Commentaries

How to be sure your donation is used as you intend

You want to give to charity, but you have concerns. Sarah Hanley of the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia tells how making a contribution can be a spiritual experience, not one of worry.

Like bread, we’re in a time of silent rising

The coronavirus put much of Katie Prejean McGrady's life out of her control, so she decided to make bread. She sees how God is asking us to pay attention to his leavening as we learn what we knead to know.

The anointing of this uncertain Good Friday

For Pope Francis, thinking of others during the lockdown of the coronavirus is a thought that anoints. That image calls to mind the flowing holy oil of healing, starting at the cross, writes Father Thomas Dailey.

Home ritual of washing kids’ feet teaches of receiving God’s love

In leading a Holy Thursday ritual at home, Patrick Walsh gained insight into the washing of feet as more than servant leadership but a profound way to accept the Lord and serve him by sharing his divine love.

Some Catholics’ call for public Easter Masses is too risky

A group of Catholics wrote an open letter, titled "We are an Easter people," urging church leaders to defy rules on public gatherings during the pandemic. The letter is dangerous, divisive, selfish and irresponsible, argues an editorial.

God’s got us, and the world, in his hands

Stuck in the house, Laura Kelly Fanucci's son played an old, familiar song on the piano. It reminds her of a deep theology expressed well by a saint during the Black Death, one that speaks of love and trust in God.

I’ll see you in the Eucharist: Why there is no ‘private’ Mass

Father Eric Banecker explains that even in a locked down Holy Week, every Mass -- be it with a congregation very large, very small or none at all -- unites Catholics because all are mysteriously present.

A crisis of coping: Staying emotionally, spiritually healthy at home

In these unprecedented times everyone is trying to handle the stresses of life under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Father Keith Chylinksi offers a psychological and spiritual framework plus eight practical tips.

Hope of hospice can set loved one on path to eternal life

Hospice care expert Aimee Gustitis describes the options and the team approach for health care in one's home and how the dying process can be a beautiful experience.

In video, pope greets families at ‘difficult,’ ‘unusual’ time

Pope Francis presented a video for everyone Friday evening, April 3 in which he remembers anyone suffering from the coronavirus and its effects, and his "hope for a better world," one nourished by faith in the risen Jesus.