The story of our saint begins with King James I of Aragon, known as the Conqueror for his military glories and as the Saint for his admirable piety. He broke off relations with his son and heir Peter (called the Great) because his marriage to Princess Constance, daughter of the King of … Read more
In his philosophical self-portrait, Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira shows how religious and philosophical doctrines shape the direction of history because everyone is endowed with a rational and free soul. We act according to our conceptions about the universe, ourselves and life. Thus, religious and philosophical doctrines are the most dynamic factors … Read more
As a young Canadian from a rural town in Northern Ontario, half a world away from Queen Elizabeth II, I can say she profoundly influenced my life. The Queen represented a whole world of tradition and ceremony that was so crucial for me, growing up in a world that increasingly despises such … Read more
Pope Francis and Elizabeth belong more or less to the same generation. The pope is eighty-five years old. The queen has just passed away at the venerable age of ninety-six. Both were marked by twentieth-century tragedies: the Second World War for Princess Elizabeth and the dictatorship for José-Mario Bergoglio. Both inherited their … Read more
An era has ended. Queen Elizabeth II is dead, and the world mourns. We can say that the twentieth century officially ended as the last pillar of the postwar order fell. The Queen had her defects. In remembering her, some decry many of her political decisions. Others point to the deplorable things … Read more
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
It was unreal. One moment we were peacefully praying the rosary, the next we hear scuffles by a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. We all turned. A woman came from nowhere and had lifted the statue up. We didn’t know what her intention was. She had her arms wrapped around Our … Read more
Our Lady appeared to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, and gave them messages for the world. The seers affirmed these apparitions were to be made known to the Holy Father, the Sacred Hierarchy, and to all Christendom. Thus, either the proofs are clear, certain, and conclusive, rendering the apparitions worthy of credit, or … Read more
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
The regularity with which the various cycles of the liturgical year succeed one another in the Church’s calendar is truly an affirmation of the celestial majesty of the Church. She remains undisturbed no matter how much the events of human history change around her and despite the ups and downs of politics … Read more