For Mary Mother of God, January 3 (Epiphany), January 10 (Baptism of the Lord), January 17, January 24, January 31 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – January 1, 2021 Readings: Nm 6:22-27 Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Gal 4:4-7 Lk 2:16-21 bib … [Read more...]
About Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
Ordained in 2008 to the Archdiocese of Miami; MA Theology from The Augustine Institute, Denver, CO; Master Catechist with the Archdiocese and Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation at St. Bonaventure Parish. Member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars.
Happiness — A Thomistic Consideration (Part II)
Continued Reflections on Summa Theologiae I-II, Q 1–5
January 1, 2019 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
Introduction to Part II The three pillars of Catholic social teaching, which springs from natural law and human nature, are human dignity, common good, and subsidiarity. Within societal structures with hierarchical poleis (e.g., federal, … [Read more...]
Happiness — A Thomistic Consideration (Part I)
A Reflection on Summa Theologiae I-II, Q 1–5
December 20, 2018 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
Introduction At some point in the life of every human person the great questions arise in their ponderings: “Where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” These questions encompass the ultimate question of our own mortality: … [Read more...]
The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the New Evangelization
October 29, 2018 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
Is the New Evangelization still relevant? The assured answer is a resounding Yes! However, it has fallen out of favor as a pastoral movement, fallen under the weight of its own branding. Given its origins as the overarching thesis of the … [Read more...]
The Theological Virtue of Faith: Assent and Certitude
January 30, 2017 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
Of the seven fundamental virtues,[1. Faith, Hope, Charity (Theological) and Prudence, Fortitude, Justice, Temperance (Cardinal)] Faith, Hope, and Charity are the Theological virtues because they orient us to God; Prudence, Courage, Justice, … [Read more...]
Law and Freedom—“Do I Have to Go to Church Today, Mom!?”
January 20, 2017 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
I don’t do apologetics. I can do apologetics, I have a background in theology, from seminary formation, as well as Catholic graduate education. I do catechesis, I teach and do theology, my understanding of the New Evangelization is what the … [Read more...]
The Overlooked Middle
An Attempt to Start a New Dialogue
September 27, 2016 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
In conversation at a recent cocktail party, a wise and elegant lady told me that Catholic publishing (or the publishing of Catholic thought) is a club with strict membership. One “must be an academic” to be considered for membership, she sai … [Read more...]
Getting “The Benedict Option” Right
January 15, 2016 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
If you haven’t heard of the "Benedict Option," or even (especially) if you have heard of it, it really needs explaining for it to be a real option. In December 2013, Rod Dreher, a writer for The American Conservative magazine, wrote an e … [Read more...]
An Old Philosophy and a New Theology
Jean-Paul Sartre (ca. 1950) and the “Shadow Council” of 2015
November 29, 2015 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
It is well known by now that there was a concerted effort on the part of some German Bishops, led by Cardinal Walter Kasper, to engage the 2014 Synod, and interject a liberal agenda into the 2015 Synod. This was an attempt to sway the … [Read more...]
God’s Providence
September 29, 2015 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
God’s Providence is a topic that gives us a fresh perspective on evil, and a correction on what many people attribute to God's will. The basic mistake in the latter is to think that everything that happens, happens according to God's will, t … [Read more...]
A Pastoral Society
The Renewal of Catholic Culture and the Flourishing of Human Society
December 2, 2014 by Deacon Peter Trahan, MATh
Introduction In the Catholic intellectual community, there is a growing call for the renewal of Christian culture as a solution to the impoverishment of 21st century society. This intellectual movement has two momentums: on the one hand, … [Read more...]
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