Kings in the ancient world viewed themselves as sons of particular gods, patron deities of their realm, and, therefore, divine in their own right. Sometimes conceived through ritual acts, rulers, regardless, viewed their coronation as a moment of adoption, when they began to act, not simply at the behest of, Read more…
I approach Catholic culture by integrating a variety of disciplines: theology, history, culture, and art. Following the proposal of Christopher Dawson for The Study of Christian Culture as the anchor of Catholic education for our time, my goal is to help people experience the great cultural legacy of the Church Read more…
One of the most common statements in relation to the recent papal election concerned the inappropriateness of political labels in the Church. While it may be true that they shouldn’t belong in the Church, it doesn’t follow that they do not apply to factions and ways of thinking. St. Paul Read more…
From the beginning, the Bishop of Rome exercised influence beyond the Eternal City, becoming a rock of doctrinal orthodoxy that would help the universal Church weather many storms. Rome was never an ordinary city in the history of the Petrine ministry, attracting clergy and faithful alike from across the ancient Read more…
I just discovered that I have an unexpected Name Day on May 19th. Catholics celebrate their Name Day as another birthday in honor of the patron saints on feast days of the one after whom they are named. There are a few St. Roberts, with Bellarmine being the most famous, Read more…
On this day of Pope Francis’s funeral, first of all we pray for the repose of his soul. Everyone would acknowledge, no matter the side on which they would land, that Francis’s Pontificate was controversial and divisive, particularly in matters of doctrine and liturgy. I don’t find any need to Read more…
I was struck by a line from the Psalms: “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant” (Psalm 25:14). The great covenants have been revealed through the Patriarchs and Prophets, culminating in the New Covenant given to us by Read more…
I’ve heard many times that since Sundays commemorate the Resurrection we pause Lent on Sunday and should celebrate a little Easter. I was even taught when I was young that you could have the thing you gave up for Lent on Sunday, breaking out candy bars to celebrate the day. Read more…
The Letter to the Hebrews tells us “Our God is a consuming fire” (11:29). Fire consumes its fuel while it generates heat and light, with the ability to purify and destroy. On a cold winter night, it brings consolation. If that fire spreads, however, from the hearth to the house, Read more…
I have two great spiritual loves that, on the surface, may not seem compatible: Byzantine liturgy and Benedictine monasticism. When you look deeply, however, surprising connections emerge between them. Here are some major ones. St. Benedict is revered as a saint by the Orthodox who celebrate his feast on March Read more…