You have made us for Yourself, [O Lord,] and our heart is restless, until it rests in You. Confessions, St. Augustine of Hippo St. Augustine lived in the 4th century in North Africa. This quote from the beginning of his spiritual autobiography makes two bold statements: "You have made us for Yourself" and "our heart is … Continue reading Restless Hearts
False Humility
About myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance … Continue reading False Humility
Dialectical Learning
Some truth lives more in the doing, some in the knowing. I went to a college that used discussion as the main mode of learning for the students. To prepare for class, we would all read the same text of a great thinker, one who wrestled with the deepest questions of human existence. We would … Continue reading Dialectical Learning
A Conversion Letter Worthy of Brideshead
This is a good story and a wonderful example of what it is to change your life due to your convictions.
Traveling for the Institute has not been easy. I always hate leaving home and family. But I have been amply rewarded by my family’s support of this important work, and by the privilege of meet
ing so many dedicated Catholic educators and beautiful Catholic people. As Our Lord promised:
Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
One of the houses I have been blessed to be welcomed into is Wethersfield Estate and Gardens in Amenia, New York. Built by Chauncey Devereux Stillman, Wethersfield is only two hours north of NYC, but part of another…
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The Problem of Melancholy
Rosalind: They say you are a melancholy fellow. Jacques: I am so; I do love it better than laughing. Rosalind: Those that are in extremity of either are abominable fellows. Shakespeare's As You Like It I have always known that I am partly melancholic. Melancholics are deep thinkers and feelers; they look for happiness in the worth and truth … Continue reading The Problem of Melancholy
The Four Temperaments
One of the oldest pseudo-psychological personality systems is called the Four Temperaments. Although the temperaments were originally connected to medicine, we now use them simply to understand ourselves and one another. It is a way of comparing and contrasting people's motives and preconceptions about the world. Most important of all, it is a way for … Continue reading The Four Temperaments
What People Think
When contemplating an action, should we care what people think? It is a question we all ask ourselves. Because we are relational beings, we need each other. We have a natural desire for unity. We want everyone to agree all the time, so we often find ways to compromise. Compromise is good and healthy, but … Continue reading What People Think
Grace Overflowed
The law entered in so that transgression might increase but, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 Grace Overflowed The speed of evil Evil rushes towards us so quickly. For a while, everything … Continue reading Grace Overflowed
Fairy Tales
I have a soft-spot for fairy tales. They are an authentic way to tap into the stories of my Anglo-Germanic heritage. When people compare life to a fairy tale, they are asking whether or not it measures up to some beautiful ideal. But really, fairy tales are more often stories of fear, death, and magic … Continue reading Fairy Tales
The Patience of a Saint
I talked about the social vice known as arrogance. A social virtue that hits closer to home for me is patience. I desire that patience lead me to put the greater good above the good of being understood. This is the prayer of St. Francis. This is the patience of a Saint. A simple portrayal of … Continue reading The Patience of a Saint
