Posts

Standing on Two Feet? Does the USCCB get Social Justice?

For years, Catholic educators have used the visual of two footprints to explain the difference between two kinds of charitable works, that is, the traditional “works of mercy” and what is, in some places, called “social justice.” This latter work is explained in different ways, depending on the degree of fidelity given material has to…

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On Pilgrimages

One hundred twelve years ago this month, Hilaire Belloc left his wife and several children (5, I believe) back in England while he made a pilgrimage across the continent to Rome for the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul. He began in his old garrison town where he served a stint in a French artillery…

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From Under The Rubble…Notre Dame, Obama, And The Death of Dialogue

It’s been four long years since Notre Dame welcomed Barack Obama to campus, awarding him an honorary degree and the opportunity to address the graduating class of 2009. Among the reasons for the award, according to university President John Jenkins, C.S.C., one was central: “He is a leader who has respect for the role of…

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To Love as the Trinity Loves

I enjoyed this homily from my pastor this past weekend and wanted to share it here for our readers. This homily is by Father Jay Kythe, Pastor of the Church of St. Pius X, White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Homily delivered on the Feast of the Holy Trinity, 2013 Many homilists will preach for this feast…

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Footnote 34: Benedict’s Motu Proprio (first of two)

As he was preparing to leave office, Pope Benedict XVI promulgated a critical clarification of Canon Law regarding how the Church conducts Catholic charities of all kinds. The local bishop, not the national conferences, should be the point man, he says, and they must implement many common-sense rules that a lot of Catholic institutions are not going to like – at all.

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The Two Standards: Truth Incarnate or The Father of Lies.

Alternate Title: Liars are children of the devil by imitation. Recently, I saw a disgusting sight on Kevin O’Brien’s blog as people reacted to a post wherein Kevin exhorted people to tell the truth (he gives more examples in his post about this article). The comments are horrid and remind one that no matter how…

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Pentecost, Pentecostalism, Nominalism, and the Holy Spirit

As water cleanses from impurity and extinguishes fire, the use of water signifies that our souls are cleansed and the fire of hell is quenched for us. As oil gives light and strengthens the body, its use in Confirmation indicates plainly that our souls are enlightened and fortified by the Holy Spirit. Thus the practical…

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Footnote 33: MSNBC Children belong to state

In Footnote 33, Chris Manion observes that a whacko feminist recently insisted that children belong to the state, not to God or their parents. She thought she was being very avante-garde. Was she right? Far from it: it’s an old canard whose history deserves our attention.

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From Under the Rubble…Is the the Rule of Law Immoral (Part II)

Last week we looked at the Catholic Church and its advocacy of legislation granting amnesty to illegal aliens. Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, who leads the Church’s campaign, has condemned the “nativism” and “bigotry” which in his view often motivates the advocates of the rule of law. This is not the first time that…

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