Despite great advances in fire prevention management and fighting techniques, wildfires have been raging in America in recent years. Hundreds of thousands of acres have been made desolate. The fires have engulfed thousands of homes and structures. Many have died fleeing from the flames. There is another solution to taming wildfires that … Read more
Forced by circumstances to get a bite to eat at a “fast food” place, I expected to find that frenetic, machine-like service, centered on maximum efficiency and the worship of speed. Fast food facilities are designed to move people in and out quickly, with little concern for the pondering of anything. They … Read more
The Nativity Scene is one of the most endearing Christmas traditions in the Catholic Church, recalling the conditions in which the Redeemer was born. Its origin goes back to Christmas 1223 to Saint Francis of Assisi. The saint wished to celebrate the birth of the Divine Redeemer in a more solemn way … Read more
Last year, I made a New Year’s resolution that I would make my Sundays Internet-free. It was not easy but, with one small exception, I was able to make a complete break with the worldwide web on Sundays. As we enter 2018, I will be renewing the resolution. I made the resolution … Read more
This article was written by the eminent Catholic thinker and man of action, Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira on January 1st, 1979 for the newspaper, Folha de S.Paulo, in Brazil. Harkening to days of his youth in the early twentieth century, in then small-town São Paulo, he bemoans what rampant materialism … Read more
Vicente Borras Abella (1867–1945) is one of those Spanish painters who attained their full artistic maturity in the first half of the twentieth century. His family is from Valencia, a seaside city where the golden sunlight on the Mediterranean inspired so many artists. The painting at the top of the page, full … Read more
In making my list of gift suggestions for Christmas, I could not help but reflect that what we need most are things spiritual, not material. We need things that will not agitate us but which will fill us with peace and order. We don’t need “stuff” to fill our closets but gifts … Read more
The rash of sexual harassment scandals is sweeping the nation to the point that it seems almost no male is exempt from its terrible fury. Anyone can be denounced by the media. Liberals point to “toxic masculinity” and social structures that must be overthrown. Feminists blame the remnants of patriarchy that manage … Read more
As Christmas approaches, there is much talk of a post-Christian America. No one can dispute that the Christ Child finds no place in many secular hearts. For these, Christmas is merely a time of holiday and sparkle with little real significance. Over the ages, so many have followed the route of those … Read more
Thanksgiving has become a secular holiday. It is a time for family get-togethers, sports events and shopping trips. There is some, but not enough giving of thanks on Thanksgiving. Moreover, when gratitude is felt, it frequently remains just a feeling that is not directed toward a good and personal God. Then too, … Read more