Book club? St. Greg Pocketbook? We on? Read Part One this week and we will talk about it next Saturday! We'll aim to cover one part per week of Lent (and actually end on time!).
A Return to Modesty (affiliate link — the new edition is not necessary)– I am planning to restrain myself and not write extensively, but just maybe pop up a post — or add on to {bits & pieces} — would that work? — and see if we can have a conversation about it! You be ready with your quotes and takes.
Now, I have to warn you that this book is not at all appropriate for your teenage girl. It deals with Subjects. Auntie Leila cringed and she really hopes that your teenage girl is innocent of all these Subjects and that we will not be the means of introducing them to her.
But if this girl is going to one of our elite colleges in the fall, then maybe you read the book here with us and then read it with her… whatever you think best.
I also want to say — try to read without the specter of “modesty culture” hovering over your shoulder. Just read. False dichotomies create barriers to understanding. It is possible to take an incorrect stance on any virtue — but it is of course possible to live any virtue properly. Just because there is a culture of daredevils who continually test their own courage beyond the limits of reason doesn't mean that we should reject the virtue of fortitude! Just because teetotalers imposed Prohibition on a nation doesn't mean that we need to wallow in drink. Common sense!
And in general I think this book can really help us as parents and in our own lives to see the real value of taking steps towards an innocent outlook and offering our children the gift of purity.
Part of me would actually love to read Benedict XVI's Jesus of Nazareth (affiliate link) with you — especially as the beginning of the first book (they are not chronological) explicates Jesus's temptations in the desert in a way that brings them so very close to our own personal struggles and, of course, relates so well to the start of Lent… too late, I said I'd do Modesty!
Maybe we can read it during Easter, but if you have the book and want to get started, go for it. Here's a long piece by Fr. Schall on the desert section.
bits & pieces
- So funny: Self-Care Tips for Toddlers.
- An excellent talk on the power of medieval sacred art and iconography to rescue us from the final decadence of modern art. I think this is an even better presentation than Roger Scruton's Beauty one that I posted long ago. Older teens who are familiar with modern art's degradations (but not for those innocent thereof — it's modern art and it's degraded) would benefit from watching, along with engaged adults.
- You might not be aware of a threat to parental rights slipping virtually under the radar. I encourage you to take the time to listen to this talk by Fr. Michael Copenhagen. I think he will make connections you haven't thought of before — he certainly did that for me. The fulcrum is vaccines (and in principle I am not opposed to vaccines) but what is leveraged is medical and parental freedom.
- Shedding Light on Progressivism’s Dark Side — Samuel Gregg reviews a book on eugenics and race politics: “These aren’t arguments against change per se. They are, however, arguments for two things that should always go hand in hand: humility in the quest for truth and caution in the use of state power.”
- Fasting for Lent — it's still a good idea. If you are a mom in need of steady nourishment, try addressing the issue of a good breakfast so you don't snack all morning; instead of a sweet, have on hand dried fruits and nuts; plan on having supper a bit earlier than you have been (this may require planning your menus — go to the top of the page and click on Dinner Every Day). Then you can close the kitchen and go to bed early!
- The Clear Creek Family on Etsy has a sa-weet Lenten calendar — download for $1. It is the Traditional calendar, just so you know; beautifully done and a wonderful resource for meditation and gentle explanation during the season for your diligent colorer. (I am not affiliated — just sharing!)
- And, edited to add: Lydia from Pondered in My Heart has her beautiful Lenten Journey calendar up! It's free and would be great for a less diligent colorer or to keep things more simple or just because we love this one.
from the archives
- The Guardini Spirit of the Liturgy guided reading. (This is the last post — all the others are linked here.)
- I have lots of Lenten food ideas for you — just search “Lent” in the categories.
liturgical year
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, apostle.
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Terri says
So excited for another book club reading! I read Shalit’s book years ago and will re-read along with you. Thank you!
Caitlin says
I wondered if that was Jonathan Pageau! Will bookmark for later. I received my (used) copy of the Shalit book a week ago, tried to restrain myself, but have already devoured it all. I look forward to revisiting with a little more care for the book club.
Re:thefasting article … “give up pornography for lent!” Wow. Just… wow.
Great round up as always!
Emily says
Yayyy book club!
I would LOVE to read Jesus of Nazareth here with you!
Kristi says
Hi! Sounds like an interesting book. You mention “your teenage girl” — is this still a good read for a mom of boys (i.e., is it directed to everyone)? Or would you recommend something different when it comes to boys?
Leila says
Yes, I think it is good reading for parents. It is certainly about girls, although Wendy does discuss boys along the way, and the subject matter is more about conduct and protecting one’s intimate self more than really about how to dress. And after all, our boys need criteria for girls — it’s bewildering to be told by the world what you SHOULD like when you don’t feel you really DO like those things. Parents need to help boys figure things out.
Kristi says
Thank you! I also just listened to Fr Copenhagen’s talk — wow, that was powerful! I hope it is shared widely.
Kathia says
We rewatched Gattaca last night… and then I read your “Shedding Light on Progressivism’s Dark Side” link just now…!
Nancy says
I’m on for the book discussion. Thanks!
Mirtilli Rossi says
Ready!
Ashley says
I look forward to the Lenten reading. I’ll have to look into the Ratzinger book as well.
I don’t get to comment often but I love it when you post. I always enjoy when you share what you’re making and baking. 🙂
Ann says
Thank you for posting the link to the Catholic Thing article about fasting. It’s sad that we look at fasting as something to be avoided. All we need do is look at the lives of the saints to see the fruits it holds for our spiritual life. Thank you also for your Lenten post, which included a booklet called My Lenten Rule. I used it last year for our children and I was asked by one of them, if I was going to print it out again this year:) Wishing you a blessed Lent!
Kathleen T says
I will join you on the reading. I have two little girls and I have never really been into clothes or my appearance, in a very bad way. I need to get myself up to speed and with a healthy outlook so I can help them.
Kristi says
About fasting — I normally white-knuckle it on fasting days. It used to scare me, to be honest. But I started intermittent fasting a month ago, and it’s gotten so much easier not to eat when I’m hungry. I started IF for health and weight loss, but it’s also reduced my attachment to food. So this is the first Lent where I’ll actually fast (fourth Lent since coming home to the Catholic Church).
Thanks for everything, Leila! My daughter is coloring that Lenten calendar now.
Rebekah says
I’ve had a very similar experience. I could not have faster safety with my blood sugar problems prior, but with a low fodmap diet to address SIBO and then IF I can skip meals without issue. I always thought I was weak, but it was a health problem.
Michelle Dena says
I have never done a book club but wanted a good read for Lent – and this is a very timely subject for me and feel like it’s a Godsend, so I will try!
Karen says
Thank you so much for posting Fr. Michael Copenhagen’s speech. Best half hour of my day.
So worth the time.
Karen
Christina A says
I hope to read Shalit’s book and so many others you have recommended over the years on this blog; so many books, so little time! Last Lent, I finally checked out from the public library Dorothy Sayers’ Man Born to Be King after reading this article about CS Lewis reading it every Holy Week: https://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=26-02-018-v
Alas, it sat unread during that busy week, and when I returned it, I consoled myself with the thought that I would check it out again this year. Sadly, all the libraries are closed indefinitely here. Hoping next Lent libraries will once again be open, and I can see if I agree with Lewis about Sayers’ work. 🙂