In this second English-language issue of Sedes Sapientiæ, two prominent themes emerge. First, Fr. de Blignières and Joseph Shaw debate the feasibility of establishing an "ordinariate," i.e., a canonical structure with a bishop, to harbor traditional Catholics. This constructive solution to the current predicament of traditionalists stands in contrast to critical or defensive postures that "custodians of Tradition" have generally been constrained to adopt. Bishop Athanasius Schneider broaches the second principal theme of this issue, the religious life, with his personal testimony as a canon regular, which is complemented by a captivating portrait of the late Dominican friar, Fr. Tomás Týn, by a Carmelite Sister. Fr. Aidan Nichols, O.P., introduces the reader to a sharp discussion among Thomists on the sins of the angels. Noteworthy, too, is the somber reflection on Archbishop Lefebvre's 1988 consecrations co-written by two founders of Ecclesia Dei communities, as well as Fr. Reginald Rivoire's Thomistic exposition of "rationality" in canon law, which follows up on his highly acclaimed canonical analysis of Traditionis Custodes. On a lighter note, the reader may alight upon an English lay-brother's whimsical commentary on the greatest of Chesterton's poems, or a review and chapter of the first English translation of the most ancient biography of St. Thomas Aquinas.
*****Sedes Sapientiæ is a quarterly review published in French and dedicated to Christian formation. Founded more than thirty-five years ago by the Fraternity of Saint Vincent Ferrer, it is placed under the protection of Our Lady, "Seat of Wisdom" (Sedes Sapientiæ in Latin) and of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Its aim is to help Christians deepen their religious knowledge by forming their intelligences in the light of the common Doctor of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, and to contribute to religious debates in fidelity to Catholic Tradition and the Church's magisterium. Sedes Sapientiæ has many English-speaking friends and benefactors around the world. We are happy to thank them by offering this special issue to the public.
