Saving Traditional Books?

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In the 90s, I visited a former Catholic women’s college in St Louis, MO. Of course I had to visit the chapel, which was really lovely: csjsl.org/our-heritage/jewels-from-jane/jewels-archive/1015.php (scroll down to see)

It is hard to tell by the photo, but it was really a beautiful chapel. Marble flooring, altars, altar rail and beautiful confessionals and stations. All still intact, except they tore out the pews and formed a circle around a table structure. (It can all be restored, hint, hint)

Anyway, I stuck my head in one of the confessionals and to my amazement, there were boxes and boxes of books, Liber Usalis, dozens of copies of The Little Office of the BVM, etc…

There was a “sister” there cleaning the chapel and I mentioned how beautiful the chapel was. She just glared at me very hard. I then mentioned that I took a peek inside the confessional and noted the books and asked if I could have a copy of the Little Office. “NO, you cannot–get out of here!” I asked if I could buy some of the books and was told I would have to call Sister so-and-so and then she added, “…and I can already tell you she’ll say no.” I then asked if I could just stay a few minutes to pray the rosary and she said, “Nope.” Then she walked me out, slammed the door and locked it furiously.

WHY? Seriously, they haven’t used these books in 40 odd years. (Really odd years)

My question is, has anyone had success trying to rescue holy books from what I call post-Catholic orders? Is there a good way to approach them?
 
That is very strange…

I have never had a problem either being given or buying old books from Religious orders; although most of the books I have have been from Anglican Orders; the few I do have from Catholic are not as old or as valuable as the Anglican ones – but ask and you shall recieve.
 
Our choir has certainly had no issues locating and buying copies of the Paroissien Romain (French equivalent to the Liber Usualis but with saints for Canada, etc.).

We got them very cheap and resold them to choristers for ten bucks. I have a copy. It was cheaper than having them buy the current Roman Gradual, which is about sixty bucks. Our choirmaster would simply take the appropriate chants from the Gradual and tell the choristers which pages the chants were on.

But that created a lot of page turning and now we scan the chants and everyone has the right chants in proper order in a black binder that we use when we sing.

But we’ve all still got our Paroissien Romain. Mine was from a women’s religious order (I forget which one) and still has the sister’s meticulously handwritten notes in the margins.
 
Dear OraLabora and JohnDamien,

Thank you for your responses. I am very glad to hear you’ve both had success in obtaining older books from religious orders.

One thing to keep in mind, neither of you are in the United States, where women religious, of the most beautiful, ancient orders, founded by saints, have gone absolutely stark raving mad. That is not an understatement. Many of them are so lost, so far gone, have rejected the Church entirely, have given up Our Blessed Lord and show a demonic hatred for the Holy Sacraments. All women’s religious orders in the United States are currently under a 3 year investigation by the Holy See and the doctrinal content of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious is being examined. And we all say, ABOUT TIME!

apostolicvisitation.org/en/index.html
A Must Read: freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2321398/posts
 
You can buy the books that you need elsewhere.
Also, consider buying reprints in order to support Catholic publishers.
As for the Sisters, please pray for them. Pray …
 
reggieM said:
You can buy the books that you need elsewhere.
Also, consider buying reprints in order to support Catholic publishers.
As for the Sisters, please pray for them. Pray …
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Oh, believe me I do. Good reminder though.

The books aren’t as readily available as they were 10+ years ago. Which is a good sign–people are buying and using them.

However, I would also like to rescue those old books before they hit the dust bin.:mad:
 
HCC said:
The books aren’t as readily available as they were 10+ years ago. Which is a good sign–people are buying and using them.
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True – that is good to see. Although it does make it more expensive and difficult to get some items.
However, I would also like to rescue those old books before they hit the dust bin.:mad:
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I hope that wouldn’t happen any more, but you never know.

We had a parish closing nearby recently and they were selling just about everything in the rectory, including the library. I walked in and saw a huge book collection - untouched (even after days of the sale). Look! Many old books still available … all the “classics” from 45 years ago! Schillebeeckx, Rahner, Curran, Kung, Baum, McCormick, Haring, Greely, Burghardt, Harvey Cox, Bultmann … :hypno::nope: (I need an UGGGH! smilie).

Amazingly, even the secular book dealers wouldn’t touch that pile of toxic waste. 🙂

I hope none of that even went into a dustbin or recycling where some unfortunate soul could find it.

… no wonder that parish lost membership and had to close!]
 
reggieM said:
… all the “classics” from 45 years ago! Schillebeeckx, Rahner, Curran, Kung, Baum, McCormick, Haring, Greely, Burghardt, Harvey Cox, Bultmann … :hypno::nope: (I need an UGGGH! smilie).

Amazingly, even the secular book dealers wouldn’t touch that pile of toxic waste. :)]
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Hahaha! Yes, the ghosts of Vatican II…
Re: Church closings…most parish closings and consolidations these days are happening to help settle ‘certain lawsuits.’ eh-hem…
 
HCC said:
…in the United States, where women religious, of the most beautiful, ancient orders, founded by saints, have gone absolutely stark raving mad. That is not an understatement…
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You must have gone to Catholic School with me!
 
HCC said:
Hahaha! Yes, the ghosts of Vatican II…
Re: Church closings…most parish closings and consolidations these days are happening to help settle ‘certain lawsuits.’ eh-hem…
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You got that right. Did anyone happen to see the website where the Cleveland Diocese is selling off statues and altars from the closed churches there?
 
thealtonroute said:
You got that right. Did anyone happen to see the website where the Cleveland Diocese is selling off statues and altars from the closed churches there?
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No, I didn’t. Any way I can view the items online? Are they selling to the public?
 
HCC said:
All women’s religious orders in the United States are currently under a 3 year investigation by the Holy See and the doctrinal content of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious is being examined. And we all say, ABOUT TIME!
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Not ALL… remember, cloistered orders are exempt.
However, I am with you in saying that this review is necessary.

Not all orders have gone “stark raving mad” I point you to the Domincans of Ann Arbor MI and Nashville TN.
 
rosary_kat said:
Not ALL… remember, cloistered orders are exempt.
However, I am with you in saying that this review is necessary.

Not all orders have gone “stark raving mad” I point you to the Domincans of Ann Arbor MI and Nashville TN.
Click to expand...
I think I said many…😉

However, I’m glad you mentioned that because Holy Cow!

Look at all the wonderful orders right here in the USA:

womenreligiousorders.blogspot.com/ (Note** when you get to the bottom of the page, click “older posts” to continue)
 
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