Tradition Strengthens the Family and the Family Strengthens Tradition -- Part II

    I ran across something else in the book, "The Finest Houses of Paris" that I thought I would share with readers of this blog.

    Yesterday, I wrote about how some of the beautiful homes in Paris have been handed down from generation to generation, and, how this strengthens the sense of tradition in the family and also, that such a tradition strengthens the family by providing continuity and stability.

    Today, I refer to a beautiful act took place in one of these opulent homes.  Early in the twentieth century one of the occupants of this particular residence was a baron.  Upon his marriage his mother wrote down for him detailed advice on courtesy.  She wrote about such subjects as, how to politely accept or decline an invitation, how to write a letter of condolence and how to seat guests properly and hierarchically at a dinner table and many other such related subjects.

    For those who value virtue and courtesy, the above are difficulties that all of us have run into.  Today with the almost total absence of etiquette, many do not even think twice about such acts of Catholic refinement.  The above instructions are based upon the virtue of charity, which seeks always to do good to God by doing good to one's neighbor.  All of us I am sure have run into difficulty finding the right words to accept an invitation, perhaps even to an occasion where we might prefer not to attend, but are socially obligated to. 

   

   All of us also have sought the right words for declining an invitation, showing consideration for the host, so as not to hurt their feelings.  Seating guests can also be a tricky challenge. 

    For those of us who value the virtue of charity these are considerations that have no little importance to us.  So, it was incredibly wise for the baroness to give these instructions to her son, to assist him with her accumulated wisdom.

    The baroness' sage advice strengthened tradition in that family.  The baroness did not make up such instructions, they were I am sure, handed down to her.  The development of such courtesies are the fruits of centuries of Christian Civilization.  Engaging in such suave acts of politeness, provides a solid connection with the goodness of previous generations.  Such time tested practices help man on his path towards perfection. 

    Such courtesies also strengthen the family, by making the virtue of charity a habit in one's social life.  The more virtuous the family becomes, the stronger is that family.  Imagine a parent explaining to their children how and why a condolence letter is so important. Imagine a child demonstrating rudeness to their neighbor instead of graciousness, being wisely corrected by their father or mother.

    I hope that this helps the readers of this blog to see the connection both ways between tradition and family.

    Tomorrow, the final part:  Property, the Strength of Tradition and Family.