+ JMJ It occurred to me that I was aware of either the scriptural or doctrinal foundation of all the 'Traditional' mysteries of the Rosary, save the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. So I decided to some checking - first with ChatGPT (see below) and then to read the Encyclical of Pope Pius XII - AD CAELI REGINAM (link). So, I'm happy to see that yes the Pope's have spoken on the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary and pointed to Our Lady crowned with stars as support for the belief. I still wonder if the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary has really being accomplished. So many missed opportunities. P^3
+ JMJ In the late 1990s / early 2000s, caches of religious goods were few and far between. In the 80's, I remember walking into the 'Big Gym' in St. Mary's and seeing the dozens of marble altars waiting in the dusty shadows. Waiting for the call to serve once again as the place for the Sacrifice. Then I heard that one of the old Catholic Churches was going to be torn down and that the parish priest was giving things away. These were things that practically no one had use for any more. Ombrellino / Conpaeum: An umbrella with a long staff that protects the Blessed Sacrament during processions. Ornate Canopy: Held aloft by four or more men to shelter the Blessed Sacrament or relics Three Quarters Scale Crucifix: I believe it was the main crucifix in the Church An ornate shelter for the Monstrance during longer benedictions Large statue of the Sacred Heart I believe there was more but all the same, after a decade dry spell - it was wonderful to put these 'relics...