Signs in the Sky

Signs can be ambiguous, or they can be very certain. There are the ‘signs’ of the sacraments fall into the latter category, given to us to ensure we are given grace, in its various forms, not least the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Then there are the certain signs of the approved sacramentals, by which, if we use them rightly, are definitely dipositive to grace.

Then there are the less certain various ‘signs’ in our world, the great and the small, that may, or may not, signify God’s providence, His presence and action, not least the ‘signs in the sky’. True enough, our Lord warned that it is a wicked generation that seeks a sign. But He also said that sometimes there are signs that are given to us, to wake us from our spiritual sloth and slumber, saying that we should keep our wits about us, and our eyes, sometimes, above us:

And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Now, we’re likely not near that yet, for much yet has to take place before the ‘end of the world’; nor should we think the solar eclipse on this year’s Solemnity of the Annunciation a sign of the consummation of all things. But it may well be a sign of something – the occlusion falling on this feast, and upon seven towns named Nineveh in the U.S. seems significant. There are other astronomical signs that go along with an eclipse. And is all this really connected with the recent earthquake in New York? I don’t know how many towns are named Nineveh, nor the significance of tectonic shifts under Manhattan, nor how probable either of them are.

What I do know, as this sermon exhorts, is that we Catholics should pray, not least on this feast, which recalls the most important event in all of history, the re-creation of the world with the Incarnation of God Himself, taking upon Himself our very nature, our flesh, our humanity, and even all the punishment for our sins, to redeem and save us. The least we can do is give thanks to Christ and His holy Mother, and pray that each and every souls on this face of God’s good Earth may avail themselves of the grace they offer, before it be too late. After all, every sunrise and sunset is a sign of God’s good providence over this world. This is the day of salvation, and the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice, and be glad.

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→