Holy Innocents
Rubens’ Virgin and Child surrounded by a wreath of chubby, pink Innocents (c. 1618) is delightful. Notice the almost mischievous smile of Baby Jesus. Does...
The Hymn at Matins: Singing in the Night
Stretching Godward My own experience is that the Invitatory, with the repetition of its pressing call to adoration, establishes the soul in the realm of...
Letter to a Soon-to-be Novice
Second Sunday of Advent My dear son, Listening to the Liturgy You have often heard me say that the sacred liturgy is, first of all,...
See that you be truly what you are called
A Mirror for Monks I was fortunate to obtain for our monastic library a lovely used copy of A Mirror for Monks by Ludovicus Blosius....
Pope Benedict on Saint Bernard
Faith is above all a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, and to experience his closeness, his friendship, his love; only in this way does one...