -- a much-needed opportunity for those who give up so much of their time in service to others. 

This sort of missionary service is nothing new to the Abbot. He is a long-time hospital chaplain who is frequently requested by name by patients. He also is a police chaplain and has served as a chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol. 

Abbot Anthony Giunta in uniform as a fire chaplain.

Abbot Anthony is the Superior General of the Franciscan Third Order Regular of the Brothers and Sisters of Penance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a religious order within the Old Roman Catholic Patriarchate of St. Stephen (Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church). He also holds the rank of Colonel in the Walsingham Guard, the humanitarian organisation of the Patriarchate with a military heritage dating back to the Crusades, and is the Commandant of the Regiment of Chaplains.

Chev. John Refieuna, Imperial Chief Scout, Passes Away

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. 15 December 2016 (ORCNS) - The Patriarchal Household of the See of St. Stephen is deeply saddened to report the passing of Colonel the Chevalier John V. Refieuna (16 December 1946 – 12 December 2016), age 69, in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. While awaiting surgery, he suffered a massive heart attack. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Antonette Durkee. He is survived by his wife, Lady Cynthia Refieuna; son, Michael; and daughter, Karen. "John Refieuna was a devoted Catholic dedicated to service to others; and he was a good friend whose kindness will never be forgotten," said the Cardinal Count of Sainte Animie. 

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Chev. John Refieuna addresses the congregation at an
event for papal knights and other Christian knights.
Seated behind him are the Prince v. Reichenberg (L)
and the Cardinal Count of Sainte Animie (R).

Chev. Refieuna was a graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High school and the University of Wisconsin Parkside. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Huntsville, Alabama, and was a Past Grand Knight of a local Knights of Columbus Council. Among his many offices held in service to others, he was the Chancellor of the Most Honorable Legion of the Eagle, a Companion Aide-de-Camp of the Noble Company of Saint Mary of Walsingham, and the Imperial Chief Scout of the Patriarchate's religious outreach ministry to the World Brotherhood of Scouting, the Imperial Scouts and Guides of the Holy Roman Empire. He was also active with Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years and served on a number of Scouting committees and was the Chairman for Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. He received many awards including the Catholic Adult Scouter's Saint George Emblem, the Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church's national Silver Saint George Medal for Christ and the Nation, the District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver for service at the council level. He had also been nominated for the prestigious Silver Antelope award for Scouting service on the regional level at the time of his unexpected death. 

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Chev. John Refieuna (second from left) with other recipients
of the Imperial Distinguished Scout religious award. 

His many honors includes Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of Saint Gregory the Great, Companion of the Most Honorable Legion of the Eagle, Knight of Honor (Civil Division) of the Royal Order of Saint Stephen, and Distinguished Imperial Scout of the Holy Roman Empire. He held the rank of Colonel in the Walsingham Guard and the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol. Professionally, Chev. Refieuna was a retired Engineering Department Manager supporting NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center and also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Mathematics.

Tevin and Shasta King Wedding

Tevin and Shasta King and
Msgr. Deffenbaugh

Scott AFB 11 JUNE 2014 (ORCNS) - Tevin and Shasta King were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on May 17th. Msgr. Douglas Deffenbaugh v. Aschaffenburg officiated. Both the bride and groom are U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen stationed at Scott Air Force Base. The bride is assigned to the 126th Air Wing Illinois Air National Guard as an Equipment Manager, and the groom is on active duty with the 375th Air Wing in the Re-Enlistments Section.

The ceremony was well-attended by friends and family. The rites of Matrimony were followed by a Tree Watering Ceremony. The bride and groom were accompanied by the bride's two boys in watering the tree as a family. This ceremony is a custom at many African-American weddings.

Joyous Customs Surrounding the Nativity

(ACNS) - It goes without saying that the Nativity of Our Lord is a joyous occasion and a time of great celebration. Part of this celebration includes three important feast days that follow immediately after Christmas Day. These are the Feast of Saint Stephen the Deacon and Protomartyr on the 26th, the Feast of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist on the 27th, and the Feast of the Holy Innocents on the 28th.

St. Stephen was the first martyr. He was both a martyr in will and in fact, being both willing to die if necessary for the Faith and actually doing so. He was stoned to death while Saul, the later Blessed Paul the Apostle who was then a great persecutor of Christians, looked on approvingly. The popular Christmas Carol "Good King Wenceslas" tells the story of a Bohemian ruler who braved the winter weather to carry food and supplies to a poor peasant on this day. This act to charity reminds us of the duty of Stephen in life as a Roman Deacon to tend to the needs of the poor. It is also no surprise that this feast day is of great importance to the Patriarchal See of St. Stephen, for it is its Patronal Feast. By custom, the Patriarch vests for solemn mass as far as the dalmatic, the garment of a Deacon, and then, standing before the altar, sings "Stephanus autem plenus gratia et fortitudine faciebat prodigia et signa magna in populo." (And Stephen full of grace and power worked great signs and miracles among the people.) The choir responds with "Thanks be to God," for there is indeed great thanks both for Blessed Stephen's ministry and his celestial patronage of the Patriarchal See.

On the Feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, we celebrate the life and ministry of the only Apostle who was not martyred. The enemies of the faith tried to kill him, but without success. When they gave him wine that had been poisoned, he blessed the wine, drank it, and was not harmed. It is for this reason that we have a special blessing for wine this day and toast to the love of St. John. There are also recipes for mulling the wine before the toast.

The last of these three special feasts is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. These babes were murdered by Herod, who was jealous of Jesus and wanted Him dead. The infants died for our Lord, though they did not know this reason they were dying. In some countries, this day is somewhat like an April Fool's day in America and is full of pranks. Other customs include letting the youngest child of the family decide what to do that day, the meals, the entertainment, and so forth. The traditional Christmas carol "Coventry Carol" deals with the Holy Innocents.

The celebration of Christmas is not simply on one day. Even some of the popular Christmas carols we sing or hear played on the radio point to other days within the Christmas season. The three days following the Feast of the Nativity are of special importance and fittingly come with special customs to enjoy, celebrate, and learn from them.

Priest named Chaplain of the Year

LEXINGTON, SC, 1 November 2012 (ACNS) - The Very Rev. Anthony Giunta, TOR Mar., PhD, was the recipient of three honors for his work as a hospital chaplain. He was named 2011-2012 Chaplain of the Year for the Lexington Medical Center by vote of the hospital staff.

Fr. Giunta (left) with other award recipients.

Fr. Giunta was chosen out of over three hundred chaplains. He also was named as one of the top ten chaplains in the Pastoral Care Division and received recognition for working the most hours as a chaplain at the hospital over the past year. Fr. Giunta, who also serves as a police chaplain, is Rector of Holy Cross Mission in Lexington and Minister General of the Franciscan Third Order Regular of Penance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Parish receives first class relic

HARDIN, Ill. 11 September 2012 (ACNS) - The Church of Saint Concordia received a first class relic of the bones of Saint Camilla Battista Varano, an Italian Saint canonized in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. She lived from 1458 until 1524 and was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI in 1843.

 

Saint Camilla entered the monastery in Urbino at the age of 23 as a Poor Clare, professing in 1483. She had a vision of Saint Clare of Assisi that lasted for fifteen days. She was elected the abbess of her monastery in 1500, and again in 1507, 1513, and 1515. In 1505, Julius II sent her to found a monastery in Farmo. She died of the plague at the age of 66 in the year 1524. Her extensive writings emphasized following the poor and crucified Christ and are considered quite significant among Poor clare literature.