By the working of its nature, the Latin language is most suitable for furthering every kind of cultural initiative among all sorts of peoples, since it does not incite jealousy, but is equally accessible to every race of men. It is not partisan, but rather, favorable and welcoming to all. Nor would it be right[…]
Month: December 2024
Mozart, the Catholic
(Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died during Advent, on December 5th, 1791, so it’s fitting in this season of grace to reflect with faithful contributor Carl Sundell on the Catholic faith of one of the greatest of composers, whose music is truly heavenly. As Salieri said, ‘Ah, the divine Mozart!’. True enough. But, might we rather say,[…]
Three Popes’ Messages On the Immaculate Conception at the Spanish Steps
It has been a long-standing papal tradition that Popes pay homage to the Immaculate Conception at the foot of the Marian column close to the Spanish Steps in Rome. The statute of the Immaculate Conception is put on top of a 12-meter high column, dedicated on December 8, 1857, shortly after Pope Blessed Pius IX[…]
The God who made all things gave himself form through Mary, and thus he made his own creation. He who could create all things from nothing would not remake his ruined creation without Mary. (Saint Anselm, +1109)
The devil tempts that he may ruin; God tests that he may crown. (Saint Ambrose, +397)
May God Raise Up More Bishops Like Ambrose
The great bishop and doctor Ambrose (340 – 397) is known for many things, not least his role in the conversion of the great Saint Augustine. When he was born, a swarm of bees covered his mouth and face – quite a traumatic event, one might think – but Ambrose’s father said to leave them[…]
Saint Nicholas and the Silence of Saint Thomas
It was on this day 751 years ago that Saint Thomas Aquinas stopped writing. Or, more properly, dictating – for he had scribes write down his rapid thoughts, at times, I have heard, three at a time! The great 20th century Thomist, Josef Pieper, describes this as the providential ‘Silence of Saint Thomas’. In his[…]
Tolle, Lege!
Ironic, perhaps, that I suggest the following article for our readers, on this medium. For Ed Simon exhorts in strong language for a return to the printed page, to immerse ourselves in books, in stories and characters, durable bindings and tactile paper, to sweeps of landscapes and getting lost in timeless tales…to which this fellow[…]
The Nativity Fast in the ‘Advent’ of the East
(On this memorial of the Eastern saint, John of Damascus, here is a reflection worth pondering on the ascetical practices of the Eastern rite. We of the West may not be called to such, and they are not intended to lay heavy burdens that we ourselves are not able to lift. But they do offer[…]
In former times, God, who is without form or body, could never be depicted. But now when God is seen in the flesh conversing with men, I make an image of the God whom I see. I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake. (Saint John[…]