Friends in Christ,
Welcome to our weekly Sunday update. The first reading in the liturgy for Quinquagesima Sunday (March 2, 2025) – the third of the three Sundays in the pre-Lenten season of Septuagesima – is Saint Paul’s great discourse on charity (I Corinthians:13). In the penultimate verse of the reading, the Apostle says, “We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known.”
This metaphorical association of limited vision with lack of comprehension echoes the Gospel for the preceding Sunday (Sexagesima): Jesus told His disciples that he spoke in parables “that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand” (Luke 8:10). In this week’s Gospel reading (Luke 18:31-43), Jesus tells the twelve Apostles all that is to happen when they reach Jerusalem; but, while seeing and hearing, they do not understand what He is saying to them.
The failure of sight equated with unknowing is finally overcome by the miracle performed by Jesus as He and His Apostles approach Jericho. “Son of David, have mercy on me,” the blind man pleads, acknowledging the presence of the Messiah. When Jesus asks, “What wilt thou that I do to thee?” he responds, “Lord, that I may see.”
In
ten brief words, Jesus grants the man vision while illuminating the way
which transcends the darkness of unknowing: “Receive thy sight, thy
faith hath made thee whole.” Able to see in an instant, the man follows
Jesus, giving glory to God. So are we called to see with the eyes of
faith in order to be made whole and follow Our Lord even to Jerusalem.
Calendar of Special Observances
Celebrations are those listed in the Roman Missal of 1962.
DAY, DATE – FEAST (CLASS)
Sunday, March 2 – Quinquagesima Sunday (II)
Monday, March 3 – Feria (IV)
Tuesday, March 4 – St. Casimir, Confessor (III)
Wednesday, March 5 – Ash Wednesday (I)
Thursday, March 6 – Thursday after Ash Wednesday (III) – Jesus Christ the High Priest (III) – Commemoration of Ss. Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs
Friday, March 7 – Friday after Ash Wednesday (III) – St. Thomas Aquinas, Confessor & Doctor of the Church (III) – Sacred Heart of Jesus (III)
Saturday, March 8 – Saturday after Ash Wednesday (III) – Commemoration of St. John of God, Confessor
Quinquagesima Sunday
The
links provided below can be used to download printable copies of the
Proper Prayers for Quinquagesima Sunday with English or Spanish
translation, followed by commentary by Dr. Michael P. Foley.
Latin Mass Schedule: Quinquagesima Sunday (March 2, 2025)
Charlotte Area Latin Masses
11:30 a.m., Saint Thomas Aquinas
12:30 p.m., Saint Ann
Other Diocese of Charlotte Latin Masses
8:30 a.m., Saint John the Baptist (Tryon)
9:00 a.m., Our Lady of the Angels (Marion)
1:00 p.m., Church of the Epiphany (Blowing Rock)
1:30 p.m., Our Lady of Grace (Greensboro)
Diocese of Charleston Latin Masses
12:00 p.m., Prince of Peace (Taylors SC)
1:00 p.m., Our Lady of the Lake (Chapin SC)
Note: Travelers are urged to consult parish websites or offices for up-to-date information regarding possible changes in the regular schedule of Sunday Mass times.
Latin Mass Schedule: Weekdays (March 3-March 8)
Charlotte Area Latin Masses
Ash Wednesday: See Ash Wednesday schedule below
Saint Thomas Aquinas – Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Saint Ann – Friday, 7:00 a.m.
Other Diocese of Charlotte Latin Masses
Our Lady of the Mountains (Highlands) – Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
Saint John the Baptist (Tryon) – Cancellation: The normal Friday, 8:30 a.m. Mass is canceled for Friday March 7.
Church of the Epiphany (Blowing Rock) – Friday, 9:30 a.m.
Diocese of Charleston Latin Masses
Prince of Peace (Taylors SC) – Monday-Friday, 12:00 p.m.
Prince of Peace (Taylors SC) – Saturday 8:00 a.m.
Note: Travelers are advised to contact parish offices to confirm weekday and Saturday Mass times, since local schedules are sometimes subject to change without notice, especially on or around holidays, holy days of obligation and other special feast days.
Ash Wednesday Schedule: Wednesday March 5
The following is a listing of announced Latin Masses for Ash Wednesday. If more Masses are announced we will include them in future updates.
Wednesday March 5
Saint Ann – 6:00 p.m. (Low)
Our Lady of Grace (Greensboro) – 12:15 p.m. (Low)
Saint John the Baptist (Tryon) – 6:30 p.m. (High)
Our Lady of the Lake (Chapin SC) – 10:00 a.m. (Low)
Prince of Peace (Taylors SC) – 12:00 p.m. (Low)
Prayers for the Holy Father
The U.S. Bishops Conference is asking for prayers for Pope Francis during his illness and has published the prayer below, which can also be found at this link. [Prayers for Pope Francis]
~
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Francis, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
Grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Annual Novena to Saint Gregory the Great: Monday March 3 - Tuesday March 11
The feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great is on Wednesday March 12 (suppressed this year due to Ember Wednesday in Lent). To honor the Pope who codified the Latin Mass and the sacred Chant which bears his name (Gregorian), and to pray for the continued preservation of the Traditional Latin Mass, we invite our readers to again pray this annual novena in the 9 days ahead of Saint Gregory’s Feast Day (March 3-11). The prayer is below and can also be downloaded as PDF at this link.
Novena to St. Gregory the Great
Pray daily March 3- March 11 (Feast Day March 12)
St. Gregory, you are known for your zeal for the Catholic faith, love of liturgy, and compassion and mercy toward those in need. Please help and guide us so that we may share in these virtues and thereby bring Jesus into the hearts of our families and all we encounter.
We especially ask for blessings on our parish family, our priests and our deacons. We also ask that you graciously intercede for us before God so that we might be granted the special assistance and graces that we seek:
(Intention: Continued preservation of the Traditional Latin Mass).
Help us to live as a faithful child of God and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. St. Gregory the Great, pray for us. Amen.
Announcements
First Sunday Food and Fellowship – First Sunday Food and Fellowship is this Sunday at St. Thomas Aquinas after the 11:30 a.m. Latin Mass (1:30-3:30 p.m.). All are invited! If you can bring something to share please make use of the sign-up sheet linked below. And if you know anyone who might be interested in sharing the food and fellowship, please invite them to come! [Saint Thomas Aquinas 1st Sunday Potluck Sign Up]
Fr. Ripperger to Offer Lenten Mission at Saint Thomas Aquinas (March 7-8) – Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish is blessed to welcome back Fr. Chad Ripperger, SMD, to conduct its Lenten Parish Mission on Friday, March 7th, and Saturday, March 8th, at 7:00 p.m. each night. Fr. Ripperger is a former member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter who became an exorcist and founded the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother (the Doloran Fathers). Please note: The mission will be oriented to adults, and will not be appropriate for young children. Registration is required. The registration form is available at the following location: Lenten Mission Registration.
Traditional Carmelite Lenten Enrollment – There is still time to take advantage of a wonderful Lenten offering by the Discalced Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Readers are invited to enroll those in need this Lent in order to benefit from 40 Masses and 40 days of prayer and penance by the Hermits.. Click on Lenten Enrollment at the top of the home page (The Discalced Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) or use the link provided below. Enrollment will remain open until Tuesday (March 4), the last day before the beginning of Lent.
The Hermits will be offering the following for the benefit of those enrolled:
40 Traditional Latin Masses celebrated according to the Carmelite Rite;
40 days of prayer according to the Divine Office, as well as other daily prayers; and
40 days of fasting and penance.
These benefits may be secured for those most in need, whether living or deceased. There is no charge for enrollment, but the Discalced Hermits survive entirely on alms received from the laity to support their apostolate. Please remember the Hermits in your almsgiving during the Season of Lent, recalling the words of Saint Lawrence Justinian regarding the benefits of the Mass:
No human tongue can enumerate the favors that trace back to the Sacrifice of the Mass. The sinner is reconciled with God; the just man becomes more upright; sins are wiped away; vices are uprooted; virtue and merit increase; and the devil’s schemes are frustrated.
To learn more see this inspiring video. To enroll in the Lenten Enrollment, click here.
Fasting and Abstinence Disciplines During Lent – For those looking to practice the traditional Lenten disciplines in place prior to 1962, we share a helpful 2010 document from Mater Ecclesiae Latin Mass Chapel in Berlin, New Jersey, which explains the differences between the traditional Lenten rules for fasting and abstinence and the current rules. [Discipline of 1962 for Fast during Lent]
Consecration of those Governing to the Blessed Virgin Mary – Fr. Chad Ripperger has composed a prayer for our nation and government, Consecration of those Governing to the Blessed Virgin Mary, which may be found at the end of this update or downloaded here.
Holy Face Devotions
Prayers of Reparation to the Holy Face of Jesus are offered each week at the following churches on the indicated days:
St. James (Concord) – Monday, 10-10:30 a.m. (in the cry room)
St. Mark – Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas – Tuesday, 6:00 a.m.
St. Ann – Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. (following 7:00 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass)
St. Michael the Archangel (Gastonia) – Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. (following 8:00 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass)
St. Vincent de Paul – Tuesday, 8:40 a.m.
Holy Spirit (Denver) – Tuesday, 10-11:00 a.m. (following the 9:15 a.m. Novus Ordo Mass)
St. John the Baptist (Tryon) - First Saturday, 9:30 a.m. (after 8:30 a.m Latin Mass)
Note: Days and times may be subject to change due to holidays.
“Jesus, Your ineffable image is the star which guides my steps. Ah, You know, Your sweet Face is for me Heaven on earth” (from Canticle to the Holy Face by Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, the 19th century Discalced Carmelite nun who took the name in religion, Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face).
Novena to the Holy Face (Concludes Monday March 3)
The annual novena to the Holy Face of Jesus, in preparation for the feast of the Holy Face on Shrove Tuesday, March 4 (the day before Ash Wednesday) concludes on Monday March 3.
To participate in the novena for the last few days, please pray this prayer daily, concluding on Monday March 3.
Oh my Jesus! Cast upon us a look of mercy. Turn Thy Face towards each one of us even as Thou didst turn to Veronica, not that we may see It with the eyes of our body, for we do not deserve to do so. But turn It towards our hearts, that being sustained by Thee, we may ever draw from that powerful source, the vigor necessary to enable us to wage the combats we have to undergo. Amen.
Through the merits of Thy Precious Blood and Thy Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition (state intention here) ...
Mary, our Mother, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us.
A longer Holy Face Novena can be found at this link.
Latin Mass and Liturgical News
St. Stanislaus’ New 40 Hours Banner by Fr. William Rock, FSSP, The Missive (February 24, 2025). [St. Stanislaus’ New 40 Hours Banner]
The Veni Sanctificator by Michael P. Foley, New Liturgical Movement (February 21, 2025). [The Veni Sanctificator]
The Transformation of a Gymnasium into a Chapel in Maryland by Shawn Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal (February 25, 2025). [The Transformation of a Gymnasium]
Pope Francis Declares Korean War Army Chaplain Emil Kapaun ‘Venerable’ by Kristina Millare, National Catholic Register, (February 25, 2025). [Emil Kapaun Declared 'Venerable']
Meménto: Newsletter for the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, Published by the North American Province of the FSSP (Septuagesima & Lent February 2025 Newsletter). [Meménto]
Saints and Special Observances
Saints Perpetua and Felicity are among the fifteen apostles and martyrs named in the prayer recited by the celebrant at Mass following consecration of the host. The inclusion of their names – along with those of several apostles, the first martyr and other early saints – is evidence of the ancient origins of the Mass still celebrated today.
Perpetua and Felicity suffered martyrdom in the year 203 during the persecution of Christians initiated by the emperor Severus who ruled from 193 until 211 A.D. Little is known about many of the victims of the early persecutions due to the lack of historical documentation. In contrast, a written record of the events leading to the martyrdom of these two women was left by Perpetua herself. Her diary, written in the last days before her execution and supplemented by the testimony of others who knew her, was preserved in the martyrology entitled Passio Sanctarum Martyrum Perpetuae et Felicitatis (The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity). The martyrology was widely read and even used for readings during celebration of the liturgy.
A well-educated Carthaginian of noble birth, still nursing an infant son, twenty-two-year-old Vibia Perpetua was willing to risk death in order to become a Christian like her mother. Her pagan father feared the consequences of her decision and tried unsuccessfully to change her mind. “Don’t flaunt your insistence, or you’ll destroy us all,” he told his daughter. “For if anything happens to you, none of us will ever be able to speak freely and openly again.” Perpetua responded that she could not be called by any other name than what she was – a Christian. This reply so angered her father that he attacked her.
Then my father moved with this word came upon me to tear out my eyes; but he vexed me only, and he departed vanquished, he and the arguments of the devil. Then because I was without my father for a few days I gave thanks unto the Lord; and I was comforted because of his absence. In this same space of a few days we were baptised, and the Spirit declared to me, I must pray for nothing else after that water [of baptism] save only endurance of the flesh. A few days after we were taken into prison, and I was much afraid because I had never known such darkness. O bitter day !
Perpetua was arrested along with four other catechumens: Felicity, a slave-girl eight months pregnant, and her fellow-slave named Revocatus; and two free men, Saturninus and Secundulus. They were joined in prison by their catechist, Saturus, who voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, proclaiming himself to be a Christian. The intense darkness Perpetua experienced in the first days of her imprisonment was due in part to the wretched conditions of the prison itself and the rough treatment accorded the prisoners by their guards. Separated from the child she was still breastfeeding, Perpetua also endured both the psychic pain of separation and the physical agony of unrelieved lactation.
By bribing their guards, the prisoners were able to secure better living conditions; and Perpetua was able to have her baby brought to her to nurse, lifting the darkness of her painful imprisonment. Her father came to visit her in prison and, falling to his knees, begged her, for his sake and that of her family, to renounce her faith and save her life. She told him that God’s will would be done, and he went away sorrowful.
When Perpetua was summoned to trial, along with her companions, her father appeared in court with his grandson in his arms. Hilarion, the procurator, urged her to take pity on both: “Spare, said he, thy father’s grey hairs; spare the infancy of the boy. Make sacrifice for the Emperors’ prosperity.”
And I answered: I will not sacrifice. Then said Hilarian: Art thou a Christian? And I answered: I am a Christian. And when my father stood by me yet to cast down my faith, he was bidden by Hilarian to be cast down and was smitten with a rod. And I sorrowed for my father’s harm as though I had been smitten myself; so sorrowed I for his unhappy old age. Then Hilarian passed sentence upon us all and condemned us to the beasts; and cheerfully we went down to the dungeon.
Perpetua had a series of visions during her imprisonment, mostly confirming the martyrdom that awaited her; but, awakening from the last of these on the day before she was to die, she realized it was not wild beasts with which she was destined to contend but the devil himself. Her diary concluded with these words: “Thus far have I written this, till the day before the games; but the deed of the games themselves let him write who will.”
As a pregnant woman could not be executed for fear of shedding innocent blood, Felicity feared that she would not be able to share in the martyrdom of Perpetua and their companions; but two days before the games she went into labor. The guards mocked her suffering, saying, “If you think you suffer now, how will you stand it when you face the wild beasts?”: To which the courageous slave-girl responded, “Now I’m the one who is suffering, but in the arena, another will be in me suffering for me because I will be suffering for him.” She delivered in time a baby girl who was adopted by one of the Christian women of Carthage.
Thus were Perpetua, Felicity and their other companions able to enter the arena and achieve their glorious martyrdom together. The feast day of Saints Perpetua and Felicity is listed on the 6th of March in the Roman Calendar.
Sources: Perez, Melissa C., Vibia Perpetua’s Diary: A Woman’s Writing in a Roman Text of its Own (Orlando: University of Central Florida, 2009); Shewring, W. H., translator, The Passion of SS. Perpetua & Felicity, MM. together with the Sermons of S. Augustine on these Saints (London: Sheed and Ward, 1931); Catholic Online/Saints & Angels, “Sts. Perpetua and Felicity” (catholic.org).
Closing Commentary
Finally, as we near the end of the pre-Lenten season of Septuagesima, we turn again to The Liturgical Year of Dom Prosper Guéranger for an excerpt from his reflection on “Quinquagesima Sunday.”:
Quinquagesima Sunday
The Church gives us to-day another subject for our meditation: it is the Vocation of Abraham. When the waters of the Deluge had subsided, and mankind had once more peopled the earth, the immorality, which had previously excited God’s anger, again grew rife among men. Idolatry, too, into which the ante-diluvian race had not fallen, now showed itself, and human wickedness seemed thus to have reached the height of its malice. Foreseeing that the nations of the earth would fall into rebellion against him, God resolved to select one people that should be peculiarly his, and among whom should be preserved those sacred truths, which the Gentiles were to lose sight of. This new people was to originate from one man, who would be the father and model of all future believers. This was Abraham. His faith and devotedness merited for him that he should be chosen to be the Father of the children of God, and the head of that spiritual family, to which belong all the elect, both of the old and new Testament.
It is necessary, therefore, that we should know Abraham, our father and our model. This is his grand characteristic:- fidelity to God, submissiveness to his commands, abandonment and sacrifice of everything in order to obey his holy will. Such ought to be the prominent virtues of every Christian. Let us, then, study the life of our great Patriarch, and learn the lessons it teaches. . . .
Could
the Christian have a finer model than this holy Patriarch, whose
docility and devotedness in following the call of his God are so
perfect? We are forced to exclaim, with the Holy Fathers: “O true
Christian, even before Christ had come on the earth! He had the spirit
of the Gospel, before the Gospel was preached! He was an Apostolic man,
before the Apostles existed!” God calls him: he leaves all things, - his
country, his kindred, his father’s house, - and he goes into an unknown
land. God leads him, - he is satisfied; he fears no difficulties; he
never once looks back. Did the Apostles themselves more? But, see how
grand is his reward. God says to him: In thee shall all the kindred of
the earth be blessed. This Chaldean is to give to the world Him that
shall bless and save it. Death will, it is true, close his eyes ages
before the dawning of that day, when one of his race, who is to be born
of a Virgin and be united personally with the Divine Word, shall redeem
all generations, past, present, and to come. But, meanwhile, till Heaven
shall be thrown open to receive this Redeemer and the countless just,
who have won the crown, Abraham shall be honoured, in the Limbo of
expectation, in a manner becoming his great virtue and merit. It is in
his Bosom [St. Luke, xvi. 22], that is, around him, that our First
Parents, (having atoned for their sin by penance,) Noah, Moses, David,
and all the just, including poor Lazarus, received that rest and
happiness, which were a foretaste and a preparation for eternal bliss in
Heaven. Thus is Abraham honoured; thus does God requite the love and
fidelity of them that serve him. [Quinquagesima Sunday]