Commentaries
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.
To make it to Mass, how far would you go?
Many Catholics easily drive to the nearest parish of their choice. But in the future, writes Greg Erlandson, Catholics will have to drive much farther, or do without, because the number of priests won't match expectations.
My blessed friend and saintly model, Msgr. Joe Corley
Msgr. Ralph Chieffo remembers how his late friend and ordination classmate lived as a disciple of Jesus and a priest throughout his life. Even in his final agony his spirit of love, peace and joy remained.
Top 5 benefits of attending a Catholic college
Writer Chloe Bennet reviews the reasons that teenagers searching for the right college or university should consider the opportunities of Catholic institutions, large or small.