Of Coercion and Suffering

Paula Adamick has a piece on coercion by the State, very a propos, for the power and intrusion of the government is waxing stronger than ever of late. Although the coercive dimension of public law is a necessary tool in any society, Saint Thomas teaches that it is only to be used for those things that are to the grave harm of others, without which society could not function (cf., ST, I-II, q. 96. a. 2).

Yet what we have now is a growing inversion of the law, used to promote, and even enforce, vice (homosexuality), corruption (pornographic sex-ed) and death (abortion and euthanasia).  What began as ‘personal choice’ is now enforced on others, and, as Ms. Adamick rightly concludes, this will not end well.  If you would like a more historical image, see my yesterday’s reference to the fate of Carthage.

In the midst of all of our internal troubles, the drums of war continue to beat, with the world gathering forces against Russia. Britain has now accused Putin of complicity in the nerve-poisoning of the former spy and his daughter, still in hospital fighting for their lives. And America has now imposed further sanctions.

Three nuclear armed powers rattling their sabres, each of them fraught with their own ‘internal troubles’, all perhaps looking for an excuse to look outward and beyond, which often, as past history is a guide, takes the form of war. And one that may well end all wars.

Yet Christ is King, of heaven and earth and all creation, and we should have this truth in mind as we approach the most solemn and sacred time of year, Passiontide, leading up to the Holy Triduum, the sacrifice of God Himself on Good Friday, and the triumphant Resurrection.  I just re-read Pope John Paul II’s magnificent and clear mediation on suffering, Salvifici Doloris, how God always turns even the worse of evils into good, on which I wrote a reflection a while back, and will revise and repost.

Today is the day that Saint Jean de Brebuef, along with his fellow Jesuit Gabriel Lalemant, was tortured to death in a manner so horrific it can scarcely be described in a field outside Midland, where three simple crosses now stand, near a stone altar, where we had Mass on our pilgrimage a couple of days ago.

In the midst of his agony, the great saint stood firm in faith and hope, praying for his fellow sufferers and his persecutors, as he prays for us and the land he evangelized, to this day. The great mystic and martyr shouted out to inspire his fellows, as they burned and slashed them with demonic fury, and I paraphrase from memory, ‘these sufferings last but for a brief time, but eternal glory, forever.’

Indeed. We must keep in mind that as bad as things seem, there is a Light greater than the darkness, and a Truth triumphant over lies.

Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.

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→