Mater Dei Seminary, located in Omaha, Nebraska, the traditional Catholic seminary of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen, has its own website with more photos, videos and articles than we can post here. The seminary will begin its 29th scholastic year on September 10, 2018, the feast of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, with a projected number of 16 seminarians. As its numbers begin to grow, the seminary is experiencing issues with having sufficient space and accommodations for the new seminarians. This is a good “problem” to have and certainly Almighty God will provide. In your charity, please pray for this intention, as well as the success of the upcoming academic year and the spiritual and academic formation of the seminarians.
Adsum: Monthly Seminary Newsletter
Adsum, a publication of Mater Dei Seminary for the reading enjoyment of our friends and benefactors, is sent free of charge to all who request it. Sign up here to join the Adsum mailing list.
Past issues of Adsum, the newsletter of Mater Dei Seminary
May 2019:
Ordinations on the feast of Sts. Philip and James: Ordination to the Diaconate of Rev. Mr. Michael Sellner (Minnesota) and Rev. Mr. Joseph Appelhanz (Coloado); Ordination to the Subdiaconate of Josef Weissensteiner (Austria), Denis McGuire (Conneticut), Carlos Zepeda (Mexico), and Joseph Pham (Vietnam). Three new priests to be ordained on December 12th. Vocations to the seminary and convent; provide students at Mater Dei Academy with Catholic atmosphere. Moral Theology: Oaths in Legal Documents
April 2019:
Comparison of the Passion of Christ with the spiritual passion of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Catholic Church. Our Lord’s warning: strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. Pope Leo XIII also foretold this in his Motu Propio of September 1888. The multiple heresies uttered by Francis I make him a public and manifest heretic and therefore he cannot be a true pope. His recent joint declaration with the Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb and his horrendous Amoris Laetitia are a few examples. By divine law, public, manifest heretics are barred from papal office: Quotations from Popes, Doctors of the Church and Canonists: Moral Theology: Parental Responsibility in Restitution; Restitution to an Insurance Company.
March 2019:
The Novus Ordo Missae: A Striking Departure from Catholic Theology of the Mass as Formulated by Council of Trent: the Ottaviani Intervention: Alfred Card. Ottaviani and Antonio Card. Bacci. 50 Years Since the new “Mass”. The Importance of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Moral Theology: It is Forbidden to Refuse the Sacraments on Information Derived from Confession:Priests Engaged in Secular Work
February 2019:
The Major Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette; Apostasy through False Council of Vatican II: Spiritual Crucifixion of the Church; Importance of Humility & Devotion to Our Blessed Mother for Perseverance; Moral Theology: Payment of Correct Price & Restitution to an Insurance Company.
January 2019:
Joy at the First Solemn High Masses of our three newly-ordained priests; gratitude for your prayers and support of Mater Dei Seminary. Epiphany season and the importance of cooperating with God’s grace; The Shrine of the Three Kings; Moral Theology: Sunday Morning Confessions.
December 2018:
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Ordinations of our seminarians by Bishop Martin Davila. Bishop Pivarunas convalesces from recent heart attack. Words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego. Moral Theology: The State’s Rights over private property; Parental responsibility in restitution.
November 2018:
The prophecy of King David concerning the Priesthood of Christ; Psalm 109: Announcement of the Priestly Ordinations of Rev. Mr. Tien Le, Rev. Mr. Jeremy Saunders & Rev. Mr. Stephen Sandquist, as well as the conferral of subdiaconate and minor orders. Congratulations to Bishop Daniel Dolan on 25th Anniversary of Episcopal Consecration: The Dignity and Virginity of the Mother of God excerpts from Father Suarez; Moral Theology: The Freezing of the Sacred Species & Public Mass for Non-Catholics
September 2018:
Thirty years Since the seminary moved from Spokane, Washington, to Omaha, Nebraska; 15 seminarians are in residence and 4 younger men religious are in the Novitiate in Colorado. On Sept. 8, Frater Aloysius Hartman (Arizona) renewed vows for 3 years and Christian Pawloski (Canada) was received as a novice, taking the name of Brother Mary Alexius. Mark Vincent (Idaho) and Clayton Wright (Ohio) entered the CMRI Congregation as postulants. A Priest’s Hands by Fr. Oswald Baker; Moral Theology: The Morality of the Ouija Board.
August 2018:
Recent priests’ meetings in Omaha; 24 Priests in Attendance including Fr. Pio Espina from Argentina: Importance of Maintaining Unity and Providing Mutual Support Among Our Clergy. Two Beautiful Feasts in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary; the Assumption and the Immaculate Heart. Powerful Advocate and Intercessor with her Divine Son: The Assumption Proclaimed by Pope Pius XII; The Last Resting Places of the Apostles and Evangelists from Catholic Gems and Pearls: Moral Theology: The Church Fast and the Eucharistic Fast; Immoral Actions of Children
July 2018:
Fr. Gregory Drahman, CMRI celebrates his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood: Rev. Mother Mary Agnes, CMRI celebrates her Golden Jubilee. Events for July include biannual priests’ meeting, boys’ camp, and girls’ camp. 16 seminarians attending this fall and over 20 boarder boys for Mater Dei Academy. Our Lady of Fatima asks us to pray and sacrifice for conversion of sinner. The Pope Speaks: Pope Pius XII on Conscience and Education; Moral Theology: Superstition
June 2018: Every year seminary classes begin on or close to the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, September 8, a few weeks after Mater Dei Academy classes (K-12 grades) start; Ordinations twice a year at the seminary; on December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and again in early May. Annual retreat for priests and religious during the week of the feast of Corpus Christi: end with a Solemn High Mass & procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Most of the seminarians have returned home for the summer; deacons have continued classes in preparation for December ordinations: Joseph Pham, a former Novus Ordo “priest” is joining them as he reviews traditional Catholic course of seminary studies. Prayers for Theresa Sandquist, who has aggressive brain cancer; she is the mother of our deacon, Rev. Stephen Sandquist. Spiritual boost for so many Catholic faithful around the country who visited Mater Dei Seminary this past May for the ordinations. Magnificent choir accompanied the First Solemn High Mass of Fr. Philip Davis, CMRI: a CD of this Mass is now available for sale. Our Lady of Fatima and modesty especially during summer months. Catholic children need to be protected from losing their innonence; St Anthony of Padua; Moral Theology: Aleatory Contracts
May 2018:
Ordinations took place on May 3rd, the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross: 12 seminarians advanced to Tonsure, Minor Order, Diaconate, and Priesthood. Frater Aloysius Hartman (Arizona) and Joseph Pham (Vietnam) received First Clerical Tonsure; Denis McGuire (Connecticut) and Carlos Zepeda (Mexico) were ordained to the first two minor orders; Michael Sellner (Minnesota), Joseph Appelhanz (Colorado), Josef Weissensteiner (Austria), & Fray Juan Alberto O.M. Carm. (Mexico) were ordained to the last two minor orders; Rev. Mr. Stephen Sandquist (Nebraska), Rev. Mr. Tien Le (California), & Rev. Mr. Jeremy Saunders (Canada) were ordained to the diaconate,; Fr. Philip Marie Davis, CMRI (Colorado) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. Solemn Pontifical Mass & Ordinations were about three and a half hours and was accompanied by a magnificent choir. Gratitude for your prayers and support; Moral Theology: Buying and Selling
April 2018:
Upcoming Ordinations on May 3rd: First Tonsure & Minor Orders: Priestly Ordination of Frater Philip Davis, CMRI (Colorado): Ordination to the Diaconate of Rev. Mr. Stephen Sandquist (Nebraska), Rev. Mr. Tien Le (California), & Rev. Mr. Jeremy Saunders (Canada). Many of the Seminarians Traveled to Various Mass Centers Around the Country to Assist Our Priests with beautiful Holy Week Ceremonies: Month of April dedicated to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament: Instruments of the Passion at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome, Italy: Moral Theology: Priests Engaged in Secular Work: Premarital Instruction of a Non- Catholic
March 2018:
Reflections on Holy Week: Goal at Mater Dei is to train the seminarians to be prepared for the ceremonies and comprehend spiritual significance of the sacred liturgy. Old Testament prophecies of Isaias and the Our Lord in His Passion: Statement of Principle: CMRI and the Liturgy of Pope Pius XII; Moral Theology: Choosing a Particular Priest to Officiate at a Marriage Ceremony
February 2018:
The recent passing of the late Bill Hornung from Immaculate Conception in Burlington, Colorado and Raymond Klabenes from St. Theresa’s in O’Neill, Nebraska. Wonderful examples of a truly Christian life. Prayers for the repose of the soul of Thommy Williamitis of St. Theresa’s in Lebanon, Ohio: Reminders that our life on this earth is fragile and that we could be called to eternity when we least expect it. Old Testament Types of Jesus Christ by Fr. Knecht. Moral Theology: Temperance
January 2018:
Priestly ordinations in Guadalajara, Mexico of two Carmelite religious and conferral of first two minor orders to another Carmelite. Beauty and simplicity of their religious life. Spiritual care of the Sisters of the Divine Providence. Sacrament of Confirmation: strong faith and fervor of the Mexican faithful. Upcoming bi-annual priests meeting. 60th anniversary of death of Pope Pius XII: theme for Fatima Conference in October. Arrival of two new seminarians: one a former Novus Ordo priest who has realized invalidity of his orders. Moral Theology: Remote Preparation for Marriage
December 2017:
Photos of Recent Ordinations on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12th at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church: Pontifical High Mass. Fr. Kyrssov (Russia), Fr. Heyne (Germany), Fr. Gilchrist (Australia) and 17 Other Priests From Around the USA were Present for the Occasion. First Solemn High Mass of Rev. Fr. Augustine Walz (Wisconsin) Offered on Feast of St. Lucy. Promotion of Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Moral Theology: Sanctification of Feasts
November 2017:
Upcoming Ordinations on Dec. 12th at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church: Preparations for Retreat. Remembrance in Your Prayers for our Seminarians: 30th Anniversary of Mater Dei Academy. Reflection upon the Four Last Things: Why Do We Pray For the Dead? Moral Theology: The Virtue of Veracity
October 2017:
100th Anniversary of Our Lady’s Apparitions at Fatima: We Must Live the Message of Our Lady. Daily Rosary, Prayer and Sacrifice for Poor Sinners. Importance of Modesty in Dress and Behavior: the Great Apostasy and Crisis in the Church. Christopher Columbus: Devout Catholic, Great Discoverer. Moral Theology: The Effects of the Mass: Mass Stipends
September 2017:
Seminarians and boarder boys witness total eclipse of the sun: Reminder of the wonderful world the good God has created: August 5, the feast of Our Lady of the Snow, Brother Aloysius Hartman, CMRI took his first vows as a religious and Brother Louis Marie, CMRI (Christopher Peck of Indiana) became a novice brother. Denis McGuire (Connecticut) recieved the Clerical Tonsure on August 16, feast of St. Joachim. Mater Dei Seminary begins its 28th year of classes on September 8. Prayer of St. Michael the Archangel composed by Pope Leo XIII. Moral Theology: Injustice in Reference to Intermediate Goods.
August 2017:
Consecration of our parishes to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Act of Consecration for those who wish to join with our priests: consecrate your families. Message of Our Lady of Fatima: 117 girls in attendance for girls’ camp followed by 41 boys for boys’ camp: biannual priests’ meeting. Final vows of two religious seminarians- Frater Augustine Walz (Wisconsin) and Frater Philip Davis (Colorado). Moral Theology: Buying and Selling
July 2017:
St. Maria Goretti, example for our Catholic youth: Our Lady’s words at Fatima during July apparition: Boys’ and Girls’ Camps: Biannual Priests’ Meeting. The Harmony and Consistency of the Teaching of the Catholic Church on Baptism of Desire. Origin of St. Anthony Guide. Moral Theology: Sharing Our Good Works, Especially Holy Communion, With Others: Eucharistic Fast
June 2017:
Public chanting of the Litany of the Saints; Novena in preparation for feast of Pentecost. Importance of prayer especially in the life of priests and seminarians: Upcoming priest and religious retreat. Words of Wisdom from the Golden Rule or the Book for All: St. Thomas Aquinas on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Moral Theology: The Virtue of Piety.
May 2017:
Ordinations at Mater Dei Seminary took place on May 11th, the Feast of Sts. Philip and James. Bestowal of the first clerical tonsure and investiture with the surplice. The conferral of the minor orders of exorcist and acolyte. The major orders of the subdiaconate and the diaconate. Moral Theology: Drunkenness, a sin against sobriety.
April 2017:
Easter greetings: Holy Week ceremonies: Palm Sunday, the chanting of Tenebrae, Mass of the Chrism with blessing of Holy Oils, Mass of the Last Supper with washing of feet, sacred liturgy on Good Friday, and Easter Vigil. Liturgical training for seminarians as future priests. Upcoming bestowal of clerical tonsure and major and minor orders. April the month of the Blessed Sacrament. Church blessing in Harmony, MN on the feast of St. Joseph. Josef Weissenteiner recieves the minor orders of porter and lector. Moral Theology: Hearing Mass over the Radio.
March 2017:
Visit of Josef Weissensteiner, our Austrian seminarian studying under Fr. Abrahamovicz. Ordination to the minor orders of Porter and Lector. Update on our missions in the Philippines and assistance of these missions through the St. Francis Xavier Missionary Fund. Upcoming blessing of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harmony, MN on the feast of St. Joseph. Prayers for Vocations. A review of the Catholic teaching on baptism of blood and desire. Moral Theology: The Virtue of Abstinence.
February 2017:
Prayers for the repose of the soul of Walter Anthony Pivarunas, the father of the bishop. Requiem Mass and funeral ceremonies in Chicago: buried at St. Casimir Lithuanian Catholic Cemetery. Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes: new seminarian from Canada, Christian Pawlowski, is received as a CMRI postulant. Formation of a house of study in Colorado for religious seminarians. Three young ladies received as novice sisters into the Congregation of the Mother of God (CMD). Fr. Leo Heinrichs, the martyr of Denver. Moral Theology: Mass Stipends.
January 2017:
Pastoral visit to Guadalajara: recent ordinations to major and minor orders of Carmelite religious. Conference on religious life: the Sisters of the Divine Providence. Administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Observations on the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Upcoming bi-annual priests’ meeting. Moral Theology: Gifts on the Occasion of an Invalid Marriage; the Special Efficacy of a High Mass.
December 2016:
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe; ordinations to minor orders (Stephen Sandquist, Tien Le, Jeremy Saunders, Bradley Parker, Frater Philip Davis, CMRI) and subdiaconate (Frater Augustine Walz, CMRI). Moral Theology: Catholic Baptism; Church Fast and the Eucharistic Fast.
November 2016:
Recent Fatima Conference: Bishop Davila and some of the Trento priests visit to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Bishop Pivarunas. Fr. Alexander Kryssov visits seminary and gives conference on ecclesiastical history. Upcoming ordinations to minor and major orders on Dec. 12th. St. Francis Xavier Misson Fund. Review of Pope Pius XI’s Encyclical on Atheistic Communism. Moral Theology: Quantity of Wine for Mass; Preservation of Altar Breads.
October 2016:
25th anniversary of the ordinations of Fr. Gerard McKee, CMRI, Fr. Daniel Perez, Fr. James Thielen, and also of the death of Bishop Moises Carmona. St. Therese Church in O’Neill, Nebraska, celebrates its 25th anniversary. Conciliar Church to celebrate 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. A few of the heretical and blasphemous quotes of Martin Luther. Moral Theology: Restitution Because of Damnification.
September 2016:
25th anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Mark Pivarunas, CMRI, to the episcopacy; Bishop Carmona’s letter offering to consecrate a CMRI priest; election of Bishop Pivarunas and his curriculum vitae; explanation of his coat of arms. Moral Theology: Requirements to be a sponsor for Baptism.
August 2016:
25th anniversary of the blessing of Mary Immaculate Church in Omaha; biannual priests’ meeting, CMRI priests’ Diet; feasts of martyrs in August. Moral Theology: Validity of Confession; Imposing a Merely Internal Work as Penance.
July 2016:
Fr. Nino Molina returns from Philippines; Fra. Alphonsus Maria, CMRI, renews his vows; first Solemn High Mass of Fr. Timothy Geckle; Fra. Francis Crawford, CMRI, chanted the Gospel for the first time. The Pope Speaks: Excerpts from Cux Ex Apostolatus. Moral Theology: Separation of Siamese Twins; Representations of the Sacred Heart.
June 2016:
Ordinations at Mater Dei Seminary: Fr. Timothy Geckle is ordained to the priesthood. Also Frater Francis Crawford received the Diaconate, Frater Augustine Walz received the Minor Order of Acolyte, and five seminarians receive Clerical Tonsure. Moral Theology: Proximate Matter of Baptism; How Soon Must Infants Be Baptized?
May 2016:
From the Rector: St. Joseph and Vocations. The Authenticity of St. Mark’s Gospel Proved by the Dead Sea Scrolls - by a Seminarian. Moral Theology: Hearing Mass Over the Radio.
April 2016:
From the Rector: Upcoming ordinations in May; blessing of new church in Salem, New Hampshire; April, Month of the Blessed Sacrament. Photos of Holy Week at Mary Immaculate Church in Omaha; blessing of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Salem, New Hampshire; Mater Dei Academy archery team. Moral Theology: Purpose of Amendment.
March 2016:
From the Rector: St. Joseph and Vocations. The Authenticity of St. Mark’s Gospel Proved by the Dead Sea Scrolls - by a Seminarian. Moral Theology: Hearing Mass Over the Radio.
February 2016:
From the Rector: Thoughts on the Holy Season of Lent. The Authenticity of St. Mark’s Gospel Proved by the Dead Sea Scrolls - by a Seminarian. On Fostering Vocations to the Priesthood - Pope Pius XI. Moral Theology: Surgery for the Healthy.
January 2016:
The blessings of Christmas (Christ + Mass) for a priest; Letter of the Coeur d’Alene Indians to Pope Pius IX. Moral Theology: Funeral Services for an Unbaptized Infant; Confessins of Sins Committed Before Baptism.
December 2015:
Photos of ordination of Rev. Fr. Robert Letourneau to the ordination and of Frater Francis Crawford, CMRI, to the subdiaconate. Moral Theology: Viaticum to a Child; Permission to Use Confessional Knowledge.
November 2015:
Letter from the Rector - upcoming ordinations on Dec. 12, comments on the “papal” visit of Francis and the Synod on the Family. Photos of blessing of St. Theresa’s Church in Maine. Definition of a Priest. Why Do We Pray for the Dead? by Fr. John A. O’Brien. Moral Theology: Confession of Theft, Dispositions of Penitent.
October 2015:
Letter from the Rector - Reflections on the Patroness of Mater Dei Seminary, Mary, the Mother of God. St. Therese of Lisieux, Excerpts from Her Writings. What Popes Say About the Rosary. Moral Theology: Confirmation of a Retarded Child.
September 2015:
26th year of classes at Mater Dei Seminary begins; blessing of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Rosamond, California. Apocalypse of St. John - Excerpts from a Commentary by Rev. E. Syvester Berry, 1921. Moral Theology: Conditions for an Indulgence, Permission to Substitute the Scapular Medal for the Cloth Scapular.
August 2015:
Bi-annual priests’ meetings; summer camps for children; blessing of the new school in Burlington, Colorado; preparing for the new academic year for both school and seminary. St. Philomena, Virgin and Martyr. Moral Theology: Disposal of the Poor Box Receipts, Disappearance of Library Books.
July 2015:
Upcoming bi-annual priests’ meetings; priests in other countries; commenting on the Supreme Court’s decision on gay “marriage” and the Synod on the Family. Constantine’s Gift of the Lateran Palace to the Pope. Moral Theology: Marriage at Mass Prescribed, Interference in a Proposed Marriage.
June 2015:
Seminary year comes to an end; cosmology in practice at the seminary; Corpus Christi, Minor Orders, First Vows of Bro. Alphonsus Maria, CMRI. The Final Resting Place of St. Peter (from A Pilgrim Walks in Rome by P. J. Chandlery, S.J.). Moral Theology: Dishonesty in a Public Employee.
May 2015:
Minor orders and commencement ceremonies as the scholastic and school years come to an end at Mater Dei Seminary and Mater Dei Academy; groundbreaking for new school in Burlington; Fr. Nino Molina returns to Philippines; celebration of the 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood of Fr. Ephrem Marie, Cordova, CMRI. Moral Theology: Preaching the Efficacy of Perfect Contrition, Attendance at Billy Graham’s Services.
April 2015:
Visit from Fr. Floriano Abrahamowicz; Josef Weissensteiner (Italy) receives Clerical Tonsure; upcoming ordination to the diaconate of Rev. Timothy Geckle (Ohio) and Rev. Robert Letourneau (Boston). Photos: group photo of Fr. Floriano Abrahamowicz and new cleric, Josef Weissensteiner; first vows of CMD Sisters. The Last Resting-Places of the Apostles and Evangelists. Moral Theology: Problem on the Eucharistic Fast; The Purpose of Amendment.
March 2015:
March 12 is the 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood of Fr. Ephrem Marie, Cordova, CMRI; recent deaths of Dr. Patrick Hughes, MD — the father of Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI, and Fr. Brendan Hughes, CMRI); and also the loss of Mrs. Emily Radecki — the mother of Fr. Francisco Radecki, CMRI and Fr. Dominic Radecki, CMRI; upcoming ordinations, CMD Sisters’ vows, groundbreaking of new school; March, the month of St. Joseph. Your Cross by St. Francis de Sales; A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship (St. Joseph’s Stairs in New Mexico) by a seminarian. Moral Theology: The Precious Five-Dollar Bill.
February 2015:
Candlemas ceremonies; seminarians prepare for Pontifical High Mass of Ash Wednesday; practices for the solemn liturgies of Holy Week; pious practices to help keep the spirit of Lent. Acquisition of Statue of St. Philomena. Excerpts from The Life of Father Pro by Rev. M.D. Forrest, M.S.C. Moral Theology: The Absolution of a Recidivist; An Inheritance for Masses.
January 2015:
Pontifical High Mass on the Feast of the Epiphany (photo); comments on the “Synod on the Family”; radical statements and actions of Francis make universal apostasy more apparent; upcoming biannual priests’ meeting in Spokane; imitating the Holy Magi. Photos of recent ordinations, First Vows of Brother Thomas Lawrence, CMRI. Moral Theology: Frequent Communion of the Sick; Obligation to Hear a Complete Mass.
December 2015:
Our newly acquired church, St. Mary’s in Rockville, Nebraska; Indulgences — Our Hidden Treasures. Moral Theology: Sunday Morning Confessions.
November 2014:
The high altar at St. Mary’s in Rockville, Nebraska (photo); renovation and solemn blessing of our newly acquired church in Rockville; considerations for the holy season of Advent. St. Francis Xavier Patron Saint of Foreign Missions. Moral Theology: Dispensation of a Deacon.
October 2014:
Ordination of Rev. Timothy Geckle to the Diaconate; The Life of St. Gabriel, Passionist. Moral Theology: Honesty in Sports.
September 2014:
The Vocation to the Priesthood; The Life of St. Gabriel, Passionist. Moral Theology: Honesty in Sports.
August 2014:
The feasts of the Assumption and the Immaculate Heart of Mary; photos of the blessing of St. Theresa Church in Lebanon, Ohio, the girls’ summer camp. Moral Theology: Choosing a Particular Priest to Officiate at a Wedding.
July 2014:
Silver Jubilee of the ordination of Fr. Brendan Hughes, CMRI; Excerpts from Pastoral Letter “Modesty in Dress.” Moral Theology: Preparing for the Worst.
June 2014:
The Gifts of the Holy Ghost; Clerical Tonsure, Triennial Vows, Reception of Habit; St. Thomas Aquinas on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Moral Theology: Assistance at Mass in the “Crying Room,” Sunday Observance.
May 2014:
An explanation of first clerical tonsure; photos of Holy Week, Rosary procession, graduates of Mater Dei Academy, Mater Dei Archery team wins state championship. Moral Theology: Conditional Baptism of Dying Non-Catholics.
April 2014:
The ordinations of Fr. Anthony Short, CMRI, and Fr. Nino Molina at Mater Dei Seminary on the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 2014. Moral Theology: Drinking Cocoa on a Fast Day; A Malted Milk or Milk Shake on a Fast Day.
March 2014:
Comments on the recent statements of Bergoglio; The Martyr of Denver: Fr. Leo Heinrichs. Moral Theology: A Forgotten Sin.
February 2014:
Comments on the recent scandalous statements of Bergoglio; The Martyr of Denver: Fr. Leo Heinrichs. Moral Theology: A Forgotten Sin.
January 2014:
The faith of the Magi; the feast of the Purification; a contemporary miracle (the incorrupt body of St. Bernardette). Moral Theology: The Occult Reception of the Sacraments; An Invalidly Married Teacher.
December 2013:
Bishop Pivarunas visits Guadalajara, Mexico, to ordain two clerics to the holy priesthood; photos of religious communities in Mexico; Rev. Mr. Timothy Geckle is ordained to the subdiaconate at Mater Dei Seminary; Moral Theology: Coeducation in Catholic Schools; The Recipient of an Anonymous Letter.
November 2013:
The custom of praying for the faithful departed; St. Francis Xavier, Patron of Foreign Missions. Moral Theology: Computation of Time, Souvenirs from Restaurants.
October 2013:
Progress of the seminarians of Mater Dei Seminary; photos of seminarians, students of Mater Dei Academy, four postulants of the Sisters of the Congregation of the Mother of God. The History of Today’s Calendar. Moral Theology: Public Mass or Non-Catholics; Freezing of the Sacred Species.
September 2013:
Upcoming ordinations on December 8 and March 25; the care and formation of seminarians entrusted to the Mother of God, the Patroness of our seminary; The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheatre by P.J. Chandlery, S.J. Moral Theology: Publication of the Collection; Medicine before Holy Communion.
May 2013:
The end of another scholastic year for our seminary and academy; on May 19 our four novice brothers: Brother Augustine Walz (Wisconsin), Brother Philip Davis (Colorado), Brother Jerome Williams (Ohio), and Brother Francis Crawford (California) to take their first vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience as religious; Bishop travels to Australia. Excerpts from the Fathers of the Church on the Holy Eucharist. Moral Theology: Mass without a chalice; use of the faculty of bination.
April 2013:
Reflections on the Blessed Sacrament, lack of belief in the Novus Ordo services, Holy Week at Mater Dei Seminary. Moral Theology: Holy Communion for the Nurse; Viaticum Under the Species of Wine.
March 2013
Ordinations in Mexico; the traditional Catholic movement in Mexico. An excerpt from The Path of Mary by Mother Mary Potter on the perilous trials facing the faithful. Moral Theology: The Rectory Dog.
February 2013
Biannual priests’ at Mount St. Michael; Final Vows of Fr. Bernard Welp, CMRI; First Clerical Tonsure of Robert Letourneau; upcoming Silver Jubilee of Ordination of Fr. Dominic Radecki, CMRI, and Fr. Francisco Radecki, CMRI. “The Infant of Prague” by a Seminarian; “Your Cross,” by St. Francis de Sales. Moral Theology: Courtship Before the Declaration of Nullity; Instructions on Modesty in Dress.
January 2013
With the November elections now behind us, there are many serious problems which face our country and give us reason to pray for the conversion of our nation. The real solution is to be found not in men but in God...
December 2012
Ordinations at Mater Dei Seminary on December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Fr. Carlos Borja (Oklahoma) was ordained to the holy priesthood; Rev. Frater Anthony Short, CMRI (Colorado), Rev. Mr. Nino Molino (Philippines) and Rev. Mr. Jorje Linera (Argentina) were ordained deacons; Frater Michael Geckle (Ohio) received the minor orders of Porter and Lector. Moral Theology: Special Efficacy of a High Mass; the Admission of Married Persons to the Religious Life.
November 2012
With the November elections now behind us, there are many serious problems which face our country and give us reason to pray for the conversion of our nation. The real solution is to be found not in men but in God...
October 2012
Reflections on the Divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; blessing of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Seneca, Wisconsin; “Who has a vocation to the religious life?”; Moral Theology: The Precious Five-Dollar Bill, Cheating in Schools and Colleges.
September 2012
The North American Martyrs; Necessity of Order in the Seminary; Errors of Modern Conciliar Church Condemned by Past Popes; Moral Theology questions: Flour for Altar Breads.
August 2012
Reflections on the Assumption; Assumption Prayer Composed by Pope Pius XII; Moral Theology questions: Oaths in Legal Documents.
July 2012
Our Lady of Fatima’s July apparition; comments on the SSPX negotiations; 17th annual girls’s camp attended by 100 girls; One Reason for Differences among Traditional Catholics; Moral Theology questions: The Morality of a Kidney Transplantation.
June 2012
Priests’ retreat and Corpus Christi at Mater Dei Seminary, graduation at Mater Dei Academy, blessing of Mary Help of Christians Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Moral Theology questions: Conscientious Ballplayer; Falsehoods by One in Authority.
May 2012
Ordinations on May 11 - Rev. Mr. Carlos Borja is ordained to the Diaconate, Rev. Mr. Nino Molinos is ordained to the Subdiaconate, and Frater Michael Geckle receives the clerical tonsure. On May 13, four young men were received into the CMRI novitiate in Omaha: Brother Augustine Marie (Michael Walz), Brother Francis Maria (Dominic Crawford), Brother Philip Marie (Jonathan Davis), Brother Mary Jerome (Nathan Williams). Moral Theology questions: Missing Sunday Mass for Vacation, Work on a Holyday in a Catholic Institution
April 2012
Photos of Holy Week and Easter at Mater Dei Seminary; Moral Theology: Holy Communion for the Mentally Retarded Child
March 2012
Comparing St. Patrick’s Missionary Zeal to the False Ecumenism of the Modern “Catholic Church”; Photos of Bro. Xavier’s Pilgrimage to Rome and Portugal; Moral Theology: Friday Dinner with Non-Catholics; Whale on Friday
February 2012
Description of Mater Dei Seminary; Life of St. Gabriel, Passionist; Moral Theology: The Way of the Cross; The Pastor and Invalidly Married Parishoners
January 2012
Reflecting upon the Journey of the Magi; the Last Resting Places of the Apostles and Evangelists; the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne, Germany; Moral Theology: Prizefighting and Boxing; The Physician’s Professional Secret
December 2011
His Excellency's trip to Argentina to administer Confirmation; Minor Orders and the Subdiaconate conferred on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Moral Theology: Publication of the Collection; the Rights of a Religious
November 2011
Bro. Aloysius Maria, CMRI, is received into the novitiate; Bishop travels to Europe to administer Confirmations in Germany and England; Frater Anthony, CMRI, and Carlos Borja to receive the Subdiaconate, Creagh Goble and Nino Molina to receive the last two Minor Orders on December 8. Moral Theology: Ministrations to a Divorced Man
October 2011
Mater Dei Seminary celebrates its titular feast on the feast of the Divine Maternity; the Council of Ephesus and the condemnation of Nestorius; Jon Davis (Colorado) and Nathan Williams (Nebraska), our newest seminarians, are received as CMRI postulants; Encomium on the Mother of God delivered by St. Cyril of Alexandria at the Council of Ephesus. Moral Theology: How Early in an Illness may there be Anointing of the Sick?
September 2011
Beginning of new school year for students and 21st scholastic year for Mater Dei Seminary; Bro. Pius Maria, CMRI, is received into the novitiate; two postulants are received, and one more novice and one more postulant to be received within a few weeks. Assessment of the Assisi Meetings by Bishop Pivarunas; Moral Theology: Country or Conscience?
August 2011
Fr. Michael Sauntner, OSB, of Christ the King Abbey has disassociated himself from the Conciliar Church and is now affiliated with the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI); First Vows of Bro. Michael Maria, CMRI; Addressing objections to sedevacantism by Julio Pro, MD..; Moral Theology Column: Public Mass for non-Catholics; Mass for an Excommunicated Person
July 2011
Bishop Pivarunas ordains Fr. Brendan Legg and Fr. Michael Oswalt to the holy priesthood; eighteen priests assist in the ceremony; Moral Theology Column: Vitamin Pills and the Eucharistic Fast
June 2011
A SSPX priest completely rejects the modern Church, discovers the many traditional Catholic churches and schools (sedevacantist) in the U.S.; Tonsure and Minor Orders on the Feast of Ss. Philip and James; Moral Theology Column: Questions on the Eucharistic Fast
May 2011
Minor Orders, betrayal at Christ the King Monastery after Abbot Giardina’s death, Holy Week ceremonies; Moral Theology - Bathing Beauty Contests / Cheerleading
April 2011
Prophecies of the Messias in the Lenten liturgy; comments on 25th anniversary of the Assisi meeting; ordination of Rev. Mr. Michael Oswalt to the diaconate; Mater Dei Academy in the state archery competition; Miraculous Staircase of St. Joseph (A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship); Moral Theology - Flour for Altar Breads
March 2011
The Holy Season of Lent and Fasting; Life of St. Patrick; Moral Theology - Freezing of the Sacred Species; Revival of Extreme Unction
February 2011
Rev. Mr. Brendan Legg and Rev. Mr. Michael Oswalt to be ordained June 26; upcoming Silver Jubilee of Ordination of Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI; recommendation of Mario Derksen's defense of Archbishop Thuc’s consecrations (see www.ThucBishops.com); Fr. Luis Jurado back from Argentina; St. Charles Borromeo, Patron of Seminarians; Moral Theology - The Pastor and Invalidly Married Parishioners; Falsehoods by One in Authority
January 2011
Ordinations to Diaconate of Mr. Brandon Legg and to the Subdiaconate of Mr. Michael Oswalt; St. Ambrose’s discourse on St. Agnes; Moral Theology - Grouping of Mass Stipends; Two Stipends on Sunday?
December 2010
Letter from the Rector: Christmas wishes and prayers; Our Lady of Guadalupe, advancement of seminarians, recently-departed friends, good news regarding Fr. Jurado’s visa
Moral Theology: Obligation of Weekday Mass; Ciborium instead of Chalice
November 2010
Letter from the Rector: schools and vocations
Moral Theology: Baptismal record of an illegitimate child; Record of Private Baptism
October 2010
Letter from the Rector: Clerical Tonsure bestowed on Michael Oswalt; Fatima Conference; the gift of Jacinta Marto’s rosary
Christopher Columbus
Moral Theology: Missing Sunday Mass for Vacation; Violation of an Oath
September 2010
Letter from the Rector: Beginning the seminary’s new scholastic year
North American Martyrs
A Seminarian’s first effort at chanting at a public liturgy
Moral Theology: Catholics Assisting at an Invalid Marriage
August 2010
Letter from the Rector: Thoughts on St. John Vianney, Patron of Parish Priests
Moral Theology: Loot from Abroad
July 2010
Letter from the Rector: 25th Anniversary of Priesthood, Fr. Jurado’s visa, upcoming school year and scholastic year
The Precious Blood of Jesus
Moral Theology: The Machine and Servile Work; Payment of Correct Price
* Newsletters from 2009 to June 2010 will be added as time allows.
May 2009
Letter from the Rector: Spring at Mater Dei Seminary. Moral Theology: The Body as the Temple of the Holy Ghost, Authority of the Church over the Unbaptized.
April 2009
Letter from the Rector: the Resurrection of Our Lord as the very foundation of Christianity; Our Lord’s many prophecies of His Passion. Photos: Holy Week at Mater Dei Seminary. Moral Theology: Marriage at Mass Prescribed, Permission to Substitute the Scapular Medal for the Cloth Scapular.
March 2009
Letter from the Rector: Meditation on the Passion, studying the Holy Shroud of Turin; Old Testament Prophecies on the Sufferings of the Messias. Moral Theology: Conditional Administration of Sacraments
February 2009
Letter from the Rector: on the “lifting” of the excommunications of the bishops of the SSPX; Archbishop Lefebvre’s vacillating statements; contradictory theology of the SSPX and its erroneous concept of the Papacy.
A Message from Fr. Alexander Kryssov (Moscow, Russia)
Life of St. Gabriel, Passionist, by Fr. James McGilloway, CMRI
Moral Theology: Difficulties about Extreme Unction
January 2009
Letter from the Rector: A review of major events of 2008; concerns for 2009
A letter from Fr. Alexander Kryssov (Moscow, Russia)
Moral Theology: Holy Communion for the nurse; a Catholic baptism
December 2008
Letter from the Rector: Greetings for the Feast of the Nativity; the Cave of the Nativity in Bethlehem; relic of the Crib in St. Mary Major in Rome; confirmations in Argentina and Brazil.
Moral Theology: Which debt should be paid? and the disposal of poor box receipts
November 2008
Letter from the Rector: October ordinations of Fr. Alexander Kryssov and Fr. Bernard Welp, CMRI, whose mother died three weeks after her son's ordination.
Ordination photos
Moral Theology: validity of confession; vocalizing the sacramental penance
October 2008
Pope Pius XII: 50th Anniversary of Death
Moral Theology: frequent Communion of the sick
September 2008
Letter from the Rector: Trip to journey with Fr. Casimir Puskorius to administer the Sacraments; expansion of Mater Dei Academy; new novice Brother to be received; new seminary year of study begins. Samson, the new calf.
Moral Theology: Catholic Baptism of child of Protestant parents?
August 2008
Letter from the Rector: Dedication of Our Lady of the Snow Church in Denver, Colorado; upcoming feasts of Our Lady, school year beginning soon. New addition: Isabella the cow; Brothers get time off to fish
Moral Theology: Missing Sunday Mass for vacation; working on holydays in a Catholic institution.
July 2008
Letter from the Rector: Dedication of Mary Help of Christians Church in Fountain, Colorado; upcoming events — girls’ summer camp; bi-annual priests’ meeting.
Moral Theology: Exceptions from general rules of the Ritual in times of great emergency (enemy attack, particularly atomic weapons)
June 2008
Letter from the Rector: Pastoral Visits during Summer, Confirmations, July Priests’ Meetings
Moral Theology: Non-Catholic Funerals in Church, Insurance of Religious Property
May 2008
Letter from the Rector: Recent ordinations to the Diaconate and Minor Orders, Priests’ Annual Retreat, New Novice Brother to be received July 2, Upcoming Priestly Ordinations on October 7 at Mount St. Michael, Adjusting Travel of Priests Due to Gas Prices, Reminders about Modesty
Photos of First Clerical Tonsure Ceremonies
Clerical Tonsure (Article by L. Bacuez, S. S.)
Moral Theology: How Soon is Quam Primum? (Baptism of Infants quam primum — as soon as possible); The Confessions of Sins Committed Before Baptism
April 2008
Letter from the Rector: Fr. Julian Gilchrist to return to New Zealand, Rev. Mr. Alexander Kryssov to be ordained to the diaconate
Photos of Holy Week ceremonies
Moral Theology: Obligations of a Condemned Criminal; Sterilization of the Insane
March 2008
Letter from the Rector: Holy Week, new churches purchased in Colorado, upcoming ordinations
Old Testament Types of Jesus Christ
Moral Theology: The Occult Reception of the Sacraments; An Invalidly Married Teacher
February 2008
Letter from the Rector: References to the Blessed Trinity in the Old Testament
A Contemporary Miracle (The Incorrupt Body of St. Bernadette) by Fr. Gregory Drahman, CMRI
Moral Theology: Contributing to a Protestant Church; Attending Protestant Services with a Fiance
January 2008
Letter from the Rector: New Seminarians, Chair of Unity Octave, Immigration Difficulties for Fr. Gilchrist
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple by a Seminarian
The History of Today's Calendar by a Seminarian
Moral Theology: Permission to Use Confessional Knowledge; A Spiritual Director’s Obligation of Secrecy
December 2007
Letter from the Rector: Prophecies of the Coming of the Savior; Marian Feasts during Advent
Commentaries on the Apocalypse of St. John
Moral Theology: The Transfer of a Clergy Book; The Disappearance of Library Books
November 2007
Letter from the Rector: Mr. Randy Welp Received as Novice
Commentaries on the Apocalypse of St. John
Moral Theology: Payment of Correct Price; Disposal of a Collection
October 2007
Letter from the Rector: Mr. Randy Welp Received as Novice
Commentaries on the Apocalypse of St. John
Moral Theology: Payment of Correct Price; Disposal of a Collection
September 2007
Letter from the Rector: CMRI and Mt. St. Michael not in crisis
Moral Theology: Cooperation in Hysterectomy; The Absolution of a Recidivist
August 2007
Letter from the Rector: Ordinations and Vows in Guadalajara
Moral Theology: Holy Communion for a Mentally-Retarded Child
July 2007
Letter from the Rector: Priests’ Annual Retreat, Comments on Motu Proprio
Moral Theology: A Spiritual Director’s Obligation of Secrecy