As the present liberal order crumbles, many are proposing alternatives that call for major changes to the flawed, globalized structures that now shape the world. Some sectors of the public are turning to nationalist and populistic movements that turn inward and call for walking away from world commitments and focusing solely on … Read more
Pope Pius IX convoked the First Vatican Council on June 29, 1868. It opened the following year on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1869. During the intervening eighteen months, intellectuals, journalists, and the idly curious eagerly anticipated the upcoming Council—the first since the Council of Trent adjourned in 1563. … Read more
The Council of Nicaea (325) was the first council intended for the edification of the entire Christian Church. It was called by the Emperor Constantine. Its primary task was to judge the Arian heresy, which disturbed the peace of the Church in the East. The Emperor attended its sessions. He effectively assisted … Read more
In a world full of agitation, instant gratification and constant novelty, a growing number of Americans are seeking something more. Many people are finding that “something more” in Catholic pilgrimages. They are on the rise, and they are here to stay. After doing the “Camino” (or pilgrimage route) to the tomb of … Read more
By early 1869, the controversies preceding the Vatican Council were fierce. At that point, Most Rev. Henri Maret, Bishop of Sura and Dean of the Faculty of Theology in Paris, announced the publication of a book condemning Papal infallibility. He had spent many years writing Du concile général et de la paix … Read more
In Italy, the pro-life cause faces overwhelming odds because of its anti-life abortion law, known as Law 194. The law, promulgated on May 22, 1978, was proposed by the left, including the Communist Party, and enacted with the support of the Christian Democratic Party and the Italian Bishops Conference. It also had … Read more
When Pius IX published the bull Aeterni Patris convening the First Vatican Council in 1868, Ultramontanism was practically victorious in France. The Catholic movement had received a vigorous boost from the apostolate of the nineteenth century’s early Ultramontanes. Throughout the century, it advanced and remained steadfastly orthodox despite some leaders’ attempts to … Read more
The infiltration of LGBTQ ideology in society is overwhelming. It invades every sphere of activity, especially in June. These same ideas are also rampant in structures inside the Catholic Church. However, some tend to see this invasion as a not-so-hidden sub-culture inside the Church. They do not realize the full scope and … Read more
The year 1867 was the eighteenth centenary of the martyrdom of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Pius IX took advantage of the occasion to emphasize the Church’s universality and the unity between the worldwide episcopate and the Holy See. At the same time, the pope was under attack by liberals throughout Europe, … Read more
West Point sets a high bar in deciding who enters the U.S. Military Academy. Each year, students must petition their congressmen and senators to secure one of the open places in the freshman class. Graduates must not only get good grades and high test scores but also show leadership, physical fitness and … Read more