Library Book Club - Next meeting

The Library’s Book Club meet again this Friday, 31 May at 7pm in the Caroline Chisholm Library to discuss A.N.Wilson, C.S.Lewis A Biography, (Collins 1990/Flamingo 1991).

 “More probing than the affectionate biographies now available, this is a welcome addition to Lewis studies. Wilson renders yet another extraordinary but thoroughly human life. His Lewis is no "plaster saint." Extremely reticent about his life and canonized by devotees since his death, Lewis was a unique challenge to the biographer. Wilson adeptly considers each of Lewis's books in the context of the life and reveals how the writer came to realize the importance of the imagination in Christian faith. Lewis's conversion to Christianity, his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien, and his work on the Narnia books are presented insightfully.” (Amazon)

 “Brilliant. Agnostic. Prejudiced. Gregarious. Bullying. Loyal friend. Heavy drinker. One of the most learned scholars of his generation. A controversial Christian apologist. Author of a children's fantasy that has sold millions upon millions of copies. And, after his death, almost a cult figure. C. S. Lewis was an incredibly complicated man, and, as revealed in this splendid biography, a mystery to those who knew him best. The mixture presented in Wilson's biography of the life of learning...of domestic drama and bad temper, religion, and sex, is irresistible.—New York Review of Books “

 All are welcome!

Upcoming Philosophy Course

Philosophy as a Guide to Sane Thinking

by Mr John Young

What is philosophy? Why is it important? Do we know reality? The difference between sense knowledge and intellectual knowledge. Man: soul and body. Free will. God’s existence. His nature. His causality. The moral life.

On all these topics the secular views current today will be assessed in the light of the philosophy of St Thomas Aquinas, who is seen by the Catholic Church as a sure guide in philosophy.

Location - TMC Office, Balwyn

Second floor, 35 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn, VIC 3103

Dates and Times

Over six Sundays from June 23 to July 28 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Cost

$20 (inclusive of materials)

Inquiries/Registrations

- Patrick Doyle: pdoyle@ncc.org.au; 0400 693 272

Sponsors:

The Catholic Community of Blessed John Henry Newman

The Thomas More Centre

The Caroline Chisholm Library

About John Young:
John Young is the author of three books, including ‘The Scope of Philosophy’. He has had some 600 articles published in Australia and overseas. He has also taught philosophy in four seminaries.

Library Book Club - Meeting on Friday 22 February

The Library's book club meets again on Friday 22 February to discuss T.S. Eliot, Ash Wednesday.

 

Meeting starts at 7pm at the Caroline Chisholm Library. 

 

All are welcome.

End of Year Function - 20 December

All Library supporters are warmly invited to our End of Year Function at the Library on Thursday 20 December.

It starts at 11 am with the Annual Mass for Members, friends, relatives and benefactors (Celebrant and Homilist: Fr Dominic Murphy O.P).

After Mass there will be End of Year / Christmas light refreshments. 

Library Advent Talk - 4 December

Advent at the Library in the Spirit of Saint Francis.

An Advent talk will be given by Brother Ben Johnson OFM Cap. who will  speak on the humility of God in his reflection upon: St Francis of Assisi and the Nativity.  

The talk is at 1pm Tuesday 4th December, 2012at the Caroline Chisholm Library.

Brother Ben is an impressive young friar who currently studying theology and has during his formation, developed a deepening love of his Franciscan tradition.  

Brother Ben writes on the Capuchin vocations page that:

"It is here that I take great inspiration from St Francis of Assisi. He was a man who in his time had the world at his fingertips yet knew that all he had and could have was no answer to what he truly wanted, that was to follow the poor and crucified Christ."

The Central Catholic Bookshop will also have a table of Advent candles, Christmas cards and books for Advent reading for purchase.   

The Library's second hand book sale will also continue and there will be coffee and tea and some small Advent refreshments.

Latest Library Newsletter

Library Briefs

October 2012

Caroline Chisholm Library Inc

NEWS : CRUCIAL CAMPAIGN - 350 FOUNDATION:

The 350 Foundation was established earlier this year and as a means by which people can assist in supporting Caroline Chisholm Library into the future even if they are not subscriber members of the Library. Members donate $100 per year and with a target of at least350 members we can pay for the library’s running costs. There are over 50 members so far. In October the Committee is launching the Foundation at our Grand Dinner – See Below – and is running a concerted campaign to enlist more members for the Foundation. If you would be willing to assist in this vital campaign please contact the Library President: Mr Anthony Krohn: 0411 483 494. All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. Please see the Blog page at: http://carolinechisholml.blogspot.com.au/ Also support our Facebook page by indicating that you "Like" it : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caroline-Chisholm-Library/275351142501437

BOOKMARKS

Book Launch & Talk September 6th 6 30 pm at the Library. "Edmund Campion: The Scholar- The Priest- The Hero- The Martyr" Guest speaker: the book’s editor and enlarger Fr Peter Joseph, gave a lively and well researched talk in his book Edmund Campion and on martyrdom. A DVD of Fr Joseph’s talk will be available for loan. 

Important Dates for Your Diary

Thursday 1st November, 2012

Launch of The Foundation and Funding Raising Dinner & Talk by Anna Silvas for the Caroline Chisholm Library at the Pumphouse Hotel 6.30 for 7 pm. See the enclosed handbill. $75 per head (or $140 per double) plus drinks at bar prices. Cash, cheque or EFT – No credit cards.

AGM

FORMAL NOTICE of our AGM is hereby given to all Financial Members. The Caroline Chisholm Library Annual General Meeting: 11 am Saturday 24 th November, 2012 at the Library Meeting Room. Nominations for the Committee members and office bearers due at the library by 10th November. Contact the Library Staff at the Library for nomination forms and further inquiries.

LIBRARY COMMUNITY EVENTS

Wednesday Discussion Group-

Each Wednesday at the Library 1-2pm Each week a regular group meets to read and discuss key philosophical and doctrinal texts . This month the Discussion group will consider the Sermon on Marriage and Family by the great Eastern Father St John Chrysostom. Contact John Young at the Library for more information.

Icon School

Meets at the Library between 10-12 each Thursday of the School year. The poster for the Library Fundraising Dinner and Foundation Launch features an icon of Saint Macrina the younger which was especially written by Icon School co-ordinator, John Daly. For more information about the Icon School contact John at the Library on 9670 1815. 

Catholic Book Club 

The Club next meets on Friday, October 26 at 7 pm to discuss Monica Baldwin’s The Called and the Chosen, (1955, Hamish Hamilton, London) Sister Ursula Auberon, is an enclosed nun at the (fictional) Abbaye de la Sainte Croix, Framleghen, Central to the author’s themes are the questions she asked of herself in her first book: "Is it possible to follow a vocation, and later lose it? Or to take one's vows mistakenly in the belief of a vocation? For more information about the Book Club contact the Library on 9670 1815.

Dominican Tertiaries

Blessed Adrian Fortescue Chapter –The Next meeting of the Chapter will be Wednesday November 14 th. We are lay people of different ages and backgrounds who live in the spirit of Saint Dominic and his Order of Preachers (Dominicans). Meetings begin with Vespers (Evening Prayer of the Church’s Liturgy) and then have a discussion or paper on some theological topic of practical importance. We finish at about 7.30 pm. Chapter members support the library by such means as we can - prayer, volunteer work, donations, publicity – according to time and opportunity. For meeting details contact the the Library on 9670 1815. 

Upcoming Library Fundraising Dinner with Launch of the 350 Foundation

All are invited to the following exciting event!

Caroline Chisholm Fundraising Dinner & Talk

Thursday 1st November, 2012

6.30 for 7 pm

At the Pumphouse Hotel

128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy

Special Guest Speaker Dr Anna Silvas FAHA speaking on:

“St Macrina the Younger, The Fourth Cappodocian- or Was She the First?”

Dr Anna Silvas is a scholar of ancient languages and a Church historian and author of international acclaim. Her research concentrates on early monasticism in Eastern Asia Minor and in Syria, and the spirituality of ascetic women in early and medieval Christianity. She is a fellow of the prestigious Australian Academy of Humanities. She is the author of “Saint Macrina: Philosopher of God.” and has went to Turkey to research the site of St Macrina’s monastery. St Macrina (327-379)was the first born of some remarkable siblings which included the Church Doctors Basil and Gregory and St Peter Sebastia.

RSVP for bookings and enquiries: Anthony Krohn +61 411 483 494 or Paul Nixon: +61 405 486 531

Email: cclibrary@bigpond.com

Cost: Talk and Dinner:

(with Drinks at Bar Prices)

Single: $75

Double: $ 140

Payment: Cash or Cheque on the Night

RSVP BY FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER, 2012

The importance of knowing the Faith

 The Second Vatican Council spoke of the vocation of the laity to evangelize the world, and said this must be done through words and not just by good example (Decree on the Lay Apostolate, n. 6).

Clearly, if we are to be capable of explaining our beliefs to others, we must have a good understanding of those beliefs. So the Decree stated: “In addition to spiritual formation, a solid doctrinal instruction in theology, ethics and philosophy adjusted to differences in age, status and natural talents is required” (n. 29).

Suppose that at the end of the Council, in 1965, Catholics had taken that last sentence seriously. Suppose they had given, say, a couple of hours a week to learning about the Faith and related subjects. What wonderful knowledge they would have now!

They would have explored the mysteries of the Faith through reading Scripture, the Church Fathers, the theologians, the pronouncements of the divinely guided Magisterium. They would have explored the great questions that philosophers have discussed through the ages – and would have been guided in this especially by St Thomas Aquinas. (Note what Vatican II said about the perennial philosophy: Decree on Priestly Training, n. 15.)

They would have a good grasp of the big events in Church history, and be well versed in apologetics.

Sadly, this has not happened. Most Catholics have made no serious effort, and too often when they have tried to improve their knowledge of the Faith they have been led astray by unorthodox books and courses.

What can be done? The Caroline Chisholm Library has sound books on the above topics, from early writers to the present, and ranging from elementary works to profound ones. We can all promote these treasures to the people we know, as well as using them ourselves.

The older we get the more difficult it is to learn. Realistically, many people have left it too late to advance far in the studies I have spoken of. But at least the value of these studies should be seen, and the fact that the Church urges them. Seeing this, we can all encourage people, especially young people, to pursue such studies and so attain wisdom in an age of folly. 

I’ll mention just one of the authors whose books are in the Library, F. J. Sheed. Three of his books give an overview of theology: A Map of Life is the simplest, Theology for Beginners is a level higher, while Theology and Sanity is the most profound but is very clearly written – and in my opinion is his masterpiece.

John Young

Caroline Chisholm Society Fundraiser Cocktail Party

(while there is no link between the Caroline Chisholm Library and the Caroline Chisholm Society - the only connection is they are named after the same person! - this blog is pleased to support the Caroline Chisholm Society's work in helping pregnant women and new Mothers. See http://www.carolinechisholmsociety.com.au/ for more information about the Society's work.)

Caroline Chisholm Society Fundraiser Cocktail Party

Please join us for drinks and canapés amid live music, ceramic and visual art and heritage architecture.

A silent auction will also be underway.

When: Wednesday 24 October 2012, 6pm until 9pm

Where: Morgans@401, 401 Collins Street, Melbourne

Price: Single tickets $65, Five tickets $300

Book by Friday 12 October 2012 at

www.trybooking.com/32963 or on 03 9361 7000

Donate without buying tickets at http://www.givenow.com.au/carolinechisholmsociety

The invisible world - reflections on prayer and faith

Our five senses never directly show us the most important realties, but one way of getting closer to them is by reading. I’ll illustrate this by comments I heard a blind woman make in a radio interview.

She had lost her sight when very young, but could still remember how things look. For instance, if she was buying a dress and the shop assistant told her it was blue, she could visualize it to some degree.

Then she remarked, rather wistfully, that her memory of the appearance of things was fading with the years. Her visual memory had once been much more vivid, but with no fresh stimulus from the outside world her memory of those early sights was slipping away. She knew she had once been able to picture colours much more vividly and sharply, but now they were blurring and fading.

Our position concerning the invisible world of faith, and of the world as known through philosophy, is rather like that of a blind person concerning the visible world. Indeed, it is more like that of a person born blind, for we have never seen it.

When we receive Holy Communion the reality present in the host is Someone unseen. The body of Jesus Christ, living and glorious, is there, together with his blood, his soul, his divinity. But what do we see? A round white shape that looks like bread.

It is a fact (a frustrating fact) that all the biggest realities escape our senses: we cannot see, hear, touch, taste or smell them. We can’t see God, or the divine grace by which we live with his life, or our soul, or the angels.

That is one reason why prayer is difficult. If we could actually see the one to whom we are praying, it would be so easy! It is a reason why the moral law is difficult, too. God’s laws about how we should live are realistic laws; they are laws that are reasonable for the kind of being that man is, living in the kind of universe he does, and under a loving providence of an infinitely holy God. But because they escape the senses, the fundamental realities tend to seem unreal. As a result some find inexplicable, for example, the Church’s insistence that to miss Mass deliberately on Sunday, for no good reason, is a mortal sin.

Although we can’t directly experience the most important things, we can make them more real to ourselves. As the Epistle to the Hebrews says: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen” (Heb. 11:1). If we learn to see everything in the light of the God-given virtue of faith, enlivened by love, the invisible world will become much clearer to us, and we will feel much more at home with it.

But for this a knowledge of doctrine is vital, because doctrines are statements of reality. And an important way of increasing such knowledge is by careful reading, especially of the works of the saints and the great theologians.

No doubt the blind woman made a point of visualizing the things she had seen before losing her sight, so as to keep the memory of them from slipping away. We can make the invisible things more real to us by meditating on them with the aid of the ardent minds who have left us the written record of their thoughts. 

John Young

Next meeting of Library Book Club - Friday 28 September

The Library Book Club has its next meeting on Friday 28 September at 7pm at the Caroline Chisholm Library, Level 3, 358 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
We will discuss "The Knot of Vipers" by Francois Mauriac (1932).

Anyone interested in reading and discussing Catholic books and poetry (or with Catholic themes) is welcome to join us.

The genius of Chesterton

 Many people with a remarkable facility with words are not deep thinkers. That Gilbert Keith Chesterton had that facility to the point of genius few would deny; but he had a depth which put him among the outstanding thinkers of his time, or of any time.

That fact is exemplified in such books as Orthodoxy, The Everlasting Man and St Thomas Aquinas, as well as in his numerous articles and stories. He had the gift of capturing an unexpected aspect of things in a witty or paradoxical phrase, sometimes by reversing a popular saying.

He states that “travel narrows the mind”. And on thinking about it one sees that it does. Before visiting a country we have a general but vague view of the place; after visiting it our view is narrowed down to what is concretely there.

Or again, he says: “if a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing badly”. On reflection, that is generally the case.

Chesterton exposes the real meaning hidden in common expressions, as when he observes that people who speak of “the spirit of Christianity” really mean “the ghost of Christianity”. (Today we can say the same of those who talk about “the spirit of Vatican II”.)

He shows up well the pretensions of the population controllers who want to reduce poverty by reducing population. GKC comments that if there are ten boys and they have only nine hats, the right solution is to manufacture another hat. But the solution of the population controllers is to cut off one of the heads.

Remarking on the difference between the way people’s lives went astray in more settled times and the way they go astray in the confused modern world, he says: “Man has always lost his way; but modern man has lost his address”.

Critics of H.G. Wells’ book God the Invisible King observed correctly that it has an anthropomorphic understanding of God. Chesterton put this in his own characteristic way: “Mr Well’s invisible king seems very like Mr Well’s invisible man”.

There have been attempts to keep the poor from rebelling against their rich oppressors by assuring them it is God’s will that they be poor, and they will get their reward in heaven. Chesterton says of this: “The poor man asked for bread and they gave him a stone, and told him it was the white stone of the elect.”

He speaks of the “sub-conscious popular instinct against Darwinism…”, and locates it in a perception that “when one once begins of think of man as a shifting and alterable thing, it is always easy for the strong and crafty to twist him into new shapes for all kinds of unnatural purposes.” (We see that happening today.)

Gilbert Chesterton had an intense inner life, with an acute awareness of reality. I read somewhere that the key to understanding his genius is to see that he had “a metaphysical intuition of being”. That sums it up. It is an awareness of being – of the depths of reality – which is required if one is to be a true philosopher, and it is something never attained by most thinkers who are regarded as philosophers and who may write books on the subject or give learned lectures on it.

In Chesterton’s case it came without close study of books, and could almost be called spontaneous. His intensity of perception is reflected in the fact that he used to talk to himself. He himself said: “If a man doesn’t talk to himself, it’s because he is not worth talking to.”

When he wrote his book St Thomas Aquinas, which was published by Sheed and Ward, Frank Sheed had misgivings. As Mrs Sheed says in her work Gilbert Keith Chesterton, they doubted if Gilbert could have done sufficient research, for a great many experts had produced studies on the Angelic Doctor. She says they would have been even more concerned had they known what his secretary Dorothy Collins told them later. He had dictated half the work at high speed, then he asked her to go to London and get him some books. She asked: “Which books?” He said: “I don’t know.” She consulted Father O’Connor (the real life model for Father Brown), and brought back some books on St Thomas. Gilbert flicked through them, then dictated the rest of his work.

The great Thomist scholar Etienne Gilson has this to say about it: “I consider it as being without possible comparison the best book ever written on St Thomas. Nothing short of genius can account for such an achievement… Chesterton was one of the deepest thinkers who ever existed…” Quoted by Maisie Ward in Gilbert Keith Chesterton, Penguin Books, pp381-382).  

  John Young

(Numerous of Chesterton's works are in the Library collection and are avaliable for browsing and/or borrowing.)