Justin the Martyr

Saint Justin, who is called the ‘martyr’, was a pagan convert to Christianity, based in large part upon his investigation of the rational arguments in support of the ‘one, true faith’. He adopted the life of an itinerant teacher, eventually starting a school in Rome, writing much, but what survives are two dialogues and an ‘apology’; hence is called the first of the ‘apologists’, those who made a reasoned defense of the faith, as Saint Peter exhorted us to do (1 Pet 3:15).

After a dispute with the cynic philosopher Crescens, Saint Justin was denounced, and beheaded in 165 A.D.., under the persecution of the Stoic emperor Marcus Aurelius (one’s philosophy, which is ultimately one’s religion, meant a lot to people in those days, as well it should).

The contemprorary account of Justin’s trial and  martyrdom makes for some visceral reading, to witness for the truth. Contrary to the ambiguous message of works like Silence, Saint Justin declared that he had no need to deliberate regardless of what inducements they offered, and that he would never give up his faith. He knew that philosophy has its limits, and that the faith is more certain than any human science. Justin ‘losing his head’ seems an apt metaphor for our giving all, even our very minds, to Christ.

So have confidence, be of good cheer, and be not seduced by the world and its arguments. For like its form, they too are passing away, but the truth abides forever.

Saint Justin, ora pro nobis!

Carney’s Amoral Majority

After five defections – euphemistically described as ‘crossing the floor’ – and three by-elections, Mark Carney and his Liberals how have their coveted majority. One wonders what bowls of pottage were offered in back-room deals. In the archaic monarchical system that is the Dominion of Canada, this majority allows the newly-minted Prime Minister to rule[…]Continue reading→

Saint Kateri , Canada’s Protectress

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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→

A Tale of Two Benedicts

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My Name is Bernadette

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Saint Lydwina of Schiedam and Suffering Joyfully

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The Glorious Martyrdoms of Martin and Maximus

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Pope Leo and a Rosary for Peace

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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→