Dealing with Men and Women in Society



Either to seek or to shun society is a fault in one striving to lead a devout life in the world. To shun society implies indifference and contempt for one's neighbours; and to seek it savours of idleness and uselessness. We are told to love one's neighbour as one's self. In token that we love him, we must not avoid being with him, and the test of loving one's self is to be happy when alone. Think first on thyself, says Saint Bernard, and then on other men. So that, if nothing obliges you to mix in society either at home or abroad, retire within yourself, and hold converse with your own heart. But if friends come to you, or there is fitting cause for you to go forth into society, then, my child, by all means go, and meet your neighbour with a kindly glance and a kindly heart. - "Intro to the Devout Life: Society and Solitude" by Church Doctor and Gentleman St. Francis de Sales

It is a blessed thing to love on earth as we hope to love in Heaven, and to begin that friendship here which is to endure for ever there. Jesus Christ loved John, Lazarus, Martha, and Magdalene with specially tender friendships, as we are told in Holy Scripture. We know that St Paul dearly loved St Mark, St Petronilla, Bishop Stachys (Romans 16:9), Timothy, Thecla, St Claudia and Pope Linus (2 Tim 4:21). St Ambrose loved St Monica because of her many virtues, and that she in return loved him as an Angel of God.
Saint Paul reproaching the derangement of the Gentiles, accuses them of being people without affection, that is to say who had no friendship (Romans 1:31). Make yourself affable to the congregation of the poor, humble your soul to the elderly, and bow your head to a great man (Ecclus 4:7). St. Thomas the Universal Doctor, states that friendship is part of the virtue of justice.1
There are some who will tell you that you should avoid all special affection or friendship, as likely to engross the heart, distract the mind, excite jealousy, and what not. But they are confusing things between laity and that of religious life in a well regulated community.

Sin damages or destroys fraternal communion (CCC 1469). Of the difference between true and false friendship:
  • Worldly friendship ordinarily produces a grand cluster of honeyed words, a cajolery of small passionate endearments from beauty, grace, and sensual qualities.
  • Sacred friendship has a simple and frank language, praising the virtue and grace of God, the unique foundation on which it subsists.
Laypeople, through the grace of Jesus Christ, require sacred friendships to ensure and assist each other with the many obstacles that they must overcome in the world (Introduction to the Devout Life: Real Friendship). Better are the wounds of a friend, than the deceitful kisses of an enemy (Proverbs 27:6).
We must have congenial friends as members of the Body of Christ. The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you, nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable (1 Cor 12:21). For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another (Rom 12:4-5). "The highest grace does not lie in being without friendships, but in having no friendships which are not good, holy, and true."  "Marriage, when rightly understood, is a very real and holy friendship." (Introduction to the Devout Life: On Friendship - Evil & Frivolous Friendship) To a young widow seeking holiness, St. Jane Frances De Chantel, this advice was written 400 years ago by a bishop, now known as the Gentleman Saint and a Doctor of the Church.
References:
Introduction to the Devout Life by Church Doctor and Gentleman Saint Francis de Sales

Footnotes:

1The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas - Question 114. The friendliness which is called affability

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Christ in the Home - Fr. Raoul Plus

A HOME ruled by the spirit of Christ is a happy home. It is also a school of virtue directed to spiritual transformation in Christ. But Christ does not force His entry into a home. He enters only by invitation. He remains only when evidently welcome.
It is the wise husband and wife who let Him know they want Him always present by striving to put on His mind and to establish their family according to His principles. In such a home, husband and wife and children will enjoy gladness of heart, happiness in the fulfillment of duty, and intense union of souls. The strength and honor of the family come above all from within, from union with Christ which gives power to manifest in daily living the beautiful family virtues of patience, energy, generosity, forbearance, cheerfulness, and mutual reverence with their consequent effect of peace and contentment. This book is an invitation to make married couples worthy transmitters of the Christ-life to their family. It is an invitation to fulfill the high purpose of their marriage which is to help each other to sanctity and to rear saints for heaven; to possess Christ themselves as completely as possible and to give Christ to their children. The essential thing is to talk over the subjects with God. It is important then to enter into His Presence before each reading by a reverent act of recollection; to beg His light to see the truth and His strength to act on conviction and realization. This book in no way presumes to replace what should be for all Christians the two essential meditation books--the Gospels and the Missal.

https://www.ewtn.com/library/FAMILY/CHRISTH1.TXT

Nihil Obstat:
JOHN M. A. FEARNS, S.T.D., Censor Librorum

Imprimatur:
+FRANCIS CARDINAL SPELLMAN, 
Archbishop of New York

New York, June 19, 1951

The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are official declarations that 
a book or pamphlet is free of doctrinal or moral error. No 
implication is contained therein that those who have granted 
the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur agree with the contents, 
opinions or statements expressed.

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Virtuous Leadership



Christian leadership includes humility and is increasingly important in today's world.  The virtues particular to leadership (humility and magnanimity), are discussed by St. Thomas Aquinas, Church Doctor.  Alexandre Havard gives a good summary, and Jesus Christ is not ignored.
Alexandre Havard has two books on Amazon. Both are available in print or ebook editions.

Some worthy quotes:
  • Leadership is about achieving greatness by bringing out the greatness in others.
  • “There are many Christians,” writes Escrivá, “who follow Christ and are astonished by His divinity, but forget Him as a Man. And they fail in the practice of supernatural virtues, despite all the external paraphernalia of piety, because they do nothing to acquire human virtues.”
  • Christian leaders have a model of human and divine perfection—Jesus Christ. ... If to lead is to serve others even to the nth degree, then Christ’s sacrifice of His life on Calvary for our sakes, which is renewed in each and every celebration of the Holy Eucharist, must constitute any leader’s supreme inspiration.
Havard, Alexandre (2010-10-12). Virtuous Leadership (Kindle Locations 2388-2390). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.

St. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologica: Question 129. Magnanimity - http://www.newadvent.org/summa/3129.htm

 [magn- great, animus- mind; Antonym: pusill- small, animus- mind])

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Former Protestant: References that I used when learning about the Catholic Church

A childhood question of teaching and humility was answered by understanding Peter's role and discovering a few catholic bishops, popes, and people in the Bible: St. Cephas/Kephas (Peter), St. Linus, St. Claudia, St. Clement, St. Stachys and possibly the story of St. Thomas in India. The problem of teaching with humility combined with the historical and catholic links of these people in the Bible was too much coincidence for me. So of all the denominations that I studied as a child to at least try to understand their perspective, I finally made an effort to research the catholic denomination as the one that I had ruled out, the only one that I did not study or look into.
I started with "Protestant Minister becomes catholic -- Scott Hahn's Conversion Story" and a copy of the new/updated Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Patrick Kenny (RIP) at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC recommended that I meet Fr. John McCloskey. He had a list of books that he called the "Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan". Then I searched in particular for Church Doctors, since there are only 33 of them versus the number of bishops and declared saints since Christ's death and resurrection. Fr. McCloskey ran the nearest catholic bookstore to the White House.

Favorite Books:
My Sister St. Therese - (part 2 of Story of a Soul) - Mat 18:22
"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." -- Spiritual Childhood, Doctor of the Church. Died age 24. Mother Therese's reason for name.
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, the Gentleman Saint, Church Doctor
12 Steps to Holiness & Salvation by St. Alphonso Ligouri, Doctorate in canon and civil law at age 16 -- Doctor of the Church
A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan by Fr. John McCloskey
Eternal Word Television Network - Global Catholic Television
The True Meaning of God in Heaven by Matteo Ricci, Mathematician (gave maps, trigonometry, and other sciences to China), helped convert China and Korea with Confucius' teaching. -- It's boring, but something I enjoyed.


Favorite Teaching Books:
Picture Bible by Iva Hoth [La Biblia Ilustrada] -- 800 page comic book format, follows the plot
Bible Basics : An Introductory Study Guide to the Catholic Faith
by Steve Kellmeyer (website)
Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Official Teaching (search)
The Navarre Bible - Catholic commentary is heavily footnoted to Scripture and Church Documents for easy reference. St. Josemaría Escrivá initiated the Navarre Bible project.
Faith of the Early Fathers: Volume 1 by William Jurgens -- This volume provides historical evidence, both pro and con, of various written artifacts about Christianity dated prior to 300AD.
Created and Redeemed CD/DVD set by Christopher West - Theology of the Body explained for everyman. (AU$40)

Bible Search (NIV, KJV, RSV, by word, passage, topic, etc): http://www.veritasbible.com/

Catholic research: http://eucharist.faithweb.com/bible2.htm
Compare shop books @ http://www.bookfinder.com/ or http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/

Inexpensive catholic classics @ http://www.tanbooks.com/
The Picture Bible - Andre Le Blanc (Illustrator) Iva Hoth
Format: Paperback, 799pp.
ISBN: 0781430585
Pub. Date: August 1998
Recommend Age Range: 8 to 12
~
Biblia Ilustrada - Iva Hoth
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 1555130682
Publisher: Chariot Victor Publishing
Pub. Date: September 1992
~
Catechism of Catholic Church: Revised in Accordance With the Official Latin Text Promulgated by Pope John Paul II
Paul John,Pope John Paul II / pb, large: 1574551108
Date Published: March2000
Four centuries in the making, a monumental undertaking and a magnificent achievement, the first definitive Catholic Catechism since the Council of Trent in 1566 details the doctrine, dogma, and the basic tenets of the Church. "A sure and certain standard for the teaching of the faith." -- Pope John Paul II. (used)
~
Bible Basics by Steven Kellmeyer - Project for Masters Degree, Basilica Press
~
Radio Replies By Frs. Rumble & Carty (\\$42) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
3 vols. 4,374 questions and answers on every conceivable aspect of the Catholic Faith by these intrepid preachers. Clear, succinct, uncompromising, powerful. Best refutation of Protestantism in print. Indexed. Very famous. (used)
~
Mother Angelica's Answers, Not Promises
Mother M Angelica,Christine Allison,M. Angelica / Hardcover (\\$11.16) / Paperback ($5.20) /Date Published: January1997
(paperback) (hardback) / (more)
~
The Navarre Bible: Acts of the Apostles
Members Of The Faculty Of Theology Of The University Of Navarre / Paperback / Date Published: June1989
Retail Price: \\$14.95 Our Price: $11.96, You Save $2.99 (20%)(BN.com)(used)/(more)/(more)
~
Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers
Maxwell Staniforth (Translator),Andrew Louth (Introduction) / Paperback / Date Published: June1987
Retail Price: \\$12.95 Our Price: $10.36, You Save $2.59 (20%) (used)
~
Spiritual Combat and a Treatise on Peace of Soul (\\$7) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
A famous Catholic classic on the strategy for achieving spiritual perfection and salvation. Shows how to combat our passions and vices with an intelligent method in order to achieve a final victory. Also shows how to concentrate one's energies to make constant progress. One of the Church's all-time greatest books on the spiritual life and a favorite book of St. Francis de Sales. (used)
~
Sinner's Guide (\\$9) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Ven. Louis of Granada, O.P.
This is probably the most famous book of the favorite writer of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Vincent de Paul, etc., etc. St. Teresa of Avila credited this book with having converted over a million people in her time. This is the most persuasive book we know to encourage people to abandon sin and embrace repentance and virtue. The logic is relentless and effective. For mastery of subject, command of Scripture and total impact on the reader, no book surpasses The Sinner's Guide!!! (used)
~
A Return to Modesty: Discovering the Lost Virtue | Review and introduction | Modesty Revisited
Wendy Shalit / Hardcover / Date Published: January 1999 **23 year old jewish author
Retail Price: \\$24.00 Our Price: $16.80, You Save $7.20 (30%) (used)
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Clean Love in Courtship (\\$2.50) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik, S. V. D.
A book every junior high and high school student should read. No-nonsense Catholic morality related to dating. Beautiful in its inspiration and in its explanation. For teens, young adults, and even adults.
~
Story Of A Soul - Autobiography of St. Theresa of Lisieux (\\$8) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Edited by Mother Agnes of Jesus
One of the all-time favorite Catholic books. Teaches her "Little Way" of Spiritual Childhood. Sold many millions of copies worldwide and was instrumental in bringing down the "shower of roses" which St. Therese promised to send from Heaven. Great! (used)
~
My Sister Saint Therese (\\$8) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Sister Genevieve of the Holy Face (Celine Martin)
A little classic that is like a second Story of a Soul! Conversations, anecdotes of St. Therese, her teachings, hidden virtues, amusing remarks, beautiful death--recorded by Celine in the convent. Shows the "Little Way" in practice in daily life. A providential book! (more)
~
Humility Of Heart (\\$8.50) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Translated By Herbert Cardinal Vaughan
Our Lord said, "Learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart." (Matt. 11:29). And also, "Amen, I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven." (Matt. 18:3). This classic study in humility describes the nature of that virtue typical of all saints--the one without which none of us will enter Heaven. Says, "Impregnate yourself with humility, and you will soon find that all other virtues will follow without any effort on your part." A treasure filled with insights. (used)
~
Catholicism and Fundamentalism: The Attack on "Romanism" by "Bible Christians"
Karl Keating / Paperback / Date Published: April1988
Retail Price: \\$13.95 Our Price: $11.16, You Save $2.79 (20%) (used)
~
The Faith of the Early Fathers, Vol. 1
William A. Jurgens (Translator) / Paperback / Date Published: January1998

10-BOOK SET (\\$23) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Fr. O'Sullivan
10 popular books by Fr. O'Sullivan, including All About the Angels, Wonders of the Mass, An Easy Way to Become a Saint, How to Avoid Purgatory, and others.
Special Set Price: \\$23!
~
A COURSE IN RELIGION (\\$30) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Fr. John Laux
4 Superb Books on the Catholic religion: Catholic Apologetics, Catholic Morality, Mass and the
Sacraments, and Chief Truths of the Faith. The Best High School
Religion Texts in Print Today! Also Great for Adult and College Level Studies.
Special Set Price: \\$30!
~
College Apologetics (\\$9) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Fr. Anthony F. Alexander (used)
~
Sin And Its Consequences (\\$7) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
Cardinal Manning
The nature of sin and its consequences. How venial sin leads to mortal, and sins of omission to sins of commission, why sin is worse than disease, etc. Consoling emphasis on how grace and penance bring pardon and healing. (used)
~
Real Love: Answers your questions on dating, marriage and the real meaning of Sex
Mary Beth Bonacci / Paperback / Date Published: September 1996
Retail Price: \\$12.95 Our Price: $10.36, You Save $2.59 (20%)
Mary Beth Bonacci speaks to nearly 100,000 people every year. She speaks to Catholics across the country and around the world - about friendship, about relationships, about marriage, about God's plan for sexuality, and about finding real, honest love. And people speak back to her. They ask her questions - about sex, about dating, about healing after a shattered relationship, about marriage, about their struggles to live love. Their questions are real, specific and often very poignant. Now, for the first time, Mary Beth has published those questions - and her answers - in a comprehensive, readable guide which addresses the details of the very real struggle that people face in trying to live real love in a world gone mad. Through these questions and her answers, Mary Beth offers a comprehensive catechesis of the Church's teaching in the areas of marriage and human sexuality. She tackles the toughest issues - premarital sex, contraception, divorce, homosexuality, pornography and others. She gives practical advice on living the Church's teachings. She offers compassionate support for those who have stumbled. And throughout it all, she demonstrates that a living respect for God's gift of sexuality is the way - the only way - to find real, honest love. / (more)
~
A Father Who Keeps His Promises: Understanding Covenant Love in the Old Testament
Scott C. Hahn,S. C. Hahn / Paperback / Date Published: August1997
Retail Price: \\$13.99 Our Price: $11.19, You Save $2.80 (20%) (used)
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The New American Bible: Saint Joesph Edition (\\$11.25) - received in RCIA (used) / (more)

~ Papal Encyclicals
- Faith and Reason (Fides et Ratio)
- On Human Life (Humanae Vitae) - procreation
- The Role of the Family in the Modern World (Familiaris Consortio)
- On the Mystical Body of Christ (Mystici Corporis Christi)
- On Evangelization in the Modern World (Evangelii Nuntiandi)
- On Human Suffering (Salvifici Doloris)
- For the Right Ordering and Development of Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Marialis Cultus)
- The Church in America (Ecclesia in America)
- That They May Be One (Ut Unum Sint)
- Concerning Some False Opinions Threatening to Undermine the Foundations of Catholic Doctrine (Humani Generis)
- Condemning Current Errors (Quanta Cura) - Pope Pius IX, December 8, 1864 [Communism and Socialism]
~
Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 8th edition (1970-1980) (used) / (more)
~
The New Regulations on Indulgences (\\$1.50) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
By Rev. Winfrid Herbst, S.D.S.
This booklet outlining the nature and value of indulgences and the new regulations thereon is designed to inspire in us the practice of making reparation for ourselves and for the Poor Souls. Taken from the official Enchiridion of Indulgences. Many Catholics do not even know what a plenary indulgence is, let alone how to gain one.
~
Scripture Alone (\\$1.25) - http://www.tanbooks.com/
by Joel Peters
Here are the classic reasons why the Protestant dogma of Sola Scriptura - "Scripture Alone" - is absolutely wrong, is unscriptural, man-made and prevents Protestants from ever having a firm doctrinal foundation. The book shows that: Christ also gave us Tradition and the teaching authority of His Church; the first Christians did not even have a complete Bible; Scripture itself states that it is insufficient of itself; the Bible calls the Church and not the Bible "the pillar and ground of the truth"; the Church produced the Bible and not vice versa; the canon of the Bible was not even settled until the 4th century; no original Bible manuscripts exist today; existing manuscripts contains thousands of variations; there are hundreds of different Bible versions; the Bible was not even in print until the 15th century; the doctrine of Sola Scriptura arose in the 16th century; it produces the bad fruits of division and disunity; it arose from Luther's own emotional problems; the Protestant Bible is missing 7 entire books; etc., etc. Absolutely great and greatly needed today!.
~
Crossing the Threshold of Hope
Pope John Paul II / Hardcover / Date Published: October1994
Retail Price: \\$20.00 Our Price: $3.99, You Save $16.01 (80%) (used)
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The Wisdom of John Paul II: The Pope on Life's Most Vital Questions
Nicholas Bakalar,Richard Balkin (Compiler),John W. White (Introduction) / Hardcover / Date Published: September1995
Retail Price: \\$15.00 Our Price: $6.99, You Save $8.01 (53%) (used)
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Celebrate 2000!: Reflections on the Holy Spirit; Weekly Readings for 1998
Pope John Paul II,With Paul Thigpen / Paperback / Date Published: September1997
Retail Price: \\$6.99 Our Price: $5.59, You Save $1.40 (20%) (used)
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Love and Responsibility (written by Pope John Paul II before he became Pope)
Karol Wojtyla,H. T. Willetts (Translator) / Paperback / Date Published: June1996
Retail Price: \\$14.95 Our Price: $11.96, You Save $2.99 (20%) (used)
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The Heart of Catholicism: Essential Writings of the Church from St. Paul to John
Paul II
Albert J. Nevins,Theodore E. James,Catholic Church Clergy / Hardcover / Date Published: March1997
Retail Price: \\$49.95 Our Price: $34.96, You Save $14.99 (30%) / (more)
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Butler's Lives of the Saints
Michael Walsh / Paperback / Date Published: May1991
Retail Price: \\$21.00 Our Price: $16.80, You Save $4.20 (20%) (used) / (more)
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The Treasury of Catholic Wisdom
John A. Hardon (Editor) / Paperback / Date Published: April1995
Retail Price: \\$24.95 Our Price: $19.96, You Save $4.99 (20%) (used) / (more)
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Theology for Beginners
Francis Joseph Sheed,Foreword by Karl Keating / Paperback / Date Published: August1982
Retail Price: \\$9.99 Our Price: $7.99, You Save $2.00 (20%) (used) / (more)
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To Know Christ Jesus
Frank J. Sheed,Francis J. Sheed / Paperback / Date Published: October1997
Retail Price: \\$14.95 Our Price: $11.96, You Save $2.99 (20%) (used) / (more)
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A Map of Life
F. J. Sheed / Paperback / Date Published: March1994
Retail Price: \\$8.95 Our Price: $7.16, You Save $1.79 (20%) (used) / (more)
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Theology and Sanity
Francis J. Sheed / Paperback / Date Published: June1993
Retail Price: \\$17.95 Our Price: $14.36, You Save $3.59 (20%) (used) / (more)
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MESSAGE OF MERCIFUL LOVE TO LITTLE SOULS
Marguerite; recommended by Richard Semple, Jr. (used) / (more)
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The Picture Bible by Iva Hoth

Picture Bible by Iva Hoth [La Biblia Ilustrada] -- 800 page comic book format, follows the plot


  • While looking in a catholic bookstore in Korea, I picked up a hand-traced version of the Picture Bible (in Korean). About a third of it was completed with no credit to the original author. However, in authority of the content it contained was the seal of the archbishop of Korea on the inside cover. :)

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Friends Forever: St. Augustine, Friendship, and Catholic Evangelism by Brother André Marie

Summary: friendship as a means of perfection and evangelizing others.

Full paper is available at:  http://www.catholicism.org/downloads/St_Augustine_Friendship.pdf

The title of this paper, “Friends Forever,” is meant to be a little ironic. The expression is one that high school girls tend to write in each others’ yearbooks at graduation. Often times, such friendships, whether or not they are worthy of the name, last not too long after graduation. The only way to make friendships last forever is to base them in Christ, for “No friendship is faithful except in Christ; in Him alone can it be happy and eternal.”

That such friendships do truly last forever is a common opinion of theologians, for one of the “secondary” or “accidental” subjects of the beatitude of the elect is the enjoyment of each other in the Beatific Vision where the concord of the Mystical Body will make us “one heart” with the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “And there will be one Christ loving Himself.”

It was my intention to outline, using the thoughts of St. Augustine, the evangelical and apostolic utility of the bond of friendship, as well as its power to sanctify the individual who extends it. All of us have “friends” of some type or another, even if they are not truly worthy of the name. We can take advantage of these bonds, however tenuous or superficial, for our own advantage, as well as that of our neighbors. We may think we lack the apostolic advantages of the North American Martyrs, but what we really lack (besides, perhaps, their sanctity) are their numerous disadvantages. One advantage we have over them is that, in our “mission territory,” we are already known and have established a rapport with the natives.

In order to use friendships for such a holy end, the soul of the individual must be steeped in supernatural virtue, which implies the living of a devout life: frequently receiving the sacraments, praying, practicing the moral virtues, the theological virtues, and sailing on the breath of the Holy Ghost by utilizing His seven-fold gifts. This supernatural panoply begins with, and depends upon Faith, that virtue which is the initium salutis, the beginning of salvation, for “A man must be a friend of truth before he can be a friend to any human being.” Thus we see that the interior life, a good in itself (bonum honestum), is also a useful good (bonum utile) for the purposes of evangelism.

By failing to live the life of virtue, which even the pagan Cicero recognized as necessary for this union, those friendships we have may become easily corrupted and an occasion for our own damnation. We must heed the caveat of our guide and teacher, all too familiar as he was with the vices occasioned by bad friendships: “The bond of human friendship has a sweetness of its own, binding many souls together as one. Yet because of these values, sin is committed, because we have an inordinate preference for these goods of a lower order and neglect the better and the higher good.” For friendship inevitably unites us to our friends “and of many [makes] us one,” and of close friends it can be said that they are “two in body but one in mind,” so we must choose our friendships wisely and terminate them when they become a danger, while never ceasing to pray for and exhort our former friends, as our Master did for Julian and Boniface.

In order to make these friendships become holy and advantageous to all concerned, we must recall the necessity of grace, and the consequent necessity of prayer, which is a duty of Christian friendship: “for there is no true friendship save between those thou dost bind together and who cleave to thee by that love which is ‘shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who is given to us.’”

Friends Forever

In this life, friendships are uncertain. Augustine’s own sad experience with Julian of Eclanum and others taught him that hidden treacheries, instability, and other vices always threaten friendships and make us, frail creatures as we are, ever vulnerable: “How confused it all is! One who seems to be an enemy turns out to be a friend and those whom we thought our good friends in fact are our worst enemies.”

Only heaven, with its uninterrupted, ecstatic union with our Final End can give men the constancy they need to be “friends forever”:

“Blessed is he who loves his friend in Thee... for he alone loses none dear to him, to whom all are dear in Him who cannot be lost.”

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Catholic saints, bishops, and popes in the Bible

I should expand these further, but not sure how to organize the information to be concise and useful.

  • 2 Tim 4:21 - "Try to get here before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers send greetings." (St. Linus, 2nd bishop of Rome; St. Claudia)
  • Philippians 4:3 - "Yes, and I ask you also, my true yokemate, to help them, for they have struggled at my side in promoting the gospel, along with Clement and my other co-workers, whose names are in the book of life." (Clement, possibly 4th bishop of Rome)

Here are a few more from Romans 16 (all Catholic saints):
  • St. Priscilla aka Prisca -- 1st Century Jewish tent-maker; married to Aquila. Convert. Martyred in Rome.
  • St. Aquila -- 1st Century Jewish tent-maker. married to Priscilla. Convert. Their house was used as a church. Martyred in Rome.
  • St. Aristolubus -- 1st Century. Said to have been one of the 72 disciples commissioned by Jesus to preach the coming of the Kingdom. Legend says that after the Resurrection. Aristolubus evangelised Britain and died a marytr.
  • St. Herodion -- Relative of St. Paul; Bishop of Patras, Greece. Martyred.
  • St. Rufus -- Brought to Rome with St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Zosimus during the persecutions of Trajan. Marytred with St. Zosimus by being mangled by wild animals in AD 107, in the Roman arena.
  • St. Nereus -- Soldier in the Imperial Roman army; member of the Praetorian Guard. Convert. Baptized by St. Peter. Exiled for his faith; marytred with his brother St. Achilleus, by beheading.
  • St. Jason -- St. Paul stayed at Jason's home in Thessolonica. Bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia and evangelised the Greek island of Corfu. Imprisoned for preaching the faith; maryted by being torn apart by wild animals. 
  • St. Quartus -- One of the first disciples of the Apostles. Died 1st Century. 

Faith of the Early Fathers by William Jurgens is a useful reference. ($5 - $18)
  • Average Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars (37 reviews)
  • Paperback: 474 pages
  • Publisher:Liturgical Press; First edition (July 1, 1978)
  • ISBN-10: 0814604323
  • ISBN-13: 978-0814604328

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