Often confused by Americans with Slovenia, Slovakia shares with that country a relatively brief period of political independence — 1939 to 1945, and 1993 to the present in the case of Slovakia. From 1920 to 1939 and from 1945 to … Continue reading
Author Archives: Charles A. Coulombe
Slovenia — Land of Bishop Baraga
Slovenia ranks 38th in size among European countries; covering a total area of 7,827 square miles, it is one of the smaller nations on the continent. Nevertheless, it has an impressive history and a remarkable culture, anchored in the Catholic … Continue reading
Of Schism and Salvation
The past months up to and including the July 1 consecrations of bishops by the Society of St. Pius X have been filled with all sorts of religious controversy in the Catholic world, and every brand and conceivable permutation of … Continue reading
Nobility and the SSPX
A great many commentators have taken up the cudgels both before and after the Society of St. Pius X consecrated bishops without Rome’s permission last July 1. Some are for, some are against; but most subscribe to a single narrative. … Continue reading
The Cavalier-Jacobite Tour: Ireland and Scotland
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that’s born to be king Over the sea to Skye. Burned are their homes, exile and death Scatter the loyal men; Yet ere the … Continue reading
The Cavalier-Jacobite Tour: England and Wales
Till then upon Ararat’s hill My hope shall cast her anchor still, Until I see some peaceful dove Bring home the branch I dearly love; Then will I wait till the waters abate Which now disturb my troubled brain, Else … Continue reading
Fourth Partition of Poland: Finis Poloniae?
God! For so many centuries, you surrounded Poland with the radiance of power and glory, and with the shield of your protection protected it from the misfortunes that were to overwhelm it. Before your altars we offer a plea: Save … Continue reading
The Third Partition of Poland
We won’t forsake the land we came from, We won’t let our speech be buried. We are the Polish nation, the Polish people, From the royal line of Piast. We won’t let the enemy oppress us. So help us God! … Continue reading
The Second Partition of Poland
The world is sliding towards confusion. It clings to the slippery slope, but is unable to stay in place — I have a presentiment of impending upheavals, I probe the imminent days with my nerves and I absorb all their … Continue reading
The First Partition of Poland
The Polish self-image as a “Christ among nations” or the martyr of Europe can be traced back to its history of Christendom and suffering under invasions. During the periods of foreign occupation, the Catholic Church served as a bastion of … Continue reading
What’s Going on with Germany?
What is the German’s fatherland? So name the great land to me, already! As far as the German tongue sounds And sings songs to God in heaven: That shall it be! That shall it be! That, brave German, call that … Continue reading
What’s Going on with France?
Sweet France, dear land of my childhood, cradle of so much carefree joy, I have kept you in my heart, my village with its steeple and wise houses, where children my age shared my happiness, yes, I love you, and … Continue reading
What’s Going on in England?
If England was what England seems, An’ not the England of our dreams, But only putty, brass, an’ paint, ‘Ow quick we’d chuck ‘er! But she ain’t! —Rudyard Kipling LOVE her or hate her, the United Kingdom of Great Britain … Continue reading
Understanding the Iranian Monarchy
Think, in this batter’d Caravanserai Whose Portals are alternate Night and Day, How Sultan after Sultan with his Pomp Abode his destined Hour, and went his way. —Omar Khayyam, “The Rubaiyat,” trans. Edward Fitzgerald THE RECENT demonstrations against the Iranian … Continue reading
So Far from God…
Pobre México: tan lejos de Dios y tan cerca de los Estados Unidos. Poor little Mexico — So far from God, and so close to the United States. —Mexican Proverb. The World awoke on January 3, 2026 to find that … Continue reading
