The obsequies of our beloved Brother Francis were an appropriate finale to his long and fruitful life in this tearful vale. This Ad Rem is a series of more-or-less random reflections on Brother’s wake and funeral, followed by a photo … Continue reading
Category: «Ad Rem» A Fortnightly Email Message from the Prior
«Ad Rem» is our Prior’s fortnightly email message offering news and commentary regarding the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Crusade of St. Benedict Center, and issues affecting the universal Church. Each number offers brief, ad rem (“to the point”) commentary on timely or otherwise important matters. Click here to subscribe to our email list and receive the «Ad Rem» each time it’s published.
Saint Louis IX and Politics
Today is the feast of King Saint Louis of France. As the formerly Christian West is sliding further into the tyranny of liberalism, it is balm to the soul to consider that the people in Louis’ France were freer than … Continue reading →
In the Spirit of Father Feeney: SBC Conference 2009
The lineup of speakers for our 2009 Saint Benedict Center Conference is now complete. Our speakers will be Sister Marie Therese, Sister Maria Philomena, Doctor Robert Hickson, Mister Gary Potter, Mister John McManus, Mister C. Joseph Doyle, and Mister Brian … Continue reading →
Imagine There’s No Hell
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 … Continue reading →
The Pilgrimage for Restoration
In this brief Ad Rem, I am reproducing an electronic flyer advertising the Pilgrimage for Restoration. I cannot recommend this wonderful event more strongly. Our religious go to it every year, bringing two brigades of pilgrims from Saint Benedict Center. … Continue reading →
Admire, But Don’t Imitate
There are certain saints about whom it is said, “admire, but don’t imitate.” One who comes to mind is Saint Peter of Alcantara, the famous Franciscan reformer, whom I am told Franciscan novices have long been specifically warned not to … Continue reading →
The Precious Blood: the ‘Mystery of Faith’
July is the month of the Precious Blood. In the traditional rite, the first day of the month is the feast of that name. In the Roman Martyrology, July 1 also commemorates Aaron the High Priest, the brother of Moses. … Continue reading →
Do Something for a Catholic America
Speaking to a traditional priest friend lately, I asked him about his methodology. I noticed that this very effective cleric spent little or no time complaining about the state of affairs in the Church. In reply, he assured me that … Continue reading →
The Hands of the King
The comical reaction I got from a television anchor may never leave my memory. When I told her that the people who lived under King Saint Louis IX of France were freer than we are now in America, she looked … Continue reading →
Apocalypse Now
Imagine that you are thrust into the most captivating film plot about the end of the world. Reality as it is portrayed in the most special-effects-ridden movie Hollywood can make, complete with a Hans Zimmer musical score, suddenly and inescapably … Continue reading →
The Lady, the Rock, and the Beast
The Kensington Runestone is a slab of greywacke stone — 36 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 6 inches thick — with a fourteenth-century runic inscription on it. Unearthed in 1898, in a rural area of Northern Minnesota, it was … Continue reading →
The ‘Little Way’ of an Apostle
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 … Continue reading →
Marian Consecration and the Conversion of America
The United States of America are badly in need of conversion. My readers, I think, will take this as axiomatic, so I shall not attempt to prove it. Instead, I would like to propose, in very simple terms and briefly, … Continue reading →
Maundy Thursday and a Free Society
The Epistle for Maundy Thursday’s night Mass, Missa in Coena Domini, presents Saint Paul’s account of the institution of the Holy Eucharist. In it, the Apostle admonishes all who receive our Lord’s Body and Blood to examine their consciences, for … Continue reading →
The Church and the Contraceptive Culture
In the recent row over the Holy Father’s statements about birth control devices, it was made very apparent how much the world hates the Church’s moral magisterium. Even bishops, shepherds of Our Lord’s flock, went on record opposing the teachings … Continue reading →