Imagine a photograph of a soldier. His uniform is incredibly rumpled. The straps of his grimy helmet are unfastened. A barely discernible cross painted on that helmet indicates he is a chaplain. In his right hand is the bowl of a broken pipe with the stem. The photographs’ caption explains that he … Read more
Just over a month since the first alleged same-sex “marriage” in Argentina was celebrated by a Salesian priest—a scandal which indirectly had an impact on Pope Francis—the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith outlawed ceremonies to bless same-sex “unions.” And the Pope accomplished this in the form of a response to … Read more
During his Iraq trip (March 5–8), Pope Francis said more than once that Abraham is at the root of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. On arriving, he told civil authorities that he was coming to that land “linked through the Patriarch Abraham and a number of the Prophets” to the religious traditions “of … Read more
This year is marked by gloomy and unknowable prospects. Here are some thoughts on the virtue of confidence that will strengthen the soul. “Have confidence, I have overcome the world.” Our Lord Jesus Christ “And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, … Read more
Saint Joseph: the Greatest of the Saints After Our Lady “The opinion that Saint Joseph is the greatest of the saints after Our Lady is one which is becoming daily more commonly held in the Church,” writes the renowned French theologian, Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange (1877–1964). He further holds, that, “We do not … Read more
Something about Notre Dame Cathedral overwhelms and fascinates the postmodern mind. Even in its present damaged state, the charred building commands the world’s attention. The cathedral’s authenticity prevailed over all attempts to disfigure it with a restoration of brutal modernistic redesigns. When the spire and roof burned and collapsed on that fateful … Read more
Most people are employed for what they do. Others find jobs for what they know. However, few people find their function exclusively in what they are. Of the three jobs, the latter is by far the most important and difficult. The other two involve situations where individuals can rest from their occupations. … Read more
There is a prevailing view, especially among those living on the coasts, that the country’s heartland is still a bastion of sanity. They imagine the area filled with idyllic Americana towns inhabited by salt-of-the-earth people and filled with mom-and-pop shops. Marketers like to exploit this imagery. Such a scene was recently chosen … Read more
On January 30, speaking to Italian bishops about catechesis, Pope Francis suddenly changed the subject and talked about the Second Vatican Council. He stated: “The Council is the Magisterium of the Church. Either you are with the Church, and therefore follow the Council, and if you do not follow the Council or … Read more
The loyalty of the Irish people to the Faith and to the Holy See is the great monument to Saint Patrick, their national Apostle. He was sent by Pope Celestine I and his labors in Ireland were accompanied and made fruitful by his extraordinary gifts of prayer and penance. In later years … Read more