Commentaries
Sharpen your pencils for the school of love
As parents get their kids ready to head back to school, Laura Kelly Fanucci writes of three ways in which the family -- that messy, imperfect place where we learn to love -- can grow stronger.
The blessing of reality checks
Christ’s corrections, especially those that warn against pride and foolishness, are not meant to frighten us, writes Father Eugene Hemrick. Rather, they are meant to make them wise and prudent and are inspired by his love for them.
The Great Depression: When America was greater than it is now
Moises Sandoval's provocative observation contrasts his 1930s' childhood and early working career with today, when millions with crushing debt work in a gig economy without health insurance, vacations or pensions.
On the new ‘nationalism’
Thanks to President Trump’s “America First” rhetoric and the rise of populist parties in Europe, there’s talk of “nationalism” these days. George Weigel points to Pope John Paul II's thoughts on patriotism as a "properly ordered social love.”
Father Augustus Tolton: The sign we need for today
Reforms, new policies and better laws are important for moving us beyond our ecclesial and national failures, but what we really need are saints like the holy black priest from Chicago, writes Elise Ureneck.
She admires Catholic teaching, but what’s with this institution?
A non-Catholic friend of Effie Caldarola takes an outside-in look at the church, and both friends find the institutional church wanting. Catholics may be leaving, but Effie is sticking around because faith is worth fighting for.
In immigration struggle, power of hope will prevail
Edith Avila Olea's work with immigrants to the U.S. and the witness of their allies gives her three reasons to have hope for tomorrow in which justice will, in the end, be brought forth.
Astronauts wore faith in God on their spacesuits
While there may not be many "atheists sitting atop the launchpad," there is a history of awed travelers in space unafraid to express their faith, observes an editorial.
Why Catholics can save the environment
Through an “environmental examen,” we can personally and collectively hold ourselves accountable for working to heal the scars we have inflicted upon creation, and in sharing it with fairness and wisdom, writes Gina Christian.
Creative service in today’s church
It is harder than ever for musicians, visual artists, dancers or writers to make a living through their art, but as Maureen Pratt explains, the church has and still can benefit greatly from thoughtful, faithful creative artists.