Something Worth Remembering: Developing a Catholic Sense

A great article available from TFP and written by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira in the early 30's:

Catholic doctrine is one thing and Catholic sense another. There are several points where Catholic doctrine is applied with great advantage when it is aided by Catholic sense.

Catholic doctrine does not condemn priestly marriage. But Catholic sense, profoundly identified with the thought of the Church, understands that in the real world, the grandeur of the priesthood demands priestly celibacy.

Catholic doctrine is perfectly compatible with the early organization of the Church, in which some ecclesiastical posts were filled through election by the faithful among themselves. But Catholic sense, while understanding the advantage of this system in other times, today intransigently defends the present organization of the Church, the only one compatible with the circumstances of our times.
[...]

In short, knowledge of Catholic doctrine is for us as necessary as it is, for a navigator, to know the position of the stars as he watches the skies to orient his route. For its part, Catholic sense represents the practical knowledge of the pilot who, mindful of the treacherous reefs and sandbanks, turns his eyes not only to the skies but also to the sea, looking for the dangers he must avoid.

Without both things, that is, knowledge of the stars and the obstacles hidden in the sea, navigation is impossible.

Likewise, without a serious knowledge of Catholic doctrine and a keen Catholic sense, it is impossible to navigate safely through this stormy ocean in which we sail....

Some would have believe otherwise and, of course, they would be wrong.

Source: The American TFP