The name of Jesus is the glory of preachers, because the shining splendour of that name causes his word to be proclaimed and heard…Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savour of this name that God called us into his marvellous light? When we have been enlightened, and in that same light behold the light[…]
Month: May 2021
Foxhole Fantasy
(We thought we would publish a bit of fiction in these pages, for light, yet edifying and educational, relief from the barrage. Here is contributor Carl Sundell’s story, with, as he puts its, a theme is rooted in Pascal’s Wager argument, and reference to an historic debate between Chesterton and Darrow. Chesterton won the debate[…]
In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33)
The Weak Little Bird: Saint Thérèse and Strangers and Sojourners
“How can a soul as imperfect as mine aspire to the possession of the plenitude of Love? O Jesus, my first and only Friend, You whom I love UNIQUELY, explain this mystery to me! Why do You not reserve these great aspirations for great souls, for the Eagles that soar in the heights?,” wrote St.[…]
Pope John the Martyr, and Pope John Paul’s 101st Birthday
On this May 18th we celebrate the first Pontiff with the name of John, the beloved disciple – and it was his birth name. The first Pope to change his name was the second Pope John, whose name had been Mercurius (so you might see why he changed it), who reigned a decade after the[…]
The Joy of Felix of Catalice – Brother ‘Deo Gratias’
Today, Tuesday 18 May 2021, is the feast of the Capuchin lay brother St Felix of Cantalice (+1587). Certainly Brother Felix has been foundational not just for the Capuchin reform but also for the renewal of the Church, as rightly demanded by the Council of Trent. On May 12, 1712, Pope Clement XI raised to[…]
Revitalizing Catechetics
On May 10th, the memorial of Saint John of Avila, priest and doctor of the Church, Pope Francis promulgated the Motu Proprio Antiquum Ministerium, instituting, or re-instituting as its title suggests, the ministry of Catechist, those deputed to teach and hand on the revealed truths of our Faith. This office joins the other two ministries,[…]
Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
Palestrina’s Viri Galilaei
Another priceless gem from the craftmanship of Palestrina, Viri Galilaei – a meditation on the angel’s declaration to the Apostles and disciples: Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Indeed,[…]
The Transcendent Meaning of the Ascension
A very blessed and joyous Solemnity of the Ascension to all our readers… At least in the Church universal, which follows the historical fact that the original Ascension occurred on a Thursday, and is the day on which it is commemorated in most of the rest of the world, including our neighbours to the south. […]