Traditional Catholic Teaching

Introduction

We are pleased to welcome the wide range of visitors who call into this site and take a look at the material we have assembled. The site is added to, at least weekly. It contains materials for "beginners" who are unacquainted with traditional Catholic teaching and religious practice; and it also contains more advanced material intended only for those who wish to follow specific topics at that depth.

The site contains links to excellent web sites in the same tradition, and to 'YouTube' videos for those who wish to supplement reading with lighter material.

We hope you enjoy your visit and return whenever you feel drawn to reflect on this wonderful heritage which is yours for the asking. Anyone is welcome to request membership of the Catholic Church. We do, however wish to be very clear, that those who have no intention of doing so are very welcome to reflect on the contents of this site. In doing so we hope you are helped to live your Christian Faith to the best of your ability. Let us all pray for one another that God may be glorified in all things. Amen.

Special Feature of the Web Site.

This web site has been crafted to reflect the approach to Christian spirituality of Saint Paul of the Cross, who was one of the greatest teachers of prayer and meditation. We offer four quotations from the original Rule and life he prepared as a guide for those who joined his religious order. Pope Benedict XIV approved the Rule in 1741. Although it has undergone various revisions to accommodate changing circumstances, we find great value in returning from time, to his original document.

From Chapter One: On the End of the Institute

3. One of the principal ends of this least Congregation is not only to apply themselves untiringly to holy prayer so as to devote themselves to holy union with God, but also to lead others to do the same, teaching them this holy exercise in the best and easiest manner possible. The members of this least Congregation who are recognised as capable should, therefore, both during missions and in other religious exercises, teach the people by word of mouth how to meditate on the Mysteries of the Most Holy Passion and Death of Jesus, our true God. Ordinarily, this should be done after the mission sermon or at some other time that may be judged more opportune. Such meditation should also be promoted in the confessional, during conferences and on other occasions that may present themselves, since it is a most efficacious means of destroying evil and of leading souls to great holiness in a short time.

Chapter Twenty: on Prayer

59. Prayer for the most part should be concerned with the Divine Mysteries of the Most Holy Life, Passion and Death of Jesus Christ, because that is where one learns holiness. The soul that is faithful in corresponding with the graces of God will become all afire with holy love in a short time.

60. Let each one seek to re-animate his faith frequently. As far as may be possible, let him remain in loving, gentle attention to the holy Presence of God in all that he does, for this is an easy way to pray without ceasing, and to make all one's actions fragrant with the sweet-smelling balsam of holy love.

61. Let the brethren have a very tender devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament, and to the Most Holy Virgin, especially in her sorrows. Let them frequently visit the Blessed Sacrament and make acts of the most profound adoration and loving gratitude, so that their hearts may always burn more and more with the holy love of God.

Chapter Twenty One: On the Manner of Preaching

62. No religious # of this least congregation shall preach in so lofty and elevated a style that his message becomes obscure to the poor people. But they should break the bread of God's Word with clarity and sincerity, so that it will be more effective in reaching hearts, promoting the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls.

[ # The term 'religious': is a frequently used abbreviation for members of a 'religious order'.]

63. Let I them endeavour, with all possible patience and charity, to instruct the poor in the principal Mysteries of our Holy Faith.

From Chapter Twenty Two: Sacred Missions.

64. During missions and other exercises for the good of their neighbour let them not only give the meditation on the Passion of Christ, as we have already said; but also endeavour to teach the people, in the easiest and simplest way possible, how to meditate themselves, pointing out to them the deceit of those who say that meditation is only for religious and other ecclesiastics. Let them be assured that God will lead them in ways that are easy and devout, so that people of every kind may be able to meditate, for holy meditation is a most powerful and efficacious means of rooting out sin and helping souls to progress in holiness.

65. Let them endeavour to instill, as effectively as possible in the faithful, reverence and respect for churches, as well as devotion to and love of the Blessed Sacrament, of the alter and the sorrows of Mary Most Holy.

69. …..let them show themselves desirous of going to poor and needy places. As a matter of fact, the members of our Congregation should consider it their particular concern to go to remote places, to the marshes, to islands, and to other such places, that seem more neglected by apostolic ministers.

Conclusion

It is in this spirit that our Website and Electronic Prayer Book have been assembled. True to the ancient tradition of the Church, the prayers, Sacred Scriptures and teaching are presented in a way that any interested person could follow. The hope is that is that all who choose to come to this resevoir of spiritual truth will feel encouraged to participate of its treasures and be inwardly refreshed.

No person need feel left out or unworthy. No one need hesitate just because they have no Christian (let alone Catholic) background. All are welcome to rest here and allow the Holy Spirit to bring refreshment and uplifting.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest".

[St. Matthew 11: 28]