We are in the midst of the Chair of Unity Octave. This is a good time for some considerations on what constitutes true Church unity and why it is so important. The fundamental truth concerning Christian unity seems, in these … 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 André of Mount Royal, a Timely Canonization
Around here, the news of December 19 was received with great joy. I refer to the publication of the decree, approved by His Holiness, Benedict XVI, clearing the way for the canonization of Blessed Brother André. Because this news is … Continue reading
At St. Peter’s Basilica, Mass in the Classical Rite
Brother Maximilian Maria and I are recently returned from Rome. I’ve decided that, poco a poco, I will post some columns on the site showcasing some of the wonderful Roman churches we saw. First though, I would like to give one little snapshot among hundreds of mental photographs from our fortnight in the Eternal City. It is a picture of the encouragement we felt in the presence of young clerics and a few seminarians.
But it would be precipitous to portray this image without first supplying a background. So, let’s go to St. Peter’s… Continue reading
The Dogma and the Culture
Our late October conference just behind us, I would now like to consider its theme in light of our doctrinal Crusade. The coalescence is a wholesome one; “two great tastes that taste great together,” so to speak. Our conference speakers … Continue reading
Anglicans? Say Rather They Are Catholics!
Here come the Anglicans! And it’s a good thing. When England was evangelized, it was explicitly and directly a papal project, the inspiration of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who sent his fellow Italian, Saint Augustine, to do the job. … Continue reading
The Conference, the Pilgrimage, and All That
This Ad Rem is something of a collection of notes on recent and upcoming events. The Conference. The first thing is our annual conference, which is fast approaching (October 30-31). Our speakers will explore the theme, “Toward an Integral Catholic … Continue reading
The Funeral of Brother Francis, in Thoughts and Pictures
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
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
