Commentaries
Fire of Faith Has Been Lit in France; it Burns Here Too
The numbers of converts to the Catholic faith are rising in the U.S. and are way up in France, marked mostly by young adults who didn't grow up in a Catholic culture. They seek the Lord, and have been found, writes Matthew Gambino.
EcoPhilly Summit Draws 120 to Learn, Take Action on Care for Creation
Held March 29 at St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Rosemont, the fourth annual conference gathered experts, students and Catholics from 18 parishes to discuss environmental stewardship on the 10th anniversary of “Laudato Si.’”
Prayers, Work for Priestly Vocations Paying Off in Local Church
Writer Matthew Gambino amplifies the thoughts of Bishop Keith Chylinski on the high number of seminarians studying for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia – the highest in the U.S. and proportionally higher than any large U.S. diocese.
Citizens Must Urge Restart of Life-Saving U.S. Foreign Aid
Writer Marge Vance charts the impact of the recent pause in federal payments to food programs and humanitarian assistance, citing the risk to millions of people worldwide.
Get Ready for the Goal of Heaven
In the midst of his own health issues, Pope Francis encourages us to reflect on the reality of death, "strengthening our assurance that the best is yet to come, because heaven is the goal," writes Sister Constance Veit.
Proposed Federal Cuts Would Slash School Meals for Thousands of Local Students
The director of archdiocesan food programs writes that a proposed $12 billion reduction in budget funding would deprive 8,000 local children of meals they need to succeed in school.
Reason for Hope: Catholics Entering Local Church at Highest Level in Decade
Writer Matthew Gambino has seen “lightbulb moments” when people preparing to enter the Church learn something profound about their faith. Expect more moments in the future, as the number of converts is rising.
At the Birth of CRS Rice Bowl, a Vision for Satisfying the Hungry Heart
Anne Ayella reflects on her role at the very start of the sacrificial giving program through all its 50 years. Its participants – both givers and recipients – have grown by helping our sisters and brothers.
In This Jubilee Year, Let’s Sing a Hymn to Human Dignity
Sister Constance Veit points out that the holy year the church is celebrating calls everyone to sing in a choir of hope, which we experience by visiting the sick and the elderly.
The Measure of a Man: Bill Silk’s Love Is Amplified Now That He’s Gone
The death of a friend reminds Patrick Walsh of the good man he befriended, and the legacy of love and laughter he left upon the Church and the world.