Musings of an Old Curmudgeon
The musings and meandering thoughts of a crotchety old man as he observes life in the world and in a small, rural town in South East Nebraska. I hope to help people get to Heaven by sharing prayers, meditations, the lives of the Saints, and news of Church happenings. My Pledge: Nulla dies sine linea ~ Not a day without a line.
24 May 2026
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How Church Doctrine Can Be Developed but Not Altered
From Aleteia
By Philip Kosloski
St Vincent of Lérins gives a perfect example of how Church doctrine can be developed over time, but never altered.At times it can be confusing to see the Catholic Church make new proclamations of what she believes.
The dogma of the Assumption of Mary is a prime example, as it was officially defined very recently: in 1950.
It may thus seem like a "new" doctrine, when in reality it is only the Church defining something she has believed for centuries.
A 4th-century monk, St. Vincent of Lérins, gives an easily understood example in a letter that is featured in the Church's Office of Readings.
Development means that each thing expands to be itself, while alteration means that a thing is changed from one thing into another.
St. Vincent explains that development is always good, but alteration is not.
The religion of souls should follow the law of development of bodies. Though bodies develop and unfold their component parts with the passing of the years, they always remain what they were. There is a great difference between the flower of childhood and the maturity of age, but those who become old are the very same people who were once young. Though the condition and appearance of one and the same individual may change, it is one and the same nature, one and the same person.
The key is that the Church remains the same, though may look differently than it did when it was a "child."
Alteration, on the other hand, would disfigure the Church and change doctrine to be something completely different.
If, however, the human form were to turn into some shape that did not belong to its own nature, or even if something were added to the sum of its members or subtracted from it, the whole body would necessarily perish or become grotesque or at least be enfeebled. In the same way, the doctrine of the Christian religion should properly follow these laws of development, that is, by becoming firmer over the years, more ample in the course of time, more exalted as it advances in age.
St. Vincent's letter offers the perfect criteria for whenever Church leaders assemble to discuss Church matters. Development is good and praiseworthy, but alteration, adding to or subtracting from beliefs, is always to be avoided.
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Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians During Times of Trial
From Aleteia
By Philip Kosloski
According to St. John Bosco, Mary, Help of Christians is always there to help us during our difficulties.
In a dream he had, St. John Bosco saw the Church depicted as a ship tossed about on the sea and under fierce attack. However, one of the pillars that kept the ship anchored had “Mary, Help of Christians” standing on top of it.
He later said, “Only two things can save us in such a grave hour: devotion to Mary and frequent Communion.” The Virgin Mary has always been viewed by Catholics as a refuge in times of distress and is even seen as a “warrior queen” on occasion.
Even Jesus gave his “beloved disciple” his mother to care for during the most difficult moment in history.
Below is a prayer to Mary, Help of Christians, invoking her motherly protection and asking her to help all Christians get through times of “trial, temptation and danger.”
Most holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians, we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church’s history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation and danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners, the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter of the dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, to proclaim His Good News of God’s love for all people, and to work for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and abandoned, and all the dying.
Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the graces of which we stand in need. (Mention your intentions.) May we serve Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!
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