January 1st, 2021 - Circumcision of Our Lord

Mass will be at 10am on Friday, January 1st

No Confessions

Christmas Mass 12-25-2020

Christmas Mass is at 10:00 a.m.

Friday, December 25th, 2020

No Confessions!

Puer Natus Est Nobis (A Child is Born to Us)!

Detail from one of the stained glass windows of Saint Mary Magdalen Chapel made by F.X. Zettler in Munich Germany.

Introit (Isaiah 9: 6)
Puer natus est nobis, et filius datus est nobis: cujus imperium super humerum ejus: et vocabitur nomen ejus magni consilii Angelus. Vs. (Ps. 97: 1) Cantate Domino canticum novum, quia mirabilia fecit. Vs. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. Puer natus est nobis, et filius datus est nobis: cujus imperium super humerum ejus: et vocabitur nomen ejus magni consilii Angelus.

A child is born to us, and a Son is given to us: Whose government is upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called, the Angel of Great Counsel. Vs. (Ps. 97: 1) Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because He hath done wonderful things. Vs. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. A child is born to us, and a Son is given to us: Whose government is upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called, the Angel of Great Counsel.

Stained Glass Windows at Saint Mary Magdalen Chapel

View Windows...

Window 1- Adoration of the Shepherds (Luke 4:9, 4:14) 

"In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields ...the angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of Ihe Lord shone around them. They were terrified but the angel said 'Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, to be shared by the whole people. Today in Ihe town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." The shepherds were the first receivers of the message of salvation. David was a shepherd. "To shepherd" was a synonym for ruling. God himself was called "The Shepherd of Israel." (Psalm 23:I)  

Symbols: The seed is small yet has the capability to become a tree. The two doves drinking from a fountain; the fountain is one of the attributes of the Virgin Mary, who is regarded as "the fountain of living water." In the Mosaic law, the dove represented purity and peace. For this reason the dove was used as an offering for purification after the birth of a child.  (Luke 2:22, 24)

Window 2 - Holy Family at Nazareth  (Matthew 4:4)

"They went and settled in the City of Nazareth so that the words which were spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled: 'He shall be called a Nazarene.'"  St. Joseph's role as a carpenter parallels the creative work of God the Father. The Child Jesus is carrying a cross, which is His future redemptive undertaking.

Symbols:  The ring is a symbol of unily of the family, the crown a symbol of the kingship of Christ, and the rose represents Mary as a "Rose without thorns."

Window 3 - Jesus Among the Doctors of the Law  (Luke 2:41)

"When Jesus was twelve years old. His family took Him to Jenrusalem for the Feast of the Passover.  As the family was on the return journey, they found that Christ was not with them.  Hurrying back to Jenrusalem, they found Jesus in the temple, surrounded by several doctors or Jewish Rabbis, with whom he was in deep discussion. The Law prescribed the pilgrimage on major feasts, Passover, Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. (Exodus 23:14,  Deuteronomy 16:16)

Symbols:  The equilateral triangle is the oldest symbol of the Trinity - three equal angles yet distinct.  The circle is the circle of eternity.  The two tablets of stone represent the Law of the Old Testament.

Window 4 - Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene  (John 2O:15)

"...Jesus said 'Woman, why are you weeping?  Who are you looking for?'  Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said 'Sir, if you have taken Him away, tell me where you have put Him and I will go and remove Him.'  Jesus said, 'Mary!'  She knew Him then and said in Hebrew. 'Rabboni'" which means Master."  (John 20:15)

Symbols:  "IHS" is the abbreviation for the Greek word meaning Jesus.  The Passion flower is the symbol of the Passion of Jesus Christ:  the central column of the flower represents the column of scourging, the ovary is shaped like a hammer which was used to nail Jesus to the cross. the three styles represents the three nails, the five stamens represent the five wounds, the ray within the flower is our Lord's divine glory, the leaf is shaped like a spear and the ten petals represent the ten apostles who forsook Jesus, leaving Judas the traitor and John who stood beside the cross.

Window 5 - Jesus Blessing the Little Children  (Mark 10:13)

"People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me: do not stop them for it is of such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'"  Christ's reaction suggests that some important principle is at stake. Infant Baptisms - "Do not prevent them."

Symbols:  The dove represents the Holy Spirit, the cross - faith, the anchor - hope, and the heart - charity.  These are the three theological virtues received at Baptism.

Window 6 - Agony in the Garden (Luke 26:40)

After the Last Supper, Christ, knowing the betrayal of Judas, retired with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane.  There he took Peter, James and John, He asked them to walt for Him and watch while He went by Himself to commune with God.  After He prayed, He returned to find the three disciples asleep and said ... "What, could you not watch with me one hour?"

Symbols:  The chalice symbolizes Christ's agony in the garden and the celebration of the Eucharist when we remember Christ's blood shed for us.  The lamb symbolizes Christ, the Lamb of God who sacrificed His life for us.

Window 7 - The Crucifixion (Luke 23:33)

"When they reached the place called "The Skull", they crucified Him there."  Mary, His mother, Mary Magdalene, and St. John (found only in his gospel) were present.

Symbols:  The reed in the Crown of Thorns represent the Kingship of Christ.  The whip represents Christ becoming man.  The pelican is a symbol of Christ in feeding us with His flesh and blood in the Eucharist, as the pelican in extremes, feeds her young with her flesh. "I am like a pelican of the wilderness."  (Psalm 102:6)

Window 8 - Resurrection (Matthew 28:1)

"After the Sabbath and towards dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to visit the sepulcher.  And all at once there was a violent earthquake, for the angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it.  His face was like lightning... The guards were so shaken, so frightened of Him that they were like dead men."

Symbols:  A cross and four rivers are representative of the four gospels flowing from the cross of Christ, to irrigate the earth with the waters of life.  The Phoenix is a legendary bird, The legend is that it lives from 4 to 5 hundred years.  After gathering a nest of sweet-smelling twigs, the nest is set on fire by the heat of the sun. The Phoenix is consumed in the fire, however, out of these ashes the bird rises again, recreated and young, destined to live another 4 or 5 hundred years.  St. Clement introduced the Phoenix as a symbol of Resurrection during the first century.

Window 9 - Penitent Mary Magdalene Washes Feet of Jesus in the City of Capernaum (Luke 7:36)

"Jesus was asked by a Pharisee, named Simon, to enter his house and eat. While Jesus was at the meal, a woman of the city entered and began to wash His feet wilh her tears, to wipe them with her hair and to kiss them. Simon the Pharisee was astounded, for he believed that if Jesus were a true prophet, He would refuse her touch.  But Jesus said, 'Her sins which are many are forgiven; for she loved much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little'.  To the woman Jesus said, 'Your faith has saved you, go in peace.'"

Symbols:  The serpent symbolizes the evil spiril, tempter of Adam and Eve.  The keys represent the Office of Keys, the one key representing excommunication and the other key representing absolution.

Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary on Plenary Indulgences for the deceased faithful in the current pandemic, 23.10.2020

This year, in the current circumstances due to the “Covid-19” pandemic, the Plenary Indulgences for the deceased faithful will be extended throughout the entire month of November, with adaptation of works and conditions to guarantee the safety of the faithful.

Read more...

Prayer of Saint Gertrude the Great for the Souls in Purgatory

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus,
in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy Souls in Purgatory".

Our Lord told Saint Gertrude the Great that this prayer would release 1,000 souls from Purgatory each time it is said.  Approval and Recommendation signed by M. Cardinal Pahiarca, Lisbon, Portugal March 4, 1936.

Read more about St. Gertrude the Great.

The Power of Holy Water

Holy water is a sacramental that remits venial sin. Because of the blessing attached to it, Holy Mother Church strongly urges its use upon her children, especially when dangers threaten, such as fire, storms, sickness and other calamities. Every Catholic home always should have in it a supply of holy water.

We do NOT take advantage of the benefits derived from holy water. Let us cultivate its use.  Untold spiritual wealth is concentrated in a tiny drop of blessed water. And we give it so little thought!

Did we realize now, as we shall realize after death, the many benefits which may be derived from Holy Water, we would use it far more frequently, and with greater faith and reverence. Holy water has its great power and efficacy from the prayers of the Church, which its Divine Founder always accepts with complacency.

Following are some of the petitions the priest makes to God when He blesses water:

“Oh God…..grant that this creature of Thine (water) may be endowed with divine grace to drive away devils and to cast out diseases, that whatever in the houses or possessions of the faithful may be sprinkled by this water may be freed from everything unclean, and delivered from what is hurtful…..  Let everything that threatens the safety or peace of the dwellers therein be banished by the sprinkling of this water, so that the health which they seek by calling upon Thy Holy Name may be guarded from all assault.”

PRAYERS EFFECTIVE - These prayers ascend to Heaven each time you take holy water and sprinkle a drop either for yourself or for another, whether he be present or absent; and God’s blessings descend on soul and body.

DISPEL THE DEVIL - The devil hates holy water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide in a place or near a person that is often sprinkled with this blessed water.

DO YOUR DEAR ONES LIVE AT A DISTANCE? - Holy water, sprinkled with faith and piety, can move the Sacred Heart to bless your loved ones and protect them from all harm of soul and body.  When worry and fear take possession of your heart, hasten to your holy water font, and give your dear ones the benefit of the Church’s prayers.

THE HOLY SOULS LONG FOR IT! - Only in Purgatory can one understand how ardently a poor soul longs for holy water. If we desire to make a host of intercessors for ourselves, let us try to realize now some of their yearnings, and never forget them at the holy water font. The holy souls nearest to Heaven may need the sprinkling of only one drop to relieve their pining souls.

REMITS VENIAL SINS - Because holy water is one of the Church’s sacramentals, it remits venial sin. Keep your soul beautifully pure in God’s sight by making the Sign of the Cross carefully while saying: “By this holy water and by Thy Precious Blood wash away all my sins, O Lord.”

Imprimatur: Albert G. Meyer, Archbishop of Milwaukee, Jan. 13, 1958

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - August 15th

On August 15 the universal Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which we commemorate her being taken up body and soul into heaven when her earthly life was finished. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son's Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of His Body” (974). Thus, the Assumption looks to eternity and gives us hope that we, too, will follow Our Lady when our life is ended.

The Assumption first began to be celebrated as a feast day in the Eastern Church after the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431) proclaimed Mary the Mother of God. By the sixth century, the feast celebrated Mary’s Dormition, “her falling asleep.” The western church began to celebrate this feast around 650. St. John Damascene (675-749), an early Father and Doctor of the Church, expressed the belief of his time by writing that Mary’s “pure and sinless body was not left on earth but was transferred to a heavenly throne.”   The Church’s teaching on the Assumption was formally proclaimed a doctrine by Pope Pius XII in 1950.

On this Feast Day, we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, who always directs us to her Son.  According to Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, “The main ministry of Mary is to incline men’s hearts to obedience to the Will of her Divine Son.” Her last recorded words at Cana are the words that she conveys to us on the solemnity of the Assumption: “Do whatever He tells you.” She asks us to be obedient to Him, to surrender our hearts to Him, and to say “Yes” to Him, just as she did, despite our uncertainties. She desires that we come to Him with open and contrite hearts, seeking His mercy and His holy will in our lives, so that we may one day be united with Him in heaven for all eternity. The Blessed Mother is our advocate and guide in this life who loves us as only a mother can. Her maternal heart overflows with compassion for us, and she is always there for us, eager to listen to our prayers, and to draw us closer to the heart of her Son. Our Blessed Mother has preceded us into Heaven so that on the day of final judgment she will be there to accompany us on our eternal journey.

Portiuncula Indulgence

From midnight August 1st to midnight August 2nd, you can gain the “Portinuncula” Indulgence.  To obtain the Portiuncula plenary indulgence, a person must visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels at Assisi, or a Franciscan sanctuary, or one’s parish church, with the intention of honoring Our Lady of the Angels. Then perform the work of reciting the Creed and Our Father and pray for the Pope’s designated intentions. You should be free, at least intentionally, of attachment to venial and mortal sin, and truly repentant. Make your sacramental confession 8 days before or after. Participate at assist at Mass and receive Holy Communion 8 days before or after.  

The Portiuncula indulgence is the first plenary indulgence that was ever granted in the Church. There were indeed indulgences at all times, but they were only partial, and only a partial remission of the temporal punishments could be obtained by them. He who gains the Portiuncula indulgence is freed from all temporal punishments and becomes as pure as after holy baptism. This was also the reason why Pope Honorius was astonished when St. Francis petitioned for the confirmation of this indulgence, for such an indulgence, up to that time, had been entirely unknown. It was only after he had come to the conviction that Jesus Christ himself wished it, that he granted the petition of the saint and confirmed the indulgence.

The Traditional Latin Mass Resumes Outdoors

The Traditional Latin Mass at Saint Mary Magdalen in Camarillo at 10AM has been re-started. With the new restrictions, we will be having Mass in the open courtyard next to the chapel on the left side, until further notice. Please be generous to the Parish in your donations, as they have been very accommodating to the Latin Mass community.

There are presently no attendance restrictions, so reservations are not required, but the space and social distancing requirements will limit the number who can fit within the courtyard area. Although some chairs will be provided, there are not enough chairs for everyone, so plan to bring chairs for yourselves. Also, there will be no kneeling pads provided, so we recommend you bring something with you, as concrete can be difficult to kneel on for an extended period. At this time of year, there is very little shade in the courtyard area, so we recommend you bring some sort of portable shelter, if you have one. Men should not be wearing hats during Mass. We will be using a PA system for sound, so it may be difficult to hear in some locations of the courtyard, especially with background noise. Plan on arriving early if you wish to assure yourself a seat. 

Those who feel at risk due to the Covid-19 virus may feel uncomfortable in this setting, as social distancing will be difficult to enforce in some situations, so they may wish to opt-out from attending the Mass. Communion on the tongue is the norm, and the priest will disinfect his fingers with alcohol after each person receives Communion. Confessions will be available before Mass around 9:15AM, behind the chapel, near the parish office.  If you see the Priest hearing someone's confession, please walk around the other side of the chapel to get to the courtyard.  

We are blessed to have this Mass again, so please be patient with our new "operating conditions."

Fr. Michael Kokoszka

The FSSP parish of Saint Vitus now has a third priest!  Please welcome Fr. Michael Kokoszka who just arrived June 26th!  Here is his brief biography:

Father Michael Kokoszka is a native of Western Massachusetts.  He was ordained in the Diocese of Springfield, MA and has been a Priest for the last two years.  Prior to his seminary studies he held jobs as an HVAC mechanic, tractor-trailer driver and health care fraud investigator.  He later obtained a bachelors degree in mathematics from Westfield State College.  Father Kokoszka attributes his vocation due to Eucharistic Adoration and the Holy Rosary.  He loves the outdoors, bike riding, skiing, spiritual reading and an assortment of other activities.  He is excited to join the clergy at Saint Vitus, excercising his Priesthood and is looking forward to meeting everyone.

By the way, his last name is pronounced:  ko-KO-shuh