There is in stillness oft a magic powerTo calm the breast, when struggling passions lower;Touch'd by its influence, in the soul ariseDiviner feelings, kindred with the skies.By this the Arab's kindling thoughts expand,When circling skies inclose the desert sand;For this the hermit seeks the thickest grove,To catch th' inspiring glow of heavenly love.It is not … Continue reading Poem – “Solitude”
Saint John Henry Newman
Poem: “St. Philip Neri in His Mission”
In the far North our lot is cast, Where faithful hearts are few;Still are we Philip's children dear, And Peter's soldiers true. Founder and Sire! to mighty Rome, Beneath St. Peter's shade,Early thy vow of loyal love And ministry was paid. The solemn porch, and portal high, Of Peter was thy home;The world's Apostle he, … Continue reading Poem: “St. Philip Neri in His Mission”
Words of the Saints: St. John Henry Newman
Today's the Feast of St. John Henry Newman, so I'm going to offer another nugget of wisdom from the great Saint. The words below are all his. WHEN a "Catholic Literature in the English tongue" is spoken of as a desideratum, no reasonable person will mean by "Catholic works" much more than the "works of … Continue reading Words of the Saints: St. John Henry Newman
Words of the Saints: St. John Henry Newman on Some Difficulties
Yet not a little may be said in explanation of a step, which so many of his admirers and well-wishers deplore. I own to a deep feeling, that Catholics may in good measure thank themselves, and no one else, for having alienated from them so religious a mind. There are those among us, as it … Continue reading Words of the Saints: St. John Henry Newman on Some Difficulties
Words of the Saints: St. John Henry Newman on the Hour of Death
"Well is the hour of death described as the evening. There is something in the evening especially calm and solemn, fitly representing the hour of death. How peculiar, how unlike anything else, is a summer evening, when after the fever and heat of the day, after walking, or after working, after any toil, we cease … Continue reading Words of the Saints: St. John Henry Newman on the Hour of Death
Words of the Saints – St. John Henry Newman on Literature
"A Literature, when it is formed, is a national and historical fact; it is a matter of the past and the present, and can be as little ignored as the present, as little undone as the past. We can deny, supersede, or change it, then only, when we can do the same towards the race … Continue reading Words of the Saints – St. John Henry Newman on Literature
Serpent's Den 