Have you ever paused on the edge of a life-changing decision, one in which you contemplated an irreversible choice that would separate you forever from everything that you know and love? Maybe you traveled to a new country, knowing you … Continue reading
Author Archives: Br. Lawrence Mary M.I.C.M., Tert.
Some Modern Fallacies (Why Philosophy #XIX)
How many times have you read an article or watched the news and have been frustrated by what was an obviously incorrect argument, but you were at a loss as to what it was or how to reply? Well, wonder … Continue reading
Handy Guide to Common Fallacies
(Summarized by Br. Lawrence Mary M.I.C.M., Tert., from Logic by Fr. Bittle, Chapter XXI) Fallacies in Language Equivocation Simple Equivocation—words used in different meanings. Illicit Transition—change of supposition Example: The intellect is the eye of the soul; but the eye … Continue reading
The Problem with ‘Catholic’ Evolution
For many years, I have made it a practice to challenge my children and grandchildren with questions about philosophy and the Faith. Sometimes, I can hear their teeth grind with angst or I catch the subtle roll of the eyes … Continue reading
Attitude is Everything
(Warning to the reader: This article may be boring. It is a consideration of ideas, the process of getting them and how they are used to interact with the world. It is decidedly uncreative and entirely self-indulgent, written for my … Continue reading
The Dangers of Scientism Revisited
Recently I saw the report of a survey conducted on behalf of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). A portion of the survey compared the views of scientists and the general public. To the surprise and chagrin … Continue reading
Why Saint Benedict Center Insists on a Philosophical ‘Platform’
(The following two articles, written by Larry Koralewski, a long-time student of Brother Francis, will be the first of a number of installments to come, most of which will deal with the Saint Benedict Center courses on Philosophy.) Why Saint … Continue reading
Pope Innocent III and the Marks of a Great Papacy
Because Innocent III was one of the three popes to define the doctrine of “no salvation outside the Church,” it would do well for all the friends of Saint Benedict Center to study the pontificate of this man whose papacy … Continue reading
On Dragon Slaying and Stable Cleaning: A Look at the Lay Apostolate
(This was originally given as a talk at the annual Saint Benedict Center Conference. Originally entitled “Living as a Third Order Member in the World,” its name was changed because, while it has particular relevance to members of our Third … Continue reading
The Catholic World of Father Denis Fahey
Sometimes it is not enough for a man to die. A mediocre man, even a good one, is soon forgotten. But if he was a great man and he had a profound influence for good, his enemies will use every … Continue reading
Catholic Teaching Concerning a Just War
Editor’s Introduction: Catholic doctrine is never an “untimely” thing. However, certain doctrines come to the fore from time to time due to circumstances in the Church and the world. Presently, there is a “perpetual war for perpetual peace,” as one … Continue reading
The Challenge of Padre Pio
A woman carrying a suitcase got in line with the other ladies waiting to confess to Padre Pio. He was, by now, famous for the many wonders obtained by his prayers and intercession.
Katherine Drexel: A Saint for Modern Americans
On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II solemnly decreed that Katharine Drexel, Founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People, is a saint of the Catholic Church. A third-generation, thoroughly “Red-blooded” American had been … Continue reading