Category Archives: education

St. John Henry Newman and the Scandal of Catholic Classical Education

Posted on October 16, 2019 by

Saint John Henry Newman, speaking of the unique status of Western Civilization in the history of the world, emphatically asserts, I think it has a claim to be considered as the representative Society and Civilization of the human race, as … Continue reading →

Posted in education, liberal education, Mozart, Newman, truth for its own sake | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

The True Purpose of Catholic Education

Posted on September 18, 2019 by

Well, I wish this was an interview with Jordan Peterson about Pope Pius XI’s FANTASTIC encyclical on Christian education Divini Illius Magistri. But alas he was not available, so I was more than happy to fill in for him.

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There are no teachers.

Posted on September 10, 2019 by

At the outset of a new academic year those of us who have the privilege of working with students in that mysterious process that we call ‘education,’ are again confronted with the question about how we might succeed a little … Continue reading →

Posted in classical education, education | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Two Reasons Why Things Are Difficult to Understand

Posted on July 12, 2019 by

As has been thoroughly set forth and expounded by the inimitable philosopher, the late great Duane Berquist, in a beautiful succinct and brilliant paper on this very subject, there are seven times when we need to go wisely and slow in … Continue reading →

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The first two places we need to go “wisely and slow”(ly)

Posted on July 10, 2019 by

 I can tell when a topic is so fascinating that people are just not ready to move on. And you, O fortunate reader, are lucky that I have this gift! Many would have long since abandoned the interesting topic of … Continue reading →

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Slow down, you move too fast!

Posted on July 3, 2019 by

The lazy hazy days of summer are here and I can’t think of more appropriate advice to give anyone than that which Friar Laurence gave to Romeo: ROMEO O, let us hence; I stand on sudden haste. FRIAR LAURENCE Wisely … Continue reading →

Posted in Aquinas, Augustine, catholic education, education, liberal education, summer vacation, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Prodigal Son and The Prodigal Mind: Our Lord’s Parable for Educators

Posted on March 29, 2019 by

Our Lord’s parable about the man who had two sons, upon the younger of whom tradition has bestowed the sobriquet ‘prodigal,’  provides an excellent lesson for parents everywhere who are concerned about the education of their children. I have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ambrose, Augustine, Catena Aurea, college, education, liberal education, soul, truth for its own sake | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

To Hell with The Socratic Method!

Posted on February 23, 2019 by

Today I mean simply to get straight to the point. There will be no interruptions and I won’t even be taking questions! I find that this is the only way to really get things done. Sometimes we like to defend … Continue reading →

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Palestrina and Handel March For Life!

Posted on January 21, 2019 by

Yes, both consummate sacred musicians George Frideric Handel and Giovanni  Pierluigi da Palestrina were at the 2019 March for Life! I am guessing that this was yet another record-setting precedent for the annual March which attracted hundreds of thousands of people … Continue reading →

Posted in beauty, catholic education, education, Fine Arts, Music, Sacred Music | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Do Children Know How to Educate Themselves?

Posted on January 12, 2019 by

Whatever one may say about our twenty-eighth president’s views about The United States’ role as promoter of democracy and capitalism and interventionism throughout the world, I think we have to give him whole-hearted applause for his views on authentic liberal … Continue reading →

Posted in classical education, education, liberal education, truth for its own sake | Tagged , , | 1 Comment