Strength without leverage is nothing. Even Samson at his power’s peak could not have budged a massive object in a vacuum: he’d simply push himself backwards into empty space. Likewise, an intellect ungrounded in history can only bounce aimlessly off the ineluctable marble of facts (“stubborn things,” John Adams said). I recently remarked, by way…
And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels: And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. —Apocalypse 12:7,8 And God saw the light that it was good; and he divided the light from the darkness.…
As the Vatican continues its bizarre feud with the venerable Roman Rite, going so far as to prohibit the offering of the Ancient Mass in St. Peter’s upper basilica (the very Mass for which that basilica was built), it is delightful to be able to share some very good news. Benedictus, the “Traditional Catholic Companion,”…
“Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” -The Evil Queen in Snow White “Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way” -Proverbs 3:6 Precis: The right thing to do is to conform our wishes to God’s will. Here, though, we will…
On Monday, I shared my concerns that the Pope Francis-approved CDF denial of blessings for same-sex couples would follow the same path as their similar reply to the question on intercommunion. Both times, the CDF said the thing in question was not permitted; both times, the pope signed off on the refusal. But within just…
Author’s note: there are many legends and stories of St. Patrick. In an attempt to view the saint from a different perspective, I offer a reflection on one of the most significant events in the life of the “Apostle to the Irish” as a creative non-fiction short story. The following is based on actual accounts…
Who doesn’t love a circus? The acrobats. The clowns. The trapeze artists. And the inhabitants of San Juan de los Lagos in the state of Jalisco were no exception. They were abuzz with excitement. The circus was coming to town! The year was 1623. A family of trapeze artists had just arrived in town, en…
Author’s note: I have been a long time reader of 1P5 and agree with Steve’s attempt to reorient the site and its content toward more optimistic, wholesome Catholic content. Today I want to offer up my own story in contribution toward that goal. I am also aware that many traditional Catholics are experiencing struggles with…
Every month, we use various methods to remind our many readers that the content we provide, free of charge, is nevertheless dependent upon your voluntary financial support. Last month, that reminder led all of you to rally, and your generosity made it possible for us to actually hit our February goal for the first time…
The CDF has, to the delight of many, smacked down an initiative from the German bishops to bless same-sex unions with a signoff from the pope. As reported today by The Pillar: The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on Monday issued a response to the question “Does the Church have the power to…
“Honey, have you seen my corduroy blazer?” I ask my wife as we prepare to leave for Mass. “Yes dear. I saw it next to Jimmy’s beanie,” she affectionately replies. She too is preparing for Mass. Her Christian Dior dress makes her shine in perfect radiance and modesty. She is certainly the same glorious woman…
