The Educational Importance of Manners

The Educational Importance of Manners

At first glance it might seem rather forced to make a connection between education and manners. In our secular society, manners like morals seem to be optional in the formation of youth. It is something relegated to parents to teach children at the dinner table if and when they eat together. Manners … Read more

The Rising Influence of Intelligent Design

The Rising Influence of Intelligent Design 1

The ongoing assault on the supernatural order that generates our love of God is reaching a critical stage. The revival of Gnosticism, the stubbornness of socialistic-communistic thinking, and immoral, destructive behavior are reaching their apex of driving God from our consciousness as an object of worship and a guide to correct our … Read more

Tillman’s Tower

Tillman's Tower

In the center of West Point’s historic campus in upstate New York stands a statue of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Below him is a plaque bearing the words of wisdom he once spoke. “On the fields of friendly strife are sewn the seeds that upon other fields, on other days, shall bear the fruits … Read more

The Santa Fe Chill

The Santa Fe Chill

Contrary to what many artists claim, protesting against offensive art is never free publicity. Few things hurt the arts community more than when it produces works that lose touch with its supporting community. This is especially evident in the wave of artworks which many consider blasphemous. Nothing attacks the sensibilities of a … Read more

What Are They Doing To Attract A Crowd Like This One?

What Are They Doing To Attract A Crowd Like This One?

When it comes to the apostolate, the primary concern of many reformers seems to be how to attract multitudes to the Church. The twentieth-century, more than any of the preceding ones, can be called the century of the multitudes. Everywhere multitudes gather — and for every reason: political rallies, sports games, rock … Read more

Wise Interpenetration of Values

Wise Interpenetration of Values 2

Our picture shows the four sons of the Maharaja of Kaourthala at the beginning of the century. The group makes an agreeable impression as there is something quintessentially noble, gracious and refined in the bearing, countenances and attire of these small princes. They are true princes, quite authentically Indian. Nonetheless, without detracting … Read more

Floored or Back to the Future?

Floored or Back to the Future? 1

On more than one occasion, when visiting friends – or even some people I don’t know all that well – I have been offered the “comforts” of the floor rather than those of a couch or even a simple straight-backed chair. With somewhat exaggerated smiles, my hosts gesture to the floor while … Read more

The Devil’s False Promise of Happiness

This scene is from the island of Ischia, in Italy, after a storm. Nature has recovered her cheerful appearance and an elderly peasant woman accompanied by her children – perhaps her grandchildren – walks up a hillside. The road is not made of asphalt, nor is it lined with movie theaters, cafes, … Read more

Theatrics, the Romantic and the Hideous in the Teaching of the Catechism

Theatrics, the Romantic and the Hideous in the Teaching of the Catechism 3

The three catechist’s illustrations that follow are not meant to confuse our children. They represent three stages of catechist’s drawings, where each increasingly distort that which grew out of the previous stage. These are but examples of modern twentieth century art and graphically shows what influences art throughout history. The sentimentality of … Read more