Conversations in Metaphysics: Ever Ancient, Ever New

While the unison of ancient and new may seem dichotomous, the rich sonic tapestry of sacred music has developed a continuity across the centuries. Common threads of musical reflection are rooted in the ancient, illuminating and informing the expressions of the present and future. O Beauty Ever Ancient Ever New surveys the historical canon of chants, modes, texts, and textures. Composer, choral director and organ soloist James Buonemani’s early interest in composition has evolved into a focus on directing and composing music exclusively for the church.

More than any other thinker in the twentieth century, Ernest L. Fortin, A.A. (1923-2002) resuscitated the study of political philosophy for Catholic theology. Fortin's interests and accomplishments were vast, ranging from the Church Fathers, to Dante and Aquinas, to modern rights, American democracy, and Catholic social justice. His dispassionate scholarly heft was animated by a pressing drive to understand and rise above the crises of our times, and it was applied with a gingerly and accessible touch. Consequently, Fortin's writings are among the most lucid, perceptive, and enjoyable that one will ever read.

Returning to the topic of her beloved classic bestseller A Return to Love, spiritual guide Marianne Williamson builds on the ideas introduced in that book to lead us toward the light through the inspiring guidance of the mystic Jesus.