In Search of
The Authentic Life
“Pater Meus Servat Vineam”
I said I would post pics of my small container garden. Here are some cute baby cucumbers, more pics to come (don’t expect anything too exciting):
Today is a double Marian feast! One week after the Assumption, we celebrate the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the new and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the old calendar. August is also the month of the Immaculate Heart, so let us honor Our Lady’s loving Heart today in some special way.
O Lord, I believe and profess that You are truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.
Accept me today as a partaker of Your mystical Supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief, I profess You.
Remember me, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom.
Remember me, O Master, when You come into Your Kingdom.
Remember me, O Holy One, when You come into Your Kingdom.
May the partaking of Your holy mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation but for the healing of soul and body.
O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly Your Most Precious Body and Your Life-Giving Blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting. Amen.
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy of me.
Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number.
My husband and I attended our first Byzantine Mass Saturday night, the celebration of the “Dormition of Our Lady,” which parallels our feast of the Assumption. The celebrant, Fr. Daniel Nash, said we look at the same mystery from a different angle. This was a truly unique, multicultural Mass, as it was Eastern Rite, part in English, part in Spanish, and attended by different segments of the Catholic community of Long Island. It took place at St. Patrick Church in Glen Cove, New York.
I must admit, I was confused through the Mass and cannot explain very much about it. My ability to see was limited since I was all the way in the back. Still, I found it greatly enriching. I am now interested in the Byzantine Mass and would like to go again, to a more standard one, and really get my brain around it.
We can see similarities with the Latin Rite prayers, with some interesting differences. I don’t think anyone can say the above “Prayer Before Holy Communion,” and receive Our Blessed Lord unworthily. This prayer effectively accomplishes 3 things:
1) A profession of faith. This takes away any doubt about the Real Presence.
2) Acknowledgment of one’s unworthiness and contrition for sins. This should hopefully prevent any sacrilege and prepare us to receive with proper humility.
3) An appeal to God’s mercy and acceptance prior to the consummation of Holy Communion. This extends from the spirit of humility. We are asking for His agreement before entering into this most sacred union.
You can see in the first picture a similarity with the Tridentine Rite, in the facing away from the people. Also, much of the Mass is sung. There are several customs which are different, which you can see in the two other photos. The overall feel of the Mass was that something extraordinary and other-worldly was happening. There was a sense that our Creator, the Divine Majesty, was being interacted with…that this was not just a worship service, not just a social event, not something that could take place anywhere out in the world…but something reserved for the Elect, the spiritual royalty of the Body of Christ. There was little room for misinterpretation.
Whichever Mass we attend, Holy Church reminds us that there are two worlds and we must choose only one. As the two worlds continue to divide further apart, the choice becomes more and more obvious, and also more difficult.
[Edited since posting.]
The previous post shows Lladro’s “Blessed Lady” porcelain statue, originally produced from 1988-1991 as a limited edition of 1,000. The same sculptor, Fulgencio Garcia, 4 years later, created the above piece, “Immaculate Virgin.” This is a limited edition of 2,000, higher priced. 25 years later, it still hasn’t sold out. I am partial to the original. One interesting difference is that Our Lady’s head is uncovered in the first and covered in the second. The uncovered head does not bother me, though it is true when she appears, she always has her head covered. This is one reason I wear the mantilla at Mass.
Lladro, a Spanish company started by 3 brothers, has a great history of producing fine Catholic-themed figurines. As I stated in the previous post, I worked at their flagship location in Manhattan for several months, on the selling floor of a beautiful museum-like store. It was a joy to come to work every day. I had started in the office upstairs as their archivist for North America (I would identify pieces for people, before the internet took care of all that). It was an interesting job, though rather stressful because it was too much work for one person. When the office moved to New Jersey, I temporarily worked at the store. It was uptown Manhattan, in such an exciting location, near the Plaza and Bloomingdale’s. What a great time that was, in my early 20’s, moving to the big city and having complete freedom (except for the curfew at the convent in Chelsea, where I rented a room). It is strange going to the city now-I always think, “Why are so many people younger than me?” Sadly, the Lladro location, complete with a museum of old pieces and an art gallery, is no longer there. However, in 2012, a new Lladro Boutique opened on Madison Ave. Anyway…if you are looking for a high-end Catholic piece for a gift or a religious institution, you may want to consider supporting Lladro. I am proud to have worked for them.
Tonight I have the privilege of attending my first Byzantine Mass, on Long Island. It is a special Mass being celebrated at a traditional-sensitive parish, the Eastern Rite’s version of the Assumption, the “Dormition of Our Lady.” I am very excited and will be telling you about it, complete with pics! Blessings to all on this feast of the Assumption-let us pray to Our Lady for the Church at this hour.
Came across this quote the other day…so true…
Alan Cohen
Image courtesy https://www.houzz.com
From the Tridentine Mass:
Almighty and eternal God, who hast assumed the body and soul of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of thy Son, to celestial glory: grant we beseech Thee that always minded toward heavenly things, we may be sharers of the same glory.
Hearken, o daughter, and see, and incline thy ear. And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty.
All the glory of the king’s daughter is within in golden borders.
Alleluia, alleluia! Mary is taken up into heaven: the host of Angels rejoice. Alleluia!
From The New Marian Missal, Veritas Press:
“On the third day after Mary’s death, when the Apostles gathered around her tomb, they found it empty and covered with flowers…The sacred body had been carried up to the celestial paradise. Jesus Himself came to conduct her thither; the whole court of heaven came to welcome with songs of triumph the Mother of the Divine Word.”
I used to gaze every day upon that beautiful porcelain statue above, when I worked at the “Lladro” flagship store in Manhattan, circa 1991. I wanted so much to buy it but could not afford it, even with my employee discount. It is long retired and has more than doubled in price on the secondary market. I still hold in my heart that maybe I can buy it some day and give it a place of honor within a sustainable rural Catholic community of love. Apart from the world. The statue is called “Blessed Lady” and was a limited edition of 1,000.
Image courtesy https://www.aretiredcollection.com
Thank you for joining our August Fatima Family Holy Hour for the Church! August 13th & 19th together comprise the Fourth Apparition at Fatima. Following is the Holy Hour Format to print and perform at home. If you cannot do this on August 13th or 19th, please choose another day during the month. God bless you and may Our Lady shower graces upon you and your family during this difficult hour in the Church and in the world. Please contact us above and let us know how this Holy Hour has blessed your family. Your comments may be shared.
(please light a candle next to a picture or statue of Our Lady)
O Jesus, we thank Thee for this anniversary of the Fourth Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three holy children in Portugal and all the miracles and wonders which took place there. We thank Thee for our togetherness today honoring this anniversary, though it is at a difficult time for Thy Holy Church and the whole world. We light this candle for the intention of reparation to Thy Mother's Immaculate Heart, which we honor during this month of August, and which so grieves over the sins of the world at this time. We especially wish to console her for the terrible injustice to unborn children, for she is Mother to all. May these little lights of ours ascend to her Queenly throne in Heaven, as she once ascended on the day of her glorious Assumption, which we also celebrate this month, and show her that indeed, there is still love for her on earth. Love for Thy Mother always directs us to Thee, O Jesus, our Savior, Whom she holds up to the world in her loving arms. Forgive us our sins and let us enter into this Holy Hour in a spirit of contrition and spiritual communion with Thee. We beg Thee for a return of the normal functioning of the Catholic Church. Forgive us for the disrespect given to the Holy Eucharist for so many years. We offer as well, all the intentions of those participating. Amen.
Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing
You reign now in Heaven with Jesus our King
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria!
In Heaven the blessed your glory proclaim
On earth we your children invoke your sweet name
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria!
We pray for the Church our true mother on earth
And bless Holy Mary, the land of our birth
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Maria!
As August 13th approached, the story of the apparitions had reached the anti-religious secular press, and while this ensured that the whole country knew about Fatima, it also meant that many biased and negative reports were circulating. The children were apprehended on the morning of August 13th, before the apparition could take place, by the Mayor of Vila Nova de Ourem, Arturo Santos. They were interrogated about the Blessed Mother's Secret she had given them, but despite threats and promises of money, they refused to cooperate. They were moved to the local prison and threatened with a horrible death, but determined that they would die rather than reveal the Secret.
Though the children were not there, at Cova da Iria, thunder, followed by lightning, was heard at the usual time. The spectators noticed a small white cloud that hovered over the Oak for a few minutes. Phenomena of coloration were observed on the faces of the people, the clothing, the trees, and the ground.
Due to the people’s protests, the children were released from prison. On August 19th, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta were together at a place called Valinhos, near Fatima, when they again saw Mary, who spoke to Lucia: “Go again to the Cova on the 13th of next month and continue to say the Rosary every day.” Mary also said she would soon perform a miracle, so all would believe. Looking very sad, Mary then said: “Pray, pray very much, and make sacrifices for sinners, for many souls go to Hell because there are none to sacrifice themselves and pray for them.” With that, she rose into the air and moved towards the east before disappearing. By now, the children had thoroughly absorbed Mary’s plea for prayer and penance, and did everything they could to answer it.
Text courtesy World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, edited.
The apparitions of Our Lady to the children were not their first encounter with Heaven. An angel appeared to them previously, three times, and gave them two prayers, as follows:
"My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee! I beg pardon of Thee for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee!"
"Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifference with which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners."
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for our dear country.
Our Lady of Fatima, sanctify our clergy.
Our Lady of Fatima, make our Catholics more fervent.
Our Lady of Fatima, guide and inspire those who govern us.
Our Lady of Fatima, cure the sick who confide in you.
Our Lady of Fatima, console the sorrowful who trust in you.
Our Lady of Fatima, help those who invoke your aid.
Our Lady of Fatima, deliver us from all dangers.
Our Lady of Fatima, help us to resist temptation.
Our Lady of Fatima, obtain for us all that we lovingly ask of you.
Our Lady of Fatima, help those who are dear to us.
Our Lady of Fatima, bring back to the right road our erring brothers.
Our Lady of Fatima, give us back our ancient fervor.
Our Lady of Fatima, obtain for us pardon of our manifold sins and offenses.
Our Lady of Fatima, bring all men to the feet of your Divine Child.
Our Lady of Fatima, obtain peace for the world.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Let Us Pray: O God of infinite goodness and mercy, fill our hearts with a great confidence in Thy dear Mother, whom we invoke under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Fatima, and grant us by her powerful intercession, all the graces, spiritual and temporal, which we need. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, look upon the work of Thy Hands with mercy and give us the peace we so desperately need. Shower Thy graces upon us like the rain, like a great flood engulfing us and end these many sorrows. We live in unprecedented times, uncertain times. Deliver us from all evil, visible and invisible and from all fear. Help us to prepare for the days to come and to extricate ourselves from this inauthentic culture. We pray for the triumphalism of Holy Mother Church and the salvation of all souls. Give us peace in our hearts and courage to face the future and win our Heavenly reward. Our Lady of Fatima, we love you! Pray for us! In the Holy Name of Christ, Nomen Christi. Amen.
Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria
Triumph, all ye Cherubim
Sing with us, ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve, Salve, Salve, Regina
The cause of joy to all below, O Maria
The spring through which all graces flow, O Maria
Angels, all your praises bring
Earth and heaven, with us sing
All creation echoing
Salve, Salve, Salve, Regina
O gentle, loving, holy one, O Maria
The God of light became your Son, O Maria
Triumph, all ye Cherubim
Sing with us, ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve, Salve, Salve, Regina
For email reminders, please contact us at: director@nomenchristi.org
From the Litany of Saint Clare:
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thy servants who are renewing the votive commemoration of Thy holy virgin, our mother Clare, may by her intercession become partakers of the heavenly joys, and co-heirs with Thine only-begotten Son, Thou Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
O God, Who wast pleased that our holy mother Saint Clare, by the splendor of her virtues, should become a guiding light to innumerable virgins, grant through her intercession and merits that those virgins may always walk in this light here on earth and may be found worthy to enjoy the perpetual serenity of Thy Face in Heaven, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The above prayer speaks of Saint Clare as a “guiding light.” Appropriate, since the meaning of her name is “light” or “clear.” Today is her trad feast and yesterday was the new. She was, from a very young age, deeply influenced by Saint Francis, and with his help, founded the “Poor Clares.” The above prayer also speaks of these holy virgins who are members of her order. She had a deep love for the Holy Eucharist, and famously held up Our Lord in the monstrance, as attackers besieged her convent. Of course, all were saved! Please see Catholic Online for Saint Clare’s bio, including a video.
Image courtesy http://www.stclare.qld.edu.au
In this month of the Immaculate Heart, here is a prayer an internet friend shared with me:
O Heart of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, Heart most worthy of love, in which the Adorable Trinity is ever well-pleased, worthy of the veneration and love of all the Angels and men. Heart most like to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, of which thou art the perfect image, Heart full of goodness, ever compassionate toward our miseries, deign to melt our icy hearts and grant that they may be wholly changed into the likeness of the Heart of Jesus, our Divine Savior. Pour into them the love of thy virtues, kindle in them that divine fire with which thou thyself did ever burn. In thee, let Holy Church find a safe shelter. Protect her and be her dearest refuge, her tower of strength, impregnable against every assault of her enemies. Be thou the way which leads to Jesus and the channel through which we receive all the graces needful for our salvation. Be our refuge in time of trouble, our solace in the midst of trial, our strength against temptation, our haven in persecution, our present help in every danger, and especially in the hour of death, when all Hell shall let loose against us its legions to snatch away our souls at that dread moment, that hour so full of fear whereon our eternity depends. Ah then, most tender Virgin, make us to feel the sweetness of thy Motherly Heart and the might of thine intercession with Jesus, and open to us a safe refuge in that very fountain of mercy, whence we may come to praise Him with thee in Paradise, world without end. Amen.
From The Raccolta
I wanted to get some pics of my small garden up, but too much work right now….here are some of our wild raspberries….don’t they look yummy? That is the Authentic Life-get up, pick your breakfast, eat! And nothing is like fresh-picked:)
I will be posting, when I can, on our 4-day blackout this past week-a real-life preparedness exercise! We have had these kinds of blackouts before, but not in a long time. As a prepper, it is important when these situations occur, to examine carefully, what went wrong and what went right. Many issues present themselves in a blackout, even some you may never have considered. I have to say, we did great this time, but some issues were brought to light that need attention. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A NEXT TIME.
Triduum of Death.....or of.....Heaven! New Years Blessings, etc...... The Situation
I would like to talk about where we’ve been and where we are going. The above posts were written on this past October 31st [2019], January 1st and March 31st. They were written consecutively, as I was not posting as frequently until the world changed. When “The Situation” was upon us, I realized I could not be silent and I had to step it up.
The above posts are interesting to look at as a kind of “Mystical Triad:” 1) Collective Meditation on Death: Halloween and the Catholic Triduum 2) Collective Meditation on Birth: Christmas and the New Year 3) Collective Initiation into a Changed World. In terms of the Initiation, for the Faithful, it is during Lent, a time of penance and preparation, a time when one is best disposed to enter into such a challenge. How good is God! What are we actually being initiated into? That is our choice. As usual, we have 2 possible paths: the world or Christ. I will not elaborate. I encourage you to reflect and pray on this. I am just observing and putting pieces together. It is important in these times, to maintain the position of observer. Otherwise, we run the risk of getting caught up in emotion and deception. Think of it like surfing. The surfer rides atop a wave that could easily decimate everything in its path. The surfer uses all momentum and no friction. It is genius.
My personal journey through this Mystical Triad is a story as well. There was a death in my close family on All Hallows Eve. As for the News Years post, it turned out to be strangely prophetic. I spoke of remaining joyful in spite of the way the world is going, and focusing on a better future. “The Situation” came just after a trip to Florida, fraught with symbolic events, including a kind of baptism in the sea off the eastern coast, waging battle with the waves. I see the entire trip as a preparation for what was about to happen, including a message of consolation.
Frances Willard
I had intended to deal with the emerging crises in the world and how we might respond. Instead, my writing took an organic path of feastdays and general prepper issues, peppered with some commentary on “the situation.” I am actually happy for this, since these are the two aspects of this ministry that concern me: an Authentic Spiritual Life and an Authentic Natural Life. Crises should be seen through these lenses, not the other way around. In other words, all things must serve Salvation and normal life. Anything which disturbs those 2 things, is unacceptable. Again, I won’t elaborate, but you can figure it out.
I think I will continue pretty much the same way. I will be featuring a product which solves the “Trapped in a Dark Basement” horror. Here’s a sneak peak if you can’t wait. There are a number of website improvements that are important. These can take a lot of time and you may or may not notice them. I will be working on that as well.
I said I would give commentary on “The Rome Life Forum,” but this has gone by the wayside. I still recommend you watch-see below. These talks are quite intellectual and interesting. They get into deep and technical theology. It can be hard to follow, but just take it in and you will get the gist. It is well worth it. Also, some very important content is there, to contemplate at this pivotal time in human history. Please note, Nomen Christi Apostolate does not necessarily endorse all ideas which are expressed in this conference.
The Rome Life Forum Online Conference took place May 20th through May 22nd. The theme was “Coronavirus in the Light of Fatima: A Tragedy and a Source of Hope.” Guest speakers included Cardinal Burke, Bishop Athanasius Schneider, John-Henry Westen and John Smeaton, among others. Some topics were: “Fatima: Heaven’s Answer to a World in Crisis,” “Divine Judgement in Human History,” and “The Eucharist, the Greatest Treasure of the Church, in Times of Tribulation.” This conference was hosted by LifeSiteNews and Voice of the Family. From LifeSiteNews: “Speakers will focus on whether the COVID-19….could be part of the chastisement, preceding the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that Our Blessed Mother spoke about in Fatima in 1917.”
~ Our Lady of Fatima ~
In this month of the Immaculate Heart, we begin on the 1st, with the First Saturday, which is a devotion in reparation to this very Heart. What a great time to begin the “Communion of Reparation,” given to us by Our Lady of Fatima. If your church is not doing this, why not help them start it? Otherwise, you can look at: First Saturdays At Home. Regarding Marian-related feasts, we have St. Alphonsus Liguori (famously authored The Glories of Mary) also beginning the month…..St. Dominic, the Assumption, St. Joachim (he is honored together with Our Lady immediately following the Assumption) and a double Marian feast on the 22nd, which includes the trad feast of the Immaculate Heart. We also have another saint devoted to Mary, St. Maximilian Kolbe, who died on the Vigil of the Assumption. He was starved at Auschwitz, but would not die, so he was given a lethal injection. How appropriate a day to die for one who early in life, created a Marian apostolate, “Militia Immaculatae.” I have noticed something in my research that I have not seen mentioned anywhere…he started the apostolate in 1917, just 3 days after the “Miracle of the Sun,” witnessed by thousands at Fatima. I wonder if that great event spurred him on to create his ministry. Let us give honor and reparation to Our Mother’s dear heart this month. There are so many ways to do this-please find something that resonates for you and your family.
This month shows us 3 Doctors of the Church and also the Transfiguration of Our Lord. These are just some highlights of Holy Church’s month of August. Its always good to look at the coming weeks to plan your spiritual life…..
1-First Saturday / St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor, ”Prince of Moralists, Most Zealous Doctor, Patron of Confessors & Moral Theologians” (new)
2-St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor (trad)
4-St. John Vianney (new-I saw his heart once!) / St. Dominic, Seer of the Holy Rosary
6-TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
7-First Friday
8-St. John Vianney (trad)
11-St. Clare of Assisi, her actual name was Chiara (my name-I am named after my grandmother who was born in Sicily), also known as Clara (new)
12-St. Clare of Assisi (trad)
14-Vigil of Assumption / St. Maximilian Kolbe, Martyr of Charity under Hitler
15-ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (not a holy day of obligation this year in the US)
16-St. Joachim, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary
20-St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor, ”The Mellifluous Doctor, Oracle of the 12th Century, Thaumaturgus of the West, Arbiter of Christendom, Last of the Fathers”
22-Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Immaculate Heart of Mary
24-St. Bartholomew, Apostle
28-St. Augustine, Doctor, ”Doctor of Grace, Doctor of Doctors”
This blog gives old and new feasts. The titles of the Doctors of the Church are taken from The 35 Doctors of the Church,TAN Books.
© 2015-2025 Chiara F. Mathews Content may be reproduced or shared on the condition that this source is indicated.
