tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17541509519194809982024-03-14T04:33:29.524-06:00 A Modern Catholic YouthA young Catholic guy fighting for our culture.Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-61824802965207161602013-02-05T14:34:00.001-06:002013-02-05T14:41:41.656-06:00What happened today?I often find it amusing to Google the day's date to see what happened that day. Can you guess what happened today? Funny how the randomest things happen on days you least expect it.<br />
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Feb 5th:<br />
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Earthquake at Pompeii in 62.<br />
First Japanese Catholic Persecution begins in 1597.<br />
The largest gold nugget in history found in Canada - 1869,<br />
FDR's launch of his plan to <strike>usurp the power of the</strike> expand the Supreme Court - 1937<br />
Franco comes to power in Spain - 1939.<br />
"I have come out of Bataan and I will return" - the return occurs this day in 1945.<br />
Apollo 14 landing - 1971.<br />
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It's also the birthday of James Otis, Red Buttons, and Sara Evans (!).<br />
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So yeah.<br />
<br />Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-11233754740260464232013-02-05T14:32:00.001-06:002013-02-05T14:32:39.694-06:00Once AgainI have failed in my duty to keep up with my writing here. Not that I really care that much, and not that it is a duty.<br />
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Nevertheless, I have an excuse! I've been ill and busy. So there.<br />
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<br />Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-16372923035104268002013-01-24T17:03:00.002-06:002013-01-24T17:03:21.365-06:00Burns SupperI'd never heard of it till today, but supposedly tomorrow is Burns Day. Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, that is. Take a look at<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper"> the way some people celebrate it.</a> Note, some people, not e. I won't be participating in this event, I don't like Scottish stuff. Especially their accents and language. Blech. They have mangled the fine English language.<br />
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Maybe you're looking at me like I'm a hypocrite since I rave about Old English. Well <i><b>I </b></i>see a difference between Old English, and semi-modern un-understandable Scottish lingo. It's half English. If it was totaly Scottish that'd be a different story.<br />
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Anyways, though I don't like Burns' poetry all that much, I am just wondering why we don't do this for other poets? Shel Silverstein Supper would be fun!Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-63243819589088146322013-01-24T08:15:00.001-06:002013-01-24T08:15:20.510-06:00Catholic Unity Octave - Day 7<br />
ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in me and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.<br />
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V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter; R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.<br />
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That the Jewish people will be converted to the Catholic Faith.<br />
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Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will; Who livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.<br />
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I remember there being some controversy about some phrase in the Bible during the trial of Jesus by Pilate in which the Jews cry out "His blood be on us and our descendants!"<br />
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I found it; "<i>And the whole people answering, said: His blood be upon us and our children</i>." (Matt. 27:25)<br />
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Jews were angry that they were being presented as the murderers of Christ. But here's the thing; they are even more special than just thew Chosen People because they called down the Precious Blood upon themselves! He comes not in judgment, but in mercy, and this will be their salvation.<br />
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Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-2438742583456343262013-01-23T12:38:00.002-06:002013-01-23T12:38:51.183-06:00Christian Unity Octave - Day 6<br />
ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in me and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.<br />
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V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter; R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.<br />
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That lapsed Catholics will return to the Sacraments of the Church.<br />
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Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will; Who livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.<br />
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Lapsed Catholics are perhaps one of the biggest hindrances to grace in our Faith. Since they are indeed part our Mystical Body, yet since they are living in sin, all that comes from them is sickness. It is harder for us to have a healthy spiritual life if there are germs in the soul. We should strive to turn these germs into energy for Christ.<br />
Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-46280396608329648102013-01-22T14:56:00.002-06:002013-01-22T14:56:35.315-06:00Christian Unity Octave - Day 4 & 5<br />
Day 4:<br />
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ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in me and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.<br />
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V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter; R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.<br />
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For the return of all Protestants throughout the world to the unity of the Catholic Church.<br />
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Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will; Who livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.<br />
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Day 5 :<br />
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ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in me and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.<br />
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V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter; R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.<br />
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That Christians in America may be one, in union with the Chair of Saint Peter.<br />
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Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will; Who livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.<br />
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I missed a day. :( Oh well.<br />
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For Day 5, it is strikingly relevant that it falls on the 40th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.<br />
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Why?<br />
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Because in 1073, if all Christians had been united in protesting abortions.....before the decision, then we would not be where we are now, 50 million lives later.<br />
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I know a priest who says that if the bishops had spoken up Roe v Wade would never have happened. He is right.<br />
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Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-1553872730604511482013-01-20T19:28:00.001-06:002013-01-20T19:28:26.148-06:00Incense On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ain't that the truth!Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-54071144074603402992013-01-20T08:57:00.001-06:002013-01-20T08:57:23.003-06:00Pro-life Rally in IrelandIn Ireland over 30,000 people have rallied to how their opposition to legalizing abortion. It is quite hopeful that it is actually still illegal there, since research shows that the numbers of pro-lifers are steadily rising.<br />
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Read more <b><a href="http://www.catholicvote.org/discuss/index.php?p=41158">here </a></b>at CatholicVote.<br />
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I wonder if the Irish have looked at America and seen the effects of Roe vs. Wade, the fortieth anniversary of which is in two days?<br />
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If people had done this <i>before </i>the court's decision, then likely we wouldn't need to send 200,000 every year to D.C.Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-37629751353006686022013-01-20T08:52:00.000-06:002013-01-20T08:52:02.639-06:00Christian Unity Octave - Day 3 <br />
ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in me and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.<br />
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V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter; R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">For the return of the Anglicans to the authority of the Vicar of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will; Who livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">I have not kept up on the situation with the Anglicans. I'</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">ve heard that some have come home, and that some others have women bishops. This is an important group; Merrie Olde Englande has been lost for too long, and it is time that we get them back. </span><br />
Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-75626164177701905452013-01-19T07:11:00.001-06:002013-01-19T07:11:18.372-06:00Christian Unity Octave - Day 2<br />
ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in me and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.<br />
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V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter; R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.<br />
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For the return of the Eastern Orthodox Christians to communion.<br />
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Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will; Who livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.<br />
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See? We have not forgotten our Eastern family. The sad, yet interesting, thing about this prayer is that the Eastern Orthodox faithful probably accept more of the Church's teaching than most Roman Rite Catholics! If their biggest problem is not accepting the authority of the Pope, I can think of plenty of politicians who are deserving of their own mention during this octave! Yet I digress.<br />
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Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-88278712497416347152013-01-18T15:37:00.000-06:002013-01-18T15:37:15.835-06:00Christian Unity Octave - Day 1Today begins the Octave of Christian Unity. Let's start with a prayer:<br />
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ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in me and I in Thee; that they also may be one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.<br />
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V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter; R. And upon this rock I will build my Church.<br />
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For the return of the "other sheep" to the One Fold of our Lord Jesus Christ,<br />
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Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant unto her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will; Who livest and reignest ever, one God, world without end. Amen.<br />
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All right, now let's make some sacrifice throughout the day. You've got one? Good. Offer it up for reunification with our sundered brethren.<br />
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Now let's take a look at what this Octave is.<br />
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It is NOT an ecumenical meet-the-others-halfway and sing Kum-ba-ya. We <i>will not</i> sit in a circle and each of us tell the group something interesting about our religions, and leave the meeting with a warm feeling but having accomplished nothing but looking like an idiot for the whole world to laugh. By doing that we lower our Faith to the level of the <i>alii</i>, the others.<br />
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What we mean by Christian Unity is bluntly; for the heretics to open their eyes to the error of their ways and seek the Truth in the Catholic Church. THAT is Christian Unity.<br />
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Some might say Catholics, in doing this, want to have their cake and eat it too. You know what? They are right on that, because they've got it wrong with God.<br />
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This week let's all especially strive to live as witnesses for Christ and to spread His message throughout the world.<br />
Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-3697532185253433122013-01-17T21:27:00.002-06:002013-01-17T21:27:36.258-06:00PontifexTwitter non credo; puto se vastum mei temporis. Autem.....<div>
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I think it is awesome that the Pope has his own handle....and that it is in Latin! </div>
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https://twitter.com/Pontifex_ln/followers</div>
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Check it out. </div>
Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-73728239001038538222013-01-16T13:59:00.003-06:002013-01-16T13:59:40.928-06:00UlbandusUlbandus is a Gothic word, meaning camel.<div>
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Elephantus is a Latin word, meaning elephant. </div>
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Did you know that philologists have determined that both of these words were developed together into the English <i>elephant</i>? But somewhere along the line the meanings got switched- ulbandus (camel, Gothic) + elephantus (elephant, Latin) became, elephant meaning elephant. </div>
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But there is no understanding of where the camel went. </div>
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Any suggestions?</div>
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Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-65454581821094898792013-01-16T13:13:00.000-06:002013-01-16T13:13:57.630-06:00Te IgiturSo....why do all my posts being with 'so'?<br />
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So anyways.....<br />
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I've really really been working to improve my Latin skills/ I am a member of a forum on which some members are translating a text on vampires. It is quite fascinating, but not quite my cup of tea. Despite being hard, I'm not that morbid.<br />
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So I'm working on my own translation of the Canon - until I am ready to work on something more challenging, like the Vulgate. :D<br />
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But why would I translate the Canon, or anything, if somebody else has already done it?<br />
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Fair enough; I'll tell you why. My eventual plan is to translate a chunk of text, perhaps from Genesis or John, into English. Next I will translate it back to Latin. I will compare the Latin and see if the meanings change. If I am able to I can do some Greek in there too, but I still know nothing about Greek.<br />
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Either way, the point is to show exactly how Protestants messed up the Bible in the first place. They translated form language A into B, then into C, then from C to A to B to A again....in order to get a more accurate translation than the original one the Catholics did?<br />
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Do you see how I end that statement with a question mark? It makes NO SENSE!<br />
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For the moment, I will grace you with my own translation of the Te Igitur.<br />
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Original:<br />
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TE ígitur, clementíssime Pater, per Jesum Christum Fílium tuum Dóminum nostrum súpplices rogámus ac pétimus (osculatur altare) uti accépta hábeas, et benedícas (jungit manus, deinde signat ter super oblata), hæc dona, hæc múnera, hæc sancta sacrifícia illibáta (extensismanibus prosequitur): in primis quæ tibi offérimus pro Ecclésia tua sancta cathólica: quam pacificáre, custodíre, adunáre, et régere dignéris toto orbe terrárum, una cum famulo tuo Papa nostro N. et Antístite nostro N. et ómnibus orthodóxis, atque cathólicæ et apostólicæ fídei cultóribus<br />
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Mine:<br />
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Therefore, we beseech and petition thee most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, (the altar is kissed) to accept and bless (he joins his hands, then signs the offering three times) these gifts, these offerings, this holy undiminished sacrifice (having extended his hands, it is continued): in the first place of which we offer to you for thy holy universal Church; may you grant peace to the whole world, and protect, unify, and rule in union with thy servant our father Benedict and our bishop Joseph, and all believers, and Catholics, and adherents of the apostolic faith.<br />
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Official Translation:<br />
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Wherefore, O most merciful Father, we humbly pray and beseech thee, through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord (he kisses the altar), that thou wouldst vouchsafe to receive and bless (he joins his hands together, and then makes the sign of the cross thrice over the offerings) these gifts, these offerings, this holy and unblemished sacrifice (he extends his hands and continues), which in the first place we offer thee for thy holy Catholic Church, that it may please thee to grant her peace: as also to protect, unite, and govern her throughout the world, together with thy servant N., our Pope N., our bishop, as also all orthodox believers who keep the catholic and apostolic faith.<br />
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As you can see it is not bad at all ,but slightly different. Notice especially the 'red', the actions, in parentheses. I have kept them in their original infinitive state; whereas the official translation puts it in slightly more natural English.<br />
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Until my next translation! I've already got the <i>Hanc Igitur</i> done as of now....<br />
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<br />Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-41931035145040712882013-01-15T11:42:00.002-06:002013-01-16T22:18:33.507-06:00So, yeah!As you can see I've forgotten about this blog for a little more than a month. Had to deal with a major surgery in the family, the <strike>holidays</strike> Christmas!, and some other stuff.<br />
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I hope to be back and posting soonish.<br />
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In other news, did you know that they are trying to take my guns away. :(<br />
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I'll try not to write about that so much.<br />
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But I have decided that I am going to pick up on my linguistic studies significantly this year.<br />
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I will begin learning Old English and Greek. If I had my way I would speak these languages fluently:<br />
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English (duh)<br />
Old English<br />
Greek<br />
Spanish<br />
German<br />
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EDIT: How could I forget?<br />
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LATIN!<br />
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I wouldn't mind being able to read Hebrew and Arabic as well.<br />
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I am lucky that I may be able to tutor Latin for a friend soon. This will significantly aid me in completing one of my tasks.<br />
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Oh, did I mention I'm obsessed with languages?<br />
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<br />Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-76910155685822357482012-12-11T05:12:00.001-06:002012-12-11T05:12:22.048-06:00It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like....CHRISTMAS!<br />
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Well, it has for a while, and my family has already gotten our tree. Today, however, I am going to help my brother-in-law get theirs. Hmmmm.....that's some inspiration! I generally like to write scholarly sounding papers on useless subjects; it's great practice, as a matter of fact. I think I shall write one about helping him....<br />
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Wow. Random. *?*<br />
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So anyways I think he should get the soft needled trees; the poky ones are no fun even if they do look a bit better. I'm heading off to Mass and then work now, but when I get back expect a full report. :DChris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-52887485801331676092012-12-09T20:48:00.001-06:002012-12-09T20:48:59.553-06:00Stow the Rifles Away...Until January, at least.<br />
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But no bucks! Unless I go out with a bow; which I most certainly will.<br />
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On my way out to the treestand I said my usual prayer to Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos; he didn't think today was a good day, I guess.<br />
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But let's just say that if anyone else's hunting season was as successful as mine then better luck next year! :DChris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-61969262790950266462012-12-08T11:04:00.002-06:002012-12-08T11:04:34.387-06:00The Immaculate Conception - The Negative and the PositiveSo this morning an interesting thought hit me; the negative aspect of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. No, no, I'm not talking about negative as in "bad" - I am talking about the negative sin in the Blessed Virgin!<br />
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So basically, we have a Virgin conceived <i>without </i>sin. Put that thought away.<br />
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Now, let's define grace.<br />
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<ol><b><u>What is sanctifying grace?</u></b> --Sanctifying grace is that grace which confers on our souls a new life, that is, a sharing in the life of God Himself.<br />
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<li>By sanctifying grace, our souls are made holy and pleasing to God. It is an <i>abiding</i> or <i>permanent</i> grace, which we gain by baptism, and lose only by mortal sin. (<a href="http://www.catholicbook.com/AgredaCD/MyCatholicFaith/mcfc039.htm">My Catholic Faith</a>)</li>
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So grace is none other than the life of God. What does that make sin? <b>Sin is nothing other than the absence of grace</b>, the absence of God's love. It is that simple!</div>
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So it necessarily follows that if Our Lady was conceived without sin, then she was conceived with grace. It is like an inverse proportion; the less one has sin the more one has grace. Or, the less one has hatred of God the more they must have love of God.</div>
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But not only was Our Lady conceived with grace, she was conceived full of grace! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', georgia, 'trebuchet ms', arial, verdana, helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail,<b> full of grace</b>, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luke 1: 28)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', georgia, 'trebuchet ms', arial, verdana, helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">This is an interesting mystery to ponder here. She is full of grace already, yet she continues to gain more. How mysterious are the ways of God! </span></div>
Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-1508417013647491012012-12-08T04:40:00.001-06:002012-12-08T04:40:36.529-06:00The Immaculate Conception<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQBP1dUe0H0q8gIidwr7YyxAwy3LtqT_0kCLFXl4bL95fYoozakw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQBP1dUe0H0q8gIidwr7YyxAwy3LtqT_0kCLFXl4bL95fYoozakw" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"<i>I am the Immaculate Conception</i>"</td></tr>
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<br />Happy Feast Day! On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed this great dogma which stated that Our Blessed Mother was conceived without the stain of original sin. It is interesting to note that this was nothing new; it had always been held to be true by Church tradition. The Pope was simply elevating the pious thought to a required belief. <div>
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<i>"And indeed it was wholly fitting that so wonderful a mother should be ever resplendent with the glory of most sublime holiness and so completely free from all taint of original sin that she would triumph utterly over the ancient serpent. To her did the Father will to give his only-begotten Son -- the Son whom, equal to the Father and begotten by him, the Father loves from his heart -- and to give this Son in such a way that he would be the one and the same common Son of God the Father and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was she whom the Son himself chose to make his Mother and it was from her that the Holy Spirit willed and brought it about that he should be conceived and born from whom he himself proceeds." <a href="http://www.papalencyclicals.net/Pius09/p9ineff.htm">(Ineffabilis Deus)</a></i></div>
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So the Holy Father makes clear his reason for pronouncing this doctrine. She is God's own mother! God deserves a perfect mother; not only does He deserve it but He <i>requires </i>it by His very nature. </div>
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The Holy Father then goes on to list various traditions in the Church which implicitly affirm this truth, like the Council of Trent, and explicitly, such as the Fathers of the Church. </div>
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Finally, he closes with what he hopes his message will inspire:</div>
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<i>"Let all the children of the Catholic Church, who are so very dear to us, hear these words of ours. With a still more ardent zeal for piety, religion and love,<b> let them continue to venerate, invoke and pray</b> to the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, conceived without original sin. Let them fly with utter confidence to this most sweet Mother of mercy and grace in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts and fears. Under her guidance, under her patronage, under her kindness and protection, nothing is to be feared; <b>nothing is hopeless.</b> Because, while bearing toward us a truly motherly affection and having in her care the work of our salvation, she is solicitous about the whole human race. And since she has been appointed by God to be the Queen of heaven and earth, and is exalted above all the choirs of angels and saints, and even stands at the right hand of her only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, <b>she presents our petitions in a most efficacious manner</b>. What she asks, she obtains. Her pleas can never be unheard." (ibid)</i></div>
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So what is he saying; what was the point of the encyclical? It is this: to affirm and explicitly state that Our Lady was conceived without Original Sin by a singular act of God's Will, and that this should inspire in us yet a deeper love and understanding of her great love for us! </div>
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<i style="text-align: center;"> "What she asks, she obtains. Her pleas can never be unheard." (ibid)</i></div>
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Go save a soul.</div>
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Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-50563282369463637082012-12-07T07:09:00.001-06:002012-12-07T07:09:46.553-06:00Made of ǷSo....I was directed by a friend to an awesome site called <a href="http://madeofwynn.net/">Made of Ƿ.</a> Pronounced Made of Wynn. It's an Medievalist site and it is AWESOME!<br />
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I especially like her Old English/Latin posts; they are quite enjoyable. Go check it out if you are into that kind of thing.Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-19207093392464414272012-11-23T20:54:00.000-06:002012-11-23T20:54:09.235-06:00Lone SurvivorSo I was informed that the awesome book <i>Lone Survivor</i> is now being turned into a movie! Check out the info <a href="http://www.lonesurvivor.net/about-the-site/">here</a>.<br />
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Might I point out in the book there are some awesome references to Catholicism and the Rosary in particular. ;)Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-53026277468688910172012-11-21T08:37:00.001-06:002012-11-21T08:37:11.146-06:00How Time Flies!So I haven't posted in what, three days? Wow! I think I have a good enough excuse, but since everyone says that I won't bother you with details.<br />
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Oh!<br />
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Word of the day!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">farctate:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The state of being stuffed with food (overeating)</span></b></div>
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I challenge every reader to use this word at least once this day! Good luck, in our culture it should be quite easy. :)</div>
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Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-70170368822153500802012-11-18T09:15:00.001-06:002012-11-18T09:15:49.523-06:00New Word of the DayI've been trying to improve my vocabulary and as such have decided to use learn a new word and use it that day. Why don't you join me? The new word for today is:<br />
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<b>ABLIGURITION</b></div>
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Relevant for today's society, meaning: "excessive spending on food or drink". I will find some way to use it today.....</div>
Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-70381600758082496662012-11-18T09:11:00.000-06:002012-11-18T09:11:20.743-06:00Ups and DownsBlogging has its ups and downs. The biggest struggle for me is finding something to write about. I have written for several other ones and for me that is the hardest part.<br />
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Inspiration for a post usually comes when I am farthest from paper, pen, or keyboard. While trying to retain the thoughts I had I succeed in losing them. Then when I sit down to the computer to write them I draw a blank.<br />
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I always rectify this issue by writing about it! And in case you couldn't tell already, I always turn to poetry for inspiration in moments like these too.<br />
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Wow, I'm writing about not knowing what to write about and look how far I've gotten already!<br />
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I think Tennyson describes my feeling best:<br />
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<i>Break, break, break,</i></div>
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<i>On thy cold gray stones, O Sea!</i></div>
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<i>And I would that my tongue could utter</i></div>
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<i>The thoughts that arise in me.</i></div>
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He was speaking of speaking, I am writing of writing. I think that makes sense. :) But like he said, I can't explain what I mean so whether or not it makes sense, I can't explain that either!</div>
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I often get grand posts all drafted in my mind. But when I get them on the computer, they look like junk! I believe that's what St. John of the Cross meant when he said something to the effect of: <i>"When a soul looks all around and sees nothing worth living for, and still goes on, that is one who loves God"</i> (sorry, can't find the exact quote now) </div>
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Writing is like that. When one looks all around and can't find anything worth it, yet persists, that is what makes them worthy to be a writer. Have you ever wondered how the greatest writers of all time came to be?It is because they persisted through their down times. </div>
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This is a strange ramble but it is the only way I can express myself succinctly. I shall leave it at this. </div>
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God Bless! </div>
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<br />Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1754150951919480998.post-53063117432760604652012-11-17T20:11:00.001-06:002012-11-17T20:11:20.032-06:00Home SafeWe made it home from Ordinations to the Diaconate in Denton just fine. It was great to see the brothers and I finally got to meet Fr. Michael Mary! Please keep them in your continued prayers.Chris O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07930787055721467964noreply@blogger.com0