Last Eyewitness Explains What the Sacrifice of St. Maximilian Kolbe Means
Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving. Without sacrifice there is no love. --St. Maximilian Kolbe This statement takes on its true meaning only when we think of it within the context of St. Kolbe giving up his life in Auschwitz. We frequently forget that Catholic priests were sent to concentration camps as one of the first groups to die there, long before the Jews of Europe. But we also frequently forget what St. Maximilian's sacrifice meant.About a … [Read More...]
Jeremiah Ought to be Put to Death
In those days, the princes said to the king: “Jeremiah ought to be put to death; he is demoralizing the soldiers who are left in this city, and all the people, by speaking such things to them; he is not interested in the welfare of our people, but in their ruin.” King Zedekiah answered: “He is in your power”; for the king could do nothing with them. And so they took Jeremiah and threw him into the cistern of Prince Malchiah, which was in the quarters of the guard, letting him down with … [Read More...]
Cosmos: Weakened Edition 13
The Weakened Edition is an opportunity for me to see and appreciate what appeals to my readers. This is an especially useful tool when, like in the past three weeks, I haven't had much time to write. Full-time work and working on translating books has really taken a bit out of my writing time. When I do have time to write I'd like to concentrate upon writing things you might want to read.Before launching into the TOP10 most read posts of the week I'd like to mention a significant book that … [Read More...]
Truman Lied, Hiroshima Fried: An Atomic Transfiguration
If our gospel does not penetrate the veil, then the veil is on those who are not on the way to salvation; the unbelievers whose minds the god of this world has blinded, to stop them seeing the light shed by the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For it is not ourselves that we are preaching, but Christ Jesus as the Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. It is the same God that said, ‘Let there be light shining out of darkness’, who has shone in our minds to … [Read More...]
Pope Francis Wasn’t Silent About Auschwitz; He Deconstructed It Instead
There's plenty of talk about Francis's silence during his visit to Auschwitz last week.This picture of the silent pope is reinforced by the video footage of his visit where he is seen walking quietly through the camp, mutely but generously greeting camp survivors, and spending some time in contemplation in St. Maximillian Kolbe's starvation cell.Even though the pope did not make a speech in the Auschwitz death camp, which he gets credit for from some corners, he did not remain totally … [Read More...]
Why Are Muslims Filling Up France’s Traditionally Empty Churches Today?
As someone who lived in Nantes, France for nearly a year I can say that there's nothing more depressing to do in France than attending Mass on any given Sunday.The churches are virtually empty, save for some elderly church ladies, plus a smattering of African and Eastern European expats.The only upside to all this is that the Mass is frequently the only place where you find any ethnic intermixing in a country that prides itself on not assimilating its foreigners and confining them … [Read More...]
TOP 10 Books on the Ecstatic Pessimism of the Polish Soul
As a former university instructor I cannot help wondering what books I would've assigned to a class of students planning on going to, or coming back from, World Youth Day in Krakow (see my offbeat guide to Krakow here).What would I tell them about Poles without scaring them? How could I explain the country's strange history? How would I explain the Polish psyche? With literature, of course. Thus, this list will concentrate upon literary works, because that's both Poland's intellectual str … [Read More...]
Demons of Liberal Democracy Haunt Poland After the Hell of Communism
. . . Sometimes in museums the paintings speak to me and irony suddenly vanishes. I love gazing at my wife’s face. Every Sunday I call my father. Every other week I meet with friends, thus proving my fidelity. My country freed itself from one evil. I wish another liberation would follow. . .--Adam Zagajewski, "Self-Portrait," from Mysticism for Beginners There will be plenty of talk about the Polish church's central role in defeating communism during this World Youth Day in Krakow … [Read More...]
How Does Stanley Hauerwas Perform the Faith?
This is a personal reflection on the work of Stanley Hauerwas in celebration of his 76th birthday.I have had the honor of working with Stanley Hauerwas for over a decade. Before I began he expressed his one concern, "Carole, I'm just worried you're going to be bored." At the time I had just finished my masters degree, I had a three year old and another baby on the way. "Stanley," I answered, "I'd welcome a little boredom in my life." Although there are days when certain aspects of work life … [Read More...]
7 Places You Have to Visit During World Youth Day to Get a Real Feel for the Soul of Krakow
If I forget you, O Krakow, let my right hand wither. These are my "I'm not going to World Youth Day Blues." But I'm glad that some of you will go to the city that occupies almost as much of my heart as Rome. I know both of these cities better than I know my own native Warsaw, and semi-native Seattle. I spent three years of my life in Krakow, even though I come from Warsaw (an aesthetic wasteland).I met my wife in Krakow. My firstborn was born there. My heart belongs there. I'm really tempted … [Read More...]
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