Being Catholic means (or should mean) being a “lifelong learner.” Authentic means embracing the whole range of humanity in all our strengths and weaknesses, knowledge and ignorance, zeal and tepidity. Likewise we expect priests to be well-formed, building on their gifts but giving them all a foundation in the true Faith.
Mary Reed Newland’s The Year and Our Children: Planning the Family Activities for Christian Feasts and Seasons (NY: P.J. Kenedy and Sons, 1956, cloth, 1956 imprimatur) is a lovely resource for families teaching their children the Faith. Includes illustrations and suggested readings, as well as appendix with saints and their symbols. This would partner well with Maria von Trapp’s Around the Year With the von Trapp Family. Newland’s book is available in a new edition.
“The purpose of this volume is to view the teaching of the Catholic Church through the eyes of common sense,” writes Fr. Scott in this volume of his Library of Popular Apologetics series. “Under this test the Church of the ages will be found to be built on solid rock” ( from the preface). No mention of “accompaniment” or “dialogue.” Religion and Common Sense by Martin J. Scott, S.J. (NY: P.J. Kenedy & Sons, 1926, sc, 1926 Cdl. Hayes imprimatur). Here in hardcover from ABE; doesn’t appear to have been reprinted.
Imagine a Church interested in reaching out to those outside with solid answers to questions on the Faith. A missionary Church, not one of indifferentism or false ecumenism. Here we see The Question Box (New Edition): Replies to Questions Received on Missions to Non-Catholics by Rev. Bertrand Conway (NY: The Paulist Press, 1929, sc, Cdl. Hayes imprimatur). No holds barred. There are even questions and answers on the suppression of the Jesuits, the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, and Galileo. Originally published in 1909. More info at Open Library website. Available in 1962 edition.
Here is one of three textbooks featured today: Criteriology: A Class Manual in Major Logic by Paul J. Glenn (St. Louis, MO: B. Herder, 1939, cloth, imprimatur). Not bed-time reading.
Also by Fr. Glenn: Ethics: A Class Manual in Moral Philosophy (St. Louis, MO: B. Herder, 1944, cloth, imprimatur). Heavy emphasis on duties.
Finally, this one from Fr. Glenn: Psychology: A Class Manual in the Philosophy of Organic and Rational Life (St. Louis, MO: B. Herder, 1938, cloth, imprimatur). Not what we are commonly given as “psychology” these days!
Glenn was the author of A Tour of the Summa. His books online here.
Blessed Feast of St. Bernard to all!