Commentaries

When it come to vocations, God is full of surprises

We can give sons and daughters experiences that help them hear God's call to whatever life and work they'll do, writes Bill Dodds. It's custom-made for them by God.

Sisters killed in Yemen show same loving spirit in archdiocese

The Missionaries of Charity serve at St. Patrick Parish in Norristown and in Yemen where four were martyred last week, writes Father Gus Puleo. They love God and care for all his children despite the risks.

Keep calm and do good

Moises Sandoval tells the story of how one New York church near closure and its soup kitchen has taken a chance to do good. But it's also about not being discouraged by adversity.

Learning to listen during the Year of Mercy

Stop multitasking and focus on listening and not talking, especially at home, writes Effie Caldarola. It's tough and it takes discipline to turn away from screens and give undivided attention to people.

Fondness for a first lady

Nancy Reagan's death spurs memories for Father John Catoir, who notes how she carried her cross for years to care for her husband when he was lost in the fog of Alzheimer's disease before his death.

Give up the fear of a Down syndrome diagnosis

A couple grapples with further testing that could reveal their unborn baby has Down’s. The couple can learn more now, and trust in the gift of life, write Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain.

It’s no joke: A good laugh is good medicine

From substance-abusing youths to expectant mothers to clients in psychological therapy, laughter is helping to heal people, writes Maureen Pratt.

Making the right choices with the one God

Deacon Bill Masapollo thinks about decision making, including some Catholics' decision not to believe in the Real Presence. But we have help in using exercising free will, he believes.

Black Catholics point the way for church in transition

Some local Catholics see a dispirited church in decline, but editor Matthew Gambino sees in the faithful witness of black Catholics a model for vibrancy, fidelity to the Holy Spirit and a path to renewal.

The martyr from Oklahoma

Father Stanley Rother left the Midwest to minister in rural Guatemala. The violence of the 1980s that claimed his life still resonates today, but so does his heroic witness, writes Effie Caldarola.