Why We Need the Spirit of Penance

Why We Need the Spirit of Penance 3

It is said that today’s world is profoundly against penance and mortification. This is quite true. However, the main reason why we have this aversion is not that we want to avoid the physical pain of penance (which does exist). Rather, we tend to be against penance because of the principle behind … Read more

Bishop Vital: Model for Our Times

Bishop Vital: Model for Our Times 2

In an article commemorating the centennial of the birth of Bishop Vital Maria Gonçalves de Oliveira(1844-1878), commonly known as Dom Vital, Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira extols the virtues of this prelate who resisted the secular authorities of his time. *          *          * Generally speaking, Brazilians have a confused notion of who Bishop Vital … Read more

Considerations on the Conversion of Saint Paul

Considerations on the Conversion of Saint Paul 4

As Saint Paul was struck off his horse, he was shaken by the turn of events when Our Lord asked him the question “Why persecutest thou Me?” In other words, open your eyes! Examine your conscience! Realize the fact that you are doing something which, if you make an upright examination of … Read more

Our Lady of Good Counsel of Genazzano

Our Lady of Good Counsel of Genazzano 1

  This testimony of Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira about the grace that he received of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Genazzano is taken from the July-August 1986 issue of the magazine Madre del Buon Consiglio, published by the Augustinian Friars of Genazzano (Italy) with the following introduction: “For many years … Read more

Zeal for the Most Holy Name of Mary

In times past, people considered names to be symbolic of the person. This was so true that for a long time people even gave great importance to initials, a kind of symbol of the name, which in turn is a symbol of the person. Thus, a name was considered to be a … Read more

Discovering the Wisdom of Saint Ignatius

Discovering the Wisdom of Saint Ignatius 4

The Spiritual Exercises by Saint Ignatius of Loyola are often presented as a magnificent sequence of logical arguments that can lead a person to amend his life, save his soul, choose his state in life or make important resolutions. While all these treasures are found in this work, we need to have … Read more

Reflections on the Ascension

Reflections on the Ascension 2

Upon entering Jerusalem, we recall that here rested Our Lord Jesus Christ in a closed sepulcher, penetrated by neither air nor light, His Sacred Body disfigured by wounds. Wrapped in the Holy Shroud, Our Lord lies in utter darkness, reduced to isolated inertia and death. In the seeming hopelessness of the sepulcher, … Read more