For the last few weeks we’ve been reading a book aloud in the evenings titled “The Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph” published by the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This little book is so rich with Catholic lore that it makes a convert’s head spin. Tonight we learned that Joseph’s body is [...]

Continue Reading St. Joseph’s Ascension

I’ve been reading the articulate and punchy Elinor Dashwood lately. Naturally, I’ve never said anything to her about enjoying her blog, but have waited until I have something to complain about. (So much for that chivalrous and gentlemanly image I’ve been cultivating …) Actually I don’t really have a complaint, just an observation and some [...]

Continue Reading Is Male Headship Defined Doctrine?

There’s nothing like waking up early on a snowy day to attend Mass with one’s family, then afterwards having a nice lunch together, and then, with the baby asleep in her swinging chair beside you, the snow fine and white outside and the sun still high, sitting down to a hot pot of tea and [...]

Continue Reading Attending Mass

My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The child is father of the man; And I could wish my days to be Bound [...]

Continue Reading WILLIAM WORDSWORTH – THE RAINBOW POEM

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And [...]

Continue Reading Clement C. Moore – A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS POEM

Little brook! Little brook! You have such a happy look– Such a very merry manner, as you swerve and curve and crook– And your ripples, one and one, Reach each other’s hands and run Like laughing little children in the sun! Little brook, sing to me: Sing about a bumblebee That tumbled from a lily-bell [...]

Continue Reading JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY – THE BROOK-SONG POEM

Now he who knows old Christmas, He knows a carle of worth; For he is as good a fellow As any upon earth. He comes warm cloaked and coated, And buttoned up to the chin; And soon as he comes a-nigh the door We open and let him in. And with sprigs of holly and [...]

Continue Reading MARY HOWITT – OLD CHRISTMAS POEM

Dear little Violet, Don’t be afraid! Lift your blue eyes From the rock’s mossy shade! All the birds call for you Out of the sky: May is here, waiting, And here, too, am I. Why do you shiver so, Violet sweet? Soft is the meadow-grass Under my feet. Wrapped in your hood of green, Violet, [...]

Continue Reading Lucy Larcom – CALLING THE VIOLET POEM