Sliming for Lent? Why not take up something?

Fr Hawtin

Shrove Tuesday pancake suppers are, for Anglicans, the last vestige of the old Pre-Lenten carnival—the veritable orgy of eating, drinking and merry-making that traditionally preceded the forty day fast.

Christians in many parts of Europe still observe the Pre-Lenten Carnival; none more so than the Germans who start the carnival season (called Fasching) well before . . . → Read More: Sliming for Lent? Why not take up something?

On the Kalendar: Cyril and Methodius, Apostles to the Slavs

February from Les Petites Heures d'Anne de Bretagne

“February”, kalendar page from Les Petites Heures d’Anne de Bretagne (The Little Hours of Queen Anne of Bretagne), by the Maître des Triomphes de Pétrarque. From Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris (France).

Perhaps no saints loom so large in the psyche of their adopted home as do Cyril and Methodius. Sure, the . . . → Read More: On the Kalendar: Cyril and Methodius, Apostles to the Slavs

Saint Scholastica

Kleinmariazell Altar Scholastica

Saint Scholastica Altar in the Kleinmariazell, Wienerwald, Austria

Blessed be thou, O Heavenly Father, for thy holy Virgin Saint Scholastica, who sought in this life to walk before thee with a perfect heart and now with all the redeemed rejoiceth eternally; through the merits and grace of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, . . . → Read More: Saint Scholastica

Septuagesima Altar — 9 February 2020

Pre-Lent has begun, so the altar will remain bare (except for Laetare Sunday, Lent IV) until Easter.

Saint Teilo

Celtic Cross

Almighty and most merciful Lord, who didst encourage the Church by the example of thy holy Bishop and Confessor Saint Teilo: Grant unto us thy servants that, remembering the victory of his faith, we too may learn to overcome the world and to glorify thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

. . . → Read More: Saint Teilo

Septuagesima Sunday: the Third Sunday before Lent

Chi Rho mosaic

Chi Rho mosaic from Saint Gregory of Sinai Monastery

O Lord, we beseech thee favourably to hear the prayers of thy people; that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and . . . → Read More: Septuagesima Sunday: the Third Sunday before Lent

The Latest Newsletter

The medieval scribe, by Edward Laning (1906–1981) as part of the WPA Federal Art Project (WPA-FAP). From The New York Public Library.

Here is the latest newsletter: St Stephen’s News XXXI 4 February 11th

Saint Titus

Titus ordained by Paul

Titus ordained by Paul

O God, who by thine Apostle Saint Paul didst consecrate thy servant Titus a Bishop in the Church, that he might set in order things that were wanting: Give grace, we humbly beseech thee, to the Bishops and Pastors of thy flock, that they may supply in every place . . . → Read More: Saint Titus

The Martyrs of Japan

Martyrs of Nagasaki

The 26 Martyrs of Japan at Nagasaki, by Wolfgang Kilian (1581-1663). From Wikipedia.

Almighty God, by whose grace and power thy holy martyrs in Japan triumphed over suffering and despised death: Grant, we beseech thee, that enduring hard ness, and waxing valiant in fight, we may with the noble army of martyrs . . . → Read More: The Martyrs of Japan

Saint Agatha of Sicily, Martyr

Saint Agatha Attended by Saint Peter and an Angel in Prison by Alessandro Turchi (1578–1649). Walters Art Museum via Wikimedia.

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy holy Martyr Saint Agatha with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us for love of thee to despise the prosperity of . . . → Read More: Saint Agatha of Sicily, Martyr