A Catholic Quest for the Holy Grail with Author Charles A. Coulombe

Charles enthralls his audience with tales of chivalry and the Quest
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Over the Mountains
Of the Moon
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,
The shade replied,—
If you seek for Eldorado!
                    —Edgar Allan Poe, Eldorado

Around 130 people packed into J.C. Fogarty’s Town Tavern (60 Kraft Ave.) in Bronxville, New York Tuesday evening to meet and listen to esteemed author and podcaster Cav. Charles A. Coulombe talk about his intriguing book, A Catholic Quest for the Holy Grail (2017, TAN Books). Sponsored by the Westchester County Chesterton Society, or “WestChestertons,” as they are affectionately known, the scholarly presentation was an auspicious start to their monthly meetings for 2020.

Fr. Connolly warmly welcomes everyone to the talk

Introduced by society moderator and founder Fr. Seán Connolly, Cav. Coulombe spoke for over an hour about historical and modern knighthood and the quest for the Holy Grail. An expert on the topic, the author read the short Prelude from his book before delivering his talk without any notes. Naturally, the lecture was centered on the Matter of Britain and King Arthur, but being the feast day of Blessed Charlemagne, and Charles’ name day, the Matter of France (Carolingian cycle) and, to a much lesser extent, the Matter of Rome were touched upon as well. Animated and wry, Coulombe was as entertaining as he was enlightening.

The venue was packed to the rafters

True to form, by the end of his lecture the voluble firebrand had his audience fired-up and raring to go. Seeing as it was also the anniversary of the death of the young Vendéan Royalist General Henri du Vergier (1772-1794), who was treacherously assassinated during the French Revolution, Charles fittingly concluded by quoting the heroic Comte de la Rochejaquelein’s famous order, “Mes amis, si j'avance, suivez-moi! Si je recule, tuez-moi! Si je meurs, vengez-moi,” or “Friends, if I advance, follow me! If I retreat, kill me! If I die, avenge me!"

Charles takes questions from his audience

Afterward, a lively question and answer period ensued, along with a book signing and photo opportunity.

A wide selection of the author’s works were made available for purchase to help defray the cost of the event. I finally got my copy of Puritan’s Empire: A Catholic Perspective on American History (2008, Tumblar House), which Charles kindly signed.

Several titles by Charles were available for purchase 

Thank you Fr. Connolly, Dónall Ó Duibhín, and all the WestChestertons for your warmth and hospitality. My friends and I had a fantastic time and look forward to breaking bread with you again real soon. Special thanks to Charles Coulombe for the invitation and introducing us to the society. A leading exemplar of Catholic Monarchism, it was a pleasure meeting you again and watching you in action. Pour Dieu et le Roi! (For God and the King!)

~ Giovanni di Napoli, January 31, Feast of Blessed Maria Cristina di Savoia

Charles signs books for his fans

Catching up with old friends

Charles and Dónall with the Sanfedisti

Forza e onore!

The Holy Innocent Church contingent 

A nice G.K. Chesterton illustration was on display

For more information about Charles Coulombe visit:
https://www.tumblarhouse.com/collections/charles-a-coulombe

For more information about the WestChestertons visit:
https://www.chesterton.org/local-society/the-westchestertons/