Sean Fitzpatrick on Having a New Heart for a New Year

"As Time cries, 'Advance!', we look back on a year that might fill the mouth of Time with lamentation. The Syrian civil war, the Christchurch mosque massacre, economic collapse in Venezuela, Hong Kong protests, the El Paso Walmart shooting, the Sri Lanka Easter terror attack, the Notre-Dame fire, and political upheaval in America. What is the common man to conclude when considering the depravations and deprivations of his fellows as church bells chime on New Year's Eve?

"There is no better tale to ring an old year out and a new year in than Charles Dickens's The Chimes. This little story by the great storyteller deals with the temptation to look back on the tragedies of a year gone by with dejection, even believing that man is 'born bad.' While Catholics do not believe that man is born bad, it is difficult not to believe that he has become bad. The year 2019 had its share of corroborating crises, and The Chimes offers timely advice for 2020 as we advance."

In a recent commentary, writer Sean Fitzpatrick, Headmaster of Gregory the Great Academy (Elmhurst Township, PA), reflected on the admonitions offered in The Chimes, including the need to advance with an open heart and an open hand and the need to reach to the fallen and raise them to the limit of our strength.

To access Mr. Fitzpatrick's complete essay, please visit:

Crisis Magazine: A New Heart for a New Year, Always! (31 DEC 19)