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A fresco depicting mythological figures in vibrant colors: cherubs with bows, a central female figure, and various other characters. The scene is dynamic with flowing drapery and dramatic poses.

Kosher Observance is the new Catholic Dating Scene?

Prior to God becoming man, devout souls had only the law, given by God to Moses. It was from God, but the laws is a thing nonetheless, not a person.  Prophets got to be with God, know His person in person, but everyone else knew him from the law and what the prophets said.  To be…

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A bearded man in ornate golden and red robes kneels, holding a heart with flames. Surrounded by books and religious texts, he appears to be in deep prayer or contemplation. A halo of light shines down on him, suggesting a divine presence. The text "SANCTVS BONAVENTURA" is visible at the top of the image."

Augustine was not saved through Navel Gazing

The unfortunate oversight of Matt McGuiness — Augustine did not say that navel gazing and staring into the abyss brings you to Jesus. Good friends praying for a miracle, like St. Monica or Kevin O’Brien, does bring salvation, though — even if you call us “moralists” and think we aren’t “realists”.

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A serene Jesus in a pink robe and white cloak raises his hand in blessing, standing beside a kneeling, muscular angel with brown wings. The scene is set against a blue sky, evoking Catholic themes of divine blessing and devotion.

The Lord of All to the Emperor of Sand and Dust–“You WILL let my people go.”

Ed. Note. The Bellarmine Forum is pleased to present the Homily of Fr. John Paul Erickson, Director of Worship for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and priest of the Church of Saint Agnes. This homily was delivered on Quadragesima Sunday (The First Sunday of Lent, 2013) at the Church of Saint Agnes. Father…

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A black-and-white engraving of a man in 17th-century attire, with a crucifix around his neck. Background shows people working and a building under construction. The man has a serious expression, suggesting a scholarly or religious context.

The Confidence of Campion

In the Preface to the American edition of his 1946 biography of the Jesuit saint and martyr, Edmund Campion, Evelyn Waugh wrote: We have seen the Church driven underground in one country after another. The martyrdom of Fr. Pro in Mexico re-enacted Campion’s. In fragments and whispers we get news of the other saints in…

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From Under the Rubble…Benedict’s Long View

“A lifetime is not enough” to see all of Rome, said Pope Gregory XIV. Similarly, the contributions of Pope Benedict XVI will last far beyond our lifetimes – yet their most lasting impact might be barely visible today. Take his “Regensburg Lecture,” delivered in 2006. The media huffed that the address offended Muslims, and wrote…

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Elderly man with white hair and blue eyes, wearing a light blue collared shirt and dark tie. He is smiling slightly and appears to be in an indoor setting.

John W. Blewett

The Bellarmine Forum joins in the prayers for the repose of the soul of John W. Blewett, who died February 8 in Santa Paula, California. Mr. Blewett served as president of the Forum (then known as the Wanderer Forum Foundation) for several years.  He is remembered for his indomitable spirit and devotion to his beloved…

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A religious icon featuring a robed figure holding an infant, with gold background and red accents. Two angels are depicted in circles above the main figures. Themes of motherhood and divinity, likely representing Mary and Jesus in Catholic tradition.

Before Lepanto, Mary became known as the Invincible Champion, Triumphant Leader

Today, in Eastern Churches, special services and hymns are sung just after compline to the Blessed Mother. It may seem like an odd practice to American lent goers — after all, Fridays are well known in the Roman Church for the Stations of the Cross. However, given that Mary carried God to us, and hence…

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Icon of Jesus Tempted in the Desert

Fasts and Lent. If you want to cast out demons…

Last year, I posted about the history of fasting during lent. I think the article stands up well this year, too. I’d only add that the topic was at least discussed at the most recent USCCB meeting. Rather difficult for me to comprehend how, when Our Lord told us that some demons may only be cast…

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A religious icon depicting a bearded saint in ornate red and gold vestments, holding a staff and an open book. The figure wears a mitre, symbolizing high ecclesiastical rank in the Catholic Church.

St. Valentine — Martyred for Marriage

Happy St. Valentine’s Day! By now, you will have already seen the day play out, there may have been candy hearts with messages on them, notes passed by children in school, and then the adult activities. What precisely was St. Valentine about, though? Let’s take a trip back to the third century. You and I are sitting in…

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Lunatics or Henchmen?: Group Claims to have forced Pope’s Resignation… ???

I have never heard of this group, nor of such a court action pending. I hesitate to post this for fear that I may be giving attention to a group of lunatics with a blog. At the same time, this group claims to have achieved a court action in the EU that forced the resignation of the…

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