The photo above sets a suitably somber tone for Passiontide, although this year the spirit was joyfully interrupted with the feast of St. Joseph and (for those in Benedictine circles) yesterday’s feast of St. Benedict. The church pictured here is St. Anne’s in Vilnius, Lithuania. In my one and only trip to Lithuania many (too many!) years ago, one of my dearest friends, an Englishman whom I met in Austria, got married in this very church,
1. The bishop Schneider interview is on the docket for me over the weekend, along with my Lenten reading, The Glories of Divine Grace by Scheeben.
2. I loved the above discussion of the terms “traditional,” “Catholic,” “Orthodox,” etc. Revelation is given in scripture AND tradition, right (?) They are in the CCC as well.
However I watched a video by a prominent priest yesterday. He emphasized scripture as revelation and I don’t think he even mentioned tradition. And then he talked about the authority of the pope. It was all about obedience, understood rather simply.
3. One reason I knew I had to swim the Tiber was that I had gradually allowed myself to be sucked into “ingrained mediocrity.” Good phrase. Of course I had bought into Protestant and then feminist disruption. Through fasting and mortification this Lent I am trying to see the truth and make reparations for my willful disorder, and unlearn the many falsehoods of the world which I believed over decades.
Wow! What a surprise to see my very own parish church atop this entry! I was just there a few hours ago for confession, stations, and Mass. I hope you'll make a return visit to St. Anne's in the not too distant future, Dr. K!
Your account of the post-wedding festivities in the Lithuanian tavern brings to mind the many little stops along the ways in Tolkien and Lewis’s fantasies. Whether it be feasting with elves or the royal banquets of Cair Paravel, this aroma of love, friendship, joy, and the most beautiful of things human makes me think of your experience in that tavern in Lithuania as well as my own unique ones. These moments are always characterized by a deep stirring within, a desire for the Eternal Feast.
I appreciate your correction regarding Jesus’ genealogy. But what’s often overlooked is that Jesus was not related to David by blood. That lineage is found on Joseph’s side, not Mary’s. I’ve often wondered, what’s the lineage on Mary’s side? Besides Anne and Joachim?
“Ingrained mediocrity is in a certain respect worse than rebellious rupture, because it continues the rupture under a disguise of normalcy”
This is exactly what we find in the pews in most parishes; they’ve become accustomed to beige walls & polyester vestments, the standard uninspired resin statuary, the childishly stylised stained glass with mismatched proportions and bland scenes. I imagine there’s a catalogue floating around somewhere with Your Basic Altar Accoutrements with the only real choice being brushed or polished brass. Babette’ Feast comes to mind.
A few comments: I shed a tear at the end of MOTA III, and keep in mind, the first time I cried I was 14 after finishing Where the Red Fern Grows. Thank you for using the word “cthonic.” I haven’t seen that word used in a long time. Finally, I wish you had been invited to be the speaker at our diocesan Eucharistic Congress.
1. The bishop Schneider interview is on the docket for me over the weekend, along with my Lenten reading, The Glories of Divine Grace by Scheeben.
2. I loved the above discussion of the terms “traditional,” “Catholic,” “Orthodox,” etc. Revelation is given in scripture AND tradition, right (?) They are in the CCC as well.
However I watched a video by a prominent priest yesterday. He emphasized scripture as revelation and I don’t think he even mentioned tradition. And then he talked about the authority of the pope. It was all about obedience, understood rather simply.
3. One reason I knew I had to swim the Tiber was that I had gradually allowed myself to be sucked into “ingrained mediocrity.” Good phrase. Of course I had bought into Protestant and then feminist disruption. Through fasting and mortification this Lent I am trying to see the truth and make reparations for my willful disorder, and unlearn the many falsehoods of the world which I believed over decades.
Oh, yesterday’s piece was quite beautiful.
Wow! What a surprise to see my very own parish church atop this entry! I was just there a few hours ago for confession, stations, and Mass. I hope you'll make a return visit to St. Anne's in the not too distant future, Dr. K!
Your account of the post-wedding festivities in the Lithuanian tavern brings to mind the many little stops along the ways in Tolkien and Lewis’s fantasies. Whether it be feasting with elves or the royal banquets of Cair Paravel, this aroma of love, friendship, joy, and the most beautiful of things human makes me think of your experience in that tavern in Lithuania as well as my own unique ones. These moments are always characterized by a deep stirring within, a desire for the Eternal Feast.
I appreciate your correction regarding Jesus’ genealogy. But what’s often overlooked is that Jesus was not related to David by blood. That lineage is found on Joseph’s side, not Mary’s. I’ve often wondered, what’s the lineage on Mary’s side? Besides Anne and Joachim?
“Ingrained mediocrity is in a certain respect worse than rebellious rupture, because it continues the rupture under a disguise of normalcy”
This is exactly what we find in the pews in most parishes; they’ve become accustomed to beige walls & polyester vestments, the standard uninspired resin statuary, the childishly stylised stained glass with mismatched proportions and bland scenes. I imagine there’s a catalogue floating around somewhere with Your Basic Altar Accoutrements with the only real choice being brushed or polished brass. Babette’ Feast comes to mind.
May God protect Bishop Schneider.
Being the "Son of David" gets the message across to me, tangles or no.
A few comments: I shed a tear at the end of MOTA III, and keep in mind, the first time I cried I was 14 after finishing Where the Red Fern Grows. Thank you for using the word “cthonic.” I haven’t seen that word used in a long time. Finally, I wish you had been invited to be the speaker at our diocesan Eucharistic Congress.
Absolutely loved the “Immaculata” BP Schneider interview. Thank the Lord for his clarity, true faith, and holiness.