Settling in

It is always refreshing to start a new year. New year's resolutions, a new room, some new guys, changes in leadership - all sorts of changes, but still a great deal of continuity. And this is a harmonious analogue to the Church as a whole - as her missionaries encountered new peoples with different languages and cultures, she incorporated their traditions in the local expression of her own long-standing Tradition and developed her teachings so as to give a relevant explanation to the culture at that time.

I am settling into the change of room - besides location, the arrangement of furnishings and such is slowly becoming familiar. Classes are mostly a continuation of what I had last semester. I continue the History of Philosophy sequence with both Modern and Contemporary philosophy; last year's Latin gives way to Greek this year; systematic philosophy continues with a hybrid course on Logic & Epistemology with Dr. Lang; and "Film: An Oblate Introduction to Cinematic Arts and Social Communications" is the cherry on top. All of my classes are enjoyable so far. Contemporary Philosophy, which I have not yet attended due to various scheduling mishaps, promises to be an interesting look at the most recent philosophical thought, with an angle toward politics and justice systems.

We are settling into the liturgical rhythm now, too. I begin leading this week, announcing and initiating all of the prayers said in common. One of our new postulants will observe how I lead in order that he may lead the following week, as is also being done with the other liturgical roles of "reader" and "server."

This week we also began introducing Mass parts from the Third Edition of the Roman Missal (editio typica tertia), commonly referred to as the "New Translation." We sang the Third Edition standard Gloria in accord with the Archbishop's instruction to be prepared to sing it immediately when the new liturgical year begins this November on the First Sunday of Advent. In the remaining months before the Third Edition is to be used exclusively, we will introduce the other "ordinary" parts of the Mass so that our congregation is prepared for the official change.

And tomorrow we celebrate the 185th anniversary of the founding of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary! The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, celebrated on September 12 as a Solemnity by all Oblates, was designated our titular feast (having to do with "title") as we received papal approbation on September 1, 1826 as the Congregatio Oblatorum Virginis Mariae (Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary). Celebrate with us!


Love the Immaculata!
Mariam cogita, Mariam invoca