Not unlike the times of Our Lord, we live in the paradox of a world in disorder yet under the appearance of order. Beneath the veneer of optimism and prosperity, many people experience lives of trial and suffering due to the lifestyles of frenetic intemperance they have adopted. Christmas is especially a time to address … Read more
The late-nineteenth-century conversion story, En Route, by J. K. Huysmans is a book that penetrates deeply into the mind of the reader. It is an autobiographical yet fictional account of the return journey to the Church of a famous French art critic and novelist in decadent Paris. The book has weathered well the ravages of … Read more
Just outside of Washington, D.C. an annual event takes place. Unlike most events in the nation’s capital, this one has nothing to do with government. In fact, one could attend all four days of this event and never hear anything about politics. This is “The Washington D.C. Collectible Fountain Pen Supershow.” Its web site says … Read more
“Consider the diversity of the Middle Ages: on the one hand, there is the razing of cities, the fall of empires, the struggle between races, the confusion of peoples, violence and lamentations; there is corruption, barbarianism; institutions fall and institutions rise, Men disperse and make nations, whole peoples are led to unknown destinations, and yet … Read more
A room with cleverly calculated proportions: wide enough and with a high enough ceiling to simultaneously convey the harmonious yet contrary impressions of warmth and relief. It easily accommodates the furniture, paintings, chandelier, and people with enough space for them to move about naturally, without bumping into something or someone. The furnishings are not … Read more
God created beauty for the life of the soul. It has no corporal usefulness. It does not satisfy hunger, shelter us from a storm or provide warmth. For the life of the body, it is perfectly useless. However, beauty is more useful than food, shelter and warmth. This is because beauty is useful to the … Read more
Sainte Chapelle: Masterpiece of Temperance Built by Saint Louis IX of France, this chapel reflects an extraordinary innocence of soul. We could call this chapel the Chapel of Innocence. Because a soul must be profoundly innocent to conceive this. Free Book: Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, … Read more
Augustus Welby Pugin was the son of a French noble and architect who went to England during the French Revolution of 1789. Born in London on March 1, 1812, his mother reared him in strict Calvinist fashion. In 1834, at the age of 19, Augustus discovered medieval art and became a Catholic. He wrote: “I … Read more
Compared to other cathedrals, Notre Dame stands out. The three doorways have beautiful deep ogives, which show how thick the walls are. On the facade and sides of the cathedral, episodes of Sacred Scripture are illustrated in stone. Free Book: Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, … Read more
No discussion about the healthy state of the American imagination would be complete without talking about castles. Americans love castles and everything associated with them. In nearly every locale across the country, there are those who dream beyond the classic mansion or manor and build the medieval castle of their dreams. Such dream castles are … Read more
