Two Quick Links

I haven't had much time on my hands lately, but I'd like to share two links:

1. "Magic Trick" - a picture I found through the photography blog Strobist. Simple in execution, but extraordinary in its final product.

2. "Liturgical Referee" - a 'liturgical position' that would, if truly instated, have no lack of applicants.

The Most Popular Thing on This Website: Squirrels

Interestingly enough, amidst the 1,200 or so hits Life is a Prayer gets on an average day, the number one most-searched keyword that directs Google users to this website is 'squirrel.' I guess people just love the little critters. (Or maybe they hate them). What does that say about this website, though?

Kenrick-Glennon Seminary's First Mass of the Extraordinary Form [UPDATED]

Today the Kenrick School of Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary celebrated its first Mass in the extraordinary form, under the directive of Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Letter, Summorum Pontificum, issued Motu Proprio on July 7 of this year, and the directives set forth by St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke; namely, that Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, in order to ensure priests are prepared to celebrate Mass in the extraordinary form, will provide liturgical formation in both the Novus Ordo and 1962 forms of the Mass.

Today's Mass took a little over an hour. There are many differences between the old and new forms (too many to be expounded here), but most noticably, there seems to be a bit more of a 'reverent' atmosphere, in which those not serving at the altar have more time to contemplate and to reflect on the 'mystery' happening around you. This is not to say the 1962 form is better or worse than the Novus Ordo Mass (which is celebrated in almost every parish in the world today, in the vernacular, or local language, of the place it's being celebrated)--just different.

I have posted a ton of pictures from the Mass on the pictures page - check them out to see what your friendly neighborhood seminary community's been up to lately.

Also, as an aside, there will likely be a few blogs and other sources reporting on this Mass, as today is (I'm fairly certain) the first day Summorum Pontificum takes effect, and we're one of the first seminaries in the U.S. to have a Mass in the extraordinary form. I'll keep you updated with links in this post (if you know of any not listed below, let me know of them!).

Links:

• The New Liturgical Movement
• St. Louis Catholic (blog)
• Veritas Vos Liberat
• Catholic Highlights (Diocese of Superior) (September 14th Edition)
• Rzymski Katolik
• The Cafeteria is Closed
• What Does the Prayer Really Say?
• Quid est Veritas?
• Oak Leaves (blog)
• Ad Mentem Sancti Thomae Aquinatis
• Overheard in the Sacristy

Solemn High Mass at the Seminary (Pictures to Come)

Today we celebrated our first Solemn High Mass at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. Pictures and some more information will be posted soon!

Bluegrass Show in Missouri to Benefit Kenrick-Glennon Seminarians

I just received this information today:

A bluegrass show to benefit the seminarians of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007. Spaghetti dinner starts at 5:00 PM, music begins at 7:00 PM. Dinner is optional. $5.00 admission and $5.00 for the dinner. Knights of Columbus Hall, Scottsdale, MO. Featuring the Ozark Bluegrass Boys, with Father Ed Richard and other guests. This is a non-alcohol event; no food or drink to be brought in to event. For directions to the hall call 636-274-2733.

I know from experience how good the Ozark Bluegrass Boys are—they've played for a few years at the Seminary, and are always the best act of our "formerly annual" variety show. It's well worth the $5!

GREAT Movie Coming to Theaters in October!

The movie Bella, which I've blogged about before, is coming to town in late October - I sincerely hope anyone who reads this blog goes and sees this movie; not simply because of the fact that it's good to support movies made with a strong Catholic influence, but also because of the fact that the movie is just that good!

Also check out the Guys for Life ministry; the director of Guys for Life was gracious enough to talk to me about the movie and his conversations with the wonderful lead actor in the film, Eduardo Verástegui. (As an aside, in speaking with Archbishop Burke recently, I learned that he and Eduardo have met, and the Archbishop was impressed by his strong faith, in the midst of the worldly Hollywood scene!).

St. Louis County Fair & Air Show

Yesterday, I went to the St. Louis County Fair & Air Show (supposedly the last one they'll be having at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, due to the increased development in the area surrounding the airport), and took my Nikon D40 with a 70-300mm VR lens, to zoom in tight on many of the aircraft that were at the show.

It was the first time I'd seen a Harrier (the plane that can take off and land vertically... but very loudly!) and the Blue Angels in person, and it was an impressive display. I can only imagine what current aviation technology looks like (the Blue Angels are flying in F/A-18 Hornets designed during the Cold War era!). Even with a bit of sunburn, I had a great time and wish I could go again. At least I have some pictures to remember the day by.