This is a carving in an ancient Church in Kilpeck, in Hertfordshire, England. Roving Medievalist reminded me of it. I wonder if this is where British film-maker and comic genius, Nick Parke (who by the way is a committed Christian) got his ideas for Gromit and the WereRabbit in his recent animated movie.See what you think: Read more

Don John Bosco was a different kind of Don Juan. He was a juggler, tight rope walker, jongleur de Dieu in the Franciscan tradition. When the northern Italian cities were like something out of a Dickens novel, Don Bosco worked with the Oliver Twists–bringing them homes, hilarity and hope. Like a cavalier for Christ he stood up to the rich and crossed swords with knaves. Like a little Italian Don Quixote he tilted at the windmills of socialism and showed... Read more

Tolkien loathed allegory. It was too obvious; too blatant; too literal; too dead. In allegory one thing means one thing and that’s it. Myth, on the other hand, is alive. It’s a real story with the real ambiguity and complexity of real life. Tolkien’s world is multi-layered and yet full of Christian meaning all the same. In LOTR one female doesn’t represent the Blessed Virgin Mary; they all do. Galadriel and Arwen and Aragorn’s mother all represent the Blessed Virgin... Read more

A reader asked me if I had any idea who the patron saint of mystery writers would be. I’m sure I don’t know. I once had a book listing all the patron saints–which made a very entertaining read–but lent it to someone who forgot to return it. My nomination for patron saint of mystery writers is Padre Pio. This is because he once saved a woman from being murdered. Her husband was planning her death, and went with her to... Read more

I have to admit to a quirky enthusiasm for conspiracy theories and eccentric historical legends. Have you ever heard the old tale of the Boy of Bisley? This is the story that the nine year old Princess Elizabeth was sent for safe keeping to the Gloucestershire village of Bisley to avoid the plague, and that she died anyway. The villagers–in fear of Henry VIII substituted the only other red haired child–a boy. They figured the child would die soon anyway... Read more

Roving Medievalist has this habit of posting pictures of places in England that I know and love. Here’s Ely Cathedral. Interesting facts about Ely: 1.It’s called ‘Ely’ because it is built on the edge of vast marshes where they used to catch lots of eels. Yes, the English still eat eels. In the East end of London they eat eel pie, mashed potates and green gravy. 2. The great abbey at Ely was founded by St Etheldreda–a saxon princess who... Read more

  I picked up a copy of His Holinessby Carl Bernstein and Marco Politi at Barnes and Noble in Washington last weekend. What a fantasic book! It is meticulously researched, objectively written and totally absorbing and fascinating. Bernstein and Politi take you into the corridors of power in Moscow, Washington, Poland and the Vatican. They show just how close Ronald Reagan’s government was with Pope John Paul II. They show what the two famous actors had in common. Reagan was... Read more

Roman Miscellany has a curious story. Catholic priest waiting to bury the dead discovers that the only famous Catholic in the cemetery was a prostitute who was Jack the Ripper’s last victim. He happily says a prayer for the poor soul….very sweet. It could only happen in the Catholic Church, and only happen in England. Read more

Timothy and Titus–the twin witnesses to apostolic succession. Is there such a thing as Apostolic Succession? Did the apostles intend to hand on their Christ-given authority to the next generation? Does it matter? The first indication that the apostles intended to hand on their authority occurs within a few days of the resurrection. In Acts 1.20-26 Peter leads the eleven apostles who are left to elect a replacement for Judas. Notice that the decision was made by Peter and that... Read more

Frank at And Also With You tagged me for this meme…I’m only now getting around to it. 1 .Favorite devotion or prayer to Jesus. Jesus Prayer 2. Favorite Marian devotion or prayer. Joyful Mysteries3. Do you wear a scapular or medal? I wear a full Benedictine scapular with my clerical dress4. Do you have holy water in your home? Yes5. Do you “offer up” your sufferings? I try not to complain. Is that the same thing?6. Do you observe First... Read more