Commentaries

For Those ‘Anxious About Many Things,’ Only Jesus Truly Satisfies

A trip to the Midwest by Father Eric Banecker contrasts a simple, happy lifestyle with today’s stressed, worried outlook. The parallel to Martha and Mary is a lesson for our age, he writes.

Forge Connections, Keep Loneliness at Bay, One Bite at a Time

Sharing a meal or even a cup of coffee is a powerful way to combat the scourge of loneliness, allowing everyone to “make a pilgrimage to Christ” present in our brothers and sisters, writes Sister Constance Veit.

Make November a Time for Total Recall: Of Death, Eternal Life

This month of All Saints and All Souls reminds us of our death. For writer Matthew Gambino, it's not a morbid thought but a link to those who have gone before us, and of gratitude.

Learning to Listen Through Synodality

Sister Constance Veit's recent exercise in synodality in her order, the Little Sisters of the Poor, showed that when we are willing to let go of our own priorities, together we can discern God's will for the world.

Let’s Talk About Mental Health in our Parishes

Whether we realize it or not, people with mental illness are already in our pews, writes the director of the Archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities. Natalie Rivera calls for awareness, discussion and prayer, and points toward a new national Catholic campaign this month.

The Philadelphia Catholic Youth Conference: A Transformative Encounter for Youth

The day-long event Nov. 23 will provide a way for faith to flourish amid the challenges youths face. Marisally Santiago, director of the Office of Ministry for Youth, tells how young people have found in PCYC a lifeline for direction, connection, and hope.

Leaving ‘Mother Overbrook’ for the Last Time, With Gratitude

Bishop Keith Chylinski, rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, drove away from the permanently vacated Overbrook campus on September 30. He thanks God for the thousands who built, supported and served within those hallowed walls for over 150 years.

Respect Life Month: Abortion is About All of Us

Respect Life Month asks that we stop and see life in order to better love it, live it, and protect it, writes Daniel Drain, director of the archdiocesan Office for Life and Family.

Recovery is the Journey, God is the Guide

Director of Catholic Social Services Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Division Amy Stoner explains that through the grace of God, one can make progress in their recovery.

A Back-to-School Reminder for Protecting Our Most Precious Gift

The director of the archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection offers three ways everyone can share in the sacred duty to safeguard young people as they begin a new school year.