20 October 2026
Traditional Catholic Evening Prayers in English | October
Denver Archbishop Orders Fr Ripperger to Fast — from Speaking
The actual statement from Francis/Leo Archbishop Golka on the cancellation of Fr Ripperger. The Modernists are having a field day.
From Rorate Cæli
Father Chad Ripperger, formerly of the FSSP, who became a kind of celebrity online due to his statements and interviews, was ordered by his current bishop, the Archbishop of Denver, to go silent.
This is the archdiocesan statement:
October 19, 2026
Archdiocese of Denver Statement on Fr. Ripperger
Archbishop Golka recently met with Fr. Chad Ripperger to discuss his ministry and his community, the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother. During that conversation, the Archbishop asked Fr. Ripperger to consider a one-year fast from public speaking and interviews. The time will allow him to devote himself to the Society and to the people it serves. Fr. Ripperger readily agreed. At the end of the year, they will review the arrangement together.
Archbishop Golka is grateful for Fr. Ripperger’s priestly service, exorcism ministry,and for the generous spirit in which he received this request. We ask the faithful to join us in praying for Fr. Ripperger and for the Society.
Summa Contra Gentiles, Book III: XX How Things Imitate the Divine Goodness
From Contemplating History
Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 7 March 1274), was a Doctor of the Church, Philosopher, Theologian, Jurist, Dominican Friar, and Priest. Known as Doctor Angelicus "Angelic Doctor," and the Doctor Communis "Universal Doctor" his writings serve as a defense and proof of the validity of Christ's authority over all. The Summa contra Gentiles (also known as Liber de veritate catholicae fidei contra errores infidelium, "Book on the truth of the Catholic faith against the errors of the unbelievers"). The Summa contra Gentiles consists of four books. The structure of Saint Thomas's work is designed to proceed from general philosophical arguments for monotheism, to which Muslims and Jews are likely to consent even within their own respective religious traditions, before progressing to the discussion of specifically Christian doctrine.
Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 7 March 1274), was a Doctor of the Church, Philosopher, Theologian, Jurist, Dominican Friar, and Priest. Known as Doctor Angelicus "Angelic Doctor," and the Doctor Communis "Universal Doctor" his writings serve as a defense and proof of the validity of Christ's authority over all. The Summa contra Gentiles (also known as Liber de veritate catholicae fidei contra errores infidelium, "Book on the truth of the Catholic faith against the errors of the unbelievers"). The Summa contra Gentiles consists of four books. The structure of Saint Thomas's work is designed to proceed from general philosophical arguments for monotheism, to which Muslims and Jews are likely to consent even within their own respective religious traditions, before progressing to the discussion of specifically Christian doctrine.
Book III discusses providence and the human condition, that is good and evil acts, human fate and intellect and the relation of created beings to the creator.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student of religion, or simply curious about the impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the world, this playlist is designed to provide an informative and engaging journey through its captivating past. Subscribe to the Contemplating History channel for more educational content and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history.
Why AI Risk Could Arrive Fast | Roman Yampolskiy, PhD
From Closer to Truth, a secular source.
How fast could AI move from useful tool to dominant intelligence? In this rapid-fire exchange, Roman Yampolskiy predicts AGI and ASI by 2028, widespread job redundancy, severe AI risks, and a long-term future in which humanity may no longer be central. 0:31 AGI and ASI Arrive by 2028 1:24 AI Makes Current Jobs Redundant 3:05 AI Harm, Casualties, and Extinction Risk 4:16 Unsupervised AI Authority 5:22 What an AI-Dominant Future Really Means Roman V. Yampolskiy is a tenured Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Louisville's Speed School of Engineering, where he founded and directs the Cyber Security Lab. Widely credited with coining the term "AI safety" in 2011, he is the author of AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable.
How fast could AI move from useful tool to dominant intelligence? In this rapid-fire exchange, Roman Yampolskiy predicts AGI and ASI by 2028, widespread job redundancy, severe AI risks, and a long-term future in which humanity may no longer be central. 0:31 AGI and ASI Arrive by 2028 1:24 AI Makes Current Jobs Redundant 3:05 AI Harm, Casualties, and Extinction Risk 4:16 Unsupervised AI Authority 5:22 What an AI-Dominant Future Really Means Roman V. Yampolskiy is a tenured Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Louisville's Speed School of Engineering, where he founded and directs the Cyber Security Lab. Widely credited with coining the term "AI safety" in 2011, he is the author of AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable.
Could Lady Margaret Beaufort Have Killed the Princes in the Tower?
From History Calling
Did Lady Margaret Beaufort kill the Princes in the Tower so that her son could take the English throne? Their disappearance in the Tower of London in 1483 is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in English history and Margaret’s involvement is one of the most popular alternative theories for those who don’t want to believe that Richard III killed his nephews, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, but what evidence is there that Henry VII’s mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort, matriarch of the Tudor dynasty, was a child killer? Where did this theory come from and why is it increasingly popular? Is there any contemporary proof linking Margaret Beaufort to the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower? How strong is the case compared to the traditional accusation against Richard III and what do most modern historians believe today?
In this video from History Calling we go back to the tail-end of the Wars of the Roses to explore the theory that the two lost boys were killed by the woman who would soon be known as My Lady the King’s Mother. We'll explore Margaret Beaufort's possible motives, her political influence, her connections with key figures of the period and whether she had the means and opportunity to orchestrate such a crime. We look at the origins of this theory, put forward by Sir George Buck in 1619, at why his work does and doesn’t deserve merit and at what Cornwallis had to say about it at a later date. We also examine how the novels of Philippa Gregory, The Red Queen and The White Queen, as well as the TV shows based on them, have popularised this theory for new generations and the dangers of historical fiction as a source.
Catholic Origins of the Big Bang Theory
With Karin Öberg, PhD, Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University and leader of the Öberg Astrochemistry Group at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Teens Sing Exquisite Lullaby to Those Lost Through Abortion at Illinois State House
From 2019, when Illinois made it "legal" to murder the unborn up until birth. After the bill passed, the governor was on the Illinois Senate floor, hugging and congratulating abortion-rights supporters.
From Aleteia
By Cerith Gardiner
This powerful video of pro-life young people has gone viral.
As the state of Illinois is in the throes of debating whether to allow a baby to be aborted up until birth, a powerful video has been posted on Facebook by St. John Cantius Church in Illinois of a group of teen pro-lifers singing the exquisite “Coventry Carol,” or as it’s also known “The Hymn of the Holy Innocents,” that they performed at the State House in Springfield back in 2017.
The post, which has amassed over 220,000 views, calls us to “Listen to our youth sing in the Illinois State Capitol for those lost through abortion …”
The youngsters from St. John Cantius united with the Crusaders for Life — a grassroots movement of pro-life youth from Chicago and beyond — during a rally in support of the dignity of the unborn two years ago. The 100 activists circled the rotunda inside the capitol building to give an emotional rendition of the hymn that stems from plays in medieval times depicting Herod’s massacre of the Holy Innocents based on the Gospel of St. Matthew.
While the melody in itself is moving, it’s worth taking a look at the lyrics that reveal the devastating loss of innocents back in the times of King Herod:
Lully, lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Lullay, thou little tiny Child,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
O sisters too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day
This poor youngling for whom we do sing
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
Herod, the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his owne sight,
All young children to slay.
That woe is me, poor Child for Thee!
And ever mourn and sigh,
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
Bye, bye, lully, lullay.
So take a minute to lose yourself in this glorious lullaby:
Huge! Fr Chad Ripperger Silenced by His Bishop!
Do we take the Archdiocesan press release at face value? There are competing narratives happening surrounding the silencing of Fr Chad Ripperger, and while we debate this, Modernist media are celebrating his silencing as a massive win.
Did They Have Drive-Bys in Medieval Times?
From Modern History TV
Todd of Toddstuff, a/k/a Jason Kingsley, CBE, the Modern Knight, explores the history and functionality of the 16th-century latchet crossbow used by border reavers on the Anglo-Scottish border. Through demonstrations on foot and horseback, the practical applications of this post-medieval weapon are examined, highlighting its advantages over early gunpowder firearms in certain conditions.
The medieval crossbow survived well into the age of gunpowder, but why and how?
Traditional Catholic Morning Prayers in English | October
The Catholic Commando Who May Have Inspired James Bond
There are many men "who have inspired James Bond". In fact, Wikipedia has an entire page devoted to Inspirations for James Bond. Major March-Phillipps isn't on it.
From Aleteia
By Cécile Séveirac
Major Gus March-Phillipps, an elite British officer and devout Catholic, led some of the most daring covert operations of World War II before dying in combat.
On the night of September 12–13, 1942, a daring British commando raid known as Operation Aquatint was underway. In the dark of a Normandy night, a small unit of Allied commandos made its way to the German-occupied French coast near Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes. But nothing went as planned.
The small group landed on the beach but immediately came under heavy German fire. Gustavus Henry March-Phillipps, known as “Gus,” risked everything but was killed during the fighting. He was 34 years old.
An extraordinary officer, novelist, sailor, horseman, and devout Catholic, he left behind an elite commando unit and a track record of successful covert operations. Yet, even today, he remains largely unknown to the general public.
Gus March-Phillpps was an unconventional figure for his time, both an irreverent poet and a swashbuckling soldier. Born in 1908, he entered the abbey school of Ampleforth in Yorkshire in 1917. Run by Benedictines, it is one of England’s great Catholic boarding schools, where faith is taught and lived daily.
He didn't particularly distinguish himself academically or in sports, but developed a reputation for recklessness, according to his obituary in the Ampleforth Journal (PDF). Nevertheless, the seeds of a solid faith and a chivalric ideal were undeniably planted.
A man who didn't fit the mold
After leaving Ampleforth in 1926, he entered the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. He spent his early years in the regular army in England, followed by a three-year stint in India.
His obituary in the Ampleforth Journal describes him as a “rather wild and irresponsible subaltern.” However, this was likely just the impatience of a man too big for ordinary frameworks.
The obituary offers a memorable portrait of his personality:
“But Gus March-Phillipps was indeed a remarkable young man, not only for what he did but more especially for his peculiarly attractive and fine qualities. […] But those of his friends who knew nothing of his exploits will remember him for his qualities, his courage, his nobility, his independence, his love of England and particularly the English countryside and English traditions, his impatience for action, his Catholic Faith, his love of the sea and of horses, and most of all for his ability to inspire his followers, his natural genius for leadership.
“What he loved most was to be in a situation where he knew that only by his own skill, determination and leadership could he avert disaster from himself and his companions. Few of his friends and none of his officers and men would have refused to follow him on whatever crazy adventure he might have proposed.”
“A curious mixture of conflicting impulses”
In short, he seemed straight out of an adventure novel, a “curious mixture of conflicting impulses.” He wasn’t an intellectual dreaming of action, nor was he a soldier scribbling verses out of boredom; he was both.
He had resigned from the regular army to devote himself to writing, but the Munich crisis of 1938 pulled him out of his literary retirement. He applied to rejoin the military and was called up the following year.
The Small Scale Raiding Force
March-Phillipps had a precise idea of what he could and wanted to do. Confident in his abilities, he joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) as an intelligence officer, serving first at the 2nd Corps headquarters and then at General Headquarters from September 1939 until the evacuation of Dunkirk.
Back in England, he refused to sit idle. He hounded his friends, acquaintances, and superiors until he received permission to implement his own ideas on how to fight the enemy.
Alongside his friend Lt. Geoffrey Appleyard, he formed a secret unit under the aegis of the Special Operations Executive (SOE). This unit officially became No. 62 Commando, also known as the Small Scale Raiding Force (SSRF). Some of its members later helped establish the 2nd Special Air Service (SAS).
It would take a novel to cover all of his unit’s exploits. In January 1942, he led Operation Postmaster. In the dead of night on the Spanish island of Fernando Po, his men seized three enemy vessels without firing a shot and brought them to Nigeria. This audacious success cemented the SOE’s reputation.
Returning to England as a newly promoted major, he launched a series of nighttime raids along the German-occupied coastline. These included capturing German prisoners at the Casquets lighthouse (Operation Dryad) and fighting German troops during a raid targeting a radar installation and antiaircraft positions in France (Operation Barricade).
His military service earned him several honors, including the Distinguished Service Order and a mention in despatches.
A fateful mission in Normandy
The night of September 12–13, 1942, proved fatal. As his 11-man detachment landed on the beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer — nearly 21 months before the D-Day landings on that same stretch of coastline — the current had carried their vessel several miles west of its intended destination.
Barely ashore, the commandos came under German fire. Unable to return to their landing boat, they found themselves trapped on the beach. Their supporting vessel attempted to recover them but eventually had to withdraw when German patrol boats opened fire.
Major March-Phillipps was killed during the fighting. He died alongside Sgt. Allen Michael Williams, 22, and Pvt. Richard Lehniger, 42.
He was buried with them in the church cemetery at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, on the very Normandy coast where he drew his last breath. His tombstone bears a famous quote from Thomas à Kempis’ spiritual classic, The Imitation of Christ: “He that loveth, flyeth, runneth and rejoiceth; he is free.”
Major Gus March-Phillipps tomb
Although relatively unknown today, March-Phillipps has been cited as one of the possible inspirations for James Bond. Ian Fleming, who created the famous character, also worked in British intelligence during the war.
In 2024, director Guy Ritchie brought a highly romanticized version of their story to the big screen in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, starring Henry Cavill as Gus.
“If I must die”
A year before his death, Major March-Phillipps penned a prayer in the form of a poem. Rather than asking God for protection, he prayed for the grace to face death with simplicity, unwavering faith, courage, and joy.
The author of his obituary in the Ampleforth Journal wrote, “He was, I know, granted this.”
IF I MUST DIE
If I must die in this great war
when so much seems in vain,
And man in huge unthinking hordes
is slain as sheep are slain,
But with less thought: then do I seek
One last good grace to gain.
Let me die, Oh Lord, as I learned to live
when the world seemed young and gay,
And “Honor bright” was a phrase they used
that they do not use to-day,
And faith was something alive and warm
When we gathered round to pray.
Let me be simple and sure once more,
Oh Lord, if I must die,
Let the mad unreason of reasoned doubt,
Unreasoning, pass me by,
And the mass mind, and the mercenary,
And the everlasting “why.”
Let me be brave and gay again,
Oh Lord, when my time is near
Let the good in me rise up and break
The stranglehold of fear;
Say that I die for Thee and the King,
And what I hold most dear.
— G. March-Phillipps
December 1941
19 October 2026
St Artemius, Martyr ~ A Bi-Ritual Saint
St Artemius, called in the East the Holy Great Martyr Artemius, is honoured both in the East and the West today. Here is his story from both.
Holy Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was a prominent military leader during the reigns of the emperor Constantine the Great (May 21), and his son and successor Constantius (337-361). Artemius received many awards for distinguished service and courage. He was appointed viceroy of Egypt. In this official position, he did much for the spreading and strengthening of Christianity in Egypt.
Saint Artemius was sent by the emperor Constantius to bring the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew from Patras, and the relics of the holy Apostle Luke from Thebes of Boeotia, to Constantinople. The holy relics were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles beneath the table of oblation. The emperor rewarded him by making him ruler of Egypt.
The emperor Constantius was succeeded on the throne by Julian the Apostate (361-363). Julian in his desire to restore paganism was extremely antagonistic towards Christians, sending hundreds to their death. At Antioch, he ordered the torture of two bishops unwilling to forsake the Christian Faith.
During this time, Saint Artemius arrived in Antioch and publicly denounced Julian for his impiety. The enraged Julian subjected the saint to terrible tortures and threw the Great Martyr Artemius into prison. While Artemius was praying, Christ, surrounded by angels, appeared to him and said, “Take courage, Artemius! I am with you and will preserve you from every hurt which is inflicted upon you, and I already have prepared your crown of glory. Since you have confessed Me before the people on earth, so shall I confess you before My Heavenly Father. Therefore, take courage and rejoice, you shall be with Me in My Kingdom.” Hearing this, Artemius rejoiced and offered up glory and thanksgiving to Him.
On the following day, Julian demanded that Saint Artemius honour the pagan gods. Meeting with steadfast refusal, the emperor resorted to further tortures. The saint endured all without a single moan. The saint told Julian that he would be justly recompensed for his persecution of Christians. Julian became furious and resorted to even more savage tortures, but they did not break the will of the saint. Finally, the Great Martyr Artemius was beheaded.
His relics were buried by Christians. After the death of Saint Artemius, his prophecy about Julian the Apostate’s impending death came true.
Julian left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon, Julian came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian’s army. The old man deceived Julian and led his army into the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Tired from hunger and thirst, Julian’s army battled against fresh Persian forces.
Divine retribution caught up with Julian the Apostate. During the battle, he was mortally wounded by an unseen hand and an unseen weapon. Julian groaned deeply said, “Thou hast conquered, Galilean!” After the death of the apostate emperor, the relics of the Great Martyr Artemius were transferred with honour from Antioch to Constantinople.
Saint Artemius is invoked by those suffering from hernias.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr Artemios, O Lord, / through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 2
Let us gather to sing worthy hymns in honour of Artemius, / the pious and victorious martyr who defeated his enemies: / He is great among martyrs and generous in performing miracles, / and he intercedes with the Lord on behalf of us all!
From the East:
Holy Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was a prominent military leader during the reigns of the emperor Constantine the Great (May 21), and his son and successor Constantius (337-361). Artemius received many awards for distinguished service and courage. He was appointed viceroy of Egypt. In this official position, he did much for the spreading and strengthening of Christianity in Egypt.
Saint Artemius was sent by the emperor Constantius to bring the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew from Patras, and the relics of the holy Apostle Luke from Thebes of Boeotia, to Constantinople. The holy relics were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles beneath the table of oblation. The emperor rewarded him by making him ruler of Egypt.
The emperor Constantius was succeeded on the throne by Julian the Apostate (361-363). Julian in his desire to restore paganism was extremely antagonistic towards Christians, sending hundreds to their death. At Antioch, he ordered the torture of two bishops unwilling to forsake the Christian Faith.
During this time, Saint Artemius arrived in Antioch and publicly denounced Julian for his impiety. The enraged Julian subjected the saint to terrible tortures and threw the Great Martyr Artemius into prison. While Artemius was praying, Christ, surrounded by angels, appeared to him and said, “Take courage, Artemius! I am with you and will preserve you from every hurt which is inflicted upon you, and I already have prepared your crown of glory. Since you have confessed Me before the people on earth, so shall I confess you before My Heavenly Father. Therefore, take courage and rejoice, you shall be with Me in My Kingdom.” Hearing this, Artemius rejoiced and offered up glory and thanksgiving to Him.
On the following day, Julian demanded that Saint Artemius honour the pagan gods. Meeting with steadfast refusal, the emperor resorted to further tortures. The saint endured all without a single moan. The saint told Julian that he would be justly recompensed for his persecution of Christians. Julian became furious and resorted to even more savage tortures, but they did not break the will of the saint. Finally, the Great Martyr Artemius was beheaded.
His relics were buried by Christians. After the death of Saint Artemius, his prophecy about Julian the Apostate’s impending death came true.
Julian left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon, Julian came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian’s army. The old man deceived Julian and led his army into the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Tired from hunger and thirst, Julian’s army battled against fresh Persian forces.
Divine retribution caught up with Julian the Apostate. During the battle, he was mortally wounded by an unseen hand and an unseen weapon. Julian groaned deeply said, “Thou hast conquered, Galilean!” After the death of the apostate emperor, the relics of the Great Martyr Artemius were transferred with honour from Antioch to Constantinople.
Saint Artemius is invoked by those suffering from hernias.
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyr Artemios, O Lord, / through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 2
Let us gather to sing worthy hymns in honour of Artemius, / the pious and victorious martyr who defeated his enemies: / He is great among martyrs and generous in performing miracles, / and he intercedes with the Lord on behalf of us all!
From the West:
From Theodoret, Hist. Eccles.1. 3, c. 18; Chron. Pasch. p. 297, ed. Du Cange; Julian the Ap. ep. 10; Ammian. Marceli.1. 15, c. 23; Fleury,1. 15, c. 23.
A. D. 362.
AUGUSTUS, not being willing to intrust the government of Egypt, which was a rich and powerful country, from which the city of Rome was in part supplied with corn, to a senator, like other great provinces of the empire, passed an order that, instead of a proconsul, it should be governed only by a Roman knight, with the title of Augustal prefect.† The government of the troops was committed to a general officer with the title of duke, or general of Egypt. Artemius was honored with this command under Constantius, after Lucius and Sebastian. If, in executing some commissions under Constantius, he appeared against St. Athanasius, by various contrivances he afforded him means and opportunities to make his escape. If he betrayed 100 great weakness in obeying his prince at that time, he never approved his heresy. At least, that he was orthodox in his faith in the reign of Julian, is evident from Theodoret, the Paschal Chronicle, and the ancient Greek Calendars. The idolaters in Egypt accused him before that emperor of having demolished their temples, and broke down their idols. Julian summoned him to appear before him at Antioch in 362, and upon this indictment condemned him to be beheaded in that city, about the month of June in 362.
Artemius engaged in the service of impious Arians, who imbrued their hands in the blood of the saints, and placed on the pinnacle of worldly honors, stands upon the brink of the precipice, in imminent danger of being tumbled down headlong into everlasting flames; yet the omnipotent hand of God rescues him from these dangers, and leads him to bliss by a glorious martyrdom. The view of the many imminent dangers of perishing eternally, to which our souls have been often exposed, must fill us with the deepest sentiments of gratitude, love, and praise, for the infinite and most undeserved mercy by which we have been preserved. Should not we burst forth into incessant hymns of praise and thanksgiving? singing with the royal prophet: Unless the Lord had helped me, my soul had long ago dwelt in he11.1 Should not we, in a transport of gratitude, implore, without interruption, the divine grace, and resolve to serve God with all our strength that the fruit of so great mercies may not perish through our malice?
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