Holy Thursday Letter to Priests - Cardinal Patriarch of St. Stephen

Letter from the Cardinal Patriarch of St. Stephen to the Priests of the Patriarchate on Holy Thursday


RUTHERFORDUS CARD. V.R.P. I
29 MARTII A.D. 2018

To Our Venerable Brethren and Dearest Sons the Priests of the Patriarchate of St. Stephen, and to our future priests,

the peace of the Lord be with each of you on this Holy Thursday, 2018. Today, as you know, we celebrate and live the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the establishment of Christ’s Holy Priesthood. The mass celebrated this morning is indeed oriented entirely towards what happened so long ago when Christ gathered the Twelve together – but though it was so long ago, through the mystery and the power of the mass, we do not see it through the ages as through a glass and darkly, but experience it truly and in a living way.

The liturgy of Holy Thursday celebrated this morning contains with it several unique aspects that connect us to the very moment in which the Eucharist was established. This, of course, being priests and those studying for the priesthood, you know. Yet, it is good for each of us to review annually and reflect. We consume all the reserved hosts, so that all is consecrated fresh at the Easter Vigil. We reserve one consecrated host, however, taken with great reverence to the Altar of Repose, where it remains until it is used in the Mass of the Presanctified. Christ indeed remains with us, yet taken away by the authorities of the earth – and at the Mass of the Presanctified on Good Friday, He is taken from us, from earthly life to the grave, only to conquer death and rise again at Easter, when the host, the living Body of Our Lord, is again consecrated. In each of these details is contained a specific aspect of the Truth of our Faith. The manner in which we the priests celebrate them is of the utmost importance, for it is, as you know, never mere entertainment. We worship the Truth, not ratings or popularity.

Following the translation of the Most Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, we return from white vestments to purple and strip the altar. It is laid completely bare. Then, similar to the silencing of bells and instruments after the Gloria of the mass, after which is only used a wooden instrument, the office of Vespers is said without chant in choir. Then follows an important ritual that is often misunderstood in modern times – the Mandatum, or the Maundy. It is a direct experience of Christ washing the feet of the Apostles, establishing the sort of servant leadership that Christ expected. Understood in that context, then, it should be easy to see why it is not a “participatory rite” in which all the faithful who wish can or should take part. It must be limited, by Sacred Tradition, moral theology, and the ceremonial regulations, to no more than twelve men, generally clerics, though some may be drawn from the laity if need be. Once the Celebrant of the Mass has demonstrated the servant leadership of Christ through the Mandatum, Compline is said without chant, and the liturgy of Holy Thursday ends.

That Most Blessed Sacrament which was established by Our Lord as His earthly ministry was drawing to a close, each of us who share in the Holy and Royal Priesthood of Christ continue each time we celebrate the Holy Mass. Christ did not leave humanity alone. The Holy Spirit was sent, empowering the Church, and the priests, the first of whom were the Apostles, continue the sacrificial ministry of our Lord. For those who have been chosen to be blessed with this ministry, no matter what else you do, the priestly ministry is the most important and must always take precedence over everything else.

The priesthood is, as you know, an indelible mark on your soul. Were you to try to deny your ministry as Peter denied our Lord, it would be in vain. The mark remains permanently, for it places you in a separate state in life. But, to whom much is given, much is expected – a phrase that We often use, for it is wise to remind ourselves of that truth. All that we do must begin at and flow from the altar of Christ. When others brag about all that they do, let your answer simply be to say: “We celebrate the liturgy.” Indeed, nothing else is of as much importance, and nothing is as powerful. All the armies of the world that have ever existed do not have as much power as one priest devoutly saying a single mass. It is the greatest weapon in the world, and it is a weapon of peace. Nothing that does not originate from it has any meaning whatsoever.

My venerable brethren and dearest sons, ponder these things as you continue your journey through the Sacred Triduum this year and as you continue to celebrate the Holy Mass in the future. Through your own better understanding of your ministry, you may experience that ministry in a deeper and more complete way, and in so doing, you cannot help but guide those entrusted to your care towards a deeper spiritual journey towards the ultimate Truth of Jesus Christ.

The Cross Under Attack at East Central University, Oklahoma

ADA, OK. 15 MARCH 2018 (ORCNS) - In yet another attempt of secularists, humanists, and atheists to remove Christianity and symbols of Christianity wherever they may be found, East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, USA, may have to remove the cross and other Christian symbolism from their campus chapel. A secularist organisation has apparently contacted the university demanding the cross be removed. Thus far it appears no legal action has yet taken place. 

Boswell Chapel

The secularist group known as Americans United for Separation of Church and State contacted Katricia Pierson, President of East Central University. The group asked the President asking her to remove Christian-specific symbols from permanent display in the chapel. Their argument was that the chapel is located on the campus of a public university. The alleged text of the letter is: 

"We have received a complaint that East Central University’s Kathryn P. Boswell Memorial Chapel has permanent religious iconography on display. These displays include Latin crosses on the top of and inside the building, Bibles, and a Christian altar. While it is legal for a public university to have a space that can be used by students for religious worship so long as that space is not dedicated solely to that purpose, it is a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to display religious iconography on government property."

The university responded by removing the Christian altar, a crucifix, and a Bible, as well as hymnals from the pews. However, the university indicated that that would be the end of the removal pending a committee appointed to determine what, if any, future action is needed. The Oklahoma State Attorney General wrote to the Oklahoma University System with the following: 

"I am writing to make it clear that the United States Constitution does not require Oklahoma’s public universities to efface building features or remove other items simply because they are connected to religious expression or heritage. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the Establishment Clause does not require government institutions to adopt an attitude of hostility to religion, religious symbols, or religious people …

As the State’s chief legal officer, I am committed to providing all legal resources necessary to represent and vigorously defend ECU and the State of Oklahoma in the event a lawsuit is filed. The highest priority must be placed on ensuring the defense of Oklahomans’ religious freedom under the law."

According to some legal opinions, it is highly likely that, should the matter be adjudicated in a court of law, the university would be forced by the courts the remove the Christian symbolism. This presents a clear and present danger to the Christian faith in the United States of America. A university, even a public one, is a place of free thought and enquiry. It is inconceivable that a university would be forced to silence the free comment of any group of students and/or faculty -- and indeed the display of symbols of any religion is comment that should and ought to be protected on a university campus. If free expression is not protected on a state-funded university campus, then how can the state claim to be doing its job to uphold religious freedom and freedom of expression? At stake is the question of whether or not society is willing to give up free expression in a public facility simply because that expression offends someone else.  If the removal of Christian symbolism at East Central University is forced by the American court system, it will be a government-imposed censorship at the insistence of an activist group. 

Patriarchal Address - Ash Wednesday 2018

Allocuzione Patriarcale del Mercoledì delle Cineri

Patriarchal Address on Ash Wednesday

14 February A.D. 2018

(Scroll down for the English language version.)

Dalla Casa Fiorentina ai Cristifideli del Patriarcato Stefaniano in Italia, Erbipolense, Trevia, Westphalia, e Mainz, ed in tutto il mondo, ed alla Corte di Santa Maria di Walsingham, grazia e pace in questo mercoledi delle cineri, l'inizio di quaresima, anno domini 2018. Questo è l'inizio d'una stagione di riflessione, ma anche della penitenza e della preparatione. Prepariamo per la Resurrezione del nostro Signore Gesù Cristo. La luce alla fine di quaresima e la Santa Pasqua. La quaresima viene ogni anno, ed è necessario prepararci per la stagione di rinnovo, cioè la Santa Pasqua. È impossibile capire i misteri della Pasqua senza un gran lavoro -- un gran viaggio di scoperta. I misteri della santa fede di Cristo sono grandissimi i larghi, come la mare. Nessuno può capirli completamente. Quindi, il Signore e la sua Santa Chiesa ci hanno dato un regalo, ed il regalo è le stagioni del calendario liturgico. La quaresima è un tempo di contemplazione della vita di Cristo, la sua Passione, il suo morte, e, finalmente, la cosa più importante nella storia del mondo, la Resurrezione. Questa stagione è veramente un bel regalo.

Oltretutto, ogni quaresima sempre vorrei parlare della penitenza. Dico sempre la stessa cosa. Non definare la quaresima per ciò che si rinuncia, ma invece per ciò che fa per aiutare gli altri. Veramente, carissimi, è possibile rinunciarsi molto -- carne, dolci, etc. -- ma nonostante essere vuoto nel cuore. Dunque dico ancora, vivete, carissimi, una vita di servizio, in particolare in questa quaresima. Fate atti di carità per gli altri. Quello è la penitenza migliore e la più efficace.

Prego sempre, carissimi, che cresciate continuamente nella santa fede e nella comunione con il Signore, in questa stagione di quaresima ed in tutto l'anno. Adesso, preparatevi ricevere la benedizione di Nostro Signore.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, + Patris, et + Filii, et Spiritus + Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper. R. Amen.

_____________________

ENGLISH VERSION:

From the Florentine Household to the faithful in Christ of the Stephenian Patriarchate in Italy, Wurzburg, Trevia, Westphalia, and Mainz, and all over the world, and also to the Court of Saint Mary of Walsingham, grace and peace on this Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, in the year of our Lord 2018. This is the beginning of a season of reflection, but also of penance and preparation. We prepare for the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The light at the end of Lent is Easter. Lent comes every year, and it is necessary to prepare for the season of renewal, that is, the Paschal season. It is impossible to understand the mysteries of Easter without a great deal of work -- and it is a great journey of discovery. The Mysteries of the Holy Faith of Christ are great and wide, like the sea. No one can understand them completely. Therefore, the Lord and His Holy Church have given us a gift, and the gift is the seasons of the liturgical calendar. Lent is a time of contemplation of the life of Christ, his Passion, his death, and, finally, the most important thing in the history of the world, the Resurrection. This season of Lent is a special gift indeed.

In addition, each lent I always want to mention penance specifically, and I always say the same thing. Do not define Lent by what you give up, but instead by what you do to help others. Truly, carissimi, you can give up many thing -- meat, sweets, etc. -- but in spite of being empty in the heart. So I say again, live, carissimi, a life of service, especially during this Lenten season. Do acts of charity for others. That is the best and most effective penance.

I pray always, dearest, that you continually grow in the Holy Faith and in communion with the Lord, in this season of Lent and throughout the year. Now, prepare yourselves to receive the blessing of our Lord.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, + Patris, et + Filii, et Spiritus + Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper. R. Amen.

Priest's Son Saves Woman's Life, Receives Commendation

WATERFORD, Penna., 3 February 2018 (ORCNS) - Prc. Brandon Deffenbaugh v. Aschaffenburg, son of the Very Rev. Mgr. Douglas Deffenbaugh, Prc. v. Aschaffenburg and Chancellor of the Court of St. Mary of Walsingham, was at work in late January when a woman in her mid-fifties went into cardiac arrest. Deffenbaugh revived her and, despite her going into cardiac arrest twice, he kept her alive for over an hour until a volunteer ambulance could arrive.

For his exemplary service to humanity in saving a life, the Walsingham Guard awarded Deffenbaugh the Walsingham Guard Commendation Medal with Gold Palm. The medal is only awarded with the gold palm for lifesaving action. He was also recognized with the Life Saving Award from the Waterford, Pennsylvania Fire Department. 

Mgr. Rutherford Johnson, Cardinal Patriarch of St. Stephen and Captain-General of the Walsingham Guard said that Deffenbaugh's actions were, "...in keeping with the highest traditions of selfless service to others promoted by the Walsingham Guard and highly deserving of recognition."

Walsingham Guard
Commendation Medal
with Gold Palm.

Sacred Heart Vestments - A Traditional Vestment and Church Supply Apostolate for Clergy by Clergy

Sacred Heart Vestments, founded 2012, offers traditional clerical vestments and habits, as well as church supplies. Customers speak of the high quality and the affordable prices. Sacred Heart Vestments, however, is more than a clerical supply store. It is actually an apostolate founded and operated by Bishop William Jones in North Carolina - alongside his regular pastoral work. Sacred Heart Vestments makes made-to-order clerical clothing, including items that are difficult to find in today's world, such as episcopal gloves and sandals. They also carry items such as altar appointments and ceremonial items such as ombrellini. 

Devoted to its mission of ensuring that parishes are able to continue the timeless traditions of the Church, the apostolate has contributed much-needed worship supplies to multiple parishes. Currently they are seeking assistance to help establish a store-front and build a new parish facility. For more information, please visit: sacredvesture.blogspot.com/

The Card. Patriarch of St. Stephen in
choral habit with a traditional lace
rochet made by Sacred Heart Vestments.

Les Comtes Royales

For some people, the title of Count conjures up images of Transylvanian vampires. For others, Medieval warriors. The image for most people, though, is typically something far, far less exotic. It is in fact an old title dating back to the Roman Empire. Today it comes in many forms. It can be a middle or high level of nobility. When held by a royal person, it usually is among the highest of all titles. 

Count Jean de Bourbon-la Marche

Count translates as Comes in Latin, meaning companion. It was used for high officials of the imperial court and for provincial rulers, for they were "companions of the Emperor." In the time of the early Holy Roman Empire, it became a common title for many rulers. In Italy, for example, some of the independent states were ruled by Counts, including Etruria (Tuscany). The last ruler of Tuscany in the ancient Holy Roman Empire was Countess Matilda, Margravine of Tuscany. She was a princess of the houses of Canossa, Lorraine, and Bar. 

In the Middle Ages, the Count of Flanders was one of the most powerful sovereigns in Europe. In the Kingdom of France, it was common for some of the royal family to hold the title of Count and were known as such. For example, some of the brothers of King St. Louis IX of France were Count Robert of Artois, Count Alphone of Toulouse, and Count Charles of Anjou. Count Charles later became the King of Sicily and Naples. Later royal counts of the House of Bourbon included Count Louis I of Vendome, Count Jean I de la Marche, and Count James I de la Marche, son of Louis I, Duke of Bourbon. Duke Louis I was the son of Count Robert of Clermont, a son of King St. Louis IX. 

Count Henri de Chambord

After the House of Bourbon lost rule of France in the July Revolution of 1830, Count Henri of Chambord, the grandson of King Charles X, became the "Legitimist" claimant to the throne. There began a division among the House of Bourbon for the French throne. The Orléanist pretender to the French throne was Count Philippe of Paris, son of the Prince Royal of France.  Count Don Juan of Montizón, son of Carlos V, Count of Molina and the "Carlist" claimant to the Spanish throne, was both the claimant to the Spanish throne and the Legitimist claimant to the French throne. 

A few of the royal counts of today include: Mgr. the Count of Paris (Orléanist claimant to the French throne), HRH the Count of Gevaudan (Merovingian claimant to the French throne), HIRH the Count of Valais (Grand Prince of Etruria), HIRH the Cardinal Count of Sainte Animie (Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarch), HMERH the Count of Marmande (titular Elector of Trier), and HMERH the Count of Römerberg (titular Elector of Mainz). 

Patriarchal Address on the Feast of the Nativity of the B.V.M.

PATRIARCHAL SEE 8 September 2017 (ORCNS) - H.Em. Mgr. Rutherford Johnson, Cardinal Patriarch of St. Stephen, gave his annual address on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The text in Italian and English is given below. 

_________________________________________

Dalla Casa Fiorentina al mondo, ed ai membri della Corte di S. Maria di Walsingham, grazia e pace, e la mia Benedizione Apostolica in questo Festo della Natività della Beata Virgine Maria, anno Domini

2017. È un tempo gioioso nel patriarcato. Viviamo nella luce di Cristo, con speranza della vita eterna. Ma, oggi nel mondo, è un tempo di sofferanza nelle tenebre. Quanti governi nel mondo sembrano volere una grandissima guerra. Sì, veramente la via alla pace non è una via d’acquietamento, non vedere gli azzioni dei nemici, ma anche è vero che predicare la guerra non guidarà il mondo alla pace. Preparare per la guerra è importante e giusto per la pace, ma non un discorso bellicoso.

Carissimi, speriamo in Cristo, e quindi siamo calmi. Ma, non possiamo solo restare in quella speranza, senza azzione, lasciando morire il mondo. Noi, i cristifideli dobbiamo per sempre usare la nostra forza – tutta la nostra forze – per migliorare le condizioni del popolo. È la responsibilità anche dei governi del mondo migliorare le condizioni del popolo e lavorare per il regno di Cristo sulla terra. Dunque la santa Chiesa certo predicare ai governi la verità di Cristo. La Chiesa ha quella sacra responsibilità e inoltre il sacro diritto. Pregate, carissimi, per il mondo, che tutti possano sapere la luce e l’amore di Cristo e venire alla vita eterna.

Anche, siamo molto contenti nunciare ancora che l’anno 2018 sarà il decimo anniversario della successione al patrimonio temporale del Patriarcato di S. Stefano – precisamente il patrimonio di Etruria, Trevia, Erbipolense, Reichenberg, Frankfurt, e la nostra santa città, Firenze. È un piacere particolare servire il Signore nel mondo moderno tra questo antico patrimonio.

Allora, preparatevi ricevere la benedizione di nostro Signore.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris +, et Filii+, et Spiritus + Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat semper. R. Amen.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

From the Florentine Household to the world, and to the members of the Court of Saint Mary of Walsingham, grace and peace, and my Apostolic Blessing on this Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a joyous time in the Patriarchate. We live in the light of Christ, with the hope of eternal life. However, today in the world it is a time of suffering in darkness. Several governments of the world seem to want a great war. Indeed the way to peace is not a way of appeasement, blind to the actions of enemies, but also it is true that to preach war will not lead the world to peace. To prepare for war is important and right for peach, but not warmongering dialogue.

Carissimi, we hope in Christ, and therefore we are calm. But, we cannot only rest in that hope without action, leaving the world to die. We, the faithful in Christ must always use our power – all our power – to improve the condition of the people. And the responsibility of the government is also to improve the condition of the people and work for the kingdom of Christ here on earth. Therefore, the Holy Church must certainly preach to the governments the truth of Christ. The Church has that sacred responsibility, but also that sacred right. Pray, brethren, for the world, that all may know the light and love of Christ and come to eternal life.

Also, we are very happy to announce again that 2018 shall be the tenth anniversary of the succession to the temporal patrimony of the Patriarchate of St. Stephen – specifically the patrimony of Etruria, Trevia, Wurzburg, Reichenbger, Frankfurt, Mainz, and our holy city, Florence. It is a particular pleasure to serve our Lord in the modern world through this ancient heritage.

And now prepare yourselves to receive the blessing of our Lord.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus + Sancti, descendat super + + vos et maneat semper. R. Amen.