ANSWER: You have read garbled accounts. No one denies the existence of cruelty and persecution in the history of the ages.
OBJECTION: “Is the history of the Catholic Church not one of torture and injustice?”
Why do priests say Mass in Latin?
In the Epistle to the Hebrews, you will find these words, “For every high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (Hebr. 5:1) Continue reading “Why do priests say Mass in Latin?”
Why early Christians used a fish as their secret symbol
The fish symbol was a secret symbol used by Christians in the first centuries when they were persecuted. Since it was difficult for travelers to figure out where fellow-Christians lived, the Christians marked their houses with this symbol, since using the cross would have been too obvious to the Romans.
The word ‘Ichtus’ ((Gr. IΧΘΥΣ of ἰχθύς, “fish”) is an acronym. An acronym is an abbreviation, but is pronounced as a real word. The abbreviation INRI (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews) is a famous example of an acronym.
In the word IΧΘΥΣ (Ichtus), each letter is the first letter of another word. The acronym IΧΘΥΣ stands for ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Savior’
I Ἰησοῦς Jesus
Χ (CH) Χριστός Christ
Θ (TH) Θεοῦ God
Υ (Y) Υἱός Son
Σ (S) Σωτήρ Savior
Moreover, fish also has a special meaning for Christians. On the one hand, the apostles were fishermen; on the other hand, it also makes us think of the multiplication of five loaves and two fish in Jn. 6:1-15.
The fish symbol thus became the secret sign of the First Christians. Until today, one can still admire the secret sign in many places in the Roman catacombs.
(Source: Wikipedia, Ichthus)
Why Martin Luther King is not an example for Catholics
Although many portray Martin Luther King Jr. as an exemplary religious leader, the reality is quite the opposite. Continue reading “Why Martin Luther King is not an example for Catholics”
Why baptismal fonts are in the shape of an octagon
Traditional baptismal fonts are often octagonal in shape (and sometimes also the baptismal side-chapel of a church). Continue reading “Why baptismal fonts are in the shape of an octagon”
Humor: Meet Pope Francis in The Interview
Very funny cartoon. Definitely worthwhile watching.
Why the priest in the 1962 Low Mass says certain parts up loud and others silently
In the course of past centuries the ceremonies of the Holy Mass organically grew to what have now in the 1962 Solemn High Mass, i.e. the High Mass with deacon and subdeacon. Continue reading “Why the priest in the 1962 Low Mass says certain parts up loud and others silently”
Why we sing the Introit at Sung Mass
At the solemn start of the Sung Mass in the extraordinary form, an ‘ouverture’ is sung by the choir, namely the Introit (Introitus). Continue reading “Why we sing the Introit at Sung Mass”
Why bank holidays or federal holidays originate from the Catholic Church
The origins of bank holidays, or federal holidays in the US, can be traced back to the Catholic Church. Continue reading “Why bank holidays or federal holidays originate from the Catholic Church”
Humor: Smoking and Pope St. Pius X
St. Pius X one day called a bunch of bad priests into his office. He offered them each a cigar. They refused saying they so not partake in such vices. He replied that since these priests partook of every vice there was, smoking must not be one!
(Source: http://www.catholicworldreport.com)
Why the Psalms repeat the same thought in the next verse
Ever noticed that the Psalms repeat the same thought the next line? That is because the Psalms follow the Hebrew poetry rules… Continue reading “Why the Psalms repeat the same thought in the next verse”
Why we kiss the hand of a priest
The reason why the hand of a priest is kissed (for example during the liturgy), is because the hands of bishops and priests are consecrated… Continue reading “Why we kiss the hand of a priest”
Why we kiss the ring of a Bishop
The traditional way whereby one greets a bishop, is by kneeling in front of him and kissing his ecclesiastical ring… Continue reading “Why we kiss the ring of a Bishop”
Where the saying “In Rome do as the Romans do” comes from
This expression comes back from a letter of St. Ambrose in 387 A.D. addressed to St. Augustine. Continue reading “Where the saying “In Rome do as the Romans do” comes from”
Why the ‘Asperges Me’ mentions hyssop
Hyssop is mentioned in the ‘Asperges Me’ in the liturgy of the Tridentine High Mass… Continue reading “Why the ‘Asperges Me’ mentions hyssop”
OJBECTION: “Are the crusades not full of abuses?”
ANSWER: It is important to make a distinction between the first crusades and the ones that followed after. Continue reading “OJBECTION: “Are the crusades not full of abuses?””
Why the clergy places their hands upon newly ordained priests
During the rite of ordination to the priesthood there is remarkable moment where the bishop places his hands upon the head of the priest to be ordained or ‘ordinandi’… Continue reading “Why the clergy places their hands upon newly ordained priests”
Why we genuflect during the Last Gospel
Ever wondered why we make a genuflection during the Credo, Last Gospel and Angelus when the words “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (Jn. 1:14) are being said? Continue reading “Why we genuflect during the Last Gospel”
OBJECTION: “What possessed Catholics in the middle ages to start a crusade?”
ANSWER: The crusades were produced by the religious and military spirit which prevailed in Europe during the middle ages. Continue reading “OBJECTION: “What possessed Catholics in the middle ages to start a crusade?””
Humor: Pope Benedict XIV and Snuff
Benedict XIV was a snuff-taker… Continue reading “Humor: Pope Benedict XIV and Snuff”
