In the second half of the nineteenth century, the popularity of Vin Mariani spread throughout European and American society as a wonder cure for almost every ailment. Unfortunately, drinkers of Vin Marini didn’t know that the secret ingredient had some not so pleasant side effects. Links: Information on Vin Mariani can be found here and […]
Pope Benedict XV repeatedly called for an end to the violence of the First World War, but his cries just as repeatedly were rejected by the governments of belligerent countries that would be satisfied with nothing less than total victory. Yet, it was not only the governments of belligerent countries that thwarted Benedict’s mission – […]
Children in Catholic schools in the 1940s, 50s and 60s spent much time raising money to “ransom pagan babies”. But the work of the HCA, the Holy Child Association, was about more than baptism – it was about children helping children. Links: Holy Childhood Association – Official website of the HCA in the US HCA […]
On this day in 1966, Pope Paul VI met with Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey in the Sistine Chapel. This was the first meeting between the heads of the Catholic and Anglican churches in 400 years. Paul VI and Archbishop Ramsey would sign a common declaration stressing their desire to work together on issues of […]
Maria Gaetana Agnesi was one of the brightest mathematicians of the 18th century who just as she had been given a position at the Bologna Academy of Sciences gave it all up to serve the poor. Also in this episode a few words on Kyriopascha and Palmbuschen. Links: Massimo Mazzotti has written a recent book […]
Laetare Sunday, also known as Dominica de Rosa, is probably best known for the rose – yes, rose – vestments the priest wears. This week, we take a look at how this tradition began and what it means for the spirituality of Lent. Links: Other examples of the Golden Rose Photo from L’Osservatore Romano Send […]
From the earliest days of the Christian Church, periods have been set aside for a “joyful fast” in remembrance of the gifts of God. Not only would these days increase Christian devotion through prayer and fasting, they would also have a significant influence on Japanese cuisine. Ember Days for 2010: February 24, 26, and 27 […]
The collection of writings known as the Philokalia is often considered the second most important spiritual text for the Eastern Church after the Bible. Yet, the Philokalia is not just for the East – indeed it can be enriching for all Christians. Links: File of the Philokalia in .pdf format – link found at the […]
While Chess did not originate in Catholic culture, the culture of Catholicism certainly influenced the game and in turn Chess influenced the way Catholics understood their faith. Links: Chapter 16 of the “The Way of Perfection” by St. Theresa of Avila Gautier de Coinci on the Virgin Mary as the Queen of Chess Treatise on […]
Pope Leo XIII began his pontificate with a great vision of the Third Order of Saint Francis bringing about the salvation of Europe and the World. It didn’t quite turn out that way. Links: Pope Leo XIII’s Encyclical on Saint Francis and the Franciscans – Auspicato Concessum The Leonine Rule – Misericors Dei Filius Previous […]
