This isn’t an ordinary Christmas. In many places, officials are trying to steal Christmas from those who wish to celebrate it in churches. Families are discouraged from holding get-togethers in the home. Thus, we are left to observe this Christmas in our hearts, where no force can enter, but we still feel … Read more
There used to be a time when fashion produced clothes that brought out the very best in people. The idea was to adorn the person modestly and tastefully. There was an effort to appear elegant, clean and attractive. The danger of fashion was always overstatement and vanity. Times have changed. Fashions have … Read more
Many articles have been published throughout the Catholic world about Pope Francis’s change to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, stating that “the death penalty is inadmissible.” Such articles show how this statement contradicts Scripture and Tradition and represents a clear break with the constant teaching of the Church. In these brief … Read more
In an October 11 speech to the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, Pope Francis condemned the death penalty, not only in its concrete application but also as a correct doctrine according to the Gospel. He said that no man, “not even a murderer, loses his personal dignity.”[1] For … Read more
“Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.” Such are the words of the sublime bugle call “Taps.” It is played when the troops retire for the day. It is also sounded at funerals when veterans … Read more
Perhaps one of the more sensitive personal issues you can raise with people is that of dress. How you dress has become a purely personal affair. Most are left to their own opinion as to what is appropriate. There are, of course, some limits. Most Catholics will admit in theory that there … Read more
Everyone acknowledges that this is not an ordinary election cycle. Almost as confusing as the campaign events are the explanations of those trying to explain why so many bizarre things are happening. Everyone has a take on the political carnival. Everything seems to be a confused mess. However, if one observes closely, … Read more
Symbolic acts and gestures often have a greater persuasive power than words and reasoning, though one completes the other. This is why the Divine Savior constantly used both symbolic gestures and employed metaphors and parables. This is also why the Church has always surrounded herself with symbols to make visible the beauty … Read more
How do you analyze a photograph? By looking at it and drawing a first impression; then, by trying to see what sentiment it causes and then analyzing the reason for this feeling. Observing this photo of the Almansa Castle in Spain, we must make a distinction between two wonderfully harmonic but clearly … Read more
A magistrate has a dignity that is proper to him that a servant does not have. Dignity and mutual respect in dealing with men make social life bearable and even agreeable. Because of the sad consequences of Original Sin coupled the vulgarity of our times, human convivium becomes impossible or at least … Read more