Nota in Brevis August 17th
Things continue to unfold apace in the United States, as clashes over monuments, history and ‘what it’s all about’ continue. This isn’t really about ‘racism’, a canard thrown about mostly from a bygone era, but rather about what we might call ‘culturism’. That is, what is our culture, what are all those things we hold dear, that we want to retain in our memories through statuary, books, museums, in classes and curricula, in our families and our storytelling, and, ultimately, in our religion, however transcendent it may be. What is unfolding are deep divisions within the body politic, that transcend ‘race’ and skin colour, and go far deeper. President Trump is caught in a maelstrom for which he himself is not fully prepared. I am not sure who would be, even a man far more ‘perfect’ than the imperfect commander-in-chief. One nation under God no longer holds, for we all now worship different ‘gods’, and the one God who rules over all is, sadly, oft-forgotten. In fact, many want to obliterate any image of Him, as well as the history (itself composed of imperfect men) over which His providence holds sway.
On a more positive note, perhaps you could check out the young adult novel Black Bottle Man, by Craig Russell, recently and positively reviewed by the National Catholic Register. We are always on the look-out for new and good literature, which should be supported. Please let us know any feedback.
I spent yesterday evening and this morning on a family farm, a very positive and uplifting experience. Farm life is good for the soul, producing strong and disciplined children, who grow into productive and diligent adults, rooted in all that is good, true and real. The only sad part is that farms are now more or unaffordable unless you are born into them, or are a millionaire (and then some). But even some aspects of farm life are good for the soul: A garden, a few animals, or at least being connected with nature and its beautiful vagaries. God is good, and is watching over all. His providence will unfold, and so long as we stay faithful, as Bd. Julian of Norwich declared, all manner of things will be well, be they ever so fraught from our temporal and transitory perspective. To paraphrase an old adage, vita brevis, aeternitas longa.
A Closed, Unsustainable, Descending Loop
As a follow-up to my thoughts on Payette’s payout, here be a stark image of where are here in Canada. As the graph shows in, well, graphic terms, since 2025, the public sector has contributed to 95.5% of economic growth. The private sector – which funds the public sector, or is supposed to – has[…]Continue reading→
Remembering Father Alphonse de Valk
(Today marks the sixth anniversary of the death of Father Alphonse de Valk, C.S.B., a faithful, courageous and indefatigable Basilian priest, pro-life-and-family apostle, and the founder of Catholic Insight magazine. Here is what we wrote those on his entering into eternity five years ago, as we continue to remember him in our prayers and thoughts)[…]Continue reading→
Presidential Pardon of Weronika Krawczyk
As a good news, follow-up to our story from Poland, of the persecution of Weronika Krawczyk for her pro-life views, we heard that she has been granted a presidential pardon. One might still wonder why one needs a presidential pardon for simply holding the long-held belief that the child within the womb is a child,[…]Continue reading→
Pope Leo and a Rosary for Peace
Pope Leo XIV has asked Catholics across the world to join him in a Rosary for peace today, at 18:00 Rome time (6 pm), which would be noon from where I write (EST). If you are able, whether at that time or another, and in whatever way you pray, to join in intercession with the[…]Continue reading→
Payette’s Payout
I was glancing through some headlines, and noticed a mention of Julie Payette – engineer and astronaut and sometime the Queen’s representative in Canada – which brought back vague memories. She was appointed Governor-General by Justin Trudeau in 2017. Ms. Payette resigned in 2021, amidst claims that she created a ‘toxic work environment’, with allegations[…]Continue reading→
Saint Stanislaus of Szczepanów
We celebrate Saint Stanislaus today (+ April 11, 1079), in light of this Easter Octave, a bishop and martyr who accepted the episcopacy only at the direct order of Pope Alexander II. He proved a wise and courageous leader of his flock, put to death by his own king, Boleslaus, for rebuking the monarch’s ‘immoral[…]Continue reading→
Weronika Krawczyk and Injustice in Poland
Catholic Action in Poland has issued a formal statement appealing to the President of the Republic of Poland to pardon Weronika Krawczyk—convicted for warning other women against an abortion-performing gynaecologist. Catholic Action (AK) emphasizes that no apology is owed to a doctor who has performed numerous abortions and proposed others; furthermore, the organization considers the[…]Continue reading→
Three Easter Musical Gems: Bach, Palestrina and Byrd
A very blessed and glorious Easter! Christus surrexit vere, alleluia! As we begin this Easter Octave with the great Solemnity of Easter, music to lift the soul would be one of Bach’s Easter cantatas, composed during his time at Leipzig in the early 1700’s, for the six Sundays of this festive season, leading up to[…]Continue reading→
Saint Isidore of Seville, the Internet and Industriousness
Today, April 4th, muted this year by Holy Saturday, is the commemoration of Saint Isidore of Seville (560-636) a bishop and doctor of the Church during a tumultuous age, when civilization was crumbling, coming apart at its very seams, which may sound sort of au courant. Then again, the form of this world has always[…]Continue reading→
An Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday
The time between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is one of waiting, in silence, as the world wonders – anticipates – what will happen, after the death of Christ. We re-live this time each year in the anamnesis of our liturgy, and in turn look forward to the glorious re-creation of all things at the[…]Continue reading→