Paslawski

A historical illustration of a Catholic communion scene. A priest distributes communion to kneeling worshippers in traditional attire, with an open book on a pedestal. The scene is monochromatic and detailed, depicting a solemn religious ceremony.

Ignoring the “Fast” Track: Has Traditional Lent observance become optional?

Ash Wednesday is upon us. The day is not so important as its symbolism as the entryway into the great time of penance. We go forth gird with fasting and abstinence into the Lenten season, foreheads marked with a cross of the dust to which we shall return at journey’s end. Solemn stuff. It is a…

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A historical illustration of a Catholic scene with figures in period clothing. A man is blessing fish, while others prepare food. Hanging meats and religious figures are visible in the background. The text reads "SANCTA MARIA ORA PRO NOBIS" and "PATER NOSTER"."

No Pain, No Gain

“What are you doing to me!” my son yelled at the crucifix in his room. “I don’t think complaining about not eating between meals on a fast day to One who is nailed to a cross is a good tactic,” I replied. Yes, this conversation was about Ash Wednesday and the fast. I’d just reminded…

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A gray SUV with a license plate reading "MANOS" is driving on a snowy road. In the distance, there's a church with a tall steeple and clock tower. Other vehicles are visible in the background, and bare trees line both sides of the road."

He Who Humbles Himself Will Be Exalted

  He wanted to keep it simple, humble, down to the plain pine casket. After all, the Funeral Mass and graveside Commendation carry the last day’s importance, not the shine on the soon-to-be-buried casket. But it wasn’t to be. Hundreds of people showed up on March 2 at St. Joseph’s Church in Mishawaka, Indiana, to…

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A smiling older man in a blue blazer with a striped tie, standing in front of bookshelves. He wears a pin that says "Theology"."

Faith, Family, and Football

I didn’t go to Notre Dame and I didn’t have Charlie Rice in a law class. I was just lucky enough to work with Professor Rice, first when he began giving annual talks at the National Wanderer Forums in the 1970s, and for the last 20 years as secretary of the Wanderer Forum Foundation/Bellarmine Forum,…

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A smiling older man with white hair wearing a blue suit, light blue dress shirt, and red tie. The background features bookshelves filled with books. Text reads: "Dr. Charles E. Rice"."

Pray for our Chairman, Charlie Rice

Please offer some prayer for our Chairman, Professor Charlie Rice. He was recently admitted to the hospital and although his condition is improving, he and his family could use our support! Update:  see this announcement.

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A framed religious display featuring a golden crucifix with red accents, surrounded by statues of angels and other figures. The background includes an intricate scene with a church or cathedral, emphasizing Catholic themes. Various religious artifacts and shells are placed at the base of the display.

A mystery for our readers: Do you know anything about this Cross?

My aunt had her 90th birthday party and gave me some things. Among them, she gave me this cross. Anybody know what this is called and when these were made? We’ll give a hint:  this one carries an indulgence from a Pope Pius. Tell us in the comments what this is!

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Three copies of Bellarmine Forum magazine with cover art depicting "The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo. The text reads: Bellarmine Forum, Spring 2014 Vol. 7 No. 1, Life: In The Beginning... Articles include "Think with the Church," "Marriage and Family," and more."

Shameless Promotion of our Magazine on Life

In the Passion we will be reading soon during Holy Week, we come across Pontius Pilate asking, “What is truth?” He’s either sincere and rather dense in the head or blowing off Jesus Christ. That is kind of the way the definition of human life has evolved in the last few decades. A hundred years…

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Two men standing outdoors in front of tents; one in a light shirt and shorts, the other in a plaid shirt. Black and white photo with tents and trees in background.

Thoughts about Frank Morriss

Some battles are fought hand-to-hand; others with rifles and bombs. There is open combat, guerrilla warfare, and insidious deals behind closed doors. Frank Morriss will be remembered in none of these venues, but as a warrior all the same. Frank — author, mentor, teacher, family man — was a word warrior, using faith and reason…

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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.

Is Christ Worth It?

By Fr. Jay Kythe (Homily delivered at St. Pius X Church. Fr. Kythe has answered the question for himself and on August 15th entrusted himself to Our Lady and entered the Benedictine Abbey in Atchison, Kansas.) “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks St. Peter and the apostles. St Peter responds on behalf…

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Three copies of Bellarmine Forum Magazine Vol III, Issue 2 with text about Pope Benedict XVI and the legacy of Vatican II. The cover features a title "The Public Face of Vatican II: Change" and an order prompt. Mainly black text on white background with a green header."

Take a Lesson: The next Magazine Issue and Twerking a.k.a. “Butt Dancing”

Next Issue Has The Way Frank Morriss has 2 pieces in our upcoming issue of the Bellarmine Forum magazine, “Vatican II: Renewal or Rupture?” He writes eloquently about religious freedom, that freedom that comes from possession of truth.  “I am the way,” Christ said, not “a way.”  “Come follow Me,” Christ said, not “Go follow…

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