In “Christology for Joe,” an article that answers questions from a thoughtful young man, I made some observations about the way the English language has been Protestantized. In this number of the Ad Rem, I excerpt from that article the part explaining the words used to distinguish the “cult” of the Blessed Virgin and the saints from the “cult” of the Blessed Trinity. This knowledge may prove useful in helping readers to think through, and deal with, certain objections that come to our religion from its critics. Read More »

Christology is that branch of sacred theology that studies the Incarnation. All theology is the study of God, for that is what the word means; this branch specifically studies the Man-God. Keeping in mind the precedence of the intellect to the will, we can say that knowledge of this science can help us with the arts of praying well and serving our Lord well. Remember: science applies to knowing, art to doing. Summarily, the study of Christology helps us to know Jesus better, that we may love and serve Him better. Read More »

With a hat tip to Tancred at the The Eponymous Flower, I bring your attention to Umberto Eco’s op-ed piece in the New York Times, The Lost Wisdom of the Three Wise Men. Eco is a secularized Italian who was reared and educated as a Catholic, taught, in fact, by the Salesians of Don Bosco. He is a skeptic of a sort, but places great value on Western culture (any culture, apparently, judging from his editorial), and thinks it lamentable that children are ignorant of the Bible, the saints, and their contribution to art. Read More »

The doctrine of hell is certainly not one of our faith’s more consoling teachings. Neither is it especially attractive to outsiders (ever hear someone say, “I converted because of your teachings on hell”?). Nor, finally, does it produce the most elevated sentiments in the human heart, as do meditation on Our Lord’s Passion, traditional Marian piety, or the sublime grandeur of the sacred liturgy. But the truth of this article of faith is attested to by our meek and loving Savior just as strongly as any in our Creed — in fact, more so than most. Read More »

There is a Protestant gentleman who reads our web site at least occasionally. He has made his presence known by some comments posted on line, comments in which he makes no bones about his disagreement with key Catholic doctrines. Although I clearly believe that there are certain negative ramifications to his objections and consequent aloofness from the true Church, I respect the fact that he voices his disagreements. Unlike the religiously indifferent majority of people, my Protestant friend is certainly not apathetic. (A sobering apocalyptic reference to lukewarmness and vomit comes to mind.) And because he bothers to speak his mind, I have been able, I think, to offer him some food for thought. Read More »

We are still in what used to be the Octave of Corpus Christi. Even though this octave was done away with in the 1962 rubrics, its ghost still lurks about the liturgy. We will, this Friday, have the feast of the Sacred Heart, whose placement was determined by its relation to the octave. What follows are some considerations on the Epistle for Corpus Christi (I Cor. 11:23-39). It is not an in-depth reading or scholarly exegesis. These are merely some meditations I offer for your consideration. Read More »

(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 Order, it can be applied to every layman striving to be an apostle. The author drew great profit from the Saint Augustine Institute, and encourages people to study according to the SAI program. — Editor.)

I’m sure that what I am about to say is “old hat” to everyone in this audience of fellow Third Order members and friends of St. Benedict Center. My wife and I do nothing very special. In fact, I’m afraid I won’t be able to offer any wonderful and riveting tales of stunning successes. Some small ones, but no great and amazing feats of courage as great and brave crusaders. Read More »

In the feedback from the Catholic America Tour, a common recommendation is that more “practical” considerations be woven into the presentation. Many are saying that the history is interesting and the examples are motivating, but practical “methods” are not sufficiently expounded. As the Latins would say, concēdō — I yield, submit, give way, succumb, and all that. They have a point, my constructive critics — and I thank them. To make up for the deficiency, some of us religious and layfolk here at the Center got together and jotted down a list. We hope you find it helpful. Read More »

(Edited from an actual reply recently sent from Saint Benedict Center.)

To our online readers: I am sharing this “for what it’s worth” to you. I never got a response from the lady to whom it was sent. Maybe you could join me in praying for her. Read More »

For the sake of brevity, clarity, and up-frontness, I will state the purpose of this article before the first period is typed: It is to show that the Protestant doctrine of sola scriptura is a false doctrine of man which keeps people from their ultimate goal of salvation. I will use the Bible as my principal source to refute sola scriptura. Read More »