Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Ron HansenSeptember 26, 2005

September’s end 1877,
the year called his annus mirabilis,
because his gift for poetry was dis-
covered afresh, given inscape and leaven
by his imitation of Christ in the heaven
of third-year theology. Bridges dis-
missed his friend’s faith as medieval, but this
calling was his solace and source, the seven

sacraments his soul’s instress, a selfyeast
that could praise the grandeur of God contained
in the splendid thisness of things. Of least
importance to Hopkins then was fame gained
from writing: he sought only to be a good priest.
And in that gift of gift was he ordained.
 

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.

The latest from america

Catholics across Texas and the world, including Pope Leo XIV, are offering their prayers and support after deadly flooding struck Texas on July 4.
Each year at this time, near the Fourth of July, we contemplate freedom. But maybe we are also being called to do an extended examination of our own fears.
George Drance, S.J.July 07, 2025
Is it possible to embrace the idea of a special, evenly divinely ordained mission for America without violating Christian ethical principles?
Thomas J. MassaroJuly 07, 2025
Pope Leo XIV arrived in the papal summer retreat of Castel Gandolfo on Sunday to start a six-week vacation, giving the hilltop town back its most illustrious resident after Pope Francis stayed away during his 12-year pontificate.