Patriarchal Allocution - Christmas 2019

PATRIARCHAL SEE 25 December 2019 (ORCNS) - HIRH Don Rutherford I, Florentine Archfather gave the annual Patriarchal Allocution on the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord. The address centred on topics of evangalisation and tradition. It also included special greetings to the people of Italy and the Spanish-speaking lands.

Text of the Allocution: 

From the Florentine Household to the world and to the members of the Court of St. Mary of Walsingham, grace, peace, and our apostolic blessing on this glorious Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the year of our Lord 2019. This is the day in which we celebrate, of course, the coming of Christ as the light of the world. Yet, today, we in Christendom face a situation that is not unlike that of the early church. We find the ways of darkness attempting to snuff out the light of Christ in any way possible. Indeed it is true that we are no longer in the time of the Christianised world, for although it may be the case that the majority of the world’s population identifies in some way as Christian, the true inner belief and outer practice of the faith have been greatly diminished. Ironically, in an era of tolerance being proclaimed, we Christians, particularly those of the traditional Catholic faith, find ourselves a persecuted minority. Even brother often fights brother. 

Some say that Christendom is dead, but with that I cannot agree. Truly Christendom is now like a small candle in a vast abyss of darkness. Yet, even the faintest candle provides light in the dark. Darkness is nothing but the absence of light. It cannot by itself extinguish a light. We must, therefore, look to that light of Christ, no matter how small the flame on earth may be, and seek to fuel it, that it may continue to grow and reflect the incomprehensible strength and brilliance of the light of Christ in heaven gloriously reigning. 

In this time of challenges, we need not seek a new evangelisation, but rather a renewed sense of that very same commission of evangelisation that was given to us by our Lord Himself. This is not a new charge, but the very charge that has always existed for the Christian people. We do not need to remove tradition, for to do so would be to break with that very continuity that links the Christian people of today with the Christian people of every other time period, all the way back to the time when Christ walked the earth as a man – indeed, the very Incarnation that we celebrate today. The faith of Christ is unchanging and knows neither time nor space. We cannot modify our faith and practice to suit the ever-changing whims of the world, for to do so would be to abandon the faith altogether. The clergy and especially the bishops are bound by sacred duty to maintain the true faith, doctrine, and traditions. 

To energise the Christian faithful and to reach new people with the message of love and peace that is Christ, therefore, we must not in any way bend the message of Christ to fit the ways that are purely of the world. That approach has become quite common, and it is disconcerting. What is being preached in such cases, then, is not the faith of Christ, but a faith in mankind alone. What is needed is the framework of the traditions of the church. Those traditions provide the foundation upon which the immutable and eternal truths of the Christian faith stand in the world. Indeed, those traditions, ever-rooted in the very faith that they protect and sustain, exist to stand as a fortified wall against the enemies of the faith. They cannot be destroyed from without, but they can be eroded from within. Once the smoke of Satan enters, it then becomes all too easy to erode the faith. 

Ed ora, ad i nostri carissimi d'Italia, il vero cuore del patrimonio del Patriarcato Imperiale, Noi impariamo la Nostra benedizione speciale. Questo Natale, siamo premuroso soprattutto dei luoghi santi del Nostro patrimonio in Italia, specialmente a Firenze, Roma, ed Aquileia. Possa Dio Onnipotente conferire le Sue benedizioni al popolo d'Italia nel prossimo anno e per sempre. 

También damos un saludo especial y una bendición a Nuestros más queridos en las tierras hispanohablantes. Es a través de la obra de los de herencia española que la luz de Cristo se extendió a gran parte del mundo. De hecho, estamos muy orgulloso de ser el heredero en la Italia Imperial de dos grandes casas españolas. Que Dios Omnipotent os conceda Sus bendiciones a cada uno de vosotros en el año proximo y por siempre. 

Returning to the notion of tradition, We then call to mind the rich and incredibly diverse ancient patrimony that the modern Imperial Patriarchate is called upon by its sacred duty to live, maintain, and perpetuate in the modern world. As ecclesiastical successors to the temporal patrimony of Pope Leo X, the city of Florence, our titular seat in the Church of St. Stephen al Ponte in Florence, and our titular residence in Rome that once were the apartments of Leo are of particular importance and are quite dear to Us. Similarly, the ancient and the sovereign Patriarchate of Aquileia not only is within Our patrimony, but is also the source of many of our traditions and customs. 

Brethren in Christ, we are called to perpetuate the traditions of Christ and His Holy Church in the world, even in this modern period. We must do so courageously, honourably, and without apology, always remembering that all that we do in the world must be rooted in the faith of Christ and flow from the Sacrifice upon the altar. 

Now, We impart our apostolic blessing on each of you that you may have a joyous Christmas season and a beneficial and productive new year, ever growing in the faith of Christ.

Ancient Imperial Patriarchate of Aquileia shares history with the modern Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate

St. Paulinus II,
Patriarch of Aquileia

PATRIARCHAL SEE 18 December 2019 (ORCNS) - The Imperial Patriarchate and Apostolic See of Aquileia is an ancient part of the patrimony in Imperial Italy of the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate. Many of the privileges and traditions of the modern Imperial Patriarchate relate to ancient customs, privileges, and traditions of the Imperial Patriarchate of Aquileia. 

Located in the extreme northeast part of the Imperial Kingdom of Italy, it's territory today spans the northeast part of Italy and parts of Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia. The broad territory was and is known as Friuli and at times constituted a secular state. As a diocese, it was founded by St. Mark the Evangelist, who was sent to the area by St. Peter the Apostle. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the eventual conquest of Italy by the Lombards and the subsequent conquest of the Lombard Kingdom of Italy by Charlemagne led to the Patriarchate becoming a state within the Holy Roman Empire. The Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate today is the heir to the Burgundian House of Arles and of the Spanish Houses of Ivrea and Barcelona in Imperial Italy. Those houses ruled the kingdom of Italy itself as a king or vice-King and also ruled several of the southern Italian states. One such monarch, Bosone, Margrave of Tuscany, interceded on the behalf of the Patriarchate of Aquileia in 931. Also, Berengar II of Ivrea, King of Italy, in addition to being a descendant of Charlemagne, was the son of Gisela of Friuli, the daughter of Berengar I, Margrave of Friuli and King of Italy. Berengar II himself was also Margrave of Friuli. From there it remained a secular territory of the Holy Roman Empire until it was ceded to the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1077. 

Don Giovanni Grimani,
Patriarch of Aquileia in the
distinctive patriarchal habit
resembling that of the Pope.

The Patriarch of Aquileia enjoyed the Imperial titles of Count and Prince-Bishop and was a monarch in every way. The Republic of Venice eventually became their most troublesome arrival, and in 1411 there was a war that resulted in the end of the Patriarchate in 1433. The territories of the Patriarchate were then ruled by the Venetians.

Don Bertholdus, Patriarch
of Aquileia, in red-trimmed
white habit and
white mozzetta

The highly-privileged Imperial Patriarchs of Aquileia enjoyed many privileges. As patriarchs, they were entitled to red vesture of a style similar to the Pope. They often used a red velvet mozzetta, but without the fur trim found on that of the Pope. Their periodic use of a white habit with red trim and a fur mozzetta may be seen today in the red-trimmed white cassock used by the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarch and his fur mozzetta used during the winter half-year. They also used the temporal symbols of authority, including the orb – which remains part of the state regalia of the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate today.

Don Paulinus, Cardinal Patriarch of
Aquileia is seen in the centre in
fur mozzetta and red galero

Also, the Patriarchate of Aquileia periodically held a special mass called the Mass of the Sword. During that mass, the deacon wears a special helmet and gives specific salutes with a sword. A similar mass is part of the traditional ceremonial of the modern Imperial Patriarchate.

The modern Imperial Patriarchate in memory of St. Stephen stands as an example of continuity with all the elements of its rich and diverse heritage. The ancient Imperial Patriarchate of Aquileia is an important part of that heritage. 

Painting Details Imperial Patriarchate History, Past and Present

PATRIARCHAL SEE 14 December 2019 (ORCNS) - A new painting by a priest of the Imperial Patriarchate, entitled “The Continuation of the Imperial Patriarchate,” details the ancient and modern history of the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate in memory of St. Stephen. The painting features the founding fathers of the Imperial Patriarchate’s patrimony, as well as the modern heads of the titular patriarchal states.

Patriarchal Encyclical on "Pachamama" and Idolatry

PATRIARCHAL SEE 13 November 2019 (ORCNS) - HIRH Don Rutherford, Florentine Archfather, issued the following Patriarchal encyclical in response to recent issues of pagan idols at the Vatican. 

RVTHERFORDVS I ANG.ITAL. P.I.

Praelatus Ecclesiae Debent Contra Idola Esse Patriarchal Encyclical on Pachamama in the Vatican and General Idolatry in the Holy Church
On the Feast of Saint Didacus, Confessor 

13 November A.D. 2019 

The prelates of the Church must be against idols. That indeed should not have to be said now or ever. Yet, the recent apparent veneration of the pagan idol of Pachamana and use of such pagan idols in the Vatican, including by the Pope, necessitates that we fulfill Our sacred duty to protect, safeguard, and perpetuate the Holy Gospels and the Faith of Jesus Christ. We in Our office, as ecclesiastical successor to the temporal patrimony of Pope Leo X, with Our Roman titular seat in the Stanze di Raffaello in the Holy See and Our titular Roman Catholic church of Santa Maria Antiqua, would fail in Our most sacred duty and obligation, even in the Eternal City to which Our patrimony is so deeply rooted and perpetually connected, if We did not speak clearly and plainly, both to those directly entrusted to Our spiritual oversight and to others of the Christian faithful.

Saint Didacus

At the recent Amazonian Synod, statues of Pachamama, a pagan idol of the indigenous peoples of the Andes, were introduced in the Vatican and used in inappropriate ways in a Christian Church. That included but was not limited to a blessing by the Holy Father himself of at least one such idol. Although pagan imagery may legitimately be kept or displayed in museum settings as examples of art, ancient culture, etc., it may in no way and at no time be kept or displayed by the Christian faithful in any way that might indicate approbation of them, official or otherwise, or that would constitute veneration or could be inferred to constitute veneration. This is even more applicable to the worldwide hierarchy of the Church, for it is to us to whom the faithful look for guidance. If the shepherd does not teach his flock the difference between safe pasture and a perilous cliff, then it can hardly be a surprise when the flock falls off that cliff. Such is the grave responsibility of the shepherd.

We, therefore, call upon the faithful in all communities to join together in acts of spiritual reparation for this atrocity committed in the Vatican and to pray for the conversion of all who participated in such events. We look particularly to Saint Didacus of Alcalá, whose feast we celebrate today, for guidance and intervention. Born in Seville, he was a Franciscan whose ministry involved helping to bring the indigenous people of the Canary Islands to the saving light and love of Our Lord. We further call upon the faithful in all communities to pray for the Holy Father, all prelates of the Holy Church, and all clergy around the world.

Te Deum - Celebration of the Merovingium Dynasty

BUENOS AIRES 17 October 2019 (ORCNS) - A solemn ecumenical rite was a celebrated and the Te Deum was offered on the evening of Sunday, 13 October 2019. These special rites were part of the celebrations of the 50th birthday of HMERH Don Rubén Gavaldá y Castro, Count of Gévaudan, Prince of Septimania, head of the Royal Merovingian House of David-Toulouse-Gévaudan. 

(...continued below...)

The solemn ecumenical rite

The Te Deum was celebrated by H.G. Bishop Rodrigues,

titular Bishop of the See of St. Stephen

The solemn ecumenical rite was jointly celebrated by H.E. Manuel Adolfo Acuña, Charismatic Lutheran Bishop and Msgr. Alberto Palavecino of the Archbishopric of Exaltation of the Cross. The Te Deum was said in the traditional Catholic form of the Imperial Patriarchate. It was led by His Grace the Most Reverend Alejandro Paulo Rodrigues, titular Bishop of the See of St. Stephen, Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate (Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church). There were more than a hundred people present, and a large number of additional people were able to follow the event by live streaming. H.G. Bishop Rodrigues also served as personal representative of H.H.E. Don Rutherford, Count of Sainte Animie, Florentine Archfather, who was unable to attend. 

Over 100 people attended the birthday celebrations,
with many more viewing remotely by live-streaming

Merovingian Dynasty - 50th Birthday of HMERH the Count of Gévaudan, Prince of Septimania

BUENOS AIRES 14 October 2019 (ORCNS) - This October marks the 50th birthday of HMERH Don Rubén Gavaldá, Count of Gévaudan, Prince of Septimania, head of the Merovingian French dynasty. The Count is active in the promotion of Merovingian and Occitan cultural studies and also not only teaches popular courses in ceremonies and etiquette, but is a regular consultant on those topics with Argentinian television. Furthermore, Don Rubén is a highly-active in worldwide charitable endeavours. Ceremonies marking this milestone birthday were held in Buenos Aires, with representatives of the Imperial Patriarchate present.

HMERH Don Rubén, Count of Gévaudan,
Prince of Septimania on the occasion of
his 50th birthday. On the left of his jacket
is the insignia of the Legion of the Eagle.

The Tradition and Etiquette of Calling Cards

10 October 2019 (ORCNS) - The calling card, or visiting card as it is sometimes known, is almost a lost custom in modern society. Yet, like the oaks that have seen kings and wars and plagues come and go, the calling card refuses to die. The calling card, distinct from the business card, is left when paying social calls. It has quite a few other uses that are part of its centuries-old tradition as well. Even in today’s rushed, sterile society…

and perhaps even more so because of the modern hurried, faceless environment…the calling card remains the mark of a lady or gentleman of class and distinction. To use calling cards is to have self-respect and respect for others. It is a reminder to those you encounter that you are thinking of them, despite your busy life. No lady or gentleman should leave the house without calling cards.

On a business card, one normally sees the name of the company, perhaps a logo, the individual’s name, and a full array of contact information. By comparison, the calling card is quite plain. Most traditionally, cards are white, with the name printed in black ink in block text or a script (rarely if ever should “Old English” or overly fancy fonts be used). There ends the required inclusions. Some sort of small heraldic emblem may optionally be placed in the corner or the top center. An address may be put in the bottom right corner, but this is not obligatory and typically superfluous. Telephone numbers and email addresses ought also to be avoided, but especially today they are often included. Most traditionally, an individual writes the address or telephone or internet information by hand at the time that the card is presented…and only when those pieces of information are needed. In any case, the bottom left should be left blank.

Style of the Name on the Calling Card

A calling card should indicate how you should be introduced by, for example, a butler or valet. So, names should be written out in full. Middle names may be omitted or abbreviated as needed. Other than Mr. and Mrs., titles should be spelled out except where space is a concern. For nobles and royals with styles such as Excellency, and Highness, these are typically omitted, as they are generally “implied” by what is on the card.

Boys who do not have titles of nobility simply have their name inscribed in the center of the card. They may adopt “Mr.” upon reaching the age of majority. Girls who do not have a title of nobility use “Miss” until they marry. The modern female business title of “Ms.” has no place on a social calling card.

Married women of gentlemen have their names inscribed as “Mrs.” followed by the full name of their husband. The possible variations for the wives of knights and nobles are too numerous to discuss in detail here. However, a good rule of thumb is that the wife’s card follows the same general style of the husband’s. This varies by the customs of the country of origin of the title and should generally not vary according to the country of residence or visitation.

Names should also never exceed a single line. Titles and, on occasion, offices such as Mayor or Governor may be written on another line or lines below the name as needed. Ultimately good taste and functionality determine the final layout of the card.

Exceptions exist, of course. For example, U.S. military officers, who are often expected to have calling cards, have a specific set of rules to follow. For junior officers, the name is in the center of the card, with the rank and branch of the service in the bottom right. For senior officers, the rank is placed before the name on the same line, with the branch in the bottom right. General and Flag officers may write “General” or “Admiral” with only their last name in the center of the card if they choose.

Joint Spouse Calling Cards

Married couples may also have calling cards. These may be used, along with the couple’s individual cards, when paying a formal visit. The joint card may also be used for gift enclosures. Joint cards are inscribed as “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith” or in a similar fashion for those with noble titles.

Use of Calling Cards

Calling cards are used, of course, when paying a formal call on someone. In the most formal circumstances, an attendant will take the card of the visitor to the host. It is also used to announce the visitor. When the host is not at home (which may mean simply “not receiving visitors”), a calling card says “I was here.”

When one receives an invitation that did not say r.s.v.p. or have a reply card, and one cannot attend, it is customary and polite to send one’s calling card by post to arrive on the day of the event or shortly before.

Cards may also be used as gift enclosures, to express condolences, or to give congratulations. They can also be used to convey information or to send/leave very brief notes.

In cases where one is leaving a card for a good friend with whom one is on a first name basis, one may cross out the parts of the name on the calling card except for the first name. Or, if there is a nickname, the entire name can be crossed out and the nickname written by hand above it. This is by no means obligatory. Notes may also be written on the front and/or back of the card.

Those Curious Initials in the
Bottom Left Corner

To make communication easier, a system of abbreviations in French developed over the years. These are written by hand in the bottom left corner of the card…which is why that corner should always be left blank in the printing process!

p.r. (pour remercier) 
To indicate thanks. (Should never take the place of a proper letter/note of thanks.)

p.f. (pour feliciter) 
To express congratulations.

p.c. (pour condoler) 
To express sympathy.

p.p.c. (pour prendre congé) 
Used when taking leave for the season or permanently. Though these may be left or sent as an advance notice, they should never be used solely in place of a formal call.

p.p. (pour presenter) 
To present another person. This should be accompanied by the card
of the person being presented.

p.f.N.A.
To wish a Happy New Year.