A Symbol of Stability in a Gelatinous World

A curious thing happened the other day. While attending a book sale at a local library, I stumbled upon a marvelous photo album of Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. Moments later, a Canadian lady saw the book and expressed trepidation about who will occupy her throne next. “After all,” she concluded, … Read more

The Grandeur of Pius IX: Vicar of Christ, Pontiff and King

The Grandeur of Pius IX: Vicar of Christ, Pontiff and King

On the 150th Anniversary of Two Events of Transcendental Significance for the Life and History of the Church The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of two events of transcendental significance for the Church’s life and history. The first is a positive event, which was the proclamation of the dogma of papal … Read more

Notre-Dame de Paris: the Light and the Flames

Notre-Dame de Paris: the Light and the Flames

In the distant time when the liturgical reform imposed by the Second Vatican Council found fervent adherents, the celebration of the Mass took on a festive tone with new songs and optimistic sermons amid a display of deplorable scenic representations, all tailored for the Mass to lose its content of mystery. I … Read more

A Truly Grand and Awe-inspiring Mass

A Truly Grand and Awe-inspiring Mass

In honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on August 15, a Solemn High Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in the heart of Philadelphia, Penn. Fr. Robert Pasley of Mater Ecclesiae of Berlin, New Jersey, celebrated the 17th Annual Mass of Thanksgiving while … Read more

Why Do People Do Such Barbarous Things?

Why Do People Do Such Barbarous Things?

Hardly a day passes when some barbarous act does not jump to the headlines. Barbarous—there is no other word to describe these vile deeds. Thus, whether it be the sadistic torturing, terrorist beheadings, mass shootings or truck ramming murder sprees (not to mention genocide and war), these acts are becoming ever more … Read more

Meditation Next to the Child God in the Crib

Meditation Next to the Child God in the Crib

Approach the crib of the Child God with me. Let us imagine the arrival of the Magi Kings at the manger, after having followed the Star of Bethlehem with their caravans and treasure-laden animals. These sovereigns—King Balthazar, King Melchior and King Gaspar—offer the Child Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh, in adoration. Looking … Read more

Why We Stop for Christmas

Why We Stop for Christmas

It is Christmas time, and the world stops for a brief moment. It does not stop long because there are too many important things to be done to waste on festive and unproductive folly. It can only be a short pause on Christmas day before the world must almost immediately return to … Read more

The Miraculous Medal: Medal of Many Graces

The Miraculous Medal: Medal of Many Graces 1

The medal of Our Lady of Graces, more commonly known as the Miraculous Medal, is undoubtedly the most widespread medal of all times. It originated in France in 1830, having been revealed directly by Our Lady to Saint Catherine Labouré while yet a young religious. The Miraculous Medal is oval. On one … Read more

Almansa: A Castle of Dreams and Christian Heroism

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