The Role of Beauty in the Formation of Men as Men

The The Brits have it right: forget Happy Holidays, just wish people Merry Christmas H u m a n i s t THE MAGI WERE HUMANISTS!

Thor’s Day

Contents 3 Literature

5 The Edge of Sadness – Br Alphonse Choi, LC 5 Jane Eyre – Br Alphonse Choi, LC 6 Wise Blood – Br Alphonse Choi, LC 6 Decoding Harry Potter – Br Michael Matthews, LC 7 Just Passing Through – Br Dain Scherber, LC 8 The Snowfall - Br Michael Matthews, LC 9 Daddy – Br David Lorenzo, LC 9 Alone in the Night – Br David Lorenzo, LC 10 L’Enfant sur la Tombe – Br Michael Matthews, LC 10 Freedom - Br Loic Chabut, LC 11 Man’s Ruler - Br Joseph Ory, LC 11 Untitled Poem – Br Javier Castellanos, LC 12 Salvation History – Br Kevin O’Byrne, LC 12 Searching your Beauty – Br Cristian Ortega, LC 13 Literature with Calvin & Hobbes 14 Why Your Brain Loves Good Storytelling – Paul J. Zak

Art 16 The Frick Collection 17 St Francis in the Desert – Br Cristian Ortega, LC 17 Allegory of Wisdom and Strength – Br Mateo Arias, LC 18 The Reverie - Br Gustavo Godinez, LC 18 The Four Seasons: Winter - Br Michael Matthews, LC 19 Mistress and Maid - Br Kevin O’ Byrne, LC 19 How To Make A Rose Window - Br Loic Chabut, LC 20 Lord Granville Leveson-Gower, later first Earl Granville - Br Javier Castellanos, LC 20 Girl Interrupted at her Music - Br Alphonse Choi, LC

21 Museum Report from the Museum of Fine Arts The Allegory of Man’s Choice - Br Cristian Ortega, LC

Culture & Thought 23 The Role of Beauty in the Formation of Men as Men - Jared M. Silvey 24 ANTI-AMERICANISM - Br Loic Chabut, LC 25 PRO SPECTACULIS - Br Javier Castellanos, LC 25 What’s in the MET? - Br Javier Castellanos, LC 26 THE MAGI WERE HUMANISTS! - Br Javier Castellanos, LC 26 The Face in the Heavens - Br Joseph Ory, LC 27 The 10 principles of war (and growth in virtue.) - Br Ben Richard, LC 28 Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays – An Article on Christmas 29 THE POWER OF CONVICTIONS - Br Loic Chabut, LC 29 A Culture of Suspicion - Br Alphonse Choi, LC 30 Thor’s Day - Br Matthew Duncan, LC L i t e r a t u r e Literature 5 it was just another Christian novel: person is unique in their own way, but preachy, slow and bad plot… but I was each one completes and supports the wrong. The book takes you to an unnamed other. This is the enormity of their city in America. Fr Hugh Kennedy, the main significance. But this enormity is just a tiny character, is a recovered (or somewhat still little speck compared to the rest of the recovering) alcoholic. His small and world, and is even less compared to the practically non-parish is made up of few universe. It’s insignificant. men and women, mostly old and dying, The second insight was that of true who come from nearby towns and happiness. The book is called the edge of counties. The whole book is about the sadness for a reason. The author uses it relationship between Hugh and a well only twice in the whole book, and it’s known family in the city, the Carmodys, always to complete the meaning of offering interesting ideas and provoking happiness. On earth, happiness is never deep thought about the different fully achieved. No human being is characters, their own lives and their completely and un-regrettably content personalities, while also offering profound with life. This idea was not presented in a insights on human nature, of love & pessimistic way, but it was so realistically bitterness, family relations, friendship, and represented that I couldn’t help agreeing. The Edge of Sadness happiness. It’s not an escape for men who are By Edwin O’Connor Two of the many reflections and saddened and depressed, but rather an insights that I was able to draw out from invitation to seek the higher things, the Br Alphonse Choi, LC this novel were about the paradoxical things which last, and for now, to be significance of life and the meaning and satisfied with the imperfections and “Out, out, brief candle! attainment of true happiness. shortcomings we have to face in our daily Life’s but a walking shadow, The first is that our personal lives are struggle to live a happy life. Amidst the A poor player, seemingly paradoxical, in the sense that, good deeds we perform, the wise choices That struts and frets his hour it’s both enormously significant and we make, and the prudent decisions we Upon the stage, infinitely insignificant at the same time. take, nothing is perfect, and that includes And then is heard no more.” The whole book takes place in a big and our happiness. In our world, a happy life is ~William Shakespeare bustling city, in the midst of a big and always tainted with the edge of sadness. prosperous family with lots of differing The Edge of Sadness was one of the personalities. Every one of them is best books I have read so far in the essential to the plot. Every one of them is humanities. When I first found it, I thought necessary for the other. Every single

Jane Eyre Here are some inspirational quotes from the book: By Charlotte Bronte “a wanderer's repose or a sinner's reformation should never depend on a fellow-creature.” Br Alphonse Choi, LC “It is far better to endure patiently a smart which nobody feels but “Laws and principles are not for times when there is no temptation; yourself, than to commit a hasty action whose evil consequences will they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny extend to all connected with you.” against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be.” “It is not violence that overcomes hate--nor vengence that most I picked up this novel after reading Emily Bronte’s certainly heals injury.” Wuthering Heights, and not surprisingly, I found it almost as “it is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be engaging as her sister Emily’s greatest work. Besides the required to bear.” obvious fact of being an 18th century romance novel, there were many insights that I got from the book. In brief, the novel is about a plain young woman named Jane Eyre, who after suffering through the loss of her family and the hardships of a miserable boarding school, finds herself as a governess (a tutor or private teacher in modern terms) to a rich man’s daughter. It is from here that the story takes off into a whirlpool of happiness and misery, where unimaginable joys and tragic losses accompany the reader as he delves into the mystery of human love, sacrifice, perseverance and the determination to reach the final goal; the fulfillment of Jane’s enduring aspirations and undying dreams. Literature 6 Eventually he ends up abandoning his also to see a book that was written in the traditional values and decides to preach a 1960s. The style’s pretty modern, and it “Church without Christ”, effectively making made me think of Harper Lee’s To Kill a a fool of himself. He has a strange Mockingbird, which also takes place in a encounter with a phony, but initially Southern state in the US(I think South convincing street preacher, named Asa Carolina…). Hawks, who goes around pretending he’s a I think that if I got anything valuable blind and pious old man, calling out for from this book, it was the experience of repentance and conversion. He also ends reading an American author that is well- up falling under the spell of his degenerate known for her creative writing and a 15 year old daughter, Lily Sabbath Hawks, profound understanding of her culture. whom he hangs out with just to prove that She’s realistic and practical, doesn’t try to a good and wholesome man like him force higher values or meanings to her plot doesn’t need a Church with Christ and all that are more than necessary, which makes his rules and restrictions. it easier for you to understand her ideas I felt that it was a strange story, but clearly, since she doesn’t use obscure Wise Blood also a fascinating one, since it didn’t symbols and indecipherable hidden By Flannery O’Connor necessarily portray a virtuous and messages. wholesome man… Hazel’s not the It was overall, a good and satisfactory Br Alphonse Choi, LC exemplary saint or the undaunted hero, but reading, not too exciting, but not one that really, just a loser and a fanatic. Honestly, it drags on and on. Wise Blood is a story about a 22 year wasn’t the best book I’ve read, but it was old young man, Hazel Motes, who interesting to read and learn from desperately battles against his faith. O’Connor’s Southern Georgian style, and

Decoding Harry Potter

Br Michael Matthews, LC

Growing up I always thought that Harry Potter was evil. The fact of Witches and magic in normal life didn’t ring well with me. Yet I never read the books to form my own opinion.

Finally this past summer in Vermont I decided to read the whole series. I tried to be as open- minded as possible instead of reading with my pre- conceived biases. What I found was quite different from what I expected.

I enjoyed it through-and-through, cover-to-cover. Yet not only was it an exciting read, but I saw things that I maybe would not have seen if I read it close- mindedly.

I found five main points I thought summarized this fantasy: 1. the maturing of three kids 2. Our choices define who we are. 3. Self- giving love is true love. 4. Evil is never justified. 5. The power of Friendship.

I won’t expound on these points here, but if you read these books for the first time (or another time) keep these points in mind and you will get something out of it. Literature 7

Just Passing Through A thousand worlds under those eyes, A hidden history Of joy and pain, of loss and gain, To him a mystery.

The fresh, young widow, mourning still, Br Dain Scherber, LC With tender child in hand. The couple old who’ve weathered time And still together stand.

A man stepped off the train one day, The slick, intent young businessman A man whom no one knew, Walks quickly unaware, In light brown hat and simple suit, Busy with a thousand thoughts A man just passing through. As if no one was there.

Clean-cut and combed with peaceful gait The woman who parades herself And gentle, serene eye, As object to be bought. He went down to the station’s court The man enslaved to substances, To watch the passersby. Who shares the beggars lot.

He sat alone upon a bench, She walks and sips her coffee cup. And pulled out from his vest He yells into his phone. A precious worn out paper scrap, She fears a man’s malicious gaze Kept safely at his chest. To wait ‘til she’s alone.

And there he sat to watch them pass, He holds her hand and gaily walks, Each one, a book of life. Just glad to have her near. Their faces, styles, and unknown joys, Another rushes through the crowd Unknown their lot of strife. With eyes replete with fear.

A thousand looks, a thousand dreams, The poor, the rich, the glad, the sad, A thousand thirsting hearts, The empty, the content, Waiting with no one to share The sick, the strong, the worried one, Until their train departs. Whom life’s hard hand has bent.

A thousand names unknown to him He watched them all as they walked past, Downcast did pass him by, Some with purpose clear: Journeying toward unknown home: A vivid goal, a destined end, To where? For what? And why? A home, a family dear. >>

Literature 8

For them the train was just a means, Whether it was consciously, Which homeward did them send. At last they’d all get home. A hope, a fire which did inspire Them to their journey’s end. And when at home no difference makes If pain was deep or not. Others passed with sunken eye. The struggles of that journey will He thought where would they go. Forever be forgot. “I take the next train out of here. To where, I do not know.” So thought our man as he did watch Each one his train pursue. An endless, hopeless, joyless trek, So different, yet each one of them Drained of strength and drive, Was still just passing through. With no one to support their pain. They journey to survive. At last the train’s high whistle blew, And “All Aboard,” did sound. Everyone would board a train. The time had come for his train to. One fact for all was true: He too was homeward bound. Regardless of the knowledge, they Were all just passing through. He put away that faded scrap Of paper in his vest, Our man watched on as each soul passed, An image of his wife just died, Each universe, each book, Whom silently he missed and cried, Each peaceful smile, serene with love, For she, his own life’s warmest pride, Each anguished, empty look. Had gone to ever rest.

He wished they all could look erect, He smiled and sighed and grabbed his bag That more than shoes may see And donned his faded hat Of all those souls that they passed by, And walked out slowly from the court, Each one with silent plea. Where he had pensive sat.

Each with silent plea indeed, And up the train he mounted with Yet at the end of day, A peace that’s deep and true, Their journeys all would come to end, For each man’s lot may rise and fall, And sleep drive woes away. And journey’s woes will him enthrall, Yet in the end, it’s worth it all, Then what of all the day’s events, If we’re just passing through. While they the world did roam,

The snowfall

Br Michael Matthews, LC

I walked about in winter’s cold And pondered o’er the songs of old; That sing of Christmas dance and glee And worm the heart eternally. Upon my cheek a speck from heaven fell First one, then two, then more than I could tell, I stare and find a dancing veil of white I stand in awe at the beauty of the site. This time of year it comes and swiftly flows How unique, only God in heaven knows; What goodness and what beauty to recall In the grace and peace of the snowfall. Literature 9

That night I heard one slam the door. Mom said we would see Dad no more. And then I knew the worst had come, Upon our lives sadness’ course had run.

When time had passed pain still remained I missed my Dad; for him I prayed I could not sleep. I just could weep. My soul was stuck in abyss so deep.

Since Dad had left mom never smiled. It seemed as if he really died. If just one day he would appear Then life again would be so dear. Daddy But now two years have since gone by. I’m here with mom on a special night. Br David Lorenzo, LC It’s Christmas time and we try to laugh. But to true mirth there is no path.

“Dad is gone.” My mom had said, But then we hear a knock on the door. But I was sure he was not dead. We hadn’t expected anyone more. He had just left for a little bit. I open it slowly and turn into stone. There was no way that he would quit. For I saw once again that Daddy’s eyes shone.

And soon enough Dad did come home Before I can speak any words of my own But the light of his eyes no longer shone. I feel the warmest hug I’ve known Something had happened; of this I was sure And then I see my dream came true But my young tender heart was still too pure. That Dad is really home for good.

I closed my eyes quick but to no avail For between me and my fear there could be no veil. I hid beneath sheets and started to pray That the phantoms that haunted would all go away.

A lifetime it seemed I was caught in this storm I began to wish I had never been born. I no longer had faith in the dawn to come I was sure that my short little life was done.

Then all of a sudden I heard slow steps Creep across the hall beside which I slept. Alone in the Night A chill snuck down my spine; what could I do If Death’s dear friend was bringing my doom?

I wondered whether to scream out in fear Br David Lorenzo, LC Or tremblingly wait for my visitor so near. I heard a voice down in my heart deep Say it was time alas for me and Death to meet.

The door was shut and stillness reigned The door’s handle turned and its hinges squeaked The sweet “good night” brought dreadful pain My fear then pushed me forward to speak. For my mom’s sweet kiss meant the start of the strain The intruder was here and I left with no choice. Between me and the night till it struck day. I said, “Who’s there?” in a weak trembling voice.

Fear seized my mind and tore at my heart In response to my question a sweet voice replied Fantasy and reality no longer apart “My son, have no fear. It’s okay. It’s me.” For under the bed and in littlest nooks Hope entered my soul and night was made bright Lurked ghosts and ghouls found only in books. For darkness was dispelled by my mother’s dear light. Literature 10

L’Enfant Sur La Tombe

Br Michael Matthews, LC I Dreamed of a Kingdom Little girl, may I ask you why Upon this cold and stony tomb you lie? Could you not have had another rest, I dreamed of a kingdom, Besides this white and icy chest? By Br Alphonse Choi, LC A speck in the sea The mountains protecting, Have you been left here all alone? The valleys beneath. I would have helped you, had I known. Ah yes, but this kingdom, Is there no one left to care for you? I dreamed of a kingdom, Was lonely inside It breaks my heart to think it true. A speck in the sea An island so lonely, No king as her ruler, Yet still and sleeping you lay there So lonely, but free. No aides at his side. As though you have not a care; Her shores were inviting, In your dreams there is not but good The sand golden bright No kingdom was greater, And you would stay there if you could. Her skies, pure and spotless, Seen under the light No clouds in their sight. No darkness was safer, What comfort can I give to you? Than hers in the night. I cannot pass and say adieu! Her trees firm but gentle, Yet greatness was tainted, I leave my coat to keep you warm, Her loneliness dire It might prevent you any harm. Their dance shall ne’er cease A picture well painted, Her flowers oriental, When you awake, I shall return Their scent in the breeze. But none to admire. And take you where your heart has yearned; No man had e’er lived there, But Sleep you now in gentle peace Not one could I find I dreamed of a kingdom, And hear the sweetness of the breeze. In quiet enveloped, A speck in the sea In silence confined. An island so lonely, Your days of dark shall finally end So lonely, but free. And you shall start your life again. A kingdom so perfect, Not one will e’er find her, I shall bring you to your new home, Fore’er she shall be A better place than you have ever known. The land of my dreams Was still yet imperfect, A world lost and waiting, For lonely was she. Waiting for me.

Literature 11

Br Javier Castellanos, LC Man’s Ruler

Early in the night Br Jospeh Ory, LC I followed a star, That seemed very distant, And, yet, not too far. D sharp no hero conquers Charmed by his light A spear he craves for thrusting I set on a journey; A note cannot assail or plunder I headed to the sky.

What’s good to soldiers without rusting? In the next ev’ning I slept, and I dreamt A man is tall and bearded Of wanders, and wonders, And valuable wealth; A brute be all the better Despite all the warning, He shuns his fate and falls defeated I built up a fortune, I stopped in my journeying While others laugh and break their fetter Because I stopped scorning silk, marble, and gold. To kill a man with axe, good As one more day passed, Yet harness scores with speeches, great I sought for a king For longer weapons shorten stature When unto the battle The truly strong avoid the bait Myself I did bring. My goal I had cast, E’en more that a castle, Short lives we know do fall in cycle than the stars more vast.

There’re pharaohs, huns, napoleons caesars I wanted to fight who fight and die and lose momentum For something o’ercoming Great feats lie out of reach of buzzards All this that dies fast; And follow will I, Through nights never slumb’ring, I think of Michelangelo A daylight that lasts; Da Vinci Galileo and Bernini My king has the might to, all stars controlling, Great men remembered as they settle real riches keep fast. Without a spear they proved their mettle

Literature 12

Salvation History

Br. Kevin O’Byrne, LC

In light the Wood was made which with the fallen fruit was fraught the water ceased and to the Wood both wood and bow was brought no land no lamb a test complete Wood laid upon the son for flocks and wives the Wood in hand the duel with God was done from bond blood Wood and water pass to law that gold did break the king did dance with golden Wood but ewe the man did take in time fulfilled true lamb on Wood

poured forth first fruits of water good

Searching your beauty

Br Cristian Ortega, LC

Your beauty Lord let me see Holy Father of the whole creation Soil, trees, clouds and the freshness of the breeze Lift up your thoughts to this, his contemplation.

I gaze the reflection of your beauty But I am restless to see you face to face Guide this soul and I will see your beauty Let happiness be found in the furnace of your love. Literature with Calvin & Hobbes

By Bill Waterson Literature 14

COMMUNICATION points a speaker wishes to make and enable better recall of these points weeks later. In terms of making impact, this blows the standard PowerPoint Why Your Brain Loves Good Storytelling presentation to bits. I advise business people to begin every presentation by PAUL J. ZAK with a compelling, human-scale story. Why should customers or a person October 28, 2014 on the street care about the project you are proposing? How does it change the world or improve lives? How will people feel when it is complete? These

are the components that make information persuasive and memorable. It is quiet and dark. The theater is hushed. James Bond skirts along the My research has also shown that stories are useful inside edge of a building as his enemy takes aim. Here in the audience, heart rates organizations. We know that people are substantially more motivated by increase and palms sweat. I know this to be true because instead of their organization’s transcendent purpose (how it improves lives) than by its enjoying the movie myself, I am measuring the brain activity of a dozen transactional purpose (how it sells goods and services). Transcendent viewers. For me, excitement has a different source: I am watching an purpose is effectively communicated through stories – for example, by amazing neural ballet in which a story line changes the activity of people’s describing the pitiable situations of actual, named customers and how their brains. problems were solved by your efforts. Make your people empathize with Many business people have already discovered the power of the pain the customer experienced and they will also feel the pleasure of its storytelling in a practical sense – they have observed how compelling a resolution – all the more if some heroics went in to reducing suffering or well-constructed narrative can be. But recent scientific work is putting a struggle, or producing joy. Many of us know from Joseph Campbell’s work much finer point on just how stories change our attitudes, beliefs, and that enduring stories tend to share a dramatic arc in which a character behaviors. struggles and eventually finds heretofore unknown abilities and uses these As social creatures, we depend on others for our survival and to triumph over adversity; my work shows that the brain is highly attracted happiness. A decade ago, my lab discovered that a neurochemical called to this story style. oxytocin is a key “it’s safe to approach others” signal in the brain. Oxytocin Finally, don’t forget that your organization has its own story – its is produced when we are trusted or shown a kindness, and it motivates founding myth. An effective way to communicate transcendent purpose is cooperation with others. It does this by enhancing the sense of empathy, by sharing that tale. What passion led the founder(s) to risk health and our ability to experience others’ emotions. Empathy is important for social wealth to start the enterprise? Why was it so important, and what barriers creatures because it allows us to understand how others are likely to react had to be overcome? These are the stories that, repeated over and over, to a situation, including those with whom we work. stay core to the organization’s DNA. They provide guidance for daily More recently my lab wondered if we could “hack” the oxytocin decision-making as well as the motivation that comes with the conviction system to motivate people to engage in cooperative behaviors. To do this, that the organization’s work must go on, and needs everyone’s full we tested if narratives shot on video, rather than face-to-face interactions, engagement to make a difference in people’s lives. would cause the brain to make oxytocin. By taking blood draws before and When you want to motivate, persuade, or be remembered, start with after the narrative, we found that character-driven stories do consistently a story of human struggle and eventual triumph. It will capture people’s cause oxytocin synthesis. Further, the amount of oxytocin released by the hearts – by first attracting their brains. brain predicted how much people were willing to help others; for example, donating money to a charity associated with the narrative. Paul J. Zak is a professor at Claremont Graduate University and In subsequent studies we have been able to deepen our President of Ofactor, Inc. understanding of why stories motivate voluntary cooperation. (This research was given a boost when, with funding from the U.S. Department of https://hbr.org/2014/10/why-your-brain-loves-good-storytelling/ Defense, we developed ways to measure oxytocin release noninvasively at up to one thousand times per second.) We discovered that, in order to motivate a desire to help others, a story must first sustain attention – a scarce resource in the brain – by developing tension during the narrative. If the story is able to create that tension then it is likely that attentive viewers/listeners will come to share the emotions of the characters in it, and after it ends, likely to continue mimicking the feelings and behaviors of those characters. This explains the feeling of dominance you have after James Bond saves the world, and your motivation to work out after watching the Spartans fight in 300. These findings on the neurobiology of storytelling are relevant to business settings. For example, my experiments show that character-driven stories with emotional content result in a better understanding of the key

2nd Year Humanists’ visit to The Frick Collection Art & Art History 17 know what it was. This painting represents life and the immortality of things. The the moment in which St Francis received empty sandals recall the moment when the stigmata, the wounds of the Moses was in the presence of God and God crucifixion. St Francis is in ecstasy, in a told him: “put off the shoes from your moment of deep contemplation before feet: for the place where you are standing God. I liked this painting a lot, because it on is holy ground”. These elements also represents a mystical experience in the life represent the Franciscan way of living. of St Francis. Emotions: Bellini was able to express St Bellini (ca. 1430/35 – 1516) was Francis’ feelings. St Francis is suffering, but an artist who lived during the Renaissance. also he accepts this suffering because he His style pretty much follows the knows that this is coming from Heaven. Renaissance Style. Bellini strives for the St Francis in the Desert is a great perfect representation of human nature, masterpiece. It helps us to perceive a Br Cristian Ortega, LC emotions, spiritual inside, harmony and mystical experience and to know one of mathematical principles. the most important moments in the life of St. Francis in the Desert, ca. 1475-78 Some of the elements of this one of the greatest saints of the Catholic Giovanni Bellini painting are: colors, there are a variety of Church. This is a masterpiece also because Oil and tempera on panel colors (between the colors of the cave and it achieved the standards of the Panel: 49 1/16 x 55 7/8 in. (124.6 x 142 the colors in the upper left side of the Renaissance painting. cm) painting). The cave has no vivid colors and Image: 48 7/8 × 55 5/16 in. (124.1 × 140.5 it is dark, but in contrast we can see the cm) blue color of the sky and a vivid green color in the grass and the trees. The great This painting was in one of the amount of hues (variety of colors) is galleries in the Frick Collection in New fundamental in this painting. They give life York. It is located in the opposite side to the painting. Figures in the painting: St where the famous painting of St. Thomas Francis, the skull, a book (probably the More is. First of all, the size of the painting bible), sandals, flowers, trees, an animal in took my attention (124.6 x 142 cm). St the background, birds and the city. All Francis of Assisi is one of my favorite these figures have their purpose in the saints. This painting was telling me painting. For example, the skull and the something about him, and so I wanted to rocky ground represent the shortness of

museum was the Allegory of Wisdom and two ancient columns behind Wisdom, a

Strength, by Paolo Veronese (1528- 1588). very luxurious curtain, a little angel, and

As many of Veronese’s works, the date of finally some jewelry scattered on the

this painting is uncertain, but it was most ground.

likely painted about the year 1580 with oil All the organization of this work

on canvas and it is 214.6 x 167 cm big. It is expressing the supremacy of Wisdom

belongs to the Late Renaissance period over Strength. Hercules represents the

and early Mannerism and Veronese inferiority of Strength with his gaze down

painted it together with the Allegory of on the jewelry meaning his concern about

Virtue and Vice. It has been proposed that earthly and imperfect things. The

the two were commissioned by the perfection of Wisdom can be perceived

Emperor Rudolph II. through her eyes looking at the sky

This painting called my representing her concern for spiritual and

attention not only because of its grand size eternal matters. Even their clothes are

but also for its magnificent meaning which claiming the great difference that it is to be

is summarized at the bottom left of the shown between these two virtues:

painting: “All it is vanity”. Two main Hercules covers his body with an animal

characters occupy almost all of the space skin, whereas Wisdom wears a majestic

of the painting: Hercules and Wisdom. royal dress. The angel on the ground

What first calls the attention is the looking up to Hercules is trying to distract Br Mateo Arias, LC beautiful woman who is looking at the sky him from his earthly interests and possibly

with a celestial gaze representing Wisdom, trying to make him look up to heaven; on “Allegory of Wisdom and Strength” and secondly a muscular, half-naked man the other hand, Wisdom steps on a globe, By Paolo Veronese next to her looking at the ground: most likely the earth, as if she were saying:

Hercules, who represents Strength; thirdly, “Those who are wise concerning the One of the paintings that struck we can appreciate some other elements essential things are able to have control me the most at the Frick Collection such as the clouded sky, a little landscape, even over the world itself.” Art & Art History 18 While visiting the Frick the sky is clear and blue. In this one, it collection, I had the opportunity to seems that it is the end of the day, and so contemplate Fragonard’s most famous it seems to signify the end of the work of art called “The Progress of Love.” I adventure. The woman looks confused and almost instantly felt attracted to these discouraged, and her face expresses that paintings. Maybe it was the magnitude, search to fill her heart but it was to no the pastel colors, the details, the avail. On top of the pillar, cupid is shown magnificent depiction of nature, the pointing in one direction, maybe the beautiful settings or the playfulness that direction of true love, but she is looking in caught my attention initially, but as I the opposite direction, showing how she listened to the explanation and carefully has been searching for love in the wrong contemplated every detail, I realized that places. The colors of the trees are also very the author was really going into the heart different from that of the first paintings. and emotions of the woman depicted in Here the leaves have changed color to red, the paintings. He was telling us her story. autumn season has begun and winter is “The Reverie” was an additional coming, signifying what is happening in her painting made by Fragonard after the first heart. In the end, her amorous adventure four panels were rejected by Mme Du did not give her what it promised. Barry, for she thought they represented to closely her amorous adventure with King Br Gustavo Godinez, LC Louis XV, and feared to be shamed by Parisian society. The Reverie If the first four panels were Jean-Honoré Fragonard suppose to represent the adventurous love 1790-91 between a woman and a man, this last one Oil on canvas definitely represents the consequences of 125 1/8 x 77 5/8 in. that adventure. In the first four pictures,

namely a love scene. Yet the manner it is portrayed it very interesting. The painting contains the common frivolity of its period. We can see the bright and soft colors of the clothing and the background. In the dress of the girl; though it is winter, she is wearing a summer dress with the upper part of the body exposed, yet it is lined with fur displaying that the fur is not for warmth, but for extravagance. The sled is a piece of art in itself. It is shown almost as a royal carriage transformed into a sled. It is curious that the man pushing the girl is not dressed in the common French winter clothing. He is dressed in the contemporary Russian winter style. At the time Boucher painted this image the French people were fascinated with Russian culture and fashion. Boucher displays the man as such to show that he was up to date with the “fad” of the day. It is interesting that the couple is not going through a nice garden in a villa, but in the country by a rustic mill, as if they were part of the normal day-to-day people. I really didn’t know Br Michael Matthews, LC what to think of this when I saw it; but maybe Boucher was trying to show a connection between the higher and lower François Boucher (1703 - 1770) classes. Or maybe he was trying to display the stark difference The Four Seasons: Winter, 1755 between the two, and how the higher class blesses the lower Oil on canvas class with its presence. 22 3/8 x 28 3/4 in. (56.8 x 73 cm) I was struck by the beauty of this painting and the theme made me curious as to its meaning and origin. Francois Boucher, a Rococo period painter painted this Unfortunately, there was no fascinating story behind this image for the lintel of a door. This painting is one of a set of four painting. Yet it can be appreciated in itself for its designed for the same purpose. The set is called The Four lightheartedness and beauty, very typical of the Rococo style. Seasons. Its theme is very common for the Rococo period, Art & Art History 19

brightness and soft innocence revealed through the colors. Texture: Seeing the painting in person is a wonderful experience because of the striking detail in the fabrics, both in the clothing and tablecloth. Vermeer has captured the lady’s yellow and white overcoat perfectly. Even individual fur hairs can be seen with light reflecting off them. The effect he uses in the painting is quite stunning. Light: The element in which Vermeer excelled the most is perhaps his use of light. This painting is no exception. The light reflecting off of the mistress’ pearl earring is a perfect example. Vermeer also captures the light glancing Br Kevin O’ Byrne, LC off of the glass containers on the table, the Mistress and Maid, 1666-67 handles of the wooden box as well as the How To Make A Rose By Johannes Vermeer (1632 - 1675) fabrics as mentioned above. This effect is Window DIMENSIONS: 35 1/2 x 31 in. (90.2 x 78.7 amazing and is one of the reasons why cm) Vermeer is so highly esteemed. It is Br Loic Chabut LC MEDIUM: Oil on canvas thought that he used a technique known

The Frick Collection, New York. as Camera Obscura to create these effects. Incommensurability (≈ a number Shadows are portrayed well in the clothing impossible to write in fraction) always Breathtaking in real-life, this and are used to create perspective. For fascinated mathematicians. How many image of Vermeer shows all of the points example, the angle of the table’s shadow books have been written about the of a masterpiece by the great Dutch artist. on the mistress’ overcoat gives a perfect golden ratio (φ) or researches made Theme: Genre painting in Dutch line towards the letter in the maid’s hand. about the number π? In medieval times, art was very popular. In such painting the This draws great attention back to the the incommensurable properties of a characters themselves were no longer the genre of the painting: the love letter. square to its diagonal fascinated most important part of the piece, but Suspense: The scene presented is scholars, they even thought that the rather, the action taking place. The scene one of suspense; the mistress is presented universe was made out of them. So, to itself takes on meaning based on what the a love-letter. From whom? What does the imitate the universe’s order in characters are doing, not on whom the letter say? Why is there a mysterious smirk cathedrals, gothic architects chose person represented is. Here, the genre of on the maid’s face? Why does the mistress them. “love letters” expresses romantic love, a hold her hand to her mouth, pausing from theme used very often in Vermeer’s works. her writing, with an expression of surprise This is how they applied the There is a mystery surrounding the piece and concern? Vermeer was a master at incommensurable relation of a square that has defied all attempts to completely creating this type of scene with to both its diagonal and a circle to understand it. unanswered questions. He brings it about Romanesque rose windows (which until Positioning: The position of the by perfectly capturing the inner then did not follow these mathematical women in the scene is typical of Vermeer: psychology of his characters, particularly principles): taking the diagonal of a looking on towards the left corner of a those of women. This is one of the reasons square as a side of another one gives a room. The viewers are hidden from the why his works are timeless and constantly square of double area. Squares of such front, as if eavesdropping on the bring its viewers back for more. double area, as well as the inscribed characters. What is new and intriguing in The Painting in the Frick: This is circles of all these squares, give a sketch this scene is the lack of distinguishable the last painting which Mr. Frick collected which shows the exact position of the background features, an element which before he died. He counted it among his different elements of the rose window. Vermeer usually used to bring added favorite acquisitions. As an example we may use the north meaning to his works. This may suggest rose window of Chartres. that Vermeer had left the work unfinished. Color: As usual, Vermeer uses color to attract the eyes to what is most important in the piece. The maid blends with the background, except for her face, which, by contrast, reveals even more her expression, adding much to the interpretation of the piece. The main character is the woman in yellow and our eyes are immediately drawn to her Art & Art History 20 Oil on canvas, 92.5 x 51.5 inches (235 x 130.8 had so much success in politics. In any case, red cm) and black make a beautiful color “setting” for a noble man. Some characteristics of

Br Javier Castellanos, LC Neoclassicism are still present, like the column, the stable but not rigid position of Lord Great Britain was built by men who Granville, the smooth combination of colors, where noble, not only by birth, but also by especially with the contrast of black and white leading their noble lives. Lord Granville is an (clothing and clouds) and red and blue (curtain example of the former, while Sir Thomas and sky). Lawrence was a noble of the latter group. When Lord Granville is not a relevant he painted this portrait, Thomas Lawrence was historical character; Sir Thomas Lawrence is not passing through a difficult financial situation, an outstanding painter of the level of Turner, and he was not knighted yet. Through his nor is this a masterpiece of art. But what called constancy and hard work he would eventually my attention was the expression of the face of be recognized. And after receiving the title of Lord Granville. He is looking straight at the knight he would travel to Aachen to paint viewer, almost daring, yet joyful; confident and diplomats and sovereigns. From 1820 until his peaceful, ready to take on his new duty as death he was the president of the Royal ambassador. There is something intriguing Academy. about this look: Leveson-Gower seems to be Lord Granville appears in this alive, breathing in front of you, and telling you painting at his early 20s, when he started to without words, “Nice to meet you; yes, I am

work as the British ambassador to Russia. The English, and I came here as an ambassador”. light hits especially his face and hand, and the One of the goals of portrait painting cloud behind him shines as a halo of a is to make people travel in space and time in prosperous present and future. He is dressed order to “greet” a person. It does not matter if almost completely in black, and there is a red this person is rich or poor, noble or peasant; curtain with the shield of his family. Why black each person is a “masterpiece” of God, and clothes? He is holding a very high position, and portraits express this in a beautiful way. Yale Center of British Art, New Haven he has to wear very elegant and formal. Maybe Lord Granville Leveson-Gower, later first Earl he took things seriously even at his young age. Granville (1804-1809) Why red? Perhaps because he had a fiery Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769–1830) character; supposing this can explain why he

mysterious gaze of the young girl, mixed with a I dare to challenge (even if they always win). I hint of melancholy and surprised curiosity. look into their soul and they gaze into mine. First of all, it’s evident that Vermeer What do I discover? To be honest, I’m not enjoys painting simple scenes of ordinary life. exactly sure, but it causes me to wonder. What The underlying theme is somewhat unclear at is it exactly that the girl is doing? Why doesn’t first, yet it’s speckled with hints of what it might her teacher notice? Is she surprised or just be about. Vermeer seems to like this mysterious curious or both? It’s not a glare or a squint, but atmosphere that looms over most of his a steady and innocent gaze. What is she trying paintings. The painting contains characteristics to say? Maybe it’s the sudden embarrassment that are distinctly Baroque, such as the at discovering someone staring at you and perfection of the proportions and the realistic catching him a little too late. Maybe she’s depiction of the figures and objects. He skillfully annoyed and wants you to stop rudely applies chiaroscuro in the left corner of the interrupting her lesson. So many questions room which contrasts with the light breaking in remained unanswerable even after long Girl Interrupted at her Music through the window. Finally, Vermeer’s moments of contemplation. I think that this is Johannes Vermeer attention to detail is exhibited in the various the beauty of “artistic mystery,” namely that no Dutch Baroque objects depicted in the room: the chair, the matter how long you ponder the scene, the c. 1658-1661 music score, the window, the instrument… all of painting still remains somewhat of an enigma. Oil on canvas which are refined to meticulous perfection. Hours of contemplation cannot unveil its hidden 15 1/2 x 17 1/2 in. (39.3 x 44.4 cm.) Second, Vermeer is able to unite the mysteries. The Frick Collection, New York simple and ordinary Dutch scene with a pensive In short, this work fascinated me atmosphere. At first sight, the painting doesn’t because of its profundity and thoughtfulness. Br Alphonse Choi, LC strike you as a grand masterpiece or an It’s a scene steeped in mystery, which no one extraordinary accomplishment. It’s plain, seems to be able to solve. Reflecting on the look Johannes Vermeer is the master of uncomplicated and the figures depicted are of the young woman, I was struck by the mystery. When I first came across this painting, I easily recognizable. However, a thoughtful and individuality and subjectivity of every person, was drawn by its austere but mysterious scene. mysterious mood emanates from the work. the treasure of emotions contained in the In this beautiful work, Vermeer depicts a young Vermeer achieves this by having the girl face the human heart, and the hoards of private, woman interrupted in her music. Some say that viewer, engaging the eye of the beholder. In a personal and intimate secrets that are carried to it’s a music lesson that she was engaged in, but sense, Vermeer allows his girl to be caught by the grave. I was moved by this deep mystery others say that it’s a depiction of courtship with surprise, giving you a chance to enter into her which Vermeer so effectively illustrated in his a musical scene as its unifying theme. Whether mind and to probe the secrets of her soul. paintings; and for a moment I was glad that it is a musical lesson or a romantic date, three Finally, something that struck me the there would never be a perfect solution to the things struck me as I contemplated this painting. most was the mysterious gaze of the young lady. unfathomable mystery of the girl interrupted in First, the various artistic techniques used by Maybe it sounds awkward, but whenever I find her music. Vermeer; Second, the combination of myself in front of a painting, I really enjoy profundity with simplicity; and lastly, the having “staring contests” with the figures which 15 Art & Art History – Other Museums 21

Br Cristian Ortega, LC there. Next to Satan in two columns are Adam and Eve, representing original sin, and the serpent is beating Museum Report from the Museum of Fine Arts them, to Adam’s rib and to Eve’s breast. There are two Title: The Allegory of Man’s Choice figures standing up at the corners. They represent death Artist: Frans Franken The Younger and time. In the middle level, right side the sensual “Who are all these people?” “What is the pleasures are represented. Venus is clearly meaning of this painting?” These and other questions distinguished among the female creatures. In the center came to my mind when I saw this painting. I was the life of virtue is represented. There, Athena the fascinated and I desired to understand it fully. The title goddess of wisdom is standing, pointing at Heaven, and “Allegory of Man’s choice” made me consider the reality the theological virtues are also represented (from right of the fact that man has to make real choices in his own to left): charity, faith and hope. Hercules is standing life. The artist desires to represent the reality of next to them, because of his heroism and great value. freedom in man. Man is able to choose between virtue On the left side different figures are there representing and vice. the vanity of the world. The upper part is Heaven where Frans Francken the Younger painted the angels are playing music serenely. Allegory of Man’s Choice in 1635; he was a Flemish Classical architecture is shown and linear Baroque painter. perspective is well described on the left side (next to the In general the painting contains a lot of figures of the sensual pleasures). movement, emotion and life. Each character is different; Lastly I would like to point out that Francken they display specific features in their bodies, the illustrates a meditative man. In our lives we find individual aspect is clearly shown. Vivid colors are used. ourselves many times in this state. Man is surrounded Most of the figures are bright, except for the lowest part by different options but above all, he must consider the in the center around Satan. The painting is full of consequences of his choice. There is only one decision, symbolism. The lowest level is representing Hell; figures and it leads man into the everlasting life or into the like Satan, the monkey king and Cupid are represented horror of Hell.

Culture & Thought 23

The Role of Beauty in the Formation of Men as Men

By Jared M. Silvey characteristics are also generally found in our own species. Because of this, in both the animal and human domains it is usually the male who takes up the role of primary guardian and protector. As an example of the Once upon a time in the Western world, exposure to “the human male’s stronger inclination to aggression and fighting, we can beautiful” was an important element in the development and formation refer to the fact that men have traditionally dominated highly aggressive of men. The ideal man was also an educated man, and an educated man sports, even in societies influenced by modern feminism. A survey of the knew something about, and appreciated, good art, good music, good athletic departments of American colleges and universities will show that literature, and good taste (and perhaps also good wine). The Romantics of almost every sport has both a male team and a female team … with the the nineteenth century added to this resume a man who had the capacity notable exception of football. to be intoxicated by the beauty of nature. Many of the great works of art This stronger inclination to fighting is not, in itself, and music of that time period reflect this. Then there was the automatically directed to either good or evil. It has the potential to go “gentleman” who valued beauty in speech and in writing, even if his either way. It can be directed to good, as in the case of fighting to defend language sometimes descended into a dry, mechanic artificiality. one’s country against unjust aggression, or to evil, as in the cases of By contrast, today’s tech-savvy, fast-food fed, materialistic murder, rape, and other acts of unjust violence. West places more emphasis on money, things, efficiency, and instant Beauty here enters the picture by helping to direct this male gratification, and as a result the importance formerly placed on that inclination to aggression and fighting to a worthy end. This is because real seemingly impractical entity referred to by dusty old philosophers, beauty is always found wherever there is truth and goodness, and it intellectuals, and artists as “the beautiful” has greatly diminished. strengthens the attraction these other two values exert on the human Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen captured this modern mentality well when he person. It moves a man to defend whatever is good and true. The said that "Saints are impractical; artists and philosophers are impractical. beautiful maiden is a potent spell which carries the knight into the field of The world has room for only the practical.” Who today, in the hustle and battle. It can be said that there is no one the enemy should fear more bustle of modern life, has the need for a quiet walk through woods in the than a man who enters into battle with his lady in his heart. Beauty makes early morning just as the sun begins to pierce through the fog and men fighters because it first makes them lovers. nature’s symphony is at its peak? Complicating matters even more is the Beauty also teaches men to appreciate the being of things irony that the modern man, in his attempt to “protect” his “manliness,” rather than merely their utility. The strong male tendency to deal with shies away from any lengthy talk about “the beautiful” in a floppy problems in a more or less logical, strategic, categorical manner can cause attempt to protect his masculine toughness—while in reality being to recede into the shadow in favor of an almost exclusive focus on demonstrating just how shaky that masculinity really is. that being’s usefulness and practical purpose. Beauty counters this Despite this, it is as true today as ever that encountering and tendency and reveals something as worthwhile simply because it exists contemplating beauty should be an integral part of the formation of men, and because it is what it is. A man who has been pierced by the beauty of and especially of Catholic men. This is because, first of all, beauty helps to his bride will die for her not because his death will be of any practical use direct the male drive to aggression and fighting to a worthy end. It is to himself, but because through her beauty (not just physical but also often the case in the animal kingdom that the male is more aggressive, personal and spiritual) he has seen through a window to her intrinsic more inclined to fight, and heavier built than the female. These value and to the fact that she is worth dying for simply because she exists and is who she is. Culture & Thought 24 On a lighter note, another result of this tendency of beauty to human beings, do not live by bread alone. put being into relief is the aversion many people feel to touching The practical question now arises as to how to integrate this something beautiful. Unnecessarily messing with a well-decorated exposure to beauty into the formation of men. This task falls partly on Christmas tree seems to do violence to its “immaculate perfection.” the men themselves, and also on those charged with the formation of Walking out into the newly-fallen first snow of winter is done with boys and men (whether this formation be educational, spiritual, regret, since it destroys the picturesque scenery of that “winter liturgical, or cultural). For those involved in education, this means giving wonderland” which greeted the early riser. In all of this beauty turns our the liberal arts a certain pride of place, even while also ensuring that attention from something’s utility and practical use to the wonder of the students receive a practical, career-oriented education at the same time. thing itself. Cultural formation, while acknowledging the importance of popular A third reason for beauty’s importance in male formation is culture, will also entail exposure to the greatest works of the human that it reveals and brings to life another level of existence beyond mere spirit. Boys and men should also be encouraged to leave the computer, survival—this being the spiritual domain. Man is not a mere brute. IPad, and video games behind and go out and experience the greater Animals eat, drink, and sleep to live, and pretty much live to eat, drink, thrill of nature and the outdoor life. Finally, Catholic men who are and sleep. The caveman of old, on the other hand, though having much preparing to be ordained to the priesthood will see it as their mission to of his time consumed with procuring the necessities of life, still found celebrate mass in such a way as to give their congregation a glimpse of time to produce works of art, such as the stunning cave paintings found the transcendent beauty of God. in Lascaux, France. It is partly because of this drive for a more fully Exposure to beauty is a necessary component of the human life that has led to the emergence of civilizations, economies, and formation of men as men. As the boys and men of today are setting the the division of labor. The human person is simply not satisfied with a stage for a disturbing future course of manhood through the circular existence of seeking out and procuring the necessities of life in proliferation violent video games and movies, pornography, order to merely go on seeking out and procuring the necessities of life. consumerism, and materialism, the time has come to “administer the This being the case, men, as the traditional providers of the shock” of beauty by revealing to the world the radiance of truth and family, can easily get caught up in a careerist mindset and become over- goodness. There is an element of truth to Dostoevsky’s famous line that immersed in the temporal necessities of life. In addition, modern “Beauty will save the world.” education has shifted from an emphasis on the liberal arts (a traditional venue for introducing people to the beautiful) to an often exclusive Sent by Br Kevin Obyrne from the Crisis Magazine; DECEMBER 18, 2014 focus on career-oriented education. We are rapidly becoming a society of animals, where serving our needs and our wants is the over-arching Editor’s note: The illustration above painted by Eleanor Fortescue narrative of our existence. Brickdale appeared in The Book of Old English Songs & Ballads (ca. 1920). It is the role of beauty to shake men out of this mundane existence (or, to borrow a phrase from C.S. Lewis when he was referring Jared M. Silvey received his BA in philosophy in 2012 and his MA in to joy, to “administer the shock”) by making them confront a reality theology this past May from Holy Apostles College and Seminary in above and far more wonderful than a life of simply existing. Ultimately, Cromwell, CT. beauty is a pointer directing us to the reality of the Beatific Vision. This vision will ultimately be an experience of simply taking in the beauty and http://www.crisismagazine.com/2014/role-beauty-formation-men- wonder of the Triune God. In an analogous sense, it is an experience like men a couple who from time to time simply want to sit and gaze at each other, taking in the being of the other. Such an experience does not really have a practical or survival purpose. Still, it is experiences like this that are arguably the most fully human, and which remind us that we, as

course we did not mean half of what we maternity puts men under the dependence said, saying stupidities around a good of women, since pregnancy is specific to snack, but we both kept thinking about it. them. From there comes a particular right Are we really created equal? of the woman, that men just don’t have. CCC 369 states firmly that we Mulieris Dignitatem (18) expresses it have been all created “in perfect equality rightly: “It is the woman who "pays" as human persons. Now equality can be directly for this shared generation, which wrongly interpreted and greatly literally absorbs the energies of her body misunderstood. Equality is not identity. and soul. It is therefore necessary that the Equality is not equalitarianism. Man and man be fully aware that in their shared ANTI-AMERICANISM woman can be equal even if there are parenthood he owes a special debt to the professions with more men than women, woman. No programme of "equal rights" By Br Loic Chabut LC or vice versa. Men are simply not women between women and men is valid unless it and women not men. It is not against takes this fact fully into account.” Weeks ago at snack, I saw the equality that women cannot be priests, as I like being naïve and think that exaltation of American nationalism: people today think. Each gender has its setting idealized criteria of equality, patriotism taught to kids on goldfish- proper role, and when St Paul writes Eph 5, namely that of creation, into the easy to package. “That’s so American” did I tell Br. telling women to be submitted to their penetrate mind of Goldfish eaters kids led Sebastian laughing. An exaltation of husbands, he is not misogynic!! to think of equality as an absolute value pseudo-freedom and equality on a food Today, many, and even Catholics and to push it instinctively into package for kids, this made me think on and priests, think, out of an equalitarian equalitarianism. My Mom tends to think totalitarian indoctrination… Br. Sebastian mind, that men and women should have that all of today’s moral evils come from and I began to speak (at the novices’ the exact same rights, in everything. But in America. Well, she’s perhaps not so greatest scandal) about the package’s a first place, all men are dependent on wrong… message: “we are all created equal…” Of their mothers, who gave them life. Also, Culture & Thought 25

PRO SPECTACULIS What’s in the MET?

Br Javier Castellanos LC Br Javier Castellanos LC

I remember when I was a first year humanist, looking forward Dum cogitabam hoc de opusculo scribendo, putavi to visit the Met after the first semester. I was caught up in hunc texere Latinis litteris, in honorem Augustini ceterumque excitement since I heard we were going, and the emotions Patrum. Memini autem fratrum mei, nec volui eos alio cruciato grew bigger because I did not know what to expect there. But subire, immo eos quibusdam iucundis verbis frui ac delectari. in any case, I would rather be prepared somehow to take Pergam enim Angla Lingua. better advantage of my first cultural visit. And I think the first And so, I was wondering what to talk about after a year brother would appreciate some help. I will offer three tips semester of Latin and Greek Fathers of the Church. Three days in order to enjoy it better. And I promise that the excitement ago, I received an inspiration: Why not about sports? will grow even more than it did with me! During this semester we translated with Dr Mercier First fact about the Met: it’s huge. There are three floors, ten some passages of Tertullian. He wrote one treatise on the different collections, and thousands of works of art. Be aware Catholic attitude towards sports, De Spectaculis. Put in a that there are going to be more visits to the museum, and each nutshell, he says that we ought to abide to what the Scripture time you can focus in the area you studied during the says: “Happy is the man who has not gone to the gathering of semester, or simply the one you like. the impious, who has not stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in Second fact about the Met: there’s more familiar works than the chair of pestilences” (Ps 1:1). He goes on explaining that you think. Be ready to get surprised at the sculptures or sports are as idolatrous as burning incense, that they make us paintings that you recognize, or the ones you can analyze, live out of love for pleasure, that they lead to outrage, lust, relate to the class, or your art paper, or your own experience. cruelty, etc. They are the beginning of sin, and the worst Any museum becomes more interesting when it has something poison for the Christian spirit, being a sweet one. Moreover, to tell you personally. he states that it is unnatural to love or hate without reason, Third fact about the Met: it is something interactive. Not all and similarly to rejoice or sadden with others’ affairs that don’t the paintings are in exhibition or in the same place. There are concern us at all. even some special exhibitions every season. It is an engaging And precisely this last argument is the one I want to experience when you think and discuss why the director talk about. Is it really bad to suffer or enjoy with others? Even decided to place an artist next to other, what is the theme of if the rest of the reasons against sports are right, this one each room, repetitive elements, etc. Take advantage of what sounds everything but Christian. Where is that Christian you can see only once! charity, that goes outside of oneself, and reaches others? I hope these three facts are of some help for the brothers. It is Where is that compassion towards the poor and the sick? also important to remember that the teams are meant to Where is that love that rejects all envy towards others’ foster good discussions, so don’t hesitate to comment on what success? Furthermore, I think our suffering and happiness here you like, what sparked your attention, or why you don’t on earth affects very little the life of God; and yet, He had understand that particular painting… mercy on us! I know that there are some brothers who, honestly talking, OK, Father Tertullian, it might be true that, in most don’t find elation in art. In that case, you can always go to the respects, watching sports and plays is not exactly a Christian Arms and Armors Collection… And as a conclusion, whether pleasure, but I prefer to follow what Father Basil said: you are looking forward to the visit or not, remember the accepting from them only that which is useful, you should know words of Shakespeare: “No profit grows where is no pleasure that which ought to be overlooked. ( St Basil, Address to young taken.” men, Ch. I) Culture & Thought 26

THE MAGI WERE HUMANISTS!

Br Javier Castellanos, LC

A Spanish journalist wrote the following about the Epiphany: …Los Magos son signo de que, en todo bien cultural y social, en toda adquisición de la verdad mediante la ciencia experimental o la reflexión, en toda obra artística bellamente ejecutada, en toda admiración por la hermosura de la creación o por la bondad de una acción humana, brilla una luz, la cual, si fuéramos capaces de seguirla hasta el final, nos conduciría hacia Cristo. (David Amado Fernández, Palabra de Dios para la Epifanía del Señor, Misal Magnificat, Vol. 12, no. 2, p. 89) One idea that comes out from this text relates to all of us as humanists. Many people share with the Magi that eagerness in following the innumerable lights that have shone through History, Art, Literature and other subjects. Going to the core of Philosophy and Theology converted St Augustine; Medieval Art taught generations the Catholic faith, C. S. Lewis started to change with Greek tragedy. And we study all these means of evangelization, all these stars that can lead men and women to Christ!

have all felt what he felt. We have all freedom, power, and grandeur in the longed to know where God dwells and to arches above – a fitting place for the abode see His face. of Goodness and Beauty. We have this notion If God did dwell past instilled in us from our earliest days that the clouds and we could reach him by God is above us and hell is below us. going higher in altitude, then surely Certainly, in order of significance, we are stopping at Earth’s end would not suffice. ranked between the two. The present One would have to continue on the human race is caught in a great drama, journey until the universe’s end to meet its teetering between falling towards God and Creator. Modern science has not found falling away from God. While we are the way to get a human being – or living, we are caught in the middle of this anything else for that matter – across such tug-of-war between good and evil. a large expanse, so Gagari surely cannot Although we use our natural environment expect to meet God without having to explain this hierarchy of goodness, the traveled even a single light-year. The Face in the Heavens metaphor should not be taken literally. Although all of our Although we picture notions seem petty and childish when Br Joseph Ory, LC hell as below us, we do not fear digging examined too closely, there is still some holes or mining for precious metals in the value to looking up at the stars and After orbiting the Earth in the first manned Earth. Neither do we think that those who marveling at the grandeur of God. We flight into space, Yuri Gagarin disputably have a higher vertical leap are closer to may never encounter Him face to face on uttered the famous words: “I looked and God by that fact. We know that Satan and this Earth nor in the latest rocket ship; but looked but I didn’t see God.” My guess is his demons do not reside in the molten in a certain sense, we can see His reflection that his statement was probably satirical core of the earth, but we say they are in the concaved mirror that we call the sky. and light in context, but there is still below us because that fiery pressure We do not have to travel to Earth’s end to something about his testimony that cooker would be a fitting place. By the meet our Creator. If we simply tilt our intrigues us. Our hearts are pricked by same token, we look up at the sky to find head and drop our chin, we can see him Gagarin’s disappointment because we God because there is a sense of space, anytime. Culture & Thought 27

6. Concentration of force. (at the correct place and time) The 10 principles of war *Try working on every virtue that you need to grow in at the (and growth in virtue.) same time, I tried it before and didn’t get very far. You have to see what the key virtues you need to work on are and then take them on one at a time.

Br Ben Richard, LC 7. Economy of effort. (the need to assess the amount of effort required to cover all requirements) *Even though we need to concentrate on one virtue at a time, we also can’t abandon all the virtues we already have in our attempt 1. Selection and maintenance of aim. (clear, simple, and closely to gain another one. We have to continue practicing all the adhered to.) virtues as we gain more. *We need to have a goal, something we are striving for, which all of our actions are leading us to (Ex. To be a holy Religious and 8. Flexibility. (The ability to adjust the plan to actual bring souls to Christ) circumstances, but not abandon the “goal”, Just search for a way to reach it by another approach) 2. Maintenance of morale. (have faith in the cause) *When you strive to gain a virtue, sometimes you will see that *Use all the means of perseverance the Legion gives us. We need one way doesn’t work very well, so you can see if there are better a deep prayer life. ways to gain that virtue. Never lose sight of the virtue you are trying to gain though. 3. Offensive action. (gain the upper hand) *There is a real spiritual battle going on. We must constantly be 9. Co-operation. (The necessity of close team work) moving forward in virtue, we can’t give into mediocrity or *This one is pretty obvious. We need community life and we worldliness in our religious life, or else the forces of evil will soon need to be very close to our superiors. The devil wants to gain the upper hand and destroy our religious life. separate us from others because it is easier for him to tempt us if we are alone. 4. Security. (Don’t put yourself in a position where you can be taken advantage of) 10. Good administration. (organization of the day to day running *The obligation we all have to avoid the near occasion of sin. and the means of support) *This is very important, if we are well organized we will be able to 5. Surprise. (spontaneity and initiative) do a lot more work for the kingdom and souls. *This is very important to keep your spiritual life from being stale and boring. 11. God’s grace.

Culture & Thought 28

I see the trend just by looking at the greeting cards I've received this year in the mail and how people are signing off their emails. The majority wish me something along the lines of: happy holidays, peace, warm wishes for the New Year, and my least favorite, "seasons greetings". The cards have nice images of mittens, ice skates and snow covered landscapes (not to mention photos of cute kids), but not much overtly Christmas-y. They offer me everything jolly and merry this time of year, except a Merry Christmas. I'm not to saying that Christmas isn't prominently visible in the states. There are still plenty of Santas and pine trees for sale here, and a drive around the neighborhood, especially in parts of America outside of the major cities, and you'll see people go all out with the Christmas lights and decorations outside their homes (there's even a TV show about it). But even people who are clearly celebrating Christmas in their homes tend to be conflicted about what to say in the workplace or at school. No one wants to offend anyone or make assumptions about people's religious beliefs, especially at work. Advertisement The Brits have it right: forget Happy In America, the term "Christmas" still has a strongly religious connotation to it (despite what years of Santa and the Holidays, just wish people Merry "buy buy buy" mentality have done to the spirit of holiday). That's only further reinforced by claims on Fox News and other Christmas conservative outlets that there is a "war on Christmas" and, by extension, a war on the Christian faith. Now wishing people a By Heather Long "Merry Christmas" almost has a political tone to it. What's striking to anyone who has spent time in the UK is A colleague made a curious statement when she returned that everyone says Merry (or Happy) Christmas. I've even had to New York recently from London, "Everything was so Muslim friends in the UK send me cards and write Merry Christmas-y there." Christmas on my Facebook wall. The saying in Britain seems to At first glance, it's a bizarre statement. New York and have lost its religious meaning. People say it regardless of London (among other cities in both countries) are decked out whether or not they celebrate Christmas, and businesses feel no for the holidays. Who hasn't heard of the Rockefeller Center remorse whatsoever at openly calling things "Christmas sales" Christmas tree or London's Oxford Street lights and mince pies? or "Christmas parties". And that's to say nothing of the famous storefront windows all Of course, I am making broad generalizations. As a British aglow. friend reminded me, the UK has been celebrating Saturnalia But look beyond the seasonal window treatments at long before Christmas, and plenty of places such as Birmingham Macy's and you'll quickly find a different story. In corporate have generic Winterval celebrations. Christmas isn't ubiquitous. America, everything is "happy holidays". Ads refer to "holiday But by and large, in two diverse societies with similar shopping", end-of-year office soirees are "holiday parties" and roots, Americans have opted to try to find neutral sounding kids' school concerts this time of year are "holiday concerts". holiday greetings, while Brits have chosen to make Christmas as You get the idea. open to everyone as possible. Even at the Guardian, when we put up our Christmas tree Personally, I think the Brits have this one right. I'd rather in the New York office, the first thing one of our interns said be able to wish people a Merry Christmas this week without was, "Where's the menorah?" having to worry if they'll be offended. I'd also rather have Advertisement people wish me Happy Hanukkah, Happy Diwali or Eid Mubarak It's the "politically correct" question. Evergreens and when those holidays come around. It makes me feel more a menorahs go hand in hand in most public places in the US. part of their celebration. Let's call each holiday what it is Some offices have gone a step further on the PC scale and instead of trying to lump Jewish, Christian and even simply done "winter wonderland" themed decorations. They the Kwanzaa ritual together. If we need a generic holiday, we've have silver, gold and white lights aplenty, but no red and green already got the New Year, which touches all people and anything. In short, snow globes are fine, Santa is not. cultures. An annual survey that came out last week revealed just Telling someone to "enjoy your holiday" or worse, sending how conflicted Americans are on whether it's better to say them "seasons greetings" are cop-outs. Instead of feeling more "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" this time of year. Half diverse and inclusive, it just feels like someone took a bit of of America prefers one term and half the other. However, in a sparkle out of the December festivities. business or public setting, nearly two-thirds of those under 30 feel it's better to wish someone the more generic Happy http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/2 Holidays. It's about trying to be polite in an increasingly diverse 2/better-to-say-merry-christmas-or-happy-holidays society. Culture and Thought 29

of Christ she is full of compassion and love. Those who tolerate THE POWER OF CONVICTIONS homosexual marriage are generally not even ready to care for them; they have neither convictions or beliefs, nor compassion or mercy: they are fighting against the Church, trying to impose

relativism against convictions, and individualism against love. Br Loic Chabut, LC The preaching of tolerance, so much liked by politicians

today, says basically “if you believe something, whatever it might “The Church is intolerant in its principles because she be, I’m happy for you, but don’t bother me with it”. It is a believes, but tolerant in the practice because she loves. The preaching very much influenced by relativism and it is destroying enemies of the Church are tolerant in their principles because they man at his very roots. Indeed, it brings man to lose meaning for do not believe, but intolerant in the practice because they do not their lives, convictions and identity (in Fr. Patrick’s words “if you love.” R. Garrigou-Lagrange. don’t know what you want, […] you don’t have a life”). People This quote, though uttered many years ago, applies today are zombies. In comparison, by having strong convictions with greater strength in today’s world. The debate about the and being able to answer for and justify them, we’ll be really homosexual marriage reflects what Garrigou-Lagrange stated: the living. Our lives will really be impactful, for they will see a man, Church cannot accept it because she believes firmly in the truth not a zombie. It is our job to help human beings to respond to the and beauty of the marriage and therefore cannot call it marriage. yearning they all have for purpose in their lives. But she tries and helps homosexual people, because in the heart

A relationship of trust is not made by signing contracts, or A Culture of Suspicion merely smiling at one another, or much less by hosting barbeque parties together in a gesture of friendship. It’s not about saying just the right words at the right times. It’s not about small talk or saying nice and kind things to each other. Br Alphonse Choi, LC Neither is it about preserving your image, your fame, your reputation. We live in a confused world. No one is suspicious and “A relationship without trust is like having a phone with no everyone is suspicious. We say we trust each other, sign service. And what do you do with a phone with no service? YOU contracts, establish trust committees, shakes hands PLAY GAMES.” enthusiastically, exchange small talk and smile together in front Is there a way to heal this wound in our societies? Or is it a of the camera. Yet we live in a place where no one really trusts hopeless endeavor, something that we’ll just have to put up with each other. and endure patiently until we’re all dead…? Why? Maybe we just don’t believe that people will keep No, there is a solution, and that’s to trust. We need to reach their part of the deal… we don’t trust each other very much. out past “my” world and into the realm of the “other,” bridge the What are we afraid to lose? What are we afraid to gain? What IS gap, close the abyss, to love what’s common and to accept our our greatest fear? differences. With hopeful and determined hearts we will What are we afraid of? We’ve become a society afraid of ultimately be able to heal the numerous and painful scars of a wholesome relationships; a world afraid to trust; a people afraid distrustful world. to love and be loved. We’ve become a culture of suspicion. Culture and Thought 30

Thor’s Day

Br Matthew Duncan, LC

He wields his mighty war hammer, Mjölner, over his head. Muscles rippling, he lets loose a mighty bellow that shakes the hearts of his enemies to the core. When he brings down his mighty hammer, the blows he inflicts are so powerful that they sound as peals of thunder when they impact upon his enemies’ skulls. Thor, the mighty Germanic and Scandinavian god of war and thunder, demolished everything and everyone in his way. The Germans and Vikings who upheld Thor as their model of a true man were not easily converted by the early Christian missionaries. The Vikings raged, pillaged, and plundered much of Christendom in the Dark Ages. Attempts for peace were thrown aside. For the Vikings, peace belonged only to the weak. The Christian God, this Prince of Peace who died nailed to a tree, was the epitome of weakness. Yet by the early middle Ages, the countries of the Germans and Vikings were the greatest adherents to Christendom. How did these ravaging seafarers turn to Christ? They converted when their greatest god was vanquished. The vanquisher of the god of war and thunder was none other than the lowly monk, St. Boniface. Deep in the heart of the Black Forest grew a tree so mighty in stature, so grand in girth, that it could belong to no other god than Thor. For centuries legends were told of men who tried to cut down the tree, or who chose to blaspheme Thor. In every case these men were struck down by a thunderbolt on the spot. Surely the same would happen to this puny monk who stood before the mighty tree with his axe. Boniface lifted the axe over his head as a dead silence fell upon the crowd. They told him the legends, he knew the expected outcome. Did his faith waver? Was his brow wet with the perspiration of anxiety? He made the first swing full of faith in the true God; the only sweat on his brow was the sweat of labor. After the tree came crashing down, the people used the lumber to build a church. After the triumph of the Prince of Peace over the god of war, Thor’s day (Thursday) became a day of adoration for the true God Almighty.