Regular Contributions
A Conversation with Pasquino
Reproduced here, dear reader, is a conversation I had the other day with a longtime resident of Rome, Pasquino. While I conversed with him for awhile, I did not tape-record our conversation nor did I take copious notes–as that would have been rude. Since I did speak candidly and at length with him, however, on a great…
Roma Obscura: Bees, Brigands, and the Head of an Apostle
In the small amounts of free time that I’ve had in Rome, I must admit that I have tried to stay away from the big places. Of course, I made a visit to the major basilicas–one feels the need to visit these chief shrines of the Church of Rome–but I must be getting old because I…
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…
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…
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…
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…
On the 96th anniversary of the Fatima Secret: a new take on the vision of the Angel
Today is the 96th anniversary of the vision to the three children at Fatima. Coincidently, it is also the 48th year for the Bellarmine Forum. Thus, Fatima is twice as old as the Bellarmine forum this year. On top of that, it is the 90th anniversary of St. Robert Bellarmine’s beatification on May 13, 1923! …
Confusing the Little Things Obscures the Big: Ascension Thursday
In Acts 1:3 we read that Our Lord ascended to Heaven forty days after His Glorious Resurrection. The importance of this Feast is punctuated by Fr. Hardon: It is very important to be convinced that Christ’s Ascension into heaven was an historical fact. As early as the beginning of the second century, St. Ignatius of…
