Category Archives: Custom

On March 23, 1775 Patrick Henry made a famous speech. Would he repeat it today?

Posted on March 20, 2020 by marklangley

In the face of COVID-19, one wonders if Patrick Henry would have repeated today the sentiment that he uttered before the second Virginia convention on 23 March 1775. Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What … Continue reading →

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Still Thankful After All These Years

Posted on November 30, 2019 by marklangley

Grace builds upon nature. Or as we classically educated Latin teachers would construe, Gratia Supponit Naturam or even “Gratia aedificat super naturam”? In any case, whether George Washington was stirred by the Holy Ghost, when he rendered his first Thanksgiving … Continue reading →

Posted in Custom, Feasts, Fine Arts, Saint Paul, The Mass | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Three Ways We Should Read Sacred Scripture

Posted on July 17, 2019 by marklangley

In scene two of the third Act of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence cautions Romeo, Wisely and Slow, they stumble that run fast. Now, even those who have not read the play can guess that Romeo probably did not take … Continue reading →

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Christmas 2017: Feast Edition!

Posted on December 27, 2017 by marklangley

Although Christmas day itself has passed, nonetheless the Church insists that we keep up the celebration! As obedient sons and daughters, ours is the task to celebrate the feast as heartily as possible for as long as we can – … Continue reading →

Posted in beauty, breakfast, Christmas, Custom, Dinner, Feasts, Fine Arts, liberal education works, Music | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

How Do You Restore Sacred Music? A Diocesan Directive Would Help.

Posted on July 29, 2017 by marklangley

I have no idea how his pastoral directive was received, but a belated bravo to Bishop John F. Doerfler of the Diocese of Marquette! Although given on January 26, 2016, I had only become aware of his pastoral directive  on sacred music … Continue reading →

Posted in beauty, Custom, Sacred Music, Sacrosanctum Consilium, The Mass | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

The Die is Cast

Posted on May 24, 2015 by marklangley

Catholic Liberal Education presents an interesting dilemma that sooner or later presents its most enthusiastic proponents with a stark choice. It is the kind of dilemma that Julius Caesar faced in 49 BC before he crossed the Rubicon with his army. A decision must be made … Continue reading →

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Does Nature Act For A Purpose?

Posted on July 21, 2013 by marklangley

The title of this post is “Does Nature Act For A Purpose?” And it is a post that I have been wanting to post for some weeks now, mainly because there are some ideas in my head that I have … Continue reading →

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Major In Business or Philosophy?

Posted on June 7, 2013 by marklangley

I am by no means an expert in the history of philosophy (although I feel pretty comfortable with what happened between the three hundred years, say… between 624 B.C. and 322 B.C.) But just what happened afterwards begins to get slightly … Continue reading →

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Dickens on Custom

Posted on March 28, 2013 by marklangley

A wise philosopher asked “what has more power in directing the course of our lives, reason or custom?” Reading A Tale of Two Cities cannot but convince one that custom is by far the predominant influence. Take this passage for … Continue reading →

Posted in Custom, slavery | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments