ethics
-
The abandonment of Benedict XVI
“Eli, Eli lama sabachthani?” When Benedict XVI signaled, in a few simple words, that he was renouncing the papacy, it sent shockwaves through the world and deeply affected Catholics. The most outlandish rumors circulated, and everyone wondered about the reasons for this decision, which, even if it… Continue reading
-
A short history of Envy, from hero to scapegoat
The modern world constantly presents us with scapegoats. Lance Armstrong, Richard Millet, Jérôme Kerviel, John Galliano, to name just a few, each in their own field, with completely different causes and reasons, have recently embodied the scapegoat, the justly punished culprit, the troublemaker put in their place. Continue reading
-
What does Steve Jobs stand for?
“Steve Jobs 1955-2011,” read Apple’s website on October 5, 2011. Right to the end, that unique, minimalist, elegant, and effective signature. His signature. The shock of this American business leader’s death took the world by surprise. The comparison was made, as with Lady Gaga. Continue reading
-
Another year comes to an end…
As the year draws to a close, we often cast only a fleeting glance. We shouldn't dwell on it too much. We never know how many things we've forced ourselves to bury might resurface, like those impromptu, rude, and irritating pop-up windows on the internet. One exercise we can try is to... Continue reading
-
Monsignor Centène…
The people of Vannes are fortunate indeed. Bishop Centène's homily at Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Vannes last Sunday was truly uplifting. This isn't the first time Bishop Centène's homilies have been mentioned on Catholic websites, and given their quality, this is unlikely to change anytime soon. Continue reading
-
Newman and Socrates
The links between ancient Greek philosophy and Christianity are numerous. The most famous of the Greek precepts: Gnothi Seauton, "Know thyself," inscribed at Delphi, retains a certain mystery. Another part of the phrase has remained with us: "But not too much"... Know thyself... But not too much! Plato leads Socrates to reflect on the Delphic formula in Continue reading
Catholicism , ethics , ancient Greece , history , Newman , Notre-Dame du Lys , Plato , politically correct , priest , religion , Socrates , Zenit -
Commemorative phrase
A friend contacted me to ask for the exact quote from Ernst Jünger (from Storms of Steel) that we liked to repeat among officers of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment. I am posting it on this blog as I remember that General Antoine Lecerf was fond of this quote and that it fits him like a glove: He Continue reading
-
And by Saint Antoine… (Death of General Antoine Lecerf)
Antoine is no more. He left on Good Friday. April 22, 2011. He is in the Father's house. Antoine is Antoine Lecerf. Army Corps General Antoine Lecerf. A master of war. A brilliant leader of men. One of the most extraordinary men I have ever known. When you first met Antoine Lecerf, Continue reading
-
original fault
Despite Shûsaku Endo's doubts about the true Christianity of the Japanese, as evoked in the admirable "Silence," it also seems to me that the Japanese have a real fundamental point in common with the Christian in the ease with which they put themselves in the place of the other. Is this not one of the founding bases of Christianity, one Continue reading
-
Book reviews about Japan
I just finished reading "The Mask of the Samurai," an essay by Aude Fieschi (Philippe Picquier Publishers). It's an informative, well-written book that presents the different facets of the samurai throughout medieval Japan, up to its decline with the advent of modern Japan. Continue reading