As I have reported earlier in this series of columns based on Josef Pieper’s book “Leisure The Basis of Culture” (New York: Pantheon Books, translated by Alexander Dru, 1952, pp. 127), though I am re-reading Pieper’s book for the third time, in some ways, it seems as though I am reading it for the first time because I am discovering insights in the book that I have no recollection of discovering in my previous readings.
Arts and Culture
Fr. Robert Lauder is a philosophy professor at St. John’s University and the author of “Pope Francis’ Spirituality and Our Story” (Resurrection Press).
Self-Education & Profound Aesthetic Experiences
I think each Catholic should try to create his or her culture, a culture that will foster awe and wonder, a culture saturated with mystery. I think all of us should evaluate our leisure activities.
Experiencing Awe, and Wonder, and Mystery
Re-reading Josef Pieper’s Leisure: The Basis of Culture (Translated by Alexander Dru, with an introduction by T.S, Eliot, New York: Pantheon Books, 1952, pp. 127) has been a wonderful experience for me.
The Meaning of Leisure and The Meaning of Worship
I have not kept count of the number of books that I have read or re-read during the pandemic, but they have been many.
The Natural Realm and the Supernatural Realm
From 1953, my first year in college, until today, wherever I have lived, I guess has made my residence a Commonweal-reading household.
The Greatest Drama of All Is Christian Vision
My experience of reading Msgr. John Shea’s essay “From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age” (Bismarck, North Dakota:University of St. Mary Press, 2020 pp. 94, $13.95) has been that each time I pick it up to read or re-read some section, provocative insights seem to leap off the page at me.
The Great Adventure In Christendom
Early in Msgr. James P. Shea’s provocative essay, “From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age” (Bismarck, North Dakota: University of Mary Press, pp.94, $13.95), he sketches what he means by Christendom and what he means by Apostolic Mission.
Deep Christendom Faith Commitments
As I have reported previously in this weekly column, one of the most wonderful experiences I had as a parish priest was to be the co-moderator of more than 20 discussion groups.
The Gift of Every Believer In Contemporary Culture
As I mentioned in last week’s column I am hoping that Msgr. James Shea’s Essay “From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age” (University of St. Mary’s Press: Bismarck, North Dakota, 2020, pp. 94, $13. 95) is both read and discussed by many.
A Strong Sense of Nostalgia Over an Apostolic Vision
Reading Msgr. James Shea’s “From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age” (Bismarck, North Dakota, 2019, pp. 94, $13. 95), I had a strong experience of nostalgia. The book reminded me of my experience as a seminarian when I read Cardinal Emmanuel Suhard’s marvelous “Growth or Decline?”
