At Zenit, Elizabeth Lev recounts the impact of Dante – whom the Pope cited as an inspiration for his encyclical- on her own life. There is a heartbreaking sadness at the center of it, but finally, hope.

In her column, she also notes this book:

A few weeks ago I was given a little book called "Why Do Catholics Eat Fish on Fridays? The Catholic Origin to Just About Everything," by Michael P. Foley. I started reading it on the bus or in line at the post office, delighted to discover how many things we do or say today have their roots in Catholic tradition.

I spoke to the author, a professor at Baylor University in Texas, about what inspired him to write this fun, fact-filled book.

"I kept running into fascinating facts about the Catholic origin to everyday things, such as the pretzel, cappuccino and Groundhog Day, and after a while it occurred to me that this would make a great book," Foley told me.

But striking a more serious tone, he added, "When the coverage of the clerical abuse scandals reached its pitch, it seemed that American Catholics could do nothing but hang their heads in shame.

"Clearly these abuses were abominable, yet they did not accurately reflect the Catholic contribution to the world, which is a far better place thanks to the Church’s teachings and traditions. So I guess you could say that the book was also intended as a morale booster."

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