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, […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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, […]

Read the full article →

Video: Crowds gather on The Mall for Golden Jubilee celebrations

January 16, 2012
Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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. […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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. […]

Read the full article →

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, […]

Read the full article →

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. […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

Video – Festivals Begin to Commemorate Saint Joan of Arc

January 5, 2012
Read the full article →

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. […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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), […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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.

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

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 […]

Read the full article →

Maria Feodorovna, Tsarina of all the Russias, Patron of the Impoverished Nobility

December 26, 2011

Maria Feodorovna, Tsarina of all the Russias, was born princess of Württemberg on October 25, 1758. She was the second wife of Tsar Paul I, who fought against Napoleon Bonaparte, when the latter began to expand the egalitarian tenets of the French Revolution militarily to the rest of Europe. Among her numerous accomplishments, Tsarina Maria […]

Read the full article →

Video – Pueri Concinite – The King is born!

December 26, 2011
Read the full article →

December 27 – Fabiola, Splendor of the Gens Fabia

December 26, 2011

St. Fabiola of Rome A Roman matron of rank, died 27 December, 399 or 400. She was one of the company of noble Roman women who, under the influence of St. Jerome, gave up all earthly pleasures and devoted themselves to the practice of Christian asceticism and to charitable work. At the time of St. […]

Read the full article →

This One Leadership Quality Will Make or Break You

December 26, 2011

“Nothing tells the world more about a leader than what or who they pursue – that which you pursue is that which you value. If you message to your organization you value talent, but don’t treat people well and don’t spend time developing the talent around you, then I would suggest you value rhetoric more than […]

Read the full article →

God the Son Willed to Be Born of Royal Stock in Order to Gather in His Person Every Kind of Grandeur

December 22, 2011

From the writings on Saint Joseph by Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868): When God the Father resolved to give His Son to the world, He wanted to do it honorably, for He is worthy of all honor and all praise. He thus prepared Him a court and royal service worthy of Him: God wanted, even […]

Read the full article →

Video – Queen Elizabeth Explains the Reason for the Season

December 22, 2011

“I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching. He makes it clear that […]

Read the full article →

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee royal barge design unveiled

December 22, 2011

The first image has been released of the royal barge that will carry the Queen down the Thames during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year.   The vessel will lead a 1,000-strong flotilla along the river on 3 June, as the monarch marks 60 years on the throne. She will be joined on board by […]

Read the full article →

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Emblem – New Zealand

December 22, 2011

Governor-General Lt. Gen. The Rt. Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae released a new emblem November 29th to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II next year. “Queen Elizabeth has been our Queen since 6 February 1952,” Sir Jerry said.  “She continues to be held in very high regard by the people of this country.  As […]

Read the full article →

Last Will and Testament of Louis XVI

December 22, 2011

The last Will and Testament of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre, given on Christmas day, 1792. In the name of the Very holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. To-day, the 25th day of December, 1792, I, Louis XVI King of France, being for more than four months imprisoned with my family in […]

Read the full article →

December 23 – The Knights of Aviz and Their Cistercian Founder

December 22, 2011

Saint John of Cirita Memorial: 23 December Benedictine monk, also known as John Ziritu. Hermit in Galacia. Monk at Toronca, Portugal, which he helped turn into a Cistercian house. Wrote the Rule of the Knights of Aviz (Portuguese: Ordem Militar de Avis).  Died, c. 1164. The Military Order of St. Benedict of Aviz A military […]

Read the full article →

December 23 – He Always Held His Soul in His Hands

December 22, 2011

Saint Antônio de Sant’Anna Galvão Born 1739, in the village of Santo Antonio da Vila de Guaratinguetá, Brazil; died 23 December, 1822, at the Convent of Light, São Paulo, Brazil. His father, also named Anthony, belonged to an illustrious Portuguese family and was well educated, as evidenced by his writings. He excelled in business, the […]

Read the full article →

Our Lord Jesus Christ Willed to Be Born Poor, but He Also Wanted to Have a Signal Relationship with the Aristocracy

December 19, 2011

From the allocution of Benedict XV to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility on January 5, 1917: Before God there is no preference of persons. Yet there is no doubt, writes Saint Bernard, that the virtue of nobles is more pleasing to Him, because it is more resplendent. Jesus Christ Himself was noble, as were Mary […]

Read the full article →

The Story of Jambe d’Argent and M. Jacques

December 19, 2011

After the destruction of the Catholic army, a fresh force was formed out of the few remaining Vendeans and the inhabitants of Maine. These had no regular chiefs, the boldest, or he who struck out the best plan for the occasion, marching at the head of his comrades; if his plan failed, or a better […]

Read the full article →

December 19 – Tumultuous Times Reveal Noble Souls

December 19, 2011

Pope Blessed Urban V Guillaume de Grimoard, born at Grisac in Languedoc, 1310; died at Avignon, 19 December, 1370. Born of a knightly family, he was educated at Montpellier and Toulouse, and became a Benedictine monk at the little priory of Chirac near his home. A Bull of 1363 informs us that he was professed […]

Read the full article →

Louis XIV’s last words to his great-grandson, the Dauphin

December 15, 2011

[Louis XIV] sent for the Dauphin, who was lifted by his governess on to an elbow-chair beside the bed. The boy had very dark big eyes, a chubby face and a pretty rosebud mouth. A lifetime ago Louis had been just such a small boy brought to a king’s bedside. Louis gazed at him with […]

Read the full article →

The Priesthood of the Nobility—Allocution of Benedict XV to the Roman Patriciate and Nobility on January 5, 1920

December 15, 2011

In the recent annual commemoration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, there resounded in our faith the heavenly chant of the angels raising their hymns to God and to peace. Since that happy day there has not ceased to echo around Us, as in harmonious concert, voices of good will and affection that Our faraway […]

Read the full article →

Video Tribute to Empress Zita

December 15, 2011
Read the full article →

December 16 – The Most Important Woman of Her Century

December 15, 2011

St. Adelaide, Empress (931 or 932 – 16 December 999), also called Adelaide of Burgundy, was the second consort to Otto the Great, Holy Roman Emperor and perhaps the most prominent European woman of the 10th century; she was regent of the Holy Roman Empire as the guardian of her grandson in 991-995. The second […]

Read the full article →

December 16 – Whistleblower Saint

December 15, 2011

St. Ado, Archbishop of Vienne, Confessor Born about 800, in the diocese of Sens; died 16 December, 875. He was brought up at the Benedictine Abbey of Ferrières, and had as one of his masters the Abbot Lupus Servatus, one of the most celebrated humanists of those times. By his brilliant talents and assiduous application […]

Read the full article →

The Great Captain and his form of leadership

December 12, 2011

The Great Captain rode up and down, reining in here and there to address now one, now another man by name, cracking jokes, having a cheerful word for some, giving others a challenge he knew would be met: “To one standard-bearer, Londoño, he said, ‘Londoño, I know who will be the first to set the […]

Read the full article →

The Inequality of Rights Is Legitimate

December 12, 2011

Pius XI affirms in the encyclical Divini Redemptoris, of March 19, 1937: “It is not true that all have equal rights in civil society. It is not true that there exists no lawful social hierarchy.”   Rev. Joseph Jusslein, S.J., ed., Social Wellsprings (Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing Co., 1942), Vol. 2, p. 354 in Plinio Corrêa […]

Read the full article →

December 13 – Venerated From Time Immemorial

December 12, 2011

St. Lucy A virgin and martyr of Syracuse in Sicily, whose feast is celebrated by Latins and Greeks alike on 13 Dec. According to the traditional story, she was born of rich and noble parents about the year 283. Her father was of Roman origin, but his early death left her dependent upon her mother, […]

Read the full article →

Saint Lucy Day and Saint Lucy Buns

December 12, 2011

Sadly, Scandinavia joined the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century and thus lost that link with the Papacy forged in 960 with the baptism of Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, king of Denmark and Norway. With Protestantism, devotion to most saints was abandoned, but among the few that remained was Saint Lucy, the noble virgin-martyr of Syracuse, […]

Read the full article →

Video – Saint Lucy Day candle ceremony in Sweden

December 12, 2011

In Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, Saint Lucy is venerated on her feast day, December 13, in a ceremony where a young girl is chosen to portray the noble virgin and martyr. Wearing a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head, she walks at the head of a […]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →