Property, the Strength of Tradition and Family

    Most everyone understands to some degree the important role of the family as well as tradition.  The book, "The Finest Houses of Paris", I hope, makes these notions even more clear.

    Tradition and family are the first two parts of a Catholic trilogy.  In this third and final part of the series, I would like to address the third part of this trilogy, property. 

 

Les Buissonnets, the home of the Martin Family (Saint Therese's)

I often hear individuals state that they understand the importance of family and even tradition, but what they do not understand is what property has to do with it all. 

    Private property has everything to do with the other two.  Private property is what sustains both the family and tradition.  How could the marvelous tradition of handing down property to one's heirs as in some of the great houses of Paris, have taken place without private property?  The beautiful homes in Paris were given as examples, but the same can apply to any home or property.  Those who live in ordinary homes, value them as well, not only for shelter or for their monetary value, but also for the sweet memories and traditions that took place in the home. 

    The family is strengthened by property as well. Owning one's own home provides a psychological stability for the entire family. One is not afraid to make roots in such a property since it is not transient.  Private property is improved for the benefit of the entire family.  Who dedicates a lot of time improving a rental?  It is easy to observe the lengths that families go to improving their homes, sometimes putting more into improving the ambience in the home than the combined worth of the property and improvements. 

    The family makes such improvements to create and preserve traditions.  The home takes upon the personality of the family.  Entering such a home gives one a glimpse into the ways of being of that family.  The family has more opportunities to flourish in an improved ambience that both reflects who they are as well as elevates every member.

    Families that have grown up in totalitarian regimes lack stability, lack roots.  Their residence depends upon the whim of the state and not on tradition and the fruit of their labor.  As a result such a family lives in a constant state of apprehension.  This sadly even includes the children for whom stability is very important for proper development.

    To conclude, tradition, family, and property are Catholic ideals whose importance today are greater than ever.