Carolingian Monasticism: Benedictine Reform and Architectural Plans
Symbolism in Monastic Architecture
Some interpretations relate monastic structures, particularly those with towers, to the concept of the Heavenly Jerusalem or the fortified church. The presence of towers often carried military significance, but also served symbolically as a kind of bulwark against the forces of evil. The lack of written documentation and surviving furniture often leads to much speculation regarding the original intent and use of these spaces.
The Benedictine Monastic Reform of Aniane
Benedict
Read MoreSt. Paul’s Final Charge: Faith in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3-4)
Chapter Three
Verse 1: The Last Days
This refers to the time after you find the Lord Jesus Christ and His redemption, as well as the period leading up to the end of time—the days before the Second Coming of Christ. As we approach the end, we will witness an increase in evil. Evil will intensify, and ultimately, the deceiver will rise against Christ. Our teacher, St. Paul the Apostle, warns his disciple about the troubles arising from heretics, troubles that began during Paul’s time and have continued
Read MoreOscar Wilde: Life, Aestheticism, and The Happy Prince Literary Analysis
Oscar Wilde: Life, Theatre, and Literary Themes
Life and Career Highlights
Oscar Wilde (Dublin, 1854 – Paris, 1900)
- Dublin: Received a scholarship to study at Magdalen College, Oxford.
- Developed relations with Walter Pater, often considered the father of Aestheticism (advocating “Art for Art’s Sake”).
- Won the Newdigate Prize for his poem Ravenna.
- London: Published Vera. Became known as the “Apostle of Aestheticism,” gaining fame for his eccentricity.
- Toured the USA, then lived in Paris (writing The
Beowulf: Heroic Code, Christian Faith, and Kingship
Beowulf’s Path to Kingship: Wisdom and Purpose
Hrothgar’s Praise: “The Lord in his wisdom sent you those words…”
This is Hrothgar speaking to Beowulf, telling him that he is worthy of being king. He describes Beowulf as “impressive in speech,” which relates to the characteristics of a true hero—not only a warrior and leader but also a polished speaker. This quote also has a direct connection to the use of Christian sensibility in Anglo-Saxon epics from the first line.
Beowulf’s Declaration: “I
Read MoreCatholic Social Teaching: Foundations, History, and Application
What is Catholic Social Teaching (CST)?
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is a set of reflections in modern times embracing different aspects of social life. It emerged in 1891 with the encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII. It is a teaching also addressed to non-believers.
Doctrine and Texts
CST has two realities:
- Doctrine: The set of teachings that the Church reflects upon.
- Texts: Written documents that religious institutions create to spread the Word (the Gospel and Church teachings).
Sources of Catholic
Read MoreStoic Morning Meditation: Dealing with Others and Finding Inner Peace
Morning Preparation: Dealing with Difficult People
Begin the morning by saying to yourself: I shall meet with the busybody, the ungrateful, the arrogant, the deceitful, the envious, the unsocial. All these things happen to them by reason of their ignorance of what is good and evil.
But I, who have seen the nature of the good—that it is beautiful—and of the bad—that it is ugly—and the nature of him who does wrong—that it is akin to me, not only of the same blood or seed, but that it participates
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