Commentaries
As it was then, is now: ‘The cry of humanity’ is for peace
Sixty-five years ago, at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, an 11-year-old boy was told he might not live to see 21. Today he reflects on the prayers of people and the words of a pope that averted annihilation, and could do so again in our time.
We must rally around the forgotten Americans of Puerto Rico
The hurricane that hit the island is gone but miseries remain: There are no crops left, and there won't be any for another year. Residents should be treated as the U.S. citizens that they are, an editorial argues.
Civility and church life
Archbishop Chaput comments in the current issue of First Things magazine on the withdrawal of an invitation to Jesuit Father James Martin to speak at a Washington, D.C. seminary, and the nature of discourse in America today.
Christians must stand for dialogue when cyberbullies attack
Online furor led Catholic University's seminary to cancel a talk by Jesuit Father James Martin, author of a book on outreach to the LGBT community. The priest's call for conversation should not be silenced by trolls, writes Effie Caldarola.
New study of Catholic parishes offers good news, bad news
The latest research on U.S. Catholics both encourages and challenges, writes Greg Erlandson. Mass attendance is down, lay involvement is up -- while vocations, finances and youth outreach remain ongoing concerns.
Technology can’t (and shouldn’t) take all the bumps out of life’s journey
The tenth anniversary of the iPhone invites us to reflect on the impact of technology, writes Brett Robinson. Convenience and comfort can block the way to the divine, as an ancient pilgrimage route reminds travelers.
Complexities of immigration meet the eternal wisdom of God
The Bible shows that immigration is God's means for emancipation, writes Father Eugene Hemrick, and today's newcomers enhance the life of the church and nation. But without considering God's law, immigration laws have no possibility of succeeding.
Young adult ministry accompanied me during addiction recovery
The compassion of fellow parishioners helped Scott Weeman find new life after a lonely struggle with drugs and alcohol. Their shared vulnerability formed new spiritual bonds.
Seeds of faith continue to flourish in Latino youth
A bilingual Catholic youth movement from New York brings the love of Christ to thousands, writes Maria-Pia Negro Chin.
Life was difficult 50 years ago, but it’s now harder than ever for young people
Previous generations labored to make ends meet, writes Moises Sandoval. Today, a lack of full-time jobs with benefits has intensified the struggle to survive.