Dec

23

This Is How the Birth of Jesus Christ Came About

December 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Gospel Commentary for 4th Sunday of Advent
By Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM CapThere is something that the three readings have in common this Sunday: In each one a birth is spoken of: “Behold the Virgin will conceive and will give birth to a son and he shall be called Emmanuel, God-with-us” (first reading); “Jesus Christ … [...]

Dec

23

On Evangelization and Christmas

December 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment

“Nothing Is More Beautiful Than Freely Giving What We Have Freely Received”
Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today before reciting the midday Angelus with several thousand people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.* * *
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Only one day separates the Fourth Sunday of Advent from holy Christmas. Tomorrow night we [...]

Dec

23

“The silence and solitude of the desert…”

December 23, 2007 | 1 Comment

“In any case, what benefits and divine exultation the silence and
solitude of the desert hold in store for those who love it, only those
who have experienced it can know…For here [Charterhouse] men [women]
of strong will can enter into themselves and remain there as much as
they like, diligently cultivating the seeds of virtue, and eating the
fruits [...]

Dec

23

Cartuxa: Trip to the house of the last men who know how to listen

December 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment

The main gate of the Portuguese charterhouse Santa Maria Scala Coeli, in Évora, opened for the first time to a group of 55 persons of the political and intellectual “jetset” and several journalists on the last 18 December.
The pretext was the launch of the new book “O Segredo da Cartuxa” (The Secret of the Charterhouse) [...]

Dec

23

On the Measure of Drink

December 23, 2007 | Leave a Comment

Chapter 40: On the Measure of Drink
Mar. 19 - July 19 - Nov. 18
“Everyone has her own gift from God, one in this way and another in
that” (1 Cor. 7:7). It is therefore with some misgiving that we
regulate the measure of others’ sustenance.
Nevertheless, keeping in view the needs of the weak, we believe that
a hemina [...]