Sunday, November 8, 2009

November 13: Mass in Honor of St. Didacus of Alcalá

File:Diegoalcala.jpg


Friday, November 13, 7:30 P.M.
Mass in the Extraordinary Form
for the Feast of St. Didacus of Alcalá
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Harry Neely, O.S.A.
St. Augustine Monastery Chapel
3266 Nutmeg St., San Diego, CA 92104




The Mass will be entirely sung in Gregorian Chant. St. Didacus (San Diego in Spanish) is the patron saint of America's Finest City. In November of 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno was sent to map the California coast. Arriving on his flagship San Diego, Vizcaíno surveyed the harbor and what are now Mission Bay and Point Loma and named the area for St. Didacus.
Donations will benefit St. Augustine's Monastery.
Everybody is welcome to attend.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

More Photos From All Hallows' Vespers






Frater John B. Polhamus reads inscriptions from Enrollment Cards sent from the Mother House in London.










Frater George Pecoraro, the liturgy's Thurifer, stands by for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament to begin, while other Brethren around him vest in robes of the Confraternity of the Most Precious Blood, which Postulants and enrolled Brethren of the Little Oratory have the privilege to wear.









Fr. Victor Szczurek (O. Præm.), with Rituale, blesses the occasion's Holy Cards.











Small reliquary containing relics of our Holy Patron, St. Philip Neri, rests near the Spanish Colonial tabernacle of Mission San Juan.

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A bill advertising the vespers liturgy is posted on the outside gate of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

All Hallows' Vespers at San Juan Capistrano, and the Distribution of Enrollment Cards


The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego at the invitation of and in conjunction with members of Una Voce Orange County, sang the 1st Vespers of the Feast of All Hallows before the glittering reredos of the Serra Chapel at Mission San Juan Capistrano. A congregation of fifty persons, plus twelve in the sanctuary and five in the loft, brought the total in attendance to nearly seventy for the first traditional Roman vespers in at least the last forty years to be celebrated in the historic two hundred and forty year old chapel, the oldest original building remaining in all of the mission chain established by Blessed Junipero Serra.


The vespers were accompanied by a brother on the chapel's two manual pipe organ. In addition to the organ, violin descants, as well as flute and cello accompaniments were added to the processional and recessional hymns, as well as the hymns of Benediction, by the members of the Delina family, sisters Faith and Nicole, and their brother Gian. For this musical generosity the Brothers and doubtless all assembled return their sincere thanks. Fr. Victor Szczurek served as Hebdomadary and performed the Benediction, assisted in the sanctuary by MC Enzo Selvaggi.


In the sacristy following the services, enrollment cards for the Brothers' membership in the Archconfraternity of the Precious Blood were distributed, along with fresh and matching copies of the Brothers' cards of enrollment amongst the Brothers of the Little Oratory. This set was generously and exactingly prepared by Mr. James C.R. Cross of the London Brothers, and was prefaced by a formal message which was read prior to distribution. Accompanying the enrollment cards were copies of the St. Philip's Day 2009 cards distributed at London this past 26 May. Coming as it did following another successful annual observance of the vespers of one of the most glittering feasts of the church year, this touch of a London hand heightened the Brothers' sense of connection both to our living London family, and to the spiritual presence of our Saint, his sons, and our Brothers who have gone before us.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Saturday Oct. 31: 1st Vespers of All Saints

Fr Serra Chapel by FlowerFetish.

Saturday, October 31, 7 P.M.
First Vespers of All Saints
with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite
Hebdomadary: Rev. Fr. Victor Szczurek, O. Praem.
Serra Chapel
26801 Ortega Hwy San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675




Una Voce Orange County has invited the Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego and Chorus Breviarii San Diego to sing First Vespers of All Saints at the historic Serra Chapel in the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. The vigil of this feast is popularly called "Hallowe'en" or "Halloween". Everybody is welcome to attend.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Saturday Oct. 24: Seven Churches Tour



Saturday, October 24, 08:00 (8 A.M.)
Seven Churches Mini-Pilgrimage
From St. Anne's in Sicard St. to
Immaculate Conception in Old Town

Join us for a prayerful walk between several of our older churches in San Diego. Between each church we will be saying the Rosary, singing hymns, and praying joyfully in the manner of St. Philip Neri, who started this practice in Rome nearly 500 years ago. During the first part of the walk, Fr. Federico Masutti, F.S.S.P. will accompany us and hear confessions.
Members of the San Diego chapter of the Knights of Columbus will swell our ranks.

Itinerary:

Saturday, October 24, 8 A.M.
St. Anne's Catholic Church @ 621 Sicard Av. (So. of 28th St. on Irving = North of I-5@28th)

(Come early for Mass with Fr. Masutti at 7:15am)

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church @ 1770 Kearney (off Crosby)

Our Lady of Angels @ 24th& G St.

St. Joseph's Cathedral @ 3rd & Beech St.

Our Lady of the Rosary @ State & Date St.

(Rest at Amici Park)

Old Adobe Chapel on Conde St. (3963 Conde St. @ Congress St.)

Immaculate Conception Church @ 2540 San Diego Av.


We recommend taking the trolley to return to St. Anne's. Otherwise you may
to drive to Immaculate Conception or another church along the way, carpool to St. Anne's,and then take the drivers of those cars back to St. Anne's at the end of the pilgrimage.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Mass for the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/EdtheCon.jpg

Tuesday, October 13, 7 P.M.
Mass in the Extraordinary Form
for the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Harry Neely, O.S.A.
St. Augustine Monastery Chapel
3266 Nutmeg St., San Diego, CA 92104




Donations will benefit St. Augustine's Monastery.
Everybody is welcome to attend.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mass of St. Wenceslaus and Vestments


The Mass "In virtute" for the Feast of St. Wenceslaus was sung on Monday evening, 28 September in St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel, with approximately 25 persons attending. Fr. Harry Neely O.S.A. celebrated the mass in the Extraordinary Form, and a choir of Brothers of the LIttle Oratory in San Diego provided the chant propers and ordinary. Fr. Federico Masutti F.S.S.P. graciously loaned his personal red vestment set, an antique set made in Argentina.

The Brothers posess both a white and a black set of Roman Vestments, but are in need of green, violet, rose and gold sets. If you are interested in donating a mass set for the convenience of our chaplains and the dignity of the liturgy, please contact us through this site, or call John Polhamus at 858 997 8636. Any donation towards the purchase of vestments would be gratefully accepted, and well employed ad majorem Dei gloriam.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Mass Reminder: Missa Cantata Monday for St. Wenceslaus


Even while the Holy Father coincidentally happens to be visiting the Czech Republic, Missa Cantata (Extraordinary Form) for the Feast of St. Wenceslaus I, Duke, Martyr and Patron of Bohemia, will be sung Monday evening, 28 September 2009, in St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel, 3266 Nutmeg, San Diego Ca., 92104. Fr. Harry Neely will celebrate the mass. This will be the Brother's Mass for the month of September. The public are invited to attend.

The assembled Brothers will provide the music, which will include the sung propers for the common mass of a Martyr "not a bishop" ("In virtute tua"), Kyrie "Clemens Rector", the Gloria of Mass V, with the rest of the ordinary being taken from Mass IX.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

September Vespers with Ron, Fr. Harry, and Fr. Federico


Last Sunday, 20 September, the Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego sang Vespers at St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel. Fr. Harry Neely, O.S.A., whom we thank for his hospitality and willingness to lead us in prayer, served as Hebdomadary. Thanks also to Fr. Federico Masutti, F.S.S.P., who after Vespers celebrated Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. These were the first Vespers sung in the company of our brother Ronald Clemente after many months of separation. Ron has recently returned to San Diego after a tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Army Reserve. We are grateful to God and St. Philip for protecting Ron and returning him safely to us. Laus Deo!

Monday, September 14, 2009

September and October Events


The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego are pleased to present to our friends and benefactors the following schedule of events for the months of September and October:

Sunday, September 20, 3 P.M.
Vespers of the 16th Sunday after Pentecost
St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel
3266 Nutmeg St.,
South Park, San Diego CA, 92104

Monday, September 28, 7 P.M.
Missa Cantata on the Feast of St. Wenceslaus I, Duke,
Martyr and Patron of Bohemia
St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel
3266 Nutmeg St.,
South Park, San Diego CA, 92104

Tuesday, October 13, 7 P.M.
Missa Cantata on the feast of St. Edward the Confessor,
King of England
St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel
3266 Nutmeg St.,
South Park, San Diego CA, 92104

Saturday, October 24, 8 A.M.
Seven Churches Pilgrimage
Departing from St. Anne's Catholic Church
(following 7:15am mass)
621 Sicard St
San Diego, CA 92113-2396
We will walk while singing hymn and praying the Rosary to Immaculate Conception Church in Old Town, stopping to visit the churches along the way.

Saturday, October 31,
Vespers for the Vigil of All Saints
Location and time to be announced

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Brothers' Sung Mass for August


Brother's Monthly Sung Mass will be celebrated this

Friday, 21 August 2009 at 7:00pm, in
St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel,
3266 Nutmeg St.,
San Diego CA 92104
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This Friday's mass falls on the Feast of St. Jane Fremiot de Chantal, and will be the Missa "Cognovi" from the Commons of a Holy Woman. The mass will feature a sung Gregorian ordinary, Mass IV, and full Gregorian propers. The public is invited to attend. Donations received will benefit St. Augustine's Monastery.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Brothers sing Assumption Vespers at St. Augustine's Monastery


First Vespers of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary were sung at St. Augustine's Friday evening, 14 August, 2009. Although the Vespers were hardly announced except through Facebook, and were in fact semi-private, a number of public congregants attended, including two of the Augustinian Fathers in residence at St. Augustine's.


Fr. Federico Masutti, F.S.S.P. served as Hebdomadary, making his first association with the Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego and Chorus Breviarii. It is hoped that this will be the first of many.



Six Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego were present in choir, including George Pecoraro, Richard Dawes, Roberto Lionello, David Latorre, Thomas Gray, and John Polhamus, who provided organ accompaniment for the service. Along with these were three Chorus Breviarii members, Jon T. Velasco, Andrew Morales, and James Covalt, who served as MC for the first time.

The Brothers and members of Chorus Breviarii wish all a Happy Feast of Our Lady's Assumption. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genetrix, ut digni efficiamur promisionibus Christi.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

1st Vespers of the Assumption this Friday Evening


The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego will sing 1st Vespers of the Feast of the Assumption of the B.V.M. this Friday evening, 14 August, 2009 at 7:00pm in St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel, 3266 Nutmeg St., San DIego, CA 92104

Fr. Federico Masutti, F.S.S.P. will be the Hebdomadary of the Vespers. Fr. Masutti is the newly arrived Associate Pastor of St. Anne's Catholic Church on Sicard Street in Logan Heights. This will be Fr. Masutti's first service with the Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego. Please join us to greet him on this great feast of Our Lady.

The public are invited to attend.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Friday Evening Sung Mass


The monthly Mass for the intentions of the Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego will be sung on:

Friday evening, 10 July 2009, 7:00pm.
St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel
3266 Nutmeg St.,
South Park, San Diego CA, 92104


Fr. Harry Neely OSA, celebrant.

The propers and ordinary will be sung in Gregorian chant by a schola of the Brothers, and will include Mass VI (Rex Genitor), the motet "O quam suavis", and the solemn tone Salve Regina.

Appropriately, Friday's mass in the Extraordinary Form is for the Feast of Ss. Rufina and Secunda, and the Seven Holy Brothers, the dominant theme of the mass being brotherhood or fraternity.

The public are welcome to attend.

Monday, July 6, 2009

A New Oratorian Beato!


It's been a busy year for John Henry Cardinal Newman! It is no accident that a society bearing his name led the opposition to the giving of an honorary Doctorate of Law to Barack Obama a little over a month ago, in strong defense of the integrity of Catholic doctrine and its social application. Had he been alive in the flesh he could not have been more present. Then three days ago, on 3 July 2009, his first miracle approved by a board of cardinal theological consultors, Pope Benedict XVI signed the decree which cleared the way for the beatification of perhaps the most famous, and most Catholic convert to our faith in modern times.

Birmingham, England (city of the cardinal's own Oratorian congregation) has been mentioned as a possible site for the beatification, although Westminster Cathedral might be the most desirable option, as this is a beato for all England, for all the English speaking world, and for all the world in general. The great London Byzantine cathedral has a new Cardinal, H.E. Vincent Nichols, and a new, more orthodox direction: a new English beato would be the crowning glory, and the liturgy would afford a platform for projecting all three.

Is it likewise any accident that this particular saint, one of the most intellectually incisive of this or any other age, probably more prolific and philosophically influential than any recent prelate outside the late pontiff John Paul II, has had his beatification delayed for so long, until just now? Looking at the contemporary assault on the church being waged by the forces of relativism and secularism, and the burgeoning trend not of resistance, but of re-conversion within the church itself by a younger generation of hierarchs seeking the implementation of the hermeneutic of continuity, can there be any doubt as to why the Almighty has waited until now to prove his saint's intercessory efficaciousness?

Cardinal Newman is so much more than the benign "advocate for the cause of students" that the frequently banal "Newman Centers" of American secular universities make him out to be. In fact, Cardinal Newman was an advocate of specifically Catholic education and therefore Catholic students, and held forthright and unwavering convictions regarding the integrity and undeniability of Roman Catholic doctrine, and of the inevitability of conversion as a result of their rational logic. To paint him as oecumenical in the modern sense is no longer an option. This is a Roman Catholic beato to the core.

Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman's voice is poised to echo ever louder in the face of this contemporary assault. And even though Our Lord and His vicar may save canonization for another crisis and another needful generation, the Cardinal's Oratorian sons and brothers rejoice at his renewed presence among their congregations, and in the church at large.

Soon to be Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, intercede for us, for Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, and for the Congregations of the Oratory.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The Precious Blood Robes: And Then there were Two!


The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego are now possessed of a pair of Precious Blood Robes, the robes worn by the Brothers at London, who are also members of the Archconfaternity of the Precious Blood. The robes are worn by the Brothers when participating in liturgical processions, or with cotta when assisting at the altar on appropriate feasts, such as the Feast of the Precious Blood (July 1), or when participating in Musical Oratory.


The robes are here modelled by Brother Richard Dawes, and Chorus Breviarii member and Postulant, John T. Velasco. The second robe was made by La Mesa Tailors of Linda Vista, San Diego, Ca., to a pattern by Mrs. Nunzia Pecoraro, wife of George Pecoraro, one of the Brothers. Mrs Pecoraro is a professional costumier, who works for San Diego Opera and the Old Globe Theatre, among others. The Brothers wish to express to Mrs Pecoraro and to La Mesa Tailoring their sincere gratitude for work expertly undertaken, and expertly completed. (Spot the replica!)


This detail shows the perfectly matched piping, buttons, and the red stitching around the button holes, all evidence of the attention to detail paid to the exact reproduction of the Precious Blood Robe copy (and yes, for those who know, the curious little button at the top of the back, under both the collar and mantle, is duly in place!). A keen eye will notice however, a slight difference in the weave of the two black fabrics. The original robe (right) is wool, which after experimentation proved too hot even for the sub-tropical climate of San Diego. Instead, a double thickness of cotton fabric was used, which achieves a weight and hang similar to the woolens, but provides suitable breathability.


The achievement of the first Precious Blood Robe (in all probability) to be manufactured on this continent in the last hundred years, if ever, is due to the extraordinary generosity of the London Brothers who made it possible, through the donation of one of their own, for yet another level of completeness in the expression of the Oratorian life of our distant chapter to be realized. We are not only grateful, but indebted, and if unable to repay the debt in attendance or material contribution, we will ever seek to do so through spiritual affection and prayerful devotion. Brothers, we thank you.

Monday, June 8, 2009

St. Philip's Celebrations 2009


The 2009 observance of St. Philip's Feast was accomplished with the greatest degree of fullness yet attained by the Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego. With the exception of Ronald Clemente, currently serving with the United States Army Reserve in Afghanistan, all of the admitted Brothers forming the "Western Chapter" of the Brothers of the Little Oratory at London were present in San Diego for this year's celebrations.

These include Mssr's Ashley Paver (Cincinnati, OH), John Polhamus, Roberto Lionello, Thomas Gray, David Latorre, Richard Dawes, John J. Velasco, Christopher Velasco, George Pecoraro, Robert Keim (Maple Hill, KS) and Wayne Lam (Orange County, CA). They were joined in choir by Mssr's Jon T. Velasco, James Covalt and Jeffrey Morse (Sacramento, CA), currently postulants.

Parcipating clergy included Fr. Carl Gismondi, FSSP, Deacon Jose Zepeda, FSSP, and Fr. Justin Ramos, O. Praem., who very graciously travelled all the way from St Michael's Abbey in Silverado for Vespers and Holy Mass, thus ensuring solemn liturgies on both occasions. To him, and to Fr. Gismondi and Deacon Zepeda, the Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego offer their most profound, solemn and joyful gratitude.


On Sunday 24 May the Musical Oratory was given in St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown San Diego, with a musical offering by Dr. Alison Leudecke, playing the 1931 Austin organ, which was originally installed in the old cathedral-church, demolished in 1942 to make way for the present building. Dr. Leudecke's program included music by the early 20th century titular organists of the great Parisian churches and Cathedrals. For her time, her talent and the treasure of her generosity, the Brothers thank Dr. Luedecke profoundly. The Brothers also wish to thank the Cathedral Rector and Pastor of St. Joseph's, Fr. Peter Escalante, for once again allowing us to praise God in the historic seat or our Diocese.

Dr. Luedecke's program included the Th. Dubois "Toccata in G Major," the "Te Deum of Tournemire," the "Ave Maria: Ave maris Stella" of Langlais, "Incantation pour un jour saint" by Langlais, "Nigra sum" from the Dupre Vespers of the Blessed Virgin, the "Veni Creator Spiritus" of Durufle, and for the recessional the "Final" of the Vierne Organ Sym #1. Apart from the first and last pieces, each of the pieces during the musical offering was preceded by a brief selection of chants sung by the assembled Brothers, each illustrating and quoting the main themes used as motives in the organ pieces. Hymns included "This is the Saint", "True Sons of Philip", and in the middle, a hymn written by An Oratorian Brother of three stanzas on the theme of conversion, sung in a metricized version to the famous and familiar chorale-theme from the Saint-Saens "Organ" Symphony #3.


The Musical Oratory was held to the rear of the crossing aisle of the Cathedral, and necessitated only the moving of an armed chair and a small side-table, and a kneeler for Fr. Gismondi. About forty attended the concert, minus the Brothers - but bear in mind that this was the Memorial Day weekend. Next Year St. Philip's day precedes it by a week, so in some ways this year might be looked on as a tune up for a more propitious calendrical placement. We hope to transcribe Fr. Gismondi's fervorino from one of the video-tapes in the near future.


Also of interest was that during the Musical Oratory, Robert Keim read from the life of St. Philip by Bacci, wearing the Precious Blood robe, as is customary apparel for Brothers at Musical Oratory. This robe is the customary habit of the Archconfraternity of the Precious Blood, and is used for public or ceremonial wear outside of liturgical function in the sanctuary. The Brothers upon reception at London, are enrolled in the Archconfraternity, which was brought to England by Fr. Frederick William Faber, founder of the London Oratory. This use marked the robe's first appearance in San Diego. More are currenty being made for the use of the San Diego Brothers.

On Monday, 1st Vespers of St. Philip Neri were sung in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Coronado, Ca., across the bay from downtown San Diego. The use of this architecturally noteworthy church was graciously granted by Pastor Michael Murphy, and use was overseen (on Memorial Day holiday) by parish Organist Holly Jones, who also contributed a festive prelude and postlude. To both of them and all who helped facilitate the Vespers, the Brothers extend their heartfelt gratitude.


Fr. Gismondi was Hebdomadary, with Fr. Justin Ramos, O.Praem. 1st Asst, and Deacon Zepeda FSSP 2nd. Psalmody was carried off well, accompanied by Mr. Spencer Velkey, to whom the Brothers offer great thanks. The office hymn "Pangamus Nerio" was sung to the tune written in 1895 by William Sewell, arranged for SATB choir, String Quartet, and Organ. At exposition the choir sang the Croce "O sacrum convivium", and the sopranos sang an original Tantum Ergo by An Oratorian Brother, accompanied by the string quartet. Following the procession to the Lady Altar the choir sang the Soriano "Regina Caeli", and the hymn "True Sons of Philip."

This year's vespers were Solemn three-cope vespers, with three matching gold copes borrowed from St. Anne's Parish, Santa Sophia Parish, and Fr. Justin Ramos personally. For their great generosity and trust the Brothers thank particularly Fr. Gismondi, Fr. Peter McGuine, Pastor of Santa Sophia Parish, and Fr. Ramos. The three copes are approximately one hundred years old, being made of Cloth of Gold manufactured in Lyons, France. The panels on the copes are machine stitched, but hand-tinted, creating stitching of great accuracy, yet shading of amazing subtlety. To view them in use is itself a prayer.


As previously stated, on St. Philip's Day there were no fewer than eleven of the twelve San Diego Brothers in attendance, Christopher Velasco particularly managing to come down from Long Beach prior to his college Graduation the next day. He served as a torchbearer at communion. Combined with Jeffrey Morse, Jon T. Velasco and James Covalt, there were fourteen Brothers and postulants involved in the ceremonies (two of them in the choir-loft).

The Brothers served the Solemn High Mass beautifully, which was well attended, and the music went off with great beauty and dignity. The ordinary was the Hassler Missa "Dixit Maria", with the Verdonck Ave Maria at offertory and the Croce "O sacrum convivium" at Communion. A quartet of men sang the chant propers. Afterwards five of the Brothers took the Father and Deacon to a local steak-restaurant (which just happens to have a 1610 carved interior of English oak) for a festive "thank you" dinner.

Believe it or not, that is only a brief sketch outline of the activities to do with this year's Philiptide in San Diego. Were the writer to elaborate this entry would be many times as long. In fact, having made St. Philip's Novena leading up to the feast, and considering the number of new venues, and strands of good will upon which it was necessary to pull in order to draw these various elements together, elements musical, material, and clerical, the true results of this year's efforts were the miraculous granting of wish after wish, desire after desire; request after request. More than once we abandoned ourselves to the disposition of the Lord and the intercession of our Saint, and each time everything came together just as we had prayed it would. Literally, nothing went wrong; well, except that the recorder failed to capture the choir's fine performance at the Mass, which is in fact nothing more than a warranted mortification of the writer's pride!

No, if I may speak personally, the visible change eminating from this Philiptide seems to be only that I have added a seventh holy-card to the lower edge of my framed Guadalupe in what I call my "Lady Chapel". Really, that's about the total extent of the tangible, observable results of all of the aforementioned, except a few left-over programmes. But when I look at that little card (itself typeset by a Brother literally half-way around the globe), it means more to me than all the gold vestments in the world. And the best part is, after all the effort, expense, and sleep deprivation it took to bring these 2009 celebrations to reality, I know I'm not the only one that feels that way.

Deo Gratias!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

1st Vespers of the Feast of the Ascension and PHILIPTIDE EVENTS


On Wednesday evening, 20 May 2009 at 7:00pm, the Brothers of the Little Oratory, with Fr. Carl Gismondi F.S.S.P. as hebdomadary, will sing 1st Vespers of the Feast of the Ascension at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 621 Sicard St., Sherman Heights, San Diego 92113. The public are invited, there is no charge.

We remind readers that the Novena to St. Philip will begin on Monday 18 May, and conclude with the Philiptide events of:

Musical Oratory, Organ Music of the Great Parisian Churches,
24 May 3:00pm
St. Joseph's Cathedral,

1st Vespers of St. Philip,
25 May 7:00pm
Sacred Heart, Coronado,

and Solemn High Mass for the
Feast of St. Philip,
26 May 7:00pm,
St. Anne's, Sicard Street.

Message from a future Monk


Br. David Olds, soon to be resuming his novitiate with the Order of St. Agustine, sends the following summary message of thanks for good wishes and encouragement. The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego came to know David Olds some years ago while he was beginning his Augustinian journey with the community here in North Park, San Diego. We assure David of the continued prayers of his Oratorian friends in Christ, and of our hope that, while we will see him in spirit with constancy, we will see him physically sooner than later!

"Dear All, sorry to put this in a mass email. I was so excited I had to send it ASAP
as I sit here at work.

Just wanted to thank all of you for your prayers over the last few weeks.
As you know I will be continuing my formation with the Augustinians in San
Francisco. I will be moving in next month.

I just received my acceptance letter from The University of San Francisco
today! I know it is through His grace and your intercession! Thank you!

My Thanks to Bishop Cordileone, Fr Gary, Fr Tom, Fr Jim, Fr Rex, Fr Bob,
Helen, Tristan, John, Uncle Rich, Uncle Steve, Sean and my best bud Shane!

Pax Christi, Dave"

Sunday, April 26, 2009

San Diego Brothers' May 2009 Schedule of Events


The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego are pleased to announce the following liturgical events for May 2009, including the schedule of Philiptide events.

Sunday, 3 May 2009, 4:00pm
Paschal Vespers for the 3rd Sunday after Easter and
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Fr. Carl Gismondi, Hebdom.
St. Anne's Church, Sicard St., Sherman Heights

Saturday, 9 May 2009, 9:00am
Gregorian Chant Lady Mass
(OF, Latin, Ad Orientem)
Fr. Zilverberg (visiting)
St. Augustine's Monastery Chapel,
South Park, San Diego

Sunday, 10 May 2009, 6:45pm
Paschal Vespers for the 4th Sunday after Easter and
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Fr. Zilverberg, Hebdom.
St. Mary's, Escondido, Broadway and 13th

Wednesday, 20 May 2009, 7:00pm
First Vespers of the Feast of the Ascension and
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Fr. Carl Gismondi, FSSP, Hebdom.
St. Anne's, Sicard St., Sherman Heights

Philiptide Events Schedule

Sunday, 24 May 2009, 3:00pm
MUSICAL ORATORY - Free Concert Spirituel
(Featuring grand organ music of Duruflé,
Dupré, Vierne, Tournemire, et al.)
St. Joseph's Cathedral,
3rd & Beech, Downtown San Diego

(length of concert spirituel, 1hr15min.)

Monday, 25 May 2009, 7:00pm
Solemn First Vespers of the Feast of St. Philip Neri and
Benediction fo the Blessed Sacrament
Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
655 C Avenue, Coronado 92118

Fr. Carl Gismondi, FSSP, Hebdom.

Tuesday, 26 May 2009, 7:00pm
Solemn High Mass for the
Feast of St. Philip Neri,
Fr. Carl Gismondi, FSSP, Cel.
St. Anne's, Sicard St., Sherman Heights

May is a very special month, being the Month of Our Lady, the Month of the Ascension of the Lord, and the Pentecost of the Holy Spirit, setting for the feasts of St. Monica and St. Maria Magdalena dei Pazzi, and of course the setting for the Novena and tide of our Holy Father St. Philip Neri.

With the onset of Summer, May truly crowns the year. Let us then crown this May with our prayers, especially in this time or heightened pestilential anxiety. The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego cordially invite you to join your prayers and your voices with ours this May, in praise of God, Our Lady, and all the Saints.

Gaudete omnes in Domino, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Always and Everywhere...Felix Pascha













The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego wish the solemn joy of Easter to all with whom we are in contact. We thank you for your support both moral, material, and liturgical, and look forward to singing Christ's praises with you once again in chant, psalms and canticles during the coming course of our 8th year. God Bless and Save our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, Roger, our Archbishop, Robert our Bishop, and all the clergy and religious of the Diocese of San Diego. Our Lady of Victories and St. Philip Neri, intercede for them.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

9th consecutive Annual Tenebrae Service sung at St. John's


The Brothers of the Little Oratory, and members of Chorus Breviarii Gregorian Chant Schola, sang their 9th consecutive Annual Tenebrae service on Wednesday evening of Holy Week, in the church of St. John the Evangelist, Normal Heights, San Diego.






Fr. Harry Neely, O.S.A. served as Hebdomadary and sang the 1st lesson from the Lamentations of Jeremias.



The Brothers and CB members numbered ten in choir, and around thirty members of the public attended.


Numbers were down this year owing to the fact that advertising of this service was conducted strictly via the internet, for the first time.


The service ran to two hours fifteen minutes exactly.














First photographs arrived from the family of Jon T. Velasco. Professional photographs were taken by Miss Jean Perko, and will be added as they become available.


For now, enjoy these images from Tenebrae of Holy Thursday 2009.