Brideshead Revisited”

ISSUE No. 81 SPRING, 2001

Saint Thomas Aquinas Seminary Winona, Minnesota

Stockton Hill 55987 U.S.A. Getting Through to Modern Man Dr. White’s Premier Lectures on “Brideshead Revisited”

eminarians are encouraged to read God working even in (one may say especial- ment than on cold, hard truth, was already and profane memories of Captain Charles “ Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Brideshead ly in) the disaster areas of modern life, as turning slightly askew. Ryder,” as “Brideshead” is sub-titled. SRevisited’ in preparation for Dr. God gets through to people with His grace Perhaps some VERBUM readers who As Dr. White explained, the retrospec- White’s quadruple conference this March.” in seemingly unlikely ways. have tried “Brideshead” without liking it tive nature of the entire novel emphasizes This notice, posted by the Rector in “The book is about God,” said Evelyn will dispute that it is “about God.” While it the difficulty of seeing the pattern of events December, raised varying reactions from the Waugh (1903-1966) to a friend in 1944. He is undisputedly true that the Almighty never clearly while they are happening. It is neces- seminarians. Some, who have long loved had been given leave from the British Royal makes an obvious sary to look back, to take this modern Catholic classic, were practical- Marines in order to write it, and he consid- intervention in the stock. Charles is a Catholic in ly glowing with enthusiasm, grateful that the ered it his best work, certainly his first open- lives of any of the 1942, but he first came to good Doctor was finally yielding to their ly apologetic work. novel’s characters, Brideshead as an agnostic repeated requests. Others, less sure about Many critics hated “Brideshead nevertheless He is Oxford student in the 1920’s. Waugh or the book, groaned over “lost” Revisited”: the non-Catholics because it was the central figure. The entire book is, in a sense, study time. Still others, bewildered by the so Catholic, the Catholics because it was so The characters’ the story of his conversion, different reactions they saw, simply won- shocking. Typically, in the era preceding acceptance or rejec- seen clearly by hindsight. dered what all the fuss was about. Vatican II, Waugh’s Catholic critics were tion of His grace – Charles’s friendship with Reading (or, in many cases, re-reading) divided between the conservatives (who, in every detail of the Flytes begins by his chance the novel generally served to confirm all detesting the sins described, hated the book their daily lives as meeting with Lord Sebastian, and made harsh much as in moments the younger son of the judgments about of tremendous deci- Marquis of Marchmain. its author) and sion – is the key to Sebastian is the “most remark- the progressives understanding the able young man” of his year at (who abhorred entire book. Oxford, and he is even then Waugh’s stub- As Dr. White quickly slipping away from the born insistence points out, “Waugh Dr. David Allen White is never practice of the Faith by a hedo- on God’s order designs a novel in his element as much as when nistic life which Charles gladly in the world and chronicling the lecturing to seminarians. joins. Sebastian rapidly the real Faith as impact of grace on descends into alcoholism, but the only cure for human beings. It is impossible to show this he nevertheless retains his grip on the prin- the world’s directly, but it can be seen indirectly ciples of the Faith. He knows it is true, but madness). throughout the novel by the characters’ he does not live up to it. Just as the acceptance or rejection of grace.” As Waugh Charles begins to suspect that real God is himself said in a jacket note published with Catholicism is the cause of Sebastian’s often surprising the first English edition, the purpose of the unhappiness and says so to the Earl of (“My thoughts novel is “to trace the workings of the Divine Brideshead, Sebastian’s elder brother are not your Purpose in a pagan world,” and particularly (always called “Bridey”). In his characteris- thoughts, nor in a Catholic English family “already half tically blunt way, Bridey agrees that it is My ways your pagan themselves.” possible. To him, however, one’s happiness By now a popular novelist in America, Waugh completes an Atlantic ways,” Isaiah Before going any further in an effort to or unhappiness is secondary to living up to crossing with his wife Laura (1916-1973) in November 1950. 55, 8), a book examine Waugh’s surprising answer to the the Truth. which is really problems of modern man, it is necessary to continued on page 4 three groups in their initial reactions. “What about the real God will most likely be sur- present briefly the plot of “Brideshead” and could we possibly learn from a book like prising as well. Waugh himself had been to respond to some objections which will that?” was a question heard more than once, caught by the real God, becoming a Catholic surely arise concerning the sins of many but most seemed ready to listen to Dr. in 1930 after his thorough familiarity with characters. White’s conferences with open minds. the modern world convinced him that the The first-person narrator of Based on past experience, all trusted his Catholic Faith was the only alternative to “Brideshead” is Captain Charles Ryder, an penetrating insight into literature more than chaos and destruction. He despised moderni- English officer serving in 1942, during the their own judgment. As the conferences ty because he saw right through it from first- lowest ebb of Britain’s fortunes in the ghast- approached, the topic was never far from hand experience. His upbringing in the ly Second World War. In a sudden change discussions at table or during recreation. wishy-washy Anglican Church had already of encampment, Charles finds him- When the weekend of March 9th finally proved to him that being “nice” and keeping self stationed at Brideshead arrived, the stage was set for Dr. David up a minimum of external “religion” were Castle, the family seat of the White’s series of four conferences – the no answer to the central problem of a world Flytes of Marchmain, the longest ever given during the normal running away from God. He would live to noble English family Seminary year. Remarkably, he had never mourn the disastrous Second Vatican already mentioned. Since taught the novel publicly, having only used Council as the logical outcome of such fool- the family is scattered to it in private as a means of presenting the ishness, which had been implicit in the the four winds by the Catholic Faith to young people who came to “Catholicism” of many Catholics for War, the entire story of him “with a certain gleam in the eye.” Not decades before. Waugh’s integral Charles’s association surprisingly, this apologetic use was a major Catholicism, based on the adherence of with them is formed motive for his presentation of the novel to mind and will to objective truth, was thus by his own reminis- seminarians, who must evangelize concrete set on a collision course with both neo- cences from his new modern men, in all their real-life imperfec- pagan critics and with Catholic critics whose “camp.” The novel tions. They must be able to see the hand of Faith, based more on “niceness” and senti- thus forms “the sacred

Evelyn Waugh became a best-selling author with “Brideshead.” This photo is from the 1950’s, but Waugh was no “50’s Catholic.” “O Truly Blessed Night!” The Great Paschal Vigil

ave you never wondered at the offered by any prospects of the next. The Christi are sung three times. After the irony of how so many people in the desolation that must have rested in the first time it is sung, the Celebrant lights Hworld can insist on their utter depths of men’s souls can only be known by his candle; after the second time, the uniqueness, daring and individuality, and yet those who understand the weight and conse- clergy’s candles are lighted; after the who would never think of buying anything quences of sin. As one small example, con- third, those of the faithful. The symbol- but brand name clothing or of not following sider how in India (which was never con- ism is both simple and exact. All who the common herd of their fellow “rebels”? verted), acts of kindness are regarded with approach Our Lord in Faith will receive Acknowledging the obvious contradiction in suspicion and distrust, since it is believed the Light of Christ, but they will nor- that a man’s only motives mally receive it through the hands of The Celebrant inserts five grains of incense into the Paschal could be those of self- the clergy. Once they have received that Candle, marking the Five glorious Wounds of Christ. Note interest. Light, it is their duty to pass it on to the roaring Paschal Fire, visible at the lower right. It was these despairing others by good example. After the third peoples who were to see Lumen Christi, all the church’s lights first the Lumen Christi, are turned on. The Deacon puts the the “Light of Christ.” Paschal Candle in its stand and prepares This Light shone in its to chant the Exsultet. full glory at the He first incenses the Candle as he Resurrection, by which would the Gospel at a Solemn Mass, for the Father gave the it announces the Resurrection. It is, if clearest and most unde- you will, the “Gospel” of Paschaltide. niable acceptance of the The Exsultet, a hymn of praise and Sacrifice of His Son. thanksgiving, is then chanted. Its con- This Resurrection was tent, poetry and music combine to make the final evidence that it one of the most beautiful of all the Christ’s work and teach- chants of the Church; it must be heard ing were true. When one to be appreciated. Rather than comment understands the darkness ourselves, we quote a few lines that from which the world is capture that spirit of overflowing joy: being lifted, only then will he see why the O incomprehensible goodness of love: Liturgy puts so much to redeem a slave Thou didst deliver emphasis on seeing up a Son! Christ as “the Light.” The Paschal Candle O truly necessary sin of Adam, which the death of Christ has blotted out! signifies Christ. It is O happy fault, that merited a engraved with the Cross, The Deacon chants the Exsultet, the solemn Redeemer so holy and so great! the symbol of Our praise of Easter. The Candle represents “Christ Lord’s conquest over sin, O truly blessed night, which alone the Morning Star, Who knows no setting.” and then with the first merited to know the time and hour and last letters of the when Christ rose from the dead! Greek alphabet (alpha a wonder greater even than that of creation. such behavior, VERBUM still does not hesi- and omega). The alpha and omega show Following the Exsultet are four Lessons The second gives an account of Israel’s tate to claim that it requires a little boldness Christ’s dominion over all the ages, and which prepare us for what is to come. Each deliverance from Egypt; the prayer then asks to speak of the Resurrection and the Light of between the two letters is written the current is the record of some Old Testament event God that just as He saved one nation Christ in this age when “Christian” evangel- year, an added emphasis to ourselves that whose parallel to the Resurrection is given through the waters of the Red Sea, so may ists do not speak of anything else. what light exists in our own time comes in the prayer that follows each Lesson. The He save all the nations of the world through The mystery of man’s Redemption is through Christ. The candle is carried into the first Lesson is the history of creation; the the waters of Baptism (this being the cus- the very core of the Catholic Faith, but the church in procession, and the words Lumen prayer reminds us that the Redemption was tomary night on which Baptisms were per- Redemption seems now more a mirage than a mystery, and “faith” seems but a sickly Sunday joke. How has the Truth that once transformed nations become a tiresome A Decade After His Death cliché? How has the Cross, that was once the standard which drew men to the Holy Land in the Crusades, become lost among the childish designs which can barely draw Continues Its Founder’s them to church? How, rather, could they have become anything else when the Fall is “And he took away his own people as dissolution of hierarchy, and defection of denied, Sin and its consequences denied, sheep: and guided them in the wilderness clergy had led to disaster. Amidst this ugliness glorified, aging and sickness sani- like a flock” (Ps. 78, 52). atmosphere of death, many good souls tized, reality all but ignored? By their con- searched longingly for the life that had tinual application of Scriptural terms and he apricot trees were filled with been lost, their Catholic life. They found it concepts to their own insipid doctrines, white blossoms. The surrounding in the man whom they had travelled so far Protestants and the designers of the Torchards once more wore a verdant to bury on that brilliant March day, ten Newchurch have made the Gospel itself green. The sun, shining brightly above, sent years ago in Ecône: Archbishop Marcel appear insipid. forth gentle, caressing rays, coaxing the Lefebvre. The fact of the matter is that, if men majestic Alps to remove their winter caps. The Archbishop had devoted his retire- find that the mercy of a redeeming God has Spring had come again to Ecône. On this ment years, his “years of rest” to giving become more and more dry and unmotivat- glorious day, nature was boldly trumpeting people back the life they so dearly missed ing, it is because they do not believe them- its return to life, yet thousands were gath- and which the whole world so needed. The selves in need of any mercy. The joyous ered to sing different music, that of rest for testimony of the thousands at his funeral hope that the Gospel first brought has a departed soul. This very song of death, indicates how well he succeeded. Yet, after degenerated into arrogant presumption. however, was not unlike the earth’s tri- pouring forth their prayers of thanksgiving Indeed, the wickedness of men has twisted umphant tune, for the people had come to to God on that day for this life-giving the Resurrection into a meaningless confir- pay their last respects to a man who had Prelate, many must have left wondering if mation of man’s inalienable human dignity. given them spiritual life. their rescued Catholic life was once more But far from dissuading us from speaking of They had at Vatican II been promised a in jeopardy. The intrepid Archbishop had the Resurrection, this brutalized interpreta- new Springtime, but instead had received been indispensable in maintaining tion should only prompt us the more to do the most bitter of desolate winters. Their Tradition, and the fledgling Society he left so. In treating of so delicate yet so funda- leaders had spoken so optimistically of behind was barely two decades old. It mental a topic, one can find no surer guide renewal and rebirth; the result was a seemed quite possible that the death-knell than the Liturgy of the Paschal Vigil. new religion. Diminution of doctrine, might soon be tolling again. The Society’s The Vigil begins outside the Church. Surrounded by darkness, one should recall the darkness in which the world was This was Archbishop Lefebvre’s finest hour and his greatest service to the immersed before the coming of Christ. Sins Church – in a career of distinguished service to the Church. He beams against God and neighbor abounded in the with satisfaction that he has done his duty on June 30th, 1988. present world, and little consolation was Chicago Outing

Twenty-seven seminarians, brothers and priests chose to spend their Tonsure Break in Chicago this year. From February 4th-7th they toured the “Windy City,” led by Seminary friend Mr. Joseph Carrol, Sr. (pictured below, top row second from right).

▲ All Aboard! Douglas Matulka and David Langguth take a ride on Chicago’s first steam engine at the Historical Institute.

▲ The “Chicago Squad” halts in front of one of the beautiful Windy City churches.

Seminary sacristans Steven Brown and Gary Holden eagerly examine ornate crushed velvet vestments. ▲

formed). The third Lesson is a prophecy natural water is valid for the Sacrament, out- The sacred ministers re-enter the church Mass. Mass is followed immediately by from Isaias and talks of the new spiritual side of cases of necessity, the Church pre- while the choir sings the Kyrie. Omitting the Lauds, which on this night is abbreviated to people that will be raised up in that day; it is pares the water to be used for Baptism by a usual prayers at the foot of the altar, the a single psalm and the Benedictus canticle. followed by a canticle which compares the solemn blessing in the style of a “preface,” priest incenses the altar immediately. He Much more could be said, but never Chosen People to a vineyard. The prayer which dates back to at least the sixth centu- then intones the Gloria in Excelsis during could it be said more powerfully than by the reinvokes this comparison and asks that God ry. Baptism was traditionally performed at which the bells, silent since Holy Thursday, Epistle chosen for this night’s Mass. Taken help His “vines” to “root out all thorns and Easter due to its close connection with the sound out once more. The Mass of Easter from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, it briars, and produce good fruit in abun- Resurrection of Our Lord, since by Baptism expresses in a few dance.” The final Lesson recounts Moses’ we not only die to sin, but also rise to a new The Celebrant completes the blessing of the Baptismal lines the essence warning to the Israelites that they keep the life of grace. “For we are buried together water by pouring in the Holy Oils consecrated at the not only of Easter, commandments of the Law; the correspon- with him by baptism into death; that as Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. but of Christianity ding prayer requests the grace to follow the Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of itself. “If you be New Law in joy rather than in fear that “the the Father, so we also may walk in newness risen with Christ, threatened vengeance may give way to sal- of life” (Rom. 6, 4). seek the things vation.” At one point the Celebrant throws some that are above, At this point is sung the first half of the of the water toward each of the “four cor- where Christ is sit- Catholic Church’s most solemn plea for ners of the world.” He is recalling Christ’s ting at the right help, the Litany of the Saints. The litany is command that the waters of Baptism be hand of God: mind interrupted after the invocation of the all the taken to all the nations of the earth. Towards the things that are Saints, and the blessing of the baptismal the end of the blessing, the lighted Paschal above, not the water now takes place. Although any kind of Candle is solemnly immersed into the water things that are as a sign that it is from the Risen Christ that upon the earth” Baptism draws its power. After setting aside (Col. 3, 1-2). We some water, with which he will sprinkle the have been given the Society people once they have renewed their bap- the greatest of all tismal promises, the priest completes the gifts: God’s own consecration of the baptismal water by Son. Can it be that adding to it the Oil after receiving this Legacy of Catechumens pledge of God’s and the Holy love for us, we enemies had long awaited this day which Chrism. would do anything would normally mean its imminent end. The Deacon, but pledge our love in Would the Society survive without its fear- accompanied by return? That we refer to a less Founder? the Celebrant, solid and virile love that Now, ten years after the Archbishop’s Subdeacon and is ready to bleed, rather death, there is little cause for fear in light of servers then carries than that insipid “luv” the Society’s success and growth, while the baptismal water that is only ready to bray dioceses continue their tragic course to to the Baptistry. and bawl, is clear from destruction. This is no surprise, however, to During the proces- the following line in St. those who knew the Society to be as much sion, the choir Paul’s Epistle: “For you the work of God as that of the Archbishop. sings a canticle are dead, and your life is Its Founder’s secret of success is no secret taken from Psalm hid with Christ in God” at all – a firm adherence to the Catholic and 41: “As the hart (Col. 3, 3). Although the Apostolic Faith. The Archbishop was one panteth after the spiritual joy of a good of the very few who clung tenaciously to fountains of water, Catholic will overflow the Divine Faith. “His truth shall compass so my soul panteth into this life, lightening thee with a shield” (Ps. 90, 5). This has after Thee, O all his sufferings, he must made the Society the strong force that it is God.” After the not forget that this life today, and it is only through emulation of Deacon has poured will be one of suffering. the Catholicity of its founder that the the water into the Perfect joy awaits those Society has continued to thrive in the font, the Celebrant who persevere. Modern decade since the Archbishop’s death. recites a short man would like the Likewise, the official Church will continue prayer for those The Celebrant blesses the Easter water by immersing the Paschal Candle in it. “May Resurrection without first to crumble and the Society to advance only about to receive the power of the Holy Ghost descend upon this water.” Some of this water will be dying, the joy without to the degree that they depart from or Baptism. Having reserved for the use of the faithful in their homes during the Easter season. having first persevered, cleave to the Faith. May Almighty God returned in proces- and the love without hav- grant us the grace to follow boldly in the sion to the Sanctuary, he leads all present follows the ancient order and consequently ing ever suffered. Whatever this is, it is not brave footsteps of Archbishop Lefebvre, in the Renewal of the Baptismal Promises. omits certain prayers and chants which were Christianity. The Christian looks to the that we may one day enjoy an Eternal Following this, the sacred ministers depart later additions to the liturgy. For this reason, future with St. Paul: “When Christ shall Springtime, life everlasting in Heaven! Ω to vest for Mass, and the sacristans adorn there is neither the Creed, the Offertory appear, who is your life, then you also shall the altar with lights and flowers. antiphon, nor the Agnus Dei at the Paschal appear with Him in glory” (Col. 3, 4). The New Old Philosophy Professor

ERBUM is pleased to welcome went to the Latin Mass said by a travelling Seminary in Flavigny, France. After a year building, the long Minnesota winters and a back to the Seminary Fr. James Redemptorist priest from Australia, Fr. and a half there, he was assigned to Holy revised class schedule, he finds that little VPeek, who taught philosophy and Cummins. Fr. Peek eventually found out Cross, where he stayed until coming to has changed in his absence. In fact, two of Latin at the Seminary about Archbishop Winona. the Professors are the same from his first when it was in Lefebvre and VERBUM asked him about how the tenure (Bishop Williamson and Fr. Göttler). Ridgefield, CT (see VER- entered the pos- Society’s seminaries have developed over Fr. Peek remarked, “It is good that things BUM #19), and who is tulancy of the the past 22 years. Father pointed out that have not changed too much.” There is one back teaching these same Society Brothers the entrants’ knowledge of language and change he is quite grateful for, though: the subjects at the Seminary, in France in history has diminished considerably. weekly Mass circuits are less strenuous albeit in a new home. He December 1978. Besides, there is a considerable difference now than 14 years ago. spent the last 12 years as The following in perspective. Twenty-five years ago, the When asked about his work, Fr. Peek the rector of Holy Cross autumn, howev- seminarians may mave held a wide variety said that he must “get the seminarians to Seminary in Goulborn, er, Father entered of opinions, ranging from radical sedeva- realize that philosophy is not just theory, Australia, where he was the Seminary in cantism to conservative progressivism. but a realistic view of the world they live responsible for making Ecône, Now, however, in countries where the in.” He added that a seminary professor has sure that the seminarians Switzerland. He Society has been active for some time, merely to hand down what he has received. were sufficiently pre- studied philoso- there is more unity of purpose and ideas. “The goal of the seminary is to form the pared by their philosophi- phy in Albano, Because of the 1988 consecration of the priest in the man: that is, to form his intel- cal studies to go into the- Italy, where the four Bishops, the position of the Society of lect and will.” He reminds VERBUM that ology. Thus he is emi- Society had a St. Pius X has been solidified, and today’s although the priestly ideal should always be nently qualified for his Fr. Peek is still smiling, despite the seminary at the young seminarians have enjoyed a greater the aim of any cleric, for the professor it is new assignment. long Minnesota Winters. time. He then stability in their development. of greater obligation, since he has to help Fr. Peek was born in finished his stud- Fr. Peek said that after 12 years in form priests. This priestly ideal also 1957 to a Catholic family in Wanganui, ies in Ecône, where he was ordained in Australia, he was “shocked” at first about includes following the mysterious designs New Zealand. He received a Catholic edu- 1985. His first assignment was to teach at receiving the new assignment but “quite of Providence, for it is by the Will of God cation, which was gradually corrupted by Ridgefield, where he spent two years, happy to follow Providence.” Other than that the Man of God is formed. the conciliar religion. In his teen years, he before he joined the staff of Curé d’Ars the normal differences of being in a new

Dr. White (continued from page 1) If Charles thinks the Church cruel in more or less openly “in sin” at Brideshead Bridey, he is taken aback by the simplicity Castle. Bridey’s off-hand remark concerning and innocence of Lady Cordelia, the their state leads to Julia’s magnificent solilo- youngest sister of Sebastian, who “scatters quy on mortal sin (surely unique in modern grace everywhere she goes,” according to literature), but she nonetheless continues her Dr. White. Named, of course, from the truth- bad life until Providence plays a trump card. ful and innocent daughter of King Lear, When Lord Marchmain returns home, Cordelia presents a more cheerful – if a bit dying, he remains steadfast in his refusal to odd – face of Catholicism to Charles. Upon repent despite the attempts of Bridey and hearing that he is an agnostic, she promises Cordelia to bring him a priest. They are to pray for him (as she does for Lloyd fought at every step by Charles, but Julia George and for her pig). becomes anxious as she sees her father The Marquis of Marchmain, having about to meet God with sin on his soul. The abandoned his wife – as well as the Church Marquis finally relents and receives Extreme – after the First World War, lives an openly Unction on his death-bed, in response to the sinful life in Venice. He is much more graces gained by countless prayers – by now Charles’s idea of a reasonable man. The including both Julia’s and Charles’s. Marchioness, on the other hand, saintly and Charles’s first prayer (“O God, if there is a sympathetic though she is, seems always to God, forgive his sins, if there is such a thing Here, Waugh (left) plays champagne-bottle croquet-bowling with his children, contradict Charles’s ideas about what is as sin.”) leaves much to be desired, but it is proving himself a family man despite his gruff public persona. good for Sebastian. To him, she seems an a beginning. Julia’s, however, is obviously over-protective mother and a bit of a reli- much more sincere and profound, because it selves down – not sentimentally but reason- one say that God can permit the sinners to gious fanatic. He is puzzled by the fact that is coupled with true repentance and a firm ably and ardently – before God’s mercy. act so badly (by their own fault, to be sure) such intelligent people can believe such purpose of amendment. She wastes no time Dr. White maintains that the novel is an in order to pave the way for their eventual “nonsense.” in sending Charles away forever: She knows apologetic for the Faith inasmuch as it repentance? Finally, Lady Julia Flyte, Sebastian’s that she must never again “set up a rival shows clearly the inevitable end to which The novel’s ending is dismal from a dazzlingly beautiful sister, shocks the entire good to God’s,” and she gives up her false modernity leads and insofar as it presents worldly point of view: Charles’s life is family by “marrying” a divorced man, just happiness to return to the Household of the real God and His real Church as the only ruined, the Flytes are in shambles and World after Sebastian exiles himself to a life of Faith. remedy. Modern men who see themselves in War II threatens to destroy everything good wandering dissoluteness in Europe and Although many Catholic readers may this novel will, as a result, often be well dis- and beautiful remaining in the world. But North Africa. The Marchioness’s death from be disturbed by the narration of so many posed to listen to the details of the Faith. grace has returned to the pagan half of the cancer completes the first cycle of the fami- sins (“Each of the seven deadly sins is Apologetics by syllogism is most often inef- family and has vivified Charles Ryder. ly’s destruction, and Charles goes off to there,” says Dr. White) they should remem- fective today since modern man has largely However badly the Earthly City may fare, marry and to become a famous artist. ber that God permits evil that greater good forgotten how to think clearly. “Brideshead nothing save their own infidelity can rob Returning from America a few years may come of it. Some sinners never convert Revisited,” on the other hand, offers modern them of their inheritance in the Heavenly later as a failed artist and husband, Charles until they are crushed (the true meaning of man both an accurate picture of his own life City. It is a message of profound Christian finds that Julia is also on the liner. They contrite) by the guilt and results of their and an incentive to look back over his past hope. renew their old acquaintance, and they “fall sins. As Dr. White explains, Waugh is con- while thoughtfully considering Waugh’s Dr. White testifies that, whenever he in love.” The eventual end of both their mar- strained by the fact of describing a pilgrim- alternative. uses the novel to help a suitably-disposed riages is sealed when they begin to live age from sin to grace to show how his char- The core of Waugh’s surprising answer young man towards the Faith, it works. He acters act without grace. to the world’s problems is no more mysteri- sees “Brideshead” as a reasonable motive Many of them behave ous or unknown than it has been since Our for hope for Catholics suffering in the mod- reprehensibly and show Lord’s time. In the Gospel, the publicans, ern world and as an effective tool for little concern for the Samaritans and prostitutes all lived lives of spreading the Faith. Catholics should be gravity of their actions grave sin, while the Scribes and Pharisees grateful, he says, that such a novel has been for a long time, but were “zealous” for the Law. Our Lord sur- a best-seller even in the dark 20th Century. their eventual conver- prised both groups by His mercy to the sin- Seminarians, in particular, can be grate- sions show God’s ners and His anger against the “righteous.” ful that such a novel is available to help mercy and the action If Waugh has caused controversy by this them to think about how to care for souls in of His grace more novel, it is largely because he believes in the the modern world. Literature is only litera- clearly in proportion Gospel and has presented a bit of it in mod- ture. It is not divinely inspired, but such lit- to the depravity of ern terms. “Publicans and harlots are getting erature as “Brideshead Revisited” offers a their earlier behavior. into the Kingdom of God before you!” says deeper understanding of concrete human Their experience of Our Lord to the Pharisees. The reason is that nature and the impact of grace upon it. their own weakness grave sinners have more cause to be humble Properly used, it can only make future and malice leads and to trust in God’s mercy than those who priests better priests. them to cast them- seem to avoid sin by their own efforts. Dare