One of the seasonal tussles of which we see less in some circles thanks to the war on the war on Christmas is over the proper colors for decorations. As most every Catholic knows, before December 24th evening the right … Continue reading
In his time with us here at Catholic Sensibility, Neil had some real gems to offer. I still return to his posts occasionally. Sometimes they come up as I search through our archives. Scanning these on the occasion of Thomas Merton’s … Continue reading
In a liturgy/music/astronomy/science fiction mash-up, I’d like to nominate Alan Hovhaness’ mini-symphony “Star Dawn” for your December listening experience. From the review at a tribute site for the composer: In this work evoking space travel, bells symbolize the stars, flowing … Continue reading
Some Advent music to consider, the First Symphony of Alan Hovhaness. The first movement is here by the Seattle Symphony, a more sympathetic recording than Leopold Stokowski’s 1942 version with the NBC Orchestra. From that link you can get to … Continue reading
The 20th century French Jesuit Jean Daniélou on this season: We live always during Advent. We are always waiting for the messiah to come. The messiah has come, but is not yet fully manifest. The messiah is not fully manifest … Continue reading
It’s holiday time. Mainstream religious (or spiritual) humanity can’t seem to get away from sweets, be it in the goodies we consume or the music we utilize (listening or singing). The Blessed Mother seems a particular target for treacle in … Continue reading
Discussion here on the clash of various Advent purples. Maybe part of the problem is trying to match up paraments and other such things with vestments. The only “requirement” for purple is for clergy wear. Not church decorations, necessarily. Having a … Continue reading
