Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira

The Afflictions of the Third Family

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The Afflictions of the Third Family 2

We live in complete chaos. “What a banal way to start an article!” some might think upon reading this opening sentence. In fact, it is banal, most banal. And I present this idea, in itself so banal, even trite, in its most elementary form to emphasize, even to the extreme, just how … Read more

The Feast of the Assumption

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The Feast of the Assumption

The Assumption was a beautiful favor God granted to His mother. It began when Our Lady, very suavely died. Her passing is customarily called Our Lady’s dormition because the grace with which she passed from this life and the short elapse before her resurrection, made her death seem more like a dream. … Read more

Wholesome Regionalism and Leveling Cosmopolitanism

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Wholesome Regionalism and Leveling Cosmopolitanism 3

The following text is taken from an informal lecture Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira gave on December 10, 1970. It has been translated and adapted for publication without his revision. – Ed. There is an interesting passage in Saint Thérèse’s famous Story of a Soul, in which she speaks of the cultural … Read more

The Prophet Daniel and the Beauty of Death

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The Prophet Daniel and the Beauty of Death 2

The following text is taken from an informal lecture Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira gave on July 20, 1968. It has been translated and adapted for publication without his revision. – Ed. July 21 is the feast of the Prophet Daniel. The last words that the angel said to him were: “But … Read more

Christ’s Passion in Our Days

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Christ’s Passion in Our Days 2

While meditating, we often fail to link the episodes of Our Lord’s life to ourselves and the world around us. Consequently, we are shocked at the inconsistency, hatred and ingratitude of those who crucified Our Lord, after having honored Him as their Savior, days before. However, Our Lord’s killers are not alone … Read more

Reflections on Cold Draft Beer

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Reflections on Cold Draft Beer 1

It was a particularly hot afternoon, so I gazed at the icy mug of beer before me with a sense of anticipation. I still had the idea — right or wrong — that draft beer should be crowned with a head of foam, albeit not too thickly. Lacking a head, this beer … Read more

Lourdes’ Lesson in Suffering

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Lourdes’ Lesson in Suffering 1

At Lourdes, Divine Providence takes two different attitudes towards human suffering. The first is more sensational and thus catches our attention more. It is when Our Lady, as a compassionate mother, heals the sick and lame and thus proves the veracity of the Faith. This, in turn, shows her mercy for wayward … Read more

Equality at the Starting Point – What an Injustice

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Equality at the Starting Point - What an Injustice 1

  I hear people repeating at every moment that justice demands all persons should have the same opportunities when beginning their life, education, or career. According to this view, education should be equal for all, and the curricula in the different professions should also be equal. This, then, would result in the … Read more

The Apostolic Strategy of Blessed Pius IX

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The Apostolic Strategy of Blessed Pius IX 1

The Nineteenth Century: Ravished by Modernism and Rationalism It is not easy for someone today to have a clear idea of the devastation which rationalism and modernism wrought on European and American society throughout the nineteenth century. At that time, the human soul had been profoundly worked over by materialists and revolutionaries … Read more