Simple faith: the antidote to modernism

 @FrLavery:

Below is a quote from Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP, the great anti-modernist theologian, writing on the danger of an excessive preoccupation with theological complexities leading, ironically, to the loss of that simplicity of mind which is needed to see clearly, and the inability to correctly perceive theological truths.

The remedy, he says, is devotion to Mary, especially consecration to her as recommended by St Louis de Montfort. By this means, piety prevents learning from becoming an obstacle to the truth rather than a benefit, and one is able to see the truth clearly and with simplicity rather than it being obscured in the entanglements of the mind.

From his book, The Priest in Union with Christ, from the chapter on union with Mary:

"Problems of philosophy, of

theology, of history, of canon law—these are their constant pre-occupation. Sometimes they become so entangled in the complex network of these problems that they lose that higher simplicity of mind which is essential for preserving a wise and correct critical faculty—all the more necessary as the problems

become more complex. In other words, their intellectual pursuits are no longer sufficiently inspired by the spirit of faith and of love for God and for souls...

"They find themselves entangled in a maze of questions, possessing no unity of mind. Why? Because they lack that supernatural spirit which is essential if they are to order their study correctly towards God and the saving of souls.

In a word, their outlook is almost exclusively directed towards externals, it is too superficial, too complicated. Their mind lacks unity, depth, and elevation—or, as the moderns would say, the third dimension is missing. Extent and breadth of knowledge they possess, but no depth. Hence they are mentally immature and without that keen perception of intellect which is required if a priest is to have the critical faculty expected of him...

"In order to become a good priest, the seminarist or novice needs the help of a spiritual mother, holy, vigilant, brave, benevolent, loving, who will keep him on his course like the star of the sea; who, as the invisible mistress of his soul, secretly but none the less really and securely directs his intellect, will, and sense-faculties.

"I myself had personal experience of this need as a young student. At that time I was so engrossed in the many and varied questions of critica and metaphysics that I was in danger of losing my simplicity and elevation of mind and balanced judgment. It was then I realized that I needed a spiritual

mother with unlimited kindness and wisdom. This is easily understood when we remember how any child receives its early training."