capdox url

The capdox blog URL is: http://capdox.blogspot.com.au/

some capdox housekeeping

For quite some time (about three years), the software for the header module on the capdox site has been malfunctioning. The problem has been repaired with a software update and now the module functions correctly.
Visitors can now see a greater variety of header images on the homepage.
I usually change the selection of images once a week.
Here's a sample.

Bernardino Da Balvano

The Mirror of Prayer

Translated by Bro. Patrick Colbourne OFM Cap

Bernardino da Balvano (+ c. 1568/70) was an outstanding missionary and preacher who worked predominantly in the region of Southern Italy. Many small booklets which inspired popular piety over a long period of time were the result of his pastoral activities. The content and diversity of topics in these writings are to be found in a condensed fashion in his most important and most prolifically published booklet entitled The Mirror of Prayer which appeared in Messina in 1553 and was reprinted fourteen times within the space of about seventy years. It is a charming little pocket edition the product of both the concrete spiritual and apostolic experience of its author. In thirty-three very compact short chapters, as well as a final appendage (which in our opinion was a separate little work, entitled The Seven Rules for Good Living, which is mentioned by his biographers), the subject of interior prayer that leads to the gift of mystical experience through meditation on the mysteries of Christ is set out with great clarity, simplicity and emotion. However, it is not so much an authoritative and abstract lecture as it is a very practical manual in which the essential theoretical directives are passed on plainly and applied by means of concrete and realistic exercises that can be easily assimilated by the reader. It is this “practical quality” which makes the work popular in character and worthy of a spiritual guide and a true master of prayer.

Go to the Capdox article and document

A Scurrilous Letter to Paul III - text

Some time ago the essay A Scurrilous Letter to Paul III was posted on Capdox (here). For some reason, I overlooked the supplementary text containing the full transcription of the relevant manuscripts. As of today, that oversight is remedied.
This second document is in A3 landscape format and weighs in at 481 kb.
In synoptic layout, Benrath's slightly abbreviated transcription is compared with the two Guicciardini (Florence) Mss and the Sant Gallen Ms.

This letter is an example of a strident politicization of historiography. The author slanders Paul III, not so much for theological, but political reasons, while taking advantage of the scandal of Bernardino Ochino's flight to Geneva as well as his popular authority. The circulation of this letter would not have enhanced the reputation of the Capuchin Fraternity. Ochino's story demonstrates that a hermetically sealed demarcation  between Catholic and "Lutheran" or Protestant, or between spirituali (evangelicals) and intransigenti  in Italy in the 1530's and 1540's is inadequate. Such a polarised view will gain traction later.
Your comments (of whichever streak) are welcome, on this blog, or via email.

Capuchins in Australia - revamped website

The website of the Capuchin Friars in Australia is changing. You can visit the site here.

Contemplative Prayer, Intercession and the Liturgy of the Hours

Contemplative Prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Ministry of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours

Find it here

Relying on the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours and other liturgical documents, I wish to offer some reflections on the Liturgy of the Hours as intercession. What is happening in the Liturgy of the Hours? How do the psalms fit into this happening? Then I would like to offer some suggestions to help when praying the psalms.

A Happy and Holy New Year to one and all!

Wishing you a Grace-filled and Holy Christmas 2012!

Br. Paul Hanbridge ofm cap

96 Catherine Street

Leichhardt, NSW 2040

Australia