Posts
Roman Journal: (A bit more than a) Mid-Point Report
Greetings all, from Borgo Santo Spirito 4: The Curia of the Society of Jesus (see below right). Already I am following in the footsteps of the great Hilaire Belloc who broke every vow he made on day 2 of his Roman pilgrimage. Instead of giving you a daily update, I am giving you an update a…
Is There Hope For The GOP?
In case Republicans haven’t noticed, Obama has declared war on them. Perhaps he recognizes that the party of Reagan is defenseless these days, having abdicated the principles which built the modern GOP – principles that have long enjoyed the high regard of a majority of Americans, millions of them nominal Democrats. All of this is…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
