Tea at Trianon: The Pope's Visit

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Saturday, April 19, 2008

The Pope's Visit

I believe the Holy Father's visit to be an occasion of grace for our country. I have tried (unsuccessfully) to watch every minute of it, and have found every bit to be inspiring. Some of the music at the outdoor Mass in Washington, DC was not entirely suitable but it was a magnificent event nevertheless.

Terry Nelson reflects on the dangers of being overcritical. There are legitmiate criticisms of anything which can be voiced with charity and reason. However, to be consumed by a critical spirit can poison the soul. It can blind the soul with bitterness so that even the most innocent persons and events are viewed with contempt. I have seen such contempt of others too often in so-called traditional circles.

Meanwhile, we are watching the papal Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral. The music is beautiful; they are using a lot of Latin. How splendid to see the great cathedral overflowing with people! Share

3 comments:

papabear said...: I missed it this morning, but hope to watch it tomorrow. Even though the Mas was for priests and religious, I have heard that a lot of young religious were in attendance, especially nuns from growing and recently-founded orders. I hope I can spot some Dominican nuns!; April 19, 2008 at 1:59:00 PM EDT
Alexandra said...: "...to be consumed by a critical spirit can poison the soul. It can blind the soul with bitterness so that even the most innocent persons and events are viewed with contempt."

I've seen this too...unfortunately within my own extended family. :( I've become good at recognizing it before I get ensnared, and making myself an island when need be. I'm the queen of strong boundaries. ;) You are so right, it is poison to the soul.

I remember reading a passage in a nice semi-fictionalized biography about Catherine of Sienna where she meets with one the Pope's poisonous nieces when the Pope resided in France. Catherine gave the woman the cold shoulder and walked away because, "the stench of sin" was too great. I know how she felt! Among other things, this particular niece spread horrible rumors about Catherine.

Anyway, I'm enjoying the Pope's visit...only focusing on the good - his messages of hope and love. Poo on everyone else. ;); April 19, 2008 at 5:19:00 PM EDT
Terry Nelson said...: Thanks Elena. Yes - I believe that the Holy Father's intention for a new Pentecost for the United States will bear much fruit.; April 19, 2008 at 10:33:00 PM EDT