A note on the liturgical calendars

As most, if not all of you know, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI issued the Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum on 7 July 2007. In it His Holiness unquestionably opened the way for all priests to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass in its 1962 form, and use of the 1962 Roman Missal, without having to request permission from anyone. This letter, in part, responds to the desires of the many faithful who love the Traditional Latin Mass and did not have access to it. In my diocese, unfortunately, there isn't a single Church offering this Mass (yet). I'm hoping and praying that this will change soon so that those of us who enjoy worshiping in the traditional form may do so. (Anyone care to join me in prayer?)

For the most part, I follow the Carmelite Proper Liturgical Calendar and the General Liturgical Calendar in the blog. The 1962 Liturgical Calendar includes several feasts that are not observed in the General Calendar (and vice versa). I will not get into a discussion here as to why there is a difference between the two calendars. But, in order to take advantage of the literally and spiritual wealth of the Church and foster devotion, I will be incorporating readings commemorating (at least) some of these traditional feasts. As such, you may notice a difference here and there in the feast of the day in the blog and the one observed in your diocese. I'll try to offer a note pointing out any differences between the calendars to minimize confusion. My hope is, rather than confuse you, offer a wide variety of excerpts, particularly from Carmelite writers (followed by the Fathers of the Church and other Catholic works), to provide and encourage spiritual reading, and perhaps provide a meditation point.

I normally schedule several blog entries about 2-3 weeks in advance since I don't always have time to check my e-mail or go online. Thus, I may inadvertently miss a memorial (hopefully not a solemnity or feast!).

(May you) Enjoy your reading!