Sunday 27 June 2010

Four Principles of the Sodality

1. Fidelis usque ad mortem

Apocalype 2:10 "Esto fidelis usque ad mortem et dabo tibi coronam vitae."
"Be thou faithful until death: and I will give thee the crown of life."

This phrase from the Apocalypse of St John (The Book of Revelation) describes the perseverance of the Christian soul. It also well describes the martyrdom of our Patron St Tarcisius, who was martyred through his fidelity to the Blessed Sacrament.

Members of the Sodality pledge fidelity even unto death - to the fulness of the Catholic faith, to the traditions and disciplines which are necessary to its maintenance, to the honour of the Body and Blood of Our Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament.

2. Pax Christi exultet in cordibus vestris

Colossians 3:15 - "Pax Christi exultet in cordibus vestris."
"Let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts."

The service of a Christian is not an unfruitful external service, but is a service of the heart. The rites and rituals of the Catholic Church are not mere pomp and ceremony, but bring about what they signify - the Grace of God, transforming us into the image of His Son.

Members of the Sodality commit not only to external precision in their service of the altar, but to maintaining a spiritual life that corresponds to what they are doing: to be servants of the altar not only for the time when they are on the sanctuary, but throughout their lives.

3. Super pauca fidelis

St. Matthew 25:21 "Euge bone serve et fidelis quia super pauca fuisti fidelis super multa te constituam intra in gaudium Domini tui."
"Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Every action of a Christian, no matter how small, can be availing unto salvation provided it is undertaken for the love of Christ. Every word and action in the liturgy of the Church has its importance, because through faithfulness to these small things we serve to God's greater glory.

Members of the Sodality commit to a high standard of service on the altar: to achieving a precise knowledge of the words and the rubrics, and carrying them out correctly and reverently.

4. Servite Dominum in Laetitia

Psalm 99: "Jubilate Domino omnis terra, servite Domino in laetitia, introite in conspectu ejus in exultatione."
"Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy."

The service of a Christian is a service of joy and gladness, for we serve not an angry deity but our loving Father. Fervent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and to the Immaculate Mother of Our Lord, express out Joy in service.

"Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam." "I will go up to the altar of God, to the God who gives joy to my youth." These opening words of the Traditional mass indicate that we should serve the Lord in a spirit of love and joy. Serving our Lord on His altar, being present at the eternal sacrifice, receiving the communion of His true Body and Blood, are matter for joyfulness. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.

3 comments:

  1. Leave doom and gloom to those who have to endure the Novus Ordo. They have plenty of cause for sadness. But as for us, we will rejoice in the Lord. And in Latin too! Gaudete!

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  2. Absolutely splendid . . . as long as you don't want all of it engraved round the edge of the medals !

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  3. I hope you've noticed the use of Sacred Scripture in these principles, both in the Vulgate and Douai version. No blowing off of dust needed round here ...

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