After the dogma of infallibility was proclaimed, most bishops withdrew from Rome with the Pope’s permission. The war between France and Prussia (Germany) required the presence of pastors in their dioceses. At the same time, the government of the Piedmont King Victor Emmanuel II stirred up political agitation in Rome. This turmoil … Read more
“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Ever since the days that Saint Monica (c. 332-387) wept over her son Augustine’s sins, raising children in the Faith has been challenging. Virtuous parents sometimes raise children who depart … Read more
In the Fatima message of July 13, 1917, Our Lady said: “The war is going to end, but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the pontificate of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the … Read more
In today’s dangerous world scene, many populist and nationalist sectors call for walking away from world commitments and focusing on national problems. They see this isolationism as a Benedict option writ large. There are certainly enough national problems and expenses to occupy America and the nations of the world. Minding one’s own … Read more
July 18, 1870 was a bellweather day for the entire Church. After all the discussions, debates and discords, it was time for the public session promulgating the dogma of infallibility. At nine o’clock, Cardinal Lorenzo Barilli celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the Holy Sacrifice, the pope, … Read more
The latest fashion in Church governance is the Synodal Church. It features Church clergy and laity gathering to discuss the needs and desires of “the people.” Everyone is asked to be especially attuned to what “the Spirit” is saying. Thus, this Synodal Church considers itself a listening church. Everyone must listen more … Read more
The postmodern university is fascinated with magic, and this is a most curious coupling—one with ominous social overtones. Until the mid-twentieth century, serious academics regarded any mention of magic as the ravings of the stupid or insane. They followed the scientific method of empiricism, emphasizing verifiable evidence in acquiring knowledge and forming … Read more
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the battle for the unborn rages unabated, as each side must readjust its strategies in a nation divided in half over this vital moral issue. As much as the left tries to frame the debate in terms of “women’s health” or “reproductive rights,” it cannot … Read more
Some bishops at the First Vatican Council refused to take a position on defining papal infallibility. A small group kept silent out of timidity. Others wished to establish a common ground to facilitate a unanimous decision. As the Council’s deliberations proceeded, the Council Fathers clarified the meaning of the schema. In addition, … Read more
Perhaps the best symbol of the war in Ukraine is a photograph that the Catholic News Agency ran early in the conflict. It shows the ruins of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region. According to the caption, it was built in 1862. A Russian bomb … Read more