Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: Pius XII

J.R.R. Tolkien: A new look at the literary giant’s contribution to the Jerusalem Bible

Did you know that the same author who wrote about hobbits, elves and orcs also translated the Book of Jonah for the Jerusalem Bible? J.R.R. Tolkien, best known for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, was asked in 1957 to contribute to a new translation of the Bible coming out of England. The task was led by… Read More ›

Share

Titles of Our Lady According to the Church Fathers

Recently someone asked me where do we get the idea or title of Queen of Heaven. The Encyclical by the Venerable Pope Pius XII gave me the answer. Below is a summary of those titles from the encyclical. St. Ephrem: “. . . Majestic and Heavenly Maid, Lady, Queen, protect and keep me under your… Read More ›

Share

Passing of St. Benedict

24. It is not only the bygone ages that had reason to profit from the benefits of this Patriarch; our own age has many important lessons to learn from him. Let those first of all who belong to his numerous family learn – We do not doubt that they do – to follow daily ever… Read More ›

Share

Pius XII Saw “Miracle of the Sun”

ROME, NOV. 4, 2008 (Zenit.org).- According to his own testimony, the Pope who declared the dogma of the Assumption saw the “miracle of the sun” four times. This information is confirmed by a handwritten, unpublished note from Pope Pius XII, which is part of the “Pius XII: The Man and the Pontificate” display. The display… Read More ›

Share

Pope Francis thinking about declaring Pius XII a saint

Vatican City, Jul 31, 2013 / 11:05 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis is considering whether he will make Pope Pius XII a saint, in the same way that he approved the cause of John XXIII. A source who works at the Vatican’s Congregation for Causes of Saints, who asked for anonymity, told CNA July 25… Read More ›

Share

Benedict: Patriarch of Western Monasticism

Like a star in the darkness of night, Benedict of Nursia brilliantly shines, a glory not only to Italy but of the whole Church. Whoever considers his celebrated life and studies in the light of the truth of history, the gloomy and stormy times in which he lived, will without doubt realize the truth of… Read More ›

Share

The Tragic Heroism of Pope Pius XII

There are commentators on the sports channels whose numbing dialogues would never be confused with the Algonquin Round Table.  These are the so-called Monday Morning Quarterbacks. Some historians quarterback that way.  Pope Pius XII, hailed in his lifetime as a protector of persecuted people, has suffered  in reputation from lax minds who never exercised themselves… Read More ›

Share

Queenship of Mary

. . . the basic principle upon which Mary’s royal dignity rests, a principle already evident in the documents handed down by the ancients long ago and in the sacred liturgy, is without doubt her Divine Maternity. In the Sacred Scriptures we read this statement about the Son Whom the Virgin will conceive: “He shall… Read More ›

Share

The Truth About Pope Pius the XII

Former Spy Speaks on Plot to Frame Pontiff ROME, AUG. 16, 2012 (Zenit.org). By Edward Pentin- General Ion Mihai Pacepa is not easy to track down. He remains in hiding for his own protection, rarely gives interviews, and will only be contacted by email through an intermediary. As a former Romanian intelligence chief who defected… Read More ›

Share

St. Benedict: Founder of Western Monasticism

14.. . . For in the Benedictine law the highest prudence and simplicity are united; Christian humility is joined to virile virtue; mildness tempers severity; and a healthy freedom ennobles due submission. In it correction is given with firmness, but clemency and benignity hold sway; the ordinances are observed but obedience brings rest to mind… Read More ›

Share