Issue 011: Camping, Martyrs, and The Traditional Mass

Gaudium Newsletter

Praise Be to Jesus Christ Now and Forever!

Greetings Readers,

The season after Pentecost continues as we reach the hottest part of the summer. Many families are in summer vacation season and some will take camping trips; this week, one of our editors shares his thoughts on his own family’s recent camping trip. Summer also is the time of Bastille Day, celebrating the event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Yet, was the French Revolution really something to celebrate? Next, Traditio Custodes and increasingly harsh restrictions on the Latin Mass continue to be in the news. We offer our own thoughts and some reason for hope. Finally, the deadline to contribute to our first literary issue approaches.

—The Editors

Archbishop Jose Palma delivering his homily. CCA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Gamaliel’s Warning: Confusion about the TLM Crackdown and Reasons for Hope

There is much that is confusing and alarming in recent attempts to severely limit and suppress the Tradition Latin Mass. Yet, there is also reason for hope. When the Sanhedrin considered trying to crush the Apostles, the Pharisee Gamaliel rose and offered them a stern warning. Perhaps, his words offer hope for Catholics who love the traditional mass today. Read more here.

Americans Need to Go Camping More

For a long time, camping had been the classic American family vacation. It was affordable, even for larger families, and it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, decreasing family size and increasing love of luxury have both led to a decline in camping. This is unfortunate because, though not a luxury vacation, camping does a family good that luxury vacations simply don’t do. Read more here.

Catholic Blood in the French Revolution

In school, we learned to celebrate the French Revolution as France’s own freedom-seeking heroic version of the American Revolution. Unfortunately, the version of history we were taught was a lie. The storming of the Bastille was neither the first, nor the only, nor the last sign that what the revolutionaries wanted had little to do with true freedom. When they seized control of the Bastille, it showed what they wanted: power.  Read more here.

Literary Issue Deadline Extension (August 1)

We welcome Catholic poetry, short stories, creative writing, creative non-fiction, and literary analysis that focuses on Catholic writers and perspectives. Examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Short memoirs, poetry, short stories, or other creative works that showcase the Christian interior or exterior life (in whatever form that takes)

• Literary analysis driven by a Catholic perspective

• Catholic philosophy that addresses perspectives on the uses of literature or interpretations of texts; or otherwise related to Catholic literature or writing

Submissions ought to be original works that have not been previously published, including in personal blogs or collections. More information here.