Three soldiers rose up from their tents And went to join their regiments. And one said: “Captain, I report Because I think that war is sport!” And one said: “Captain, I am here Because my duty makes it clear.” And … Continue reading
Three soldiers rose up from their tents And went to join their regiments. And one said: “Captain, I report Because I think that war is sport!” And one said: “Captain, I am here Because my duty makes it clear.” And … Continue reading
Last year, Dr. Natalie A. Lindemann published a scholarly journal article on predictors of Catholics’ belief in the Real Presence. Dr. Lindemann is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. She recently … Continue reading
A priest friend shared with me this writing prompt that he used to give to his high school students. It sounded too deliciously challenging to pass up. So here is my letter to the blind man. Dear poor Blind Man, … Continue reading
We are all pretty familiar with the idea of sacramentals as weapons. We know St. Maximilian called Miraculous Medals his “bullets”; we have often heard the Rosary spoken of as a “sword.” We probably have at least a vague sense … Continue reading
You may remember the scene in third Lord of the Rings movie where Frodo is unconscious up in the tower of Cirith Ungol, and orcs who captured him start fighting over his “shiny shirt.” One ugly orc fellow pushes the … Continue reading
Tie in a living tether the prince and priest and thrall, bind all our lives together, smite us and save us all; in ire and exultation aflame with faith, and free, lift up a living nation, a single sword to … Continue reading
On the trip to England and Scotland that I mentioned in my latest Ad Rem, I made an interesting discovery connecting a very out-of-the-way spot in Cornwall to a well-known part of American Catholic History. Our big adventure began with … Continue reading
A knight there was, and he a worthy man, Who, from the moment that he first began To ride about the world, loved chivalry, Truth, honour, freedom and all courtesy. Full worthy was he in his liege-lord’s war, And therein … Continue reading
The splendor falls on castle walls And snowy summits old in story; The long light shakes across the lakes, And the wild cataract leaps in glory. Blow, bugle, blow, set the wild echoes flying, Blow, bugle; answer, echoes, dying, dying, … Continue reading
Mike Church had me on his show this morning to discuss the holy season of Lent. Here is his description of the interview, followed by the embedded YouTube video thereof: Lent 2025 has begun! What are the Catholic requirements for … Continue reading
This year of 2025, Mardi Gras arrives on March 4. While the season of Septuagesima, Shrovetide, Carneval — call it what you will — is ending, it is important to remember that keeping it is the hallmark of Catholic cultures. … Continue reading
Lament, lament, old Abbeys, The Fairies’ lost command! They did but change Priests’ babies, But some have changed your land. And all your children, sprung from thence, Are now grown Puritans, Who live as changelings ever since For love of … Continue reading
Down with the rosemary, and so Down with the bays and misletoe; Down with the holly, ivy, all Wherewith ye dress’d the Christmas hall; That so the superstitious find No one least branch there left behind; For look, how many … Continue reading
Quotes Worth Contemplating for the Feast of St. John Bosco A Look at Saint John Bosco and the “Love Languages” “It is not enough to love the young,” St. John Bosco famously said; “they must know that they are loved.” … Continue reading
Don’t take the biggest cookie; just take the one that is closest to you on the plate. — Mom NOTWITHSTANDING this seemingly sage advice from my mother, it is my considered opinion that the cookie one ought to reach for … Continue reading
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