On July 18, 1870, the Vatican Council approved Pastor Aeternus, the definition of Papal infalibility by a vote of 533 to 2. However, many of the Council fathers who opposed the definition were absent. The following day, the French invaded Prussia, which soon became the nucleus of the new German Empire. The … Read more
We live in terrible times when tiny horizons dominate the attention of so many. We do not think in grand terms anymore. People are not motivated by magnificent desires or passions. Few appreciate splendor and overwhelming beauty. Instead, many seek the tiny impulse, the momentary high or the insignificant trifle, as a … Read more
“There is one God, one faith, one baptism” (Eph 4:5.) “Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Lk 11:23.) “Without a doubt, they will perish forever, unless they hold the Catholic faith whole and inviolate.” (Symbol of Saint Athanasius) Pope Francis has taken … Read more
To endure our daily battles, God has sent angels, saints and Our Lady to encourage the faithful in the practice of virtue. Our Lady has appeared on numerous occasions throughout history to individuals and groups. Her message is always one of beckoning her devotees to repent, adore and love her Son more … Read more
It has become fashionable to attack “the West.” The term no longer expresses the certainties it once did. Thus, it has proven to be a ready scapegoat to blame for so many of the world’s ills. Both the left and right share this criticism. Gone is the secure, unified world it once … Read more
After the dogma of infallibility was proclaimed, most bishops withdrew from Rome with the Pope’s permission. The war between France and Prussia (Germany) required the presence of pastors in their dioceses. At the same time, the government of the Piedmont King Victor Emmanuel II stirred up political agitation in Rome. This turmoil … Read more
“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Ever since the days that Saint Monica (c. 332-387) wept over her son Augustine’s sins, raising children in the Faith has been challenging. Virtuous parents sometimes raise children who depart … Read more
In the Fatima message of July 13, 1917, Our Lady said: “The war is going to end, but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the pontificate of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the … Read more
In today’s dangerous world scene, many populist and nationalist sectors call for walking away from world commitments and focusing on national problems. They see this isolationism as a Benedict option writ large. There are certainly enough national problems and expenses to occupy America and the nations of the world. Minding one’s own … Read more
July 18, 1870 was a bellweather day for the entire Church. After all the discussions, debates and discords, it was time for the public session promulgating the dogma of infallibility. At nine o’clock, Cardinal Lorenzo Barilli celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit. At the end of the Holy Sacrifice, the pope, … Read more