February 7 – Liberal to Anti-liberal

February 6, 2012

Pope Blessed Pius IX (GIOVANNI MARIA MASTAI-FERRETTI). Pope from 1846-78; born at Sinigaglia, 13 May, 1792; died in Rome, 7 February, 1878. BEFORE HIS PAPACY His early years. After receiving his classical education at the Piarist College in Volterra from 1802-09 he went to Rome to study philosophy and theology, but left there in 1810 […]

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February 7 – This Saintly King Is Father To Three More Saints

February 6, 2012

St. Richard, King and Confessor This saint was an English prince, in the kingdom of the West-Saxons, and was perhaps deprived of his inheritance by some revolution in the state: or he renounced it to be more at liberty to dedicate himself to the pursuit of Christian perfection. His three children, Winebald, Willibald, and Warburga, […]

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Marie Antoinette: Ever majestic, though anxious as she discerns the approaching Revolution

February 2, 2012

After his presentation to Louis XVI, Chateaubriand passed through the gallery to meet the Queen returning from chapel. “She soon came in sight,” he says, “surrounded by a large and brilliant suite; she made a dignified courtesy, appearing enchanted with life. And those fair hands, which then held so gracefully the scepter of so many […]

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Weak authority and unbridled liberty

February 2, 2012

The architect of his own ruin, Louis XVI proceeded to forge his own chains. The fault lay with the theorists who deluded him, with those men who were forever talking about necessary liberties and forgot indispensable authority; who, when once in power, were compelled to abandon the theories they had held when in opposition. We […]

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February 3 – Half Fierce Pagan Princess, Half Gentle Christian Princess

February 2, 2012

St. Werburgh of Chester (WEREBURGA, WEREBURG, VERBOURG). Benedictine, patroness of Chester, Abbess of Weedon, Trentham, Hanbury, Minster in Sheppy, and Ely, born in Staffordshire early in the seventh century; died at Trentham, 3 February, 699 or 700. Her mother was St. Ermenilda, daughter of Ercombert, King of Kent, and St. Sexburga, and her father, Wulfhere, […]

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February 3 – The Stuff of Which Saints Are Made

February 2, 2012

St. Anschar (Or Saint Ansgar, Anskar or Oscar.) Called the Apostle of the North, was born to the French nobility in Picardy, 8 September, 801; died 5 February, 865. He became a Benedictine of Corbie, whence he passed into Westphalia. With Harold, the newly baptized King of Denmark who had been expelled from his kingdom […]

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January 31 – St. John Bosco Meets His First Noble Patroness

January 30, 2012

Juliette Colbert, a native of Vendée, had married Marquis Tancredi Falletti of Barolo, and of her it could be said, even as we read of Tabitha in the Acts of the Apostles: “This woman had devoted herself to good works and acts of charity.” Indeed, she used her abundant wealth to help the working classes […]

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The widowed Duchess de Montmorency who became a nun to follow St. Jane Frances de Chantal

January 30, 2012

Among the crowd of eminent or remarkable women called to the Visitation Order had been the widowed Duchess de Montmorency. She was by birth Maria Felicia Orsini, a niece of Pope Sixtus V., and a greatniece and goddaughter of Queen Marie de Medici. She had married at fourteen the Duke de Montmorency, the representative of […]

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Inequalities Are a Condition of Social Organicity

January 30, 2012

[From Leo XIII’s encyclical Humanum genus, of April 20, 1884]: Just as a perfect condition of the body results from the conjunction and composition of its various members, which, though differing in form and purpose, make, by their union and the distribution of each one to its proper place, a combination beautiful to behold, firm […]

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January 31 – The Glory of the Ladies

January 30, 2012

St. Marcella (325–410)  She was a Christian ascetic in ancient Rome. Growing up in Rome, she was influenced by her pious mother, Albina, an educated woman of wealth and benevolence. Childhood memories centered around piety, and one in particular related to Athanasius, who lodged in her home during one of his many exiles. He may […]

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Is Jubilee cooking contest illegal?

January 30, 2012

“The anti-monarchy group Republic is warning schools they may break the law if they take part in a cooking contest to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The contest, launched by the Duchess of Cornwall, is for 10 to 15-years-olds. But Republic says involving children in celebrations of the monarchy without teaching them about republicanism as […]

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El Cid is banished from the kingdom of Castile

January 26, 2012

My Cid sighed for his heart was heavy. My Cid spoke, well and measuredly: “Blessed be the Lord Our God, Our Father who art on high! See now what my wicked enemies have wrought!”… “Rejoice with me, O Alvar Fañez!” he cried. “We are cast out of our land! But we shall return, with honor, […]

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The Equality Myth, a Founding Legend

January 26, 2012

by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira All epochs have a founding legend, a myth that reflects the underlying zeitgeist [spirit of the times]. Those, who like us, live in the contemporary West, are living in the shadow of the Equality Myth. Our political and social institutions operate on the premise that all human beings are fundamentally […]

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January 28 – Fifty Years of War

January 26, 2012

Charlemagne (French for Charles the Great, Carolus Magnus, or Carlus Magnus; German Karl der Grosse). The name given by later generations to Charles, King of the Franks, first sovereign of the Christian Empire of the West; born 2 April, 742; died at Aachen, 28 January, 814. At the time of Charles’ birth, his father, Pepin […]

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No Man Has Greater Love Than This

January 26, 2012

St. Peter Nolasco Born at Mas-des-Saintes-Puelles, near Castelnaudary, France, in 1189 (or 1182); died at Barcelona, on Christmas Day, 1256 (or 1259). He was of a noble family and from his youth was noted for his piety, almsgiving, and charity. Having given all his possessions to the poor, he took a vow of virginity and, […]

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The Tragedy of Marie Adelaide

January 23, 2012

by Diane Moczar Of all the rulers of western European countries in the first quarter of the twentieth century, few are as unknown to British and American historians as Marie Adelaide, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg during World War I. The small size of her realm alone does not explain history’s neglect; by all accounts Marie […]

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Jesus Christ Willed to Be Born of Royal Stock

January 23, 2012

From the allocution of Leo XIII to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility on January 24, 1903: And Jesus Christ, although He chose to spend His private life in the obscurity of a lowly dwelling, passing for the son of a laborer, and although in public life He so loved to associate with the common people, […]

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January 24 – Aristocrat Saint

January 23, 2012

St. Francis de Sales Bishop of Geneva, Doctor of the Universal Church; born at Thorens, in the Duchy of Savoy, 21 August, 1567; died at Lyons, 28 December, 1622. His father, François de Sales de Boisy, and his mother, Françoise de Sionnaz, belonged to old Savoyard aristocratic families. The future saint was the eldest of […]

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January 24 – Ironmonger Was His Alias

January 23, 2012

Blessed William Ireland (Alias Ironmonger.) Jesuit martyr, born in Lincolnshire, 1636; executed at Tyburn, 24 Jan. (not 3 Feb.), 1679; eldest son of William Ireland of Crofton Hall, Yorkshire, by Barbara, a daughter of Ralph Eure, of Washingborough, Lincolnshire (who is to be distinguished from the last Lord Eure) by his first wife. He was […]

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Charlemagne and his army of iron, conquers Lombardy

January 19, 2012

The Monk of St. Gall, who wrote a most entertaining Life of Charles at the end of the ninth century, has left in his pages a vivid picture of what the armed might of Charlemagne meant in the imaginations of his contemporaries and immediate successors. The Monk says that he was told these things as […]

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Pius XII: Allocution of January 19, 1944 to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility

January 19, 2012

Little was your worry, beloved Sons and Daughters, that the present trials, which interrupt and disturb the calm continuation of family and social life, might prevent you from coming, as in past years, to offer Us, with filial devotion, the homage of your best wishes. This tragic, sorrowful time, so full of anxieties and cares, […]

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Commentaries on Charlemagne and St. Willehad of Bremen:

January 19, 2012

by Prof. Plinio Correa de Oliveira “Saint Willehad, bishop and confessor was the first bishop of Bremen, diocese created by Emperor Charlemagne after his conquests. In the year 788, the 21st  of his reign, Charlemagne gave that see a certificate that read: “In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Charles, by the […]

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The “king of cheeses” gets a Royal Approval

January 19, 2012

While the origins of French brie are veiled in the mists of history, some accounts link it to the indomitable Emperor Charlemagne. Like all great kings, Charlemagne showed great interest not just in the protection of the realm and the administration of justice but in fostering the betterment of his people through education, culture, and […]

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January 19 – Saintly King

January 19, 2012

St. Canute IV Martyr and King of Denmark, date of birth uncertain; d. 10 July 1086, the third of the thirteen natural sons of Sweyn II surnamed Estridsen. Elected king on the death of his brother Harold about 1080, he waged war on his barbarous enemies and brought Courland and Livonia to the faith. Having […]

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The Prince of Wales becomes Patron of the oversubscribed Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

January 19, 2012

HRH The Prince of Wales has agreed to become Patron of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. The Pageant, one of the major celebrations of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee central weekend in June 2012, will see the largest flotilla ever assembled on the Thames in modern times. A thousand boats from across the UK, […]

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Scanderbeg defeats Mahomet II and dies leaving Albania orphan

January 16, 2012

In 1464, we find [Scanderbeg] in a position to disturb the armed repose of Mahomet. The latter sent his best generals as usual, but as usual, only to hear of their defeat, with incalculable slaughter. At last, the haughty conquerer determined to go himself, at the head of the most numerous and best equipped army […]

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God will laugh at them…

January 16, 2012

Ed.: By a super-majority, Hungary recently approved a new constitution. This amazing new fundamental law opens with the phrase “God bless the Hungarians.” It changes the country’s name from “The Hungarian Republic” to simply “Hungary.” It defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman; stipulates that life is to be protected from […]

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January 17 – She Opposed Her Father the Count

January 16, 2012

St. Roseline of Villeneuve (or Rossolina.) Born at Château of Arcs in eastern Provence, 1263; d. 17 January, 1329. Having overcome her father’s opposition Roseline became a Carthusian nun at Bertaud in the Alps of Dauphiné. Her “consecration” took place in 1288, and about 1330 she succeeded her aunt, Blessed Jeanne or Diane de Villeneuve, […]

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Video: Crowds gather on The Mall for Golden Jubilee celebrations

January 16, 2012
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Prince Charles Saves Historic House

January 16, 2012

“Just weeks before the auction, however, Dumfries’s plight came to the attention of Prince Charles—a tireless, and rather fearless, advocate of British heritage… Upon hearing more about Dumfries’s dire situation, the prince promptly sent his representatives to Scotland to negotiate the estate’s purchase. The auction was called off, and several truckloads of treasure already en […]

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A floating orchestra will be one of central features for the highlight of June’s celebrations to mark the Queen’s 60 years on the throne

January 16, 2012

“As the Queen and senior members of the Royal Family sail down the Thames aboard a Royal Barge, they will be accompanied by a musical score from the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), including Handel’s Water Music and other ‘well-loved classics’. Lead by their principal conductor, Vladimir Jurowski, the LPO, usually based at the Royal Festival […]

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Death is preferable to the telling of a lie

January 12, 2012

The days of revolution and schism were bearing heavily upon France, and the head of the Loras family had occasion to show of what stern stuff he was made. John Mathias Loras, the father of the future bishop [Bishop Loras, first bishop of Dubuque, Iowa], was imprisoned for loyalty to social order and religious unity. […]

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St. Thérèse of the Little Flower: “God did not want me as a simple soldier; I was immediately made a knight”

January 12, 2012

by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira This excerpt is from Novíssima Verba of St. Thérèse of the Little Flower, a testimony written by Sister Agnes on August 3rd. Here it is: “A text about the life of Blessed Henry Suso on corporal penance came to my attention. He had done frightening penances that had ruined his […]

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January 13 – Intrepid Reformer

January 12, 2012

Saint Berno of Cluny (c. 850 – 13 January 927) was first abbot of Cluny from its foundation in 910 until he resigned in 925. He was subject only to the pope and began the tradition of the Cluniac reforms which his successors brought to fruition across Europe. Berno was first a monk at St. […]

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January 13 – The Opponent of Bishop Lucifer

January 12, 2012

St. Hilary of Poitiers Bishop, born in that city at the beginning of the fourth century; died there 1 November, according to the most accredited opinion, or according to the Roman Breviary, on 13 January, 368. Belonging to a noble and very probably pagan family, he was instructed in all the branches of profane learning, […]

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January 13 – The Count Who Converted the King

January 12, 2012

St. Remigius of Rheims Apostle of the Franks, Archbishop of Rheims, b. at Cerny or Laon, 437; d. at Rheims, 13 January 533. His father was Emile, Count of Laon. He studied literature at Rheims and soon became so noted for learning and sanctity that he was elected Archbishop of Rheims in his twenty-second year. […]

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The duke and duchess of Montmorency: dazzling, sweeping, sublime leadership

January 9, 2012

I like to think that Pezenas, La Grange des Pres, Beziers and Montpellier come out ahead by having served as the stage where the dramatic story of Marie-Felice des Ursins takes place, both in its happy and somber hours. No sooner did she set foot on the ground of her adoptive motherland than the young […]

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The upper classes must set the tone, not vulgarize their manners

January 9, 2012

An aristocracy and a bourgeoisie that vulgarize their manners and dress in order to disarm the Revolution harm themselves. A social authority that degrades itself is comparable to the salt that has lost its savor. It is good for nothing save to be cast out and trodden on by men (cf. Matt. 5:13). In most […]

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On this day, 54 years ago, Pope Pius XII spoke these words to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility:

January 9, 2012

With great satisfaction We welcome you, beloved Sons and Daughters, into Our house, which is still pervaded by the holy fragrances of the Christmas holiday. You have come to reconfirm your devout fidelity to this Apostolic See, and with the heart of a father anxious to surround himself with his children’s affections, We comply most […]

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January 10 – Patient to the Penitent, Inflexible to the Impenitent

January 9, 2012

St. William, Confessor, Archbishop of Bourges (c. 1155 – January 10, 1209) William Berruyer, of the illustrious family of the ancient counts of Nevers, was educated by Peter the hermit, archdeacon of Soissons, his uncle by the mother’s side. He learned from his infancy to despise the folly and emptiness of the riches and grandeur […]

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Saint Joan of Arc: Enduring Power

January 9, 2012

“She roused an exhausted, underequipped and impotent army into a fervor that carried it from one unlikely victory to the next. She raised the siege of Orléans by defying the cautious strategies of seasoned generals to follow inaudible directions from invisible beings. Illiterate and uncouth, Joan moved purposefully among nobles, bishops and royalty.” Read more

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January 6 – St. Joan of Arc was born on this day over 600 years ago

January 5, 2012

St. Joan of Arc In French Jeanne d’Arc; by her contemporaries commonly known as la Pucelle (the Maid). Born at Domremy in Champagne, probably on 6 January, 1412; died at Rouen, 30 May, 1431. The village of Domremy lay upon the confines of territory which recognized the suzerainty of the Duke of Burgundy, but in […]

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Bury me with my ancestors

January 5, 2012

So Israel [Jacob’s name after his struggle with the angel] dwelt in Egypt, that is, in the land of Gessen, and possessed it; and grew, and was multiplied exceedingly. And he lived in it seventeen years: and all the days of his life came to a hundred and forty-seven years. And when he saw that […]

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Real Elites Are Sorely Missing

January 5, 2012

By Leo Daniele Few things are as simple as inequality. Few are as complicated, convoluted and misguided as egalitarianism. In this world without dogmas or religion, egalitarianism has become a “dogma” of sorts. As far as egalitarians are concerned, inequalities are like illnesses: while they cannot be completely avoided, they should be curtailed as much […]

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January 6 – The Kingship of Christ Is Manifest to the Pagan World

January 5, 2012

The Epiphany of Our Lord Saints Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior Epiphany, which in the original Greek signifies appearance or manifestation, as St. Augustin observes, (1) is a festival principally solemnized in honor of the discovery Jesus Christ made of himself to the Magi, or wise men; who, soon after his birth, by a particular inspiration […]

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Video – Festivals Begin to Commemorate Saint Joan of Arc

January 5, 2012
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January 8 – Hapsburg Saint

January 5, 2012

St. Gudula (Latin, Guodila) Born in Brabant, Belgium, of Witger and Amalberga, in the seventh century; died at the beginning of the eighth century. After the birth of Gudula her mother Amalberga, who is herself venerated as a saint, embraced the religious life, and according to tradition received the veil at the hands of St. […]

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The Church teaches us to love both the nobility and the poor

January 2, 2012

The rays of the Sun of Divine predilection shone with touching splendor on this genuine poor man, who was born a slave. Endowed with a great soul, he showed a gentleman’s dedication and magnanimity to his masters even—and especially—when misfortune cast them into poverty. They rewarded his generosity, giving him his deserved freedom and loving […]

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January 3 – Noble “Archangel of Monks”

January 2, 2012

St. Odilo Fifth Abbot of Cluny, born c. 962; died 31 December, 1048. He was descended from the nobility of Auvergne. He early became a cleric in the seminary of St. Julien in Brioude. In 991 he entered Cluny and before the end of his year of probation was made coadjutor to Abbot Mayeul, and […]

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Desktop Wallpapers

January 2, 2012

To add any of these desktop wallpapers to your computer, click on the size that you want for that image and save it to your computer. Then right-click on the desktop – select Properties from the context menu – go the Desktop tab – Browse and open the image you made ““ position the image […]

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January 4 – Nobility in the United States

January 2, 2012

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Foundress and first superior of the Sisters of Charity in the United States, b. in New York City, 28 Aug., 1774, of non-Catholic parents of high position; d. at Emmitsburg, Maryland, 4 Jan., 1821. Her father, Dr. Richard Bayley (b. Connecticut and educated in England), was the first professor of anatomy […]

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Muslim demands knighthood from his captive Louis IX

December 29, 2011

For the sultan [Ayub], the capture of the king and his great vassals seemed to offer a magnificent opportunity to complete the conquest of the Frankish possessions in the Holy Land which had been started by his father…. So the negotiations which, after several attempts at intimidation (the sultan had threatened the king with torture), […]

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Yes to Beauty, No to Insanity!

December 29, 2011

by Marcos Garcia The more the human soul rises towards perfection, the more it resembles God. For many, this point is obvious. For most, however, it unfortunately is not. Especially far from obvious is the statement that the Middle Ages were the historic era most directed toward the one true God. The Sweet Springtime of […]

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December 29 – Viscount Stafford

December 29, 2011

Blessed William Howard 1st Viscount Stafford, martyr; born 30 November, 1614; beheaded Tower-Hill, 29 December, 1680. He was grandson of the Saint Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel, mentioned above, fifth son of Earl Thomas (the first great art collector of England), and uncle of Thomas Philip, Cardinal Howard. Brought up as a Catholic, he was […]

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December 29 – His Staff Did More Damage Than His Sword

December 29, 2011

St. Thomas à Becket Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury, also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London, born at London, 21 December, c. 1118; died at Canterbury, 29 December, 1170. St. Thomas was born of parents who, coming from Normandy, had settled in England some years previously. No reliance can be placed upon the […]

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December 30 – Princess, Orphan, Foundress

December 29, 2011

Blessed Margaret Colona Poor Clare, also known as Margarita Colonna, born in Rome, date uncertain; died there, 20 September, 1284. Her father, Prince Odo Colonna, and her mother died in Rome when she was still a young girl, and she was left to the care of her two brothers, the youngest of whom was raised […]

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December 30 – This Prince Preached Sanctity in Marriage and Chastity in Priesthood

December 29, 2011

St. Egwin Third Bishop of Worcester; date of birth unknown; d. (according to Mabillon) 20 December, 720, though his death may have occurred three years earlier. His fame as founder of the great Abbey of Evesham no doubt tended to the growth of legends which, though mainly founded on facts, render it difficult to reconcile […]

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Video – 2011 Christmas Message of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

December 26, 2011

It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord. I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

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The Count and The Chimneysweep

December 26, 2011

By G. Lenôtre On that Christmas Eve, Mathiote, without changing his begrimed clothes, directed his steps to the Palace of de Plessis-Morambert. Three years earlier, also on Christmas Eve, he had been called to clean a certain chimney, where the Count de Morambert wanted to arrange an enormous pyramid of toys and candies to surprise […]

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The Best Alms Is That Given to the Impoverished Noble

December 26, 2011

Saint Peter Damian (1007-1072), Doctor of the Church, points out the particular diligence that one should have in alleviating the needs of an impoverished noble: Although alms are praised throughout the pages of sacred eloquence, and compassion is superior to the other virtues and wins the palm among the works of piety, nevertheless, that compassion […]

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