[Romulus]

No has suggested or even mentioned this, and with my lack of qualifications, I hope no one does.

Funny thing though: Andrew maintains an academic theologian on staff (degree from Catholic U.), so while in St. Louis last week I ventured some tentative questions about academic programs. An almost completely fruitless conversation, and shame on me for even bothering with a man whose ecclesiology is so alien he's never even heard of Dietrich von Hildebrand. Eventually I may take the question up with Fr. K, who I'm sure could set me up with a good reading list. In the mean time, I have plenty to read on my own.

[Maeve]

Dietrich von Hildebrand is one of the keys to a genuine future for Holy Mother Church that glorifies God in beauty and in truth. I am no scholar like others in my family, but I recognized in reading a book of von Hildebrand's that the answers to ending the ugliness, the heresies, and the scandals (which are all woven together) can be found in the thinking of this great man of faith.

[Askel5]

You know ... a better fit for your profound sense of humility and interest in learning from others might be to start up a chapter of the Patricians.

I find it really odd, given Klores's devotion to Mary in particular, that there is no Legion of Mary at St. Pat's. While that was going to be another niche I was going to carve out for myself, I think you are the far better candidate for serving as director of the Patricians.

I've been meeting with just such a group down here. The director (you) runs the meetings and certainly is available to help with the papers presented by the membership.

At the meetings, the presentation of the paper lasts no longer than 20 minutes. (This appears to be an optimum length for covering a topic with enough depth to spark conversation but without any flagging of intereset by the listeners).

A discussion ensues where EVERYONE gets a chance to talk and ask questions EXCEPT the Director (you =) and the Spiritual Director. This last no longer than 30 or 40 minutes (I'd have to check the Legionnaire handbook to be certain) and is followed by the Spiritual Director's peroration.

Folks then break for refreshments and such, conversation of course continues. There is the passing of the bag (anonymous and purely private donations by the membership for the Legion's support) and then closing comments, call for papers and particulars re: the next meeting, special events and such by the Director.

I think it sounds like a plan. I see no reason the priests, between them, couldn't commit to one night a month to serve as spiritual directors for the group.

Check it out. I'll be happy to scan and post the particulars for you. St. Pat's needs a Legion presence. Back when I was going to daily Mass, I was sorely tempted to ask for permission to lead a Rosary after the 12 Mass. Even the Baronne Street Church does that much.

Anyway, give it some thought. Frankly, I like that idea better than "Bible Study". Both Catechism and the Patricians end up at Scripture anyway. Why not have more form -- yet freedom -- to educate ourselves in our faith and tradition, our saints and rubrics as well?

Besides, I was hopeful we could get Kevin to teach us Latin ... something the Bag of the Patricians might help float if we end up successful.