Pomposa - Abbey Church of Santa Maria (1036 - façade detail)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Knox - True Peace
HOW IS IT THAT THE WORLD gives us peace, or tries to give us peace; and why is that effort unsatisfying? Partly, of course, because peace in the true sense, in the Christian sense, is a threefold gift, and the world only offers us one third of it. True peace means peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with one another. I think it is probably true that the world at this moment is more genuinely anxious for the maintenance of peace between nations than it has ever been in all its history; nor should we do well to belittle or to deride the efforts made, even by those who differ deeply from us in fundamental opinions, to secure an object so dear to the heart of Christ. But, if the last irrevocable treaty were signed, and the last cruiser scrapped, and the last gun melted down, would that be peace? Peace in a world that for the most part either forgets God, or openly defies him? Peace in a world where human hearts, emancipating themselves from every moral tie, are carried to and fro by their passions, and win from the gratification of them only discontent? For the war within our own intellects, for the war within our own wills, the world has no solution to offer; hold congresses at every town in Switzerland, and our hearts will still be a battleground, for God made them for himself, and they can find no rest until they find rest in him.
- Ronald A. Knox
I Love Cotton, But ...
Do we know enough about nanotechnology just to buy that "convenient" no-iron shirt?
Invitation to Marian Chivalry
Have you never wanted to be a part of the true, good, and beautiful? to make a difference even in a small corner of your world that is part of a far greater cause? to find a niche in the sublime Catholic world that is forever old and forever new?
This is your opportunity to be an active force and forceful practitioner in Marian chivalry. The witness of our forbears like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (and his brothers and father) give us exemplars and, while we may not give up our marital or other responsibilities to fight the good fight behind cloistered walls, the Acta Militum of prayer and service is ours to pick up for the battle.
Corpus Christianum is an international Private Association of the Faithful, open both to men and women, dedicated to praying for a renewal of Christendom.
Marian in character and guided by a Catholic chivalrous spirit, Corpus Christianum members pray daily for the following key points:
- The renewal, unity, and spread of Christendom
- The Supreme Pontiff and all priests/religious
- The protection of Christians around the world
- The restoration of the family
- The conversion of sinners and the sanctification of all people
Consider prayerfully joining. Marian chivalry is a great gift to our hurting, sinful world. Your witness, prayers, and service may very well be the turning of the tide, no matter how small you may believe your part to play may be.
Pro Christo et Ecclesia!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Deo Gratias
One really must give thanks for the wonderful thoughts - and pix - from young John Cusack like the latter (above). Go. Read. Rejoice.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Esca Viatorum - Food of Travellers
LET US BE CONTENT to think of the Blessed Sacrament not as the medicine but as the food of our souls; acting on us, as material food does, without our knowing it, yet all the time sufficing for the day's needs, carrying us along on our journey, though we seem to make such a weary business of it, dragging foot after foot. The invalid who refuses food because it has so little relish for him becomes a worse invalid yet.
- Ronald A. Knox