REMINDER - Feast of Saint Francis de Sales and Mass for Journalists

From the website of Saint Francis de Sales Oratory in Saint Louis, Missouri:

On Thursday, January 29- 6:30pm, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, a young community in the Church based in Florence/Italy, honors one of its patrons, St. Francis de Sales. The saint was named also the patron of journalists and writers because of his exceptional ability to communicate truth in a positive, charitable and understandable manner. Having been a missionary priest in France and the Bishop of Geneva in the late seventeenth century, St. Francis wrote numerous pamphlets on the Catholic faith which were distributed at that time in much the same way as print media today.

The Oratory and its rector, Canon Michael Wiener, invite especially all journalists to be part of a special evening: The Solemn High Mass will be celebrated in the classic Roman Rite and accompanied by Louis Vierne’s Messe Solenelle in C-sharp Minor for organ and choir. Because of its complexity, this music is rarely heard; it will be a fitting complement to the Gothic splendor of St. Francis de Sales and of this sublime liturgy.

The Oratory, which is located on the corner of Gravois and Ohio, presently organizes a campaign to restore the out- and inside of the magnificent structure, especially its 300- foot- high steeple. (For further information about this project see also: www.TraditionForTomorrow.com) or 314. 771. 3100.

From Introduction to the Devout Life, by Saint Francis de Sales:

...[S]in is shameful when we commit it, but when reduced to repentance and confession, it becomes salutary and honourable. Contrition and confession are in themselves so lovely and sweet-savoured, that they efface the ugliness and disperse the ill savour of sin. Simon the leper called Magdalene a sinner, but our Lord turned the discourse to the perfume of her ointment and the greatness of her love. If we are really humble, my daughter, our sins will be infinitely displeasing to us, because they offend God;—but it will be welcome and sweet to accuse ourselves thereof because in so doing we honour God; and there is always somewhat soothing in fully telling the physician all details of our pain.

When you come to your spiritual father, imagine yourself to be on Mount Calvary, at the Feet of the Crucified Saviour, Whose Precious Blood is dropping freely to cleanse you from all your sin. Though it is not his actual Blood, yet it is the merit of that outpoured Blood which is sprinkled over His penitents as they kneel in Confession. Be sure then that you open your heart fully, and put away your sins by confessing them, for in proportion as they are put out, so will the Precious Merits of the Passion of Christ come in and fill you with blessings.

Tell everything simply and with straightforwardness, and thoroughly satisfy your conscience in doing so. Then listen to the admonitions and counsels of God’s Minister, saying in your heart, “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.” It is truly God to Whom you hearken, forasmuch as He has said to His representatives, “Whoso heareth you, heareth Me.”

— CHAPTER XIX. How to make a General Confession.