(NOTE: At a public dinner in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1816, Stephen Decatur, naval hero of the War of 1812, famously declared: “Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be right; but our country right or wrong.” … Continue reading
Category: Catholic Living
Cross My Heart and Hope to Die
The importance of telling the truth and the consequences for failing to do so seemed much clearer and forthright in the past than they are today. Maybe this seemed so because the use of psychology to “excuse” sinful behavior was … Continue reading
A Little Gabrielli in the Afternoon
If the reader will pardon a little fraternal bragging, my brother, Charles Villiarrubia, played tuba on this CD that was recorded by the Empire Brass some time, I think, in the 1990s. It’s hard not to like Gabrielli. Just imagine … Continue reading
Seven Charming and Sweet Stories of Saint Luke
Review of Seven Stories for Christmas (e-book) by Henry von Blumenthal. Being a retired librarian of a “certain” age, I have resisted e-books because I love the feel of a real book in my hands. Here I reveal, however, that … Continue reading
Catholic Alternative to Boy Scouts of America
Interested persons might look into the Federation of North-American Explorers (FNE). They are affiliated with the Catholic FSE or UIGSE (Union of International Guides and Scouts of Europe). This is a Catholic youth movement. The main page for the movement … Continue reading
Clicking on the Comment Button
Men have always tended to an exaggerated idea of the importance of events that take place in their own time. They have also always wanted to talk about what seems important to them. We can imagine a circle of them, … Continue reading
Hilaire Belloc’s Canterbury Tale
In 1905, just before he entered the House of Commons for four discouraging years (1906-1910), Hilaire Belloc published a variegated and copious book, entitled The Old Road, about his eight-day journey afoot from Winchester to Canterbury, the latter also being … Continue reading
June 8, National Consecration of Philippines to the Immaculate Heart
Here is the text of the bishop’s announcement.
Meet Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
Forget Justin Bieber. The Canadian pop star has nothing on the Bohemian-Austrian baroque composer and violinist, Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (12 August 1644 [baptized] – 3 May 1704). Believed to have been Jesuit educated in his earlier years at … Continue reading
Sanctifying the Earth, and Our Parishes
Looking at any traditional missal, one will come across a couple somewhat puzzling observances: the Greater and Lesser Litanies — the former on the feast of St. Mark (April 25), and the latter on the “Rogation Days” (the Monday, Tuesday, … Continue reading
Good Example of Catholic Women Brings Buddhist to Catholic Church
AsiaNews: “I will not change my Christian faith, for any reason. My Buddhist friends are not happy for me to convert, but everyone has the right and the freedom to live as he wants,” said Buddhika Nuwan Kumara, 24, a former … Continue reading
Awesome Testimony of a Jewish Convert: Provocative
Catholic World Report: Groucho Marx once said, “I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that would have a guy like me as a member.” So began my witness testimony at the Easter Vigil on April 7, 2007, when my … Continue reading
Mystery, Obama’s Brain Research Project (and the Pope)
One supposes it may be seen as in questionable taste to cite one’s own work, but that is what I am about to do here. I hope the reader will indulge me. I’m not simply plugging a book. There is … Continue reading
Fisheaters Needs Help
We here at SBC are building a chapel and are in need of funds, so some may think I’m being imprudent in trying to help someone else. Somehow, I think we’ll survive this plug. Tracy Tucciarone, the traditional Catholic lady … Continue reading