Week 3 Questions

Please share your thoughts at the bottom of the page in the Discussion Forum.

Question 1

The poses of Dona Lucilia and her siblings in the portrait, are, no doubt, typical of a style of photography at that time, including the absence of smiles. Her brother to the left seems to lean right in to his role. The brother on the right is also accepting of his more stately pose. Only Dona Lucilia “while resigned,” seems truly uncomfortable, even averting her gaze from the camera.  Something is not right. 

Would the pose assigned to her be offensive to her already refined sensibilities?

Think now of those end of life photographs arranged and taken by Msgr. João.  Had the long, often difficult years appeared to have embittered her?

Was she at ease with her photographer?

Question 2

The quiet, placid pace of her daily life, allowed Dona Lucilia to observe and assess her “elders.” This was the basis of her lifelong “sense of admiration.” The “fresh and generous vision of reality… which innocence imparts to Christian childhood.”

What things can parents do now to provide even a small portion of tranquility to somehow protect the innocence of their children and even themselves, in our present situation?

Or how can we, as adults recapture a hint of admiration for what is good and beautiful?

Question 3

Dona Lucilia’s parents took full advantage of occasions like the visit of the Emperor to give their children a glimpse of another world, to contrast their mundane surroundings with something more elevated, deeper and meaningful.

How can we provide for ourselves and our children that same need – a view of the marvelous?

Question 3

When practically the only examples of “excellence” we, and our children have are those of sports and entertainment celebrities, so often soon to be disclosed as frauds and criminals, we see how different were the inspirations of Dona Lucilia’s childhood. Even within her circle of family and friends, she had outstanding examples of charity and chivalry.

How can we develop in our own lives and for our children, values different from present society?

Though not usually to be found in our families, where can we look to find inspirational examples of virtue, Christian bravery and perseverance?