Commentaries

A clear history of Thanksgiving, without the myths

From its origin in abolitionist New England to its nationwide spread and adoption after the Civil War, Thanksgiving Day remains the holiday Americans love to celebrate -- with little commercialism.

Put two good ideas from Republicans’ tax bill to good use

Fairness demands that in the tax reform debate, some of any new revenue from slashing corporate rates and capping the deduction for home mortgages go to rental assistance and other programs for those who are not wealthy.

Mass murder and our culture of death

The latest mass shooting reminds us that choosing life means taking action against the proliferation of deadly weapons, writes Greg Erlandson.

A poet preaches through the beauty of well-chosen words

The work of American Christian poet Richard Wilbur reminds us of the innate goodness of God's creation, writes John Garvey.

Post-Columbine youths being raised on America’s battlefields

Christopher White, who has grown up with shootings at schools, churches and theaters, calls for harnessing the moral energy of young people who are building a culture of life and who refuse to accept rising gun violence as normal.

In U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s a long way back to ‘normal’

Renee Hudson Small, an official with archdiocesan Catholic Social Services, is leading in the recovery efforts in the Caribbean islands after two huge hurricanes in September. She reflects on how residents feel about the future there.

In one hand shake, lifelong gratitude for being Catholic

What's it like to hold the pope's hand? Hosffman Ospino now knows that it is a sign of communion that gives life. Those who have done so know they are part of something bigger and noble. They are Catholic.

Go simple, and cut through the packaging of life

Over-packaging with plastic and cardboard obscures the items we buy (and receive), writes Maureen Pratt. We can give our human gifts like compassion, kind words and attentive worship unwrapped, with a bit of ourselves.

Feds’ masterpiece order finally recognizes churches’ rights

The U.S. attorney general's clear guidance not only grants the Catholic Church its long-awaited exemption to the HHS mandate, it also reaffirms the basic freedoms for all religious organizations, writes Richard Doerflinger.

In criticisms of two popes, a whiff of hypocrisy

Greg Erlandson remembers the excitement and the critiques leveled at Pope John Paul II, and sees similar "rhymes of history" with Pope Francis. More humility and less protest seems to be in order.