Some events mark history by the violence of their passion and the intensity of their hatred. Their activists make use of every artifice and symbolism to sear into the minds of the public the fact that a great betrayal has been perpetrated, resulting in a day that will live on in infamy. … Read more
While much of modern society forges ahead with attempts to banish all semblances of Christianity from the public sphere, young Catholics in France are ensuring that the crucifix remains a central and constant sight across the country. “Stat Crux, dum volvitur orbis!” is translated as “the world turns while the Cross remains.” … Read more
Napoleon III’s political reversal, which supported the Italian revolutionaries, was carefully prepared in secrecy. At the same time, articles in government newspapers gradually shaped public opinion to accept that radical change. Two episodes suffice to show the Emperor’s disloyalty toward Pope Pius IX. In 1859, an anonymous book titled Emperor Napoleon III … Read more
While peace seems to reign, many countries are threatened by what might be called slow-motion wars. These conflicts involve a gradual destruction of society, structures and security inside a climate of uneasy peace. The devastation of war occurs not at once but over time. An example of one slow-motion war is the … Read more
A Review by Michael Whitcraft of The Apple of His Eye: Converts From Islam in the Reign of Louis IX, by William Chester Gordon. When dying on the Cross, one of the suffering Christ’s last words was: “I thirst.” Exegetes throughout history have taught that, in addition to the tremendous physical thirst … Read more
As editor of L’Univers, Louis Veuillot ceased his unrelenting struggle against the Falloux Law after it passed in 1850. For Catholics, the law improved the teaching situation in France, despite its severe defects. Accordingly, Veuillot penned a statement of obedience and resignation. “The education bill has been approved. We fought it relentlessly … Read more
As Minister of Public Instruction, Frédéric Alfred Pierre, Count de Falloux showed the full measure of his political value. Alexis de Tocqueville was utterly indifferent to de Falloux’s ideological orientation. Émile Oliver openly disliked him. Yet, sboth men were profoundly impressed by his abilities. De Tocqueville stated: “Whoever has not seen de … Read more
In 1835, two close friends from France met in a London hotel. One was a Legitimist returning from a visit to old King Charles X. The other was a Bonapartist at the service of the ex-King Joseph, brother of Napoleon I. They were Frédéric Alfred Pierre, Count de Falloux and Jean Fialin, … Read more
The Church has always had to fight the tendency of certain Catholics to adapt her doctrines and principles to the prevailing ideas of the time. This constant temptation causes almost every heresy and doctrinal deviation that has ever appeared. In France, the Constitutional Church emerged during the Revolution. During the Restoration, Gallicanism … Read more
After the Chambers of Peers and Deputies voted to suppress the Society of Jesus in France in 1844, François Guizot, then Prime Minister, feared meeting with resistance. Therefore, he did not dare to apply the law immediately. Indeed, all Ultramontanes urged the Jesuits not to disperse and to try by all means … Read more