Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare)

30th March A.D. 2014

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

LAETARE

 St. John Climacus

Lateare Sunday

Most Catholics today are used to the Mass being conducted in English, and they hardly ever think about the fact that Latin remains the official language of the Catholic Church. But occasionally, Latin reasserts itself, as it does in the case of Laetare Sunday.

Laetare Sunday is the popular name for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. (See When Is Laetare Sunday? for the date of Laetare Sunday in this and future years.) Laetare means "Rejoice" in Latin, and the Introit (entrance antiphon) in both the Traditional Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo is Isaiah 66:10-11, which begins "Laetare, Jerusalem" ("Rejoice, O Jerusalem").

Because the midpoint of Lent is the Thursday of the third week of Lent, Laetare Sunday has traditionally been viewed as a day of celebration, on which the austerity of Lent is briefly lessened. The passage from Isaiah continues, "rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow," and on Laetare Sunday, the purple vestments and altar cloths of Lent are set aside, and rose ones are used instead. Flowers, which are normally forbidden during Lent, may be placed on the altar. Traditionally, the organ was never played during Lent, except on Laetare Sunday.

Laetare Sunday is also known as Rose Sunday or Refreshment Sunday, and it has a counterpart in Advent: Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, when purple vestments are exchanged for rose ones. The point of both days is to provide us encouragement as we progress toward the end of each respective penitential season.

SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS

Anchorite (6th-7th centuries)

        John made, while still young, such progress in learning that he was called the Scholastic. At the age of sixteen he turned from the brilliant future which lay before him, and retired to Mt. Sinai, where he put himself under the direction of a holy monk. Never was novice more fervent, more unrelaxing in his efforts for self-mastery. After four years he took the vows, and an aged abbot foretold that he would some day be one of the greatest lights of the Church.

        Nineteen years later, on the death of his director, he withdrew into a deeper solitude, where he studied the lives and writings of the Saints, and was raised to an unusual height of contemplation. The fame of his holiness and practical wisdom drew crowds around him for advice and consolation. For his greater profit he visited the solitudes of Egypt.

        At the age of seventy-five he was chosen abbot of Mt. Sinai, and there "he dwelt in the mount of God, and drew from the rich treasure of his heart priceless riches of doctrine, which he poured forth with wondrous abundance and benediction."

        He was induced by a brother abbot to write the rules by which he had guided his life; and his book called the Climax, or Ladder of Perfection, has been prized in all ages for its wisdom, its clearness, and its unction.

        At the end of four years he would no longer endure the honors and distractions of his office, and retired to his solitude, where he fell asleep in the Lord.

Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

Readings:

• 1st book of Samuel 16:1b.6-7.10-13a. 
• Psalms 23(22):1-3a.3b.3c.4.5.6. 
• Letter to the Ephesians 5:8-14. 
• Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 9:1-41. 

The Mass will be celebrated by bishop c. Raphael Zimer at 

12:00 PM SLT in Saint Francis Cathedral
TELEPORT

Novena of Saint Francis of Assisi

29th March A.D. 2014

NOVENA OF

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

From Mondays to Saturdays in the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua is held the Novena of Saint Francis of Assisi. You are all most welcome to our chapel at 01:30 PM SLT in these days. 

We hope to see you all, in Christ!

Pax et bonum.

TELEPORT TO THE CHAPEL

NEW CATHEDRAL!

26th March A.D. 2014

NEW CATHEDRAL

! IMPORTANT !

Dear parishioners!

Last time we introduced a lot of changes in the diocese structures - opening of the monastery, new services, etc. With time we started to have problems with prims - one of the biggest problems in Second Life. :-)

We know that we have changed cathedral around two months ago, but we had to change again for new one, because the old one took too much prims, which stopped us in development. 

Dear pilgrims, doors for you re always open! We strongly encourage you to stay on longer.

The new cathedral (in the same place - Lionheart Kiara) is beautiful building from 15th century in Gothic style. Indoor climate conducives to deep and true prayer and penance in Christ. The atmosphere in the cathedral strengthen traditional Gregorian chants.

Services are held normally, without changes.

TELEPORT

Pax et bonum!

The Annunciation of the Lord

25th March A.D. 2014

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

Solemnity

God recapitulates all of his history of salvation on behalf of men and the Annunciation heralds the beginning of our salvation.   

         By Mary's obedient "Fiat," the earth has become heaven. "In Jesus, God has placed, in the midst of barren, despairing mankind,a new beginning which is not a product of human history but a gift from above" (Pope Benedict XVI).   

         "Thus, giving her consent to God's word, Mary becomes the mother of Jesus. Espousing the divine will for salvation wholeheartedly, without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and to the work of her Son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with him and dependent on him, by God's grace." 

                                                                                   Catechism of the Catholic Church

God our Father,  

your Word became man and was born of the Virgin Mary.  

May we become more like Jesus Christ,  

whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.  

We ask this through our Lourd Jesus Christ, your Son,  

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,  

one God, for ever and ever.  

*           *          *

The Mass will be held at 02:15 PM SLT in

CHAPEL OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA

In Order of Friars Minor OFM Monastery

TELEPORT

Third Sunday of Lent

23rd March A.D. 2014

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

 St. Turibius of Mongrovejo

SAINT TURIBIUS of MONGROVEJO 

Archbishop of Lima 

(1538-1606)

Turibius Alphonsus Mongrovejo, whose feast the Church honors on April 27th, was born on the 6th of November, 1538, at Mayorga in the kingdom of Leon in Spain. Brought up in a pious family where devotion was hereditary, his youth was a model to all who knew him. All his leisure was given to devotion or to works of charity. His austerities were great, and he frequently made long pilgrimages on foot.

        The fame of Turibius as a master of canon and civil law soon reached the ears of King Philip II., who made him judge at Granada. About that time the see of Lima, in Peru, fell vacant, and among those proposed Philip found no one who seemed better endowed than our Saint with all the qualities that were required at that city, where much was to be done for religion. He sent to Rome the name of the holy judge, and the Sovereign Pontiff confirmed his choice. Turibius in vain sought to avoid the honor. The Pope, in reply, directed him to prepare to receive Holy Orders and be consecrated. Yielding at last by direction of his confessor, he was ordained priest and consecrated.

        He arrived at Lima in 1587, and entered on his duties. All was soon edification and order in his episcopal city. A model of all virtue himself, he confessed daily and prepared for Mass by long meditation. St. Turibius then began a visitation of his vast diocese, which he traversed three times, his first visitation lasting seven years and his second four. He held provincial councils, framing decrees of such wisdom that his regulations were adopted in many countries. Almost his entire revenues were bestowed on his creditors, as he styled the poor.

        While discharging with zeal his duties he was seized with a fatal illness during his third visitation, and died on the 23d of March, 1606, at Santa, exclaiming, as he received the sacred Viaticum: "I rejoiced in the things that were said to me: 'We shall go into the house of the Lord.'"

        The proofs of his holy life and of the favors granted through his intercession induced Pope Innocent XI to beatify him, and he was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in the year 1726.
Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

Readings:

• Book of Exodus 17:3-7. 
• Psalms 95(94):1-2.6-7.8-9. 
• Letter to the Romans 5:1-2.5-8. 
• Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 4:5-42.

The Holy Mass will be celebrated by bishop c. Raphael Zimer at 

12:00 PM SLT (07:00 PM GMT)

in Saint Francis Cathedral

TELEPORT

Have a blessed Sunday!

Mini-store: Stations of the Cross

19th March A.D. 2014

MINI-STORE

Stations of the Cross set

We would like to announce that we have opened mini-store with catholic articles. Our first product is Stations of the Cross set, which you can buy and help us by this gesture.

The set includes 14 beautiful stations (images) in golden mesh frames. One station - 1 prim.
When you click on image, you will receive prayer to every station.
The set includes also stand-alone JPGs and prayers to every station.

All the income goes to Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese development.

The box with set is located over main enterance to the Saint Francis Cathedral.

TELEPORT TO PRODUCT

Services in Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua

18th March A.D. 2014

Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua

Dear parishioners. We would like to welcome you to Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Masses in the chapel are held in Ordinary Form of Roman Rite (Novus Ordo"Ad-Orientem") and Extraordinary Form of Roman Rite (Tridentine Latin Mass). All the Masses in the chapel are celebrated spontaneously, preceded by the appropriate announcement.

We are looking for altar servers to both forms of Mass. To Novus Ordo Mass male and female servers are able to assist. For Tridentine Latin Mass male only are able to assist.

Altar servers to Tridentine Latin Mass will go through special education to fully understand and serve (assist) for this form of Mass. The celebration of Mass is accompanied by appropriate Gregorian chants with organ accompaniment on stream.

*           *          *

ALL THE MASSES ARE CELEBRATED IN SECOND LIFE WITHOUT EUCHARISTIC PART

How does the Novus Ordo Mass look in RL? It is the most popular form of Mass these days.

*           *          *

How does the Tridentine Latin Mass look in Real Life? 

(the same in SL - in SL Mass is held without transformation part)

We strongly encourage you to actively participate in the Mass, which is the traditional Mass of the Catholic Church. We hope that this form also positively contribute to the development of our faith in RL.

*           *          *

Pictures of our chapel in-world:

Second Sunday of Lent

Sunday, 16th March A.D. 2014

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

St. Abraham & St. Mary, St. Heribert

SAINT ABRAHAM, Hermit (+ c. 360)

SAINT MARY (+ c. 355)

        Abraham was a rich nobleman of Edessa. At his parents' desire he married, but escaped to a cell near the city as soon as the feast was over. He walled up the cell-door, leaving only a small window through which he received his food. There for fifty years he sang God's praises and implored mercy for himself and for all men. The wealth which fell to him on his parents' death he gave to the poor.

        As many sought him for advice and consolation, the Bishop of Edessa, in spite of his humility, ordained him priest. St. Abraham was sent, soon after his ordination, to an idolatrous city which had hitherto been deaf to every messenger. He was insulted, beaten, and three times banished, but he returned each time with fresh zeal. For three years he pleaded with God for those souls, and in the end prevailed. Every citizen came to him for Baptism.

        After providing for their spiritual needs he went back to his cell more than ever convinced of the power of prayer. His brother died, leaving an only daughter, Mary, to the Saint's care. He placed her in a cell near his own, and devoted himself to training her in perfection. After twenty years of innocence she fell, and fled in despair to a distant city, where she drowned the voice of conscience in sin. The Saint and his friend St. Ephrem prayed earnestly for her during two years. Then he went disguised to seek the lost sheep, and had the joy of bringing her back to the desert a true penitent. She received the gift of miracles, and her countenance after death shone as the sun.

        St. Abraham died five years before her, about 360. All Edessa came for his last blessing and to secure his relics.

Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

SAINT HERIBERT, Archbishop 

(c. 970-1021)

        Heribert was born in Worms and he was the son of Hugo, count of Worms. He was educated in the school of Worms Cathedral and at the Benedictine Gorze Abbey in Lorraine, France. He returned to Worms Cathedral to be provost and was ordained a priest in 994. In the same year Otto III appointed him chancellor for Italy and four years later also for Germany, a position which he held until Otto's death on 23 January 1002. Heribert was made an archbishop of Cologne on 998. Then, he also served Emperor St. Henry. Heribert built the monastery of Deutz, on the Rhine and performed miracles, including ending a drought. He is thus invoked for rains. He died in Cologne on March 16, 1021 and was buried at Deutz. He was already honoured as a saint during his lifetime and was canonized by Pope St. Gregory VII about 1074.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Eucharist Jesus image is opened ten minutes before Sunday Mass begins and closed at 05:45 AM SLT on Monday (after morning prayer).

Readings:

• Book of Genesis 12:1-4a.
• Psalms 33(32):4-5.18-19.20.22. 
• Second Letter to Timothy 1:8b-10. 
• Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 17:1-9. 

The Holy Mass will be celebrated by bishop c. Raphael Zimer at 

12:00 PM SLT (07:00 PM GMT)

in Saint Francis Cathedral

TELEPORT

Have a blessed Sunday!

Appeal of Eucharistic Jesus

APPEAL OF

EUCHARISTIC JESUS

DEVOTION

High Altar Image

The obvious meaning of the impossibility of the existence of a true body and blood of Jesus Christ in Second Life, in order to deepen our faith, we have created a special Appeal of Eucharistic Jesus image. This appeal is the pure worship of Christ, the adoration of His majesty, the acknowledgment and confirmation of faith in the true body and blood of our Savior in the real world. It is also a good way for us all to prepare for the real Eucharist in the real world.

How does Appeal of Eucharistic Jesus look in our virtual diocese?

Eucharistic Jesus image is located above High Altar, where naturally focuses attention of the gathered faithful - in the presbytery. Our image is hidden in special relic box, which is closed by automatic doors. On the door is a image of Staint Francis of Assisi at the feet of the crucified Jesus Christ.

Eucharistic Jesus image is opened for every Mass, around ten minutes before Mass begins. The service is sung only (3 parts).

Three parts of the Appeal of Eucharistic Jesus:

1. 'Pange Lingua Gloriosi' ('Sing, my tongue, the Saviour's glory').
2. Magnificat.
3. 'Ave Verum Corpus' ('Hail, true body').

The devotion looks the same for open and close the image.

Important details: during weekdays image is opened ten minutes before Mass begins and closed immediately after Mass - if Mass is held during weekdays (Masses on weekdays in our diocese are celebrated only for special occasions or on requests). During Sunday, image is opened ten minutes before Sunday Mass begins and closed at 05:45 AM SLT on Monday (after morning prayer).

The Appeal of Eucharistic Jesus is held from Mondays to Fridays

 at 02:30 PM SLT

On every Sunday, when image stays open for whole day, we may suggest you to pray in this sacred moment:

• Recite rosary
• Recite Daily Office
• Recite Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
• Recite prayer related to Eucharist
• Recite hymns related to Eucharist
• or communicate with God in your own prayers.

Be blessed in Jesus Christ!

Thanksgiving Liturgy for Pope Francis

13rd March A.D. 2014

THANKSGIVING LITURGY

FOR 

POPE FRANCIS

First Anniversary of Pope Francis pontificate

Dear beloved in Jesus Christ brothers and sisters.

Today passes first year of our Pope Francis pontificate. We would like to very warmly welcome you to take part in the special Thanksgiving Liturgy for Pope Francis. Let's gather in our virtual cathedral and thank to God for our beloved Pope! His Holiness asked us - his pupils - to deep prayer in his intention. Let's make words alive.

Secondly, today also passes forth month after Diocese creation.

The Holy Mass will be celebrated by bishop c. Raphael Zimer at 

12:00 PM SLT in Saint Francis Cathedral

TELEPORT

Foty Hours' Devotion - photoreport

12nd March A.D. 2014

FORT HOURS' DEVOTION

Malaysia flight incident

-photoreport-

During this moment, we are cordially invite our parishioners from Woraksan, St. Francis Diocese, other catholic communities to pray for God. People from other religious groups are welcome to attend. We hope that under the mercy of God the aircraft will be find out soon.

The Eucharist Jesus image has arrived in Saint Francis Cathedral today at 08:00 AM SLT and will stay to 13th March 04:00 AM SLT.

TELEPORT

Liturgical Altar Service

12th March A.D. 2014

LITURGICAL ALTAR SERVICE

Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese

-SECOND LIFE-

We would like to offer for men and women, boys and girls, the role of altar server in Saint Francis of Assisi virtual Diocese, place: Saint Francis Cathedral.

In the ordinary (normal) form of the Roman Rite of the celebration of Mass, provided no instituted acolyte is participating, altar servers have the following responsibilities during:

• Entrance: Servers are to act as thurifer with burning incense (if incense is used at the Mass), as bearers of lighted candles flanking another carrying the cross and as other participants in the entrance procession.
• Liturgy of the Word: Servers hold the liturgical books for the celebrant when he is not at the altar and is proclaiming the presidential prayers with outstretched hands. They bring and hold such things as books, microphone, Missal.
• Proclamation of the Gospel: At the preceding Alleluia or other chant, the thurible is presented to the priest for him to put incense in it, and then for the proclamation of the Gospel servers precede the priest or deacon to the ambo, perhaps carrying candles and incense.
• Recessional: The servers accompany the priest as at the entrance procession.

If a bishop celebrates Mass solemnly, two servers, wearing vimpas, hold the mitre and the crosier, and present them at the appropriate times. Servers may also be needed to carry a processional canopy (baldachin) during a procession outside.

The vestment for Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese altar server is white alb with pectoral cross.

All the people who shows their clear will are able to read the Readings, General Intercessions, parish announcements and everything, what is needed in the situation and what Canon Law allows.

There is one caveat: during Mass in Extraordinary Form of Roman Rite (Latin Mass, 'Tridentine Mass') only men/boys are able to serve. For Novus Ordo (Ordinary Form of Roman Rite (English language) boys and girls are able to serve.

Do you want to join to Liturgical Altar Service in Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese? Please contact with Vicar General Father Rodrigo Alfonso or with Cardinal Bishop Raphael Zimer (the best would be sending NOTECARD, not IM, because sometimes IMs are dropped and lost).

Ash Wednesday, 2014

Forty Hours' Devotion - Malaysia flight incident

11th March A.D. 2014

FORTY HOURS' DEVOTION

Malaysia flight incident

Dear all parishioners,

We are hosting a 40 hours devotion in asking God's guidance to the unknown victims for the Malaysia flight air incident. Since the validity of sacrament has to be observed in Second Life, the Eucharistic Jesus image will replace the monstrance for prevention of its misuse.

During this moment, we are cordially invite our parishioners from Woraksan, St. Francis Diocese, other catholic communities to pray for God. People from other religious groups are welcome to attend. We hope that under the mercy of God the aircraft will be find out soon.

The timetable for the devotion will be as follow:

Saint Michael's Archangel Cathedral:

• 11th March 10:00AM SLT till 12th March 8:00AM SLT 
• Votive Mass of Peace (Novos Ordo): 11th March 6:00PM SLT
• Votive Mass of the Most Holy Sacrament (TLM): 13th March 7:00AM SLT

TELEPORT to St. Michael's Archangel Cathedral

*          *          *

Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral:

The Eucharist Jesus image will be transported to Saint Francis Cathedral at 08:00 AM SLT

• 12th March 8:00AM SLT till 13th March 4:00AM SLT

TELEPORT to Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral

*NOTE*

If the official found the aircraft and the victims are confirmed death within this 40 hours, the devotion will be interrupt. A requiem mass (in Novos Ordo) will be held. Details will be given in a later stage within this exceptional case.

*          *          *

Guideline of devotion.

During this sacred moment, you may:

Recite rosary

Recite Daily Office

Recite Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

Recite prayer related to Eucharist

Recite hymns related to Eucharist

or communicate with God in your own prayers.

*          *          *

In Christ,

+Stephen Byers

Cardinal

Archbishop of Woraksan

+Raphael Zimer

Cardinal

Bishop of St. Francis of Assisi Diocese

11th March, MMXIV

City of Detriot Parish suspension

11th March A.D. 2014

EPISCOPAL STATEMENT

On the day 11th March Anno Domini MMXIV, because of problems with sim, where City of Detriot Parish is located, I have to suspend the existance of City of Detriot Parish for unknown time.
Owner of the sim, where Detriot City Role Play has been located with City of Detriot Parish in the middle of the city, decided to close sim for unknown time. All of parisioners from this region are automatically transfered to diocesan parish, which is located in Lionheart Kiara (Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral). Offical parish group ('City of Detriot Parish') stays active.
Pastor of Parish - Father Pie Runner - has been approved as a Director of The Hermitage of Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese.

Raphael Cardinal Zimer

Bishop of Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese 

New Vicar General

10th March A.D. 2014

Vicar General

Father Rodrigo Alfonso

Today, on 10th March Anno Domini MMXIV His Eminence Raphael Cardinal Zimer, bishop of Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese, approved Father Rodrigo Alfonso as a Vicar General of Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese. Father has received a presbyterate ordination today as well.

Bishop Zimer approved also Father Rodrigo Alfonso as a chaplain priest for RP military groups.

Father Alfonso will celebrate Masses every Saturday in Spanish language. Please  follow us to learn more about closest activities.

In this way, Bishop Zimer automatically approved old Vicar General Father Maximilian Meiler as a Vicar Senior of Saint Francis of Assisi Diocese.

We would like to congratulate to Father Rodrigo and wish a lot of power in Jesus Christ!

Time changed from PST to PDT - technical issue!

10th March A.D. 2014

PST to PDT

Time technical issue

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, dear faithful.

Yesterday time has changed from PST to PDT. We have to explain some time issues, because huge part of diocese are Europeans - for Europeans it is huge difference these days.

We would like to announce that all of our services are only in Second Life Time.

To make it easier for people around the world, we have calculated our main services to GMT as well, we hope everybody knows where London is located. :-)

Sunday Mass - 12:00 PM SLT (it is 07:00 PM GMT London Time)

Morning Prayers - 05:30 AM SLT (it is 12:30 PM GMT London Time)

You can always trust in our help. If you need, please contact with us in-world by sending NC or write IM.

First Sunday of Lent

9th March A.D. 2014

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

St. Frances of Rome

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME

Religious

(1384-1440)

        Frances was born at Rome in 1384. Her parents were, of high rank. They overruled her desire to become a nun, and at twelve years of age married her to Rorenzo Ponziano, a Roman noble. During the forty years or their married life they never had a disagreement. While spending her days in retirement and prayer, she attended promptly to every household duty, saying, "A married woman must leave God at the altar to find Him in her domestic cares;" and she once found the verse of a psalm in which she had been four times thus interrupted completed for her in letters of gold. Her ordinary food was dry bread. Secretly she would exchange with beggars good food for their hard crusts; her drink was water, and her cup a human skull.

        During the invasion of Rome, in 1413, Ponziano was banished, his estates confiscated, his house destroyed, and his eldest son taken as a hostage. Frances saw in these losses only the finger of God, and blessed His holy name. When peace was restored Ponziano recovered his estate, and Frances founded the Oblates.

        After her husband's death, barefoot and with a cord about her neck she begged admission to the community, and was soon elected Superioress. She lived always in the presence of God, and amongst many visions was given constant sight of her angel guardian, who shed such brightness around him that the Saint could read her midnight Office by this light alone. He shielded her in the hour of temptation, and directed her in every good act. But when she was betrayed into some defect, he faded from her sight; and when some light words were spoken before her, he covered his face in shame.

        She died on the day she had foretold, March 9, 1440.

Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]

Readings:

• Book of Genesis 2:7-9.3:1-7. 
• Psalms 51(50):3-4.5-6ab.12-13.14.17. 
• Letter to the Romans 5:12-19. 
• Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 4:1-11.

The Holy Mass will be celebrated by bishop c. Raphael Zimer at 

12:00 PM SLT (08:00 PM GMT)
in Saint Francis Cathedral

TELEPORT

Have a blessed Sunday!