Vocations video...

...like most students I can trawl the internet for hours, looking at all sorts of nonsensical rubbish, however, recently I came across quite a good video. It’s a vocations video for the Archdiocese of New York, with extracts from a homily of the new Archbishop of New York, Most Rev. Timothy Dolan.

I realise that the US Dioceses have a lot more money than our Diocese but seriously, where are our truly inspirational/mind blowing vocations videos?! On second thought, where are our truly inspirational/mind blowing bishops?

Cassocks and Habits...

...a return to witness!

What greater witness is there for a priest or religious (both male or female) to make than to set themselves apart from the materialistic values of the western world and wear the clothing that is deemed suitable for their role? Answer: There isn't a greater witness...

The cassock? "But they're expensive" I hear some of you cry. This is true, they can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. The cassock (or clericals for that matter) set a priest apart, when I work around Cardiff and see a man in clericals I will acknowledge him and say "good morning" or "good afternoon" why? because there is a certain amount of respect that goes with the 'uniform'

The habit? If it was good enough for the founder, it's good enough for them now! The 60s modifications to some of the most ancient habits (Franciscan, Dominican etc...) are awful! Knee length skirts with woolly jumpers, blouses a cross (not crucifix) and a piece of cloth on the head which doesn't cover the head entirely...

...now I realise that the old habits would be slightly unsuitable for the works some of the Sisters do (soup kitchens etc...) but still! I firmly believe they're showing too much leg! At the very least they should have an ankle length tunic with a scapular and a full 'veil'...

...NOW! The male religious orders, to be fair most have kept the habit of their respective founders (Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites etc...) but why don't they wear them outside their religious houses?! I know a few Dominicans and they refuse, point blank to wear the habit outside their priory and it is most disheartening...

...having said that! There are a few 'good ones' who do bear the witness well, and wear the habit as a witness outside their religious houses! One that comes to mind is the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, such a wonderful, vibrant and young order! Highly orthodox and loyal to the Holy Father, appealing because you get what you expect with them...they are stable!























Pictures: Friars - Traditional Vocations Blog. Sisters - Damian Thompson

They are truly inspiring! Did I mention they're flourishing?? Well they are!

AVE MARIA!

"You should be a priest"

These were the words spoken to me by a man who I had known for quite literally 10 minutes. As I was leaving Cardiff's St David's Cathedral yesterday a man stopped me to ask a few questions regarding the resting place(s) of the Archbishops, I helped him as best I could.

After a brief discussion/debate about the post-conciliar church, during which I hinted at my love of both 'forms' of the Roman Rite he concluded our conversations with a question then a statement...

Man: "Are you in seminary?"
Me: "No..."
Man: "You should be a priest!"

This has happened numerous times, by people who've known me a while, and those who I meet briefly (as in this case). I've heard it remarked that, when I'm busying myself with purely secular issues I can get a little annoyed, and generally be a bit grumpy. However. When the topic turns to religion there is a new release of life and I become passionate!

I think I do have a vocation, I pray on it regularly, and I ask for Our Lady's guidance... but it is people like that man yesterday who really inspire you, they see something in you that makes them ask the question, they seem something that makes them make quite a profound statement.

So my question to my reader(s) is.. have you ever planted the idea of a vocation in a young man or young woman's minds? what I mean is, have you asked them? If not, do! They may very well think they have a vocation, or they may have never even thought of it, but what your question will do is begin the questioning process.

Ave Maria

*** I have a poll, please vote!