Commentaries
St. Oscar Romero, the saints and the dead
The memory of St. Oscar Romero compels us to live ordinary lives open to being transformed by God's grace and to denounce the actions and circumstances that shorten people's lives.
In praise of good priests, the stand-up men
On a retreat, author Mike Carotta noticed that priests he's known for years are older but they still seek God, and still stand with the people in every season. Let us stand with them, in gratitude.
‘Here I am, Lord’
As she viewed creation from a plane, Melissa Enaje grasped how God made the world and each of us, calling us to follow him. Will we answer "present," or be absent by our silence?
Abuse scandal might not be biggest challenge we face
The church is in an epoch of change she does not understand, writes Greg Erlandson. Topping the list of at least seven enormous challenges: living as witnesses of Jesus' love in the world.
To watch a building burn, or jump into it and save lives?
That choice is what the church's teaching of an "option for the poor" meant to St. Oscar Romero, who converted from clericalism to an embrace of poor people. He is a model of conviction for everyone today.
The taint of allegations and the rush to publish them
While society rightly addresses the reality of sexual crimes and harassment, whether in politics or religion, John Garvey sounds a warning to be careful with publicizing things that might not be true.
Half a dress teaches full lesson on the risks of freedom
Effie Caldarola visited Ireland and found much has changed as the dresses have gotten skimpier. While the oppressions in Ireland may be gone, so too are its traditions of beauty and faith.
Blesseds Romero, Paul VI’s courage sets example for us
The church's latest saints remind us of our need for ongoing conversion and a willingness to journey with others to God, writes a guest commentator from the St. Louis archdiocese.
Self-denial can keep us grounded in selfish times
Denying ourselves leads us to inner health and freedom, writes Father Eugene Hemrick. As a result, we can respond to an increasingly agitated world with peace and purpose.
Romero’s growth in holiness, fearlessness, led to sainthood
Sister Peggy McDonald, I.H.M., teaches her students about the heroic Christian life and witness of Archbishop Oscar Romero, the martyr and model pastor who will be canonized Oct. 14.