Commentaries
The ambiguity of the empty cross at Easter
There is no "switching" from Lent to Easter in the sense of leaving something behind and then embracing something completely new, writes Hosffman Ospino. The cross is one mystery on a spiritual continuum.
Building ‘a culture of encuentro’
More than 7 million Hispanic and Latino Catholics representing 5,000 parishes in the United States are expected to participate in an "encounter" process -- which would be a major home run for the church, argues a guest editorial.
Trump erred in hitting Syria without Congressional green light
John Garvey does not disagree with the decision to bomb a Syrian air base in response to a chemical weapons attack. He disputes the decision's process, and cites three reasons why Congress should have been asked to authorize the strike.
In view of a long life, the good old days look even better
Moises Sandoval looks back on more than 80 years, from growing up poor on a New Mexico farm to the present. Despite all his family's hardships, they were more secure than many families are in today's crowded cities.
Discerning the call to a religious life
The call to offering oneself to God in the priesthood or consecrated life is different for everyone and their different backgrounds, personalities and life experiences, writes Maria-Pia Negro Chin, but they all share three traits.
Farewell to press: Student newspaper folds, priest fumes
Jesuit Father William Byron is sad to discover the University of Scranton's newspaper is going digital only. This collegiate generation's writing skills are lacking, and the students' decision is no cause for excitement, he writes.
Parents wring hands as engaged son moves in with fiancée
Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain offer some points for a married couple to discuss, in a calm manner, about cohabitation and the covenant of marriage.
A road trip to the resurrection
Bethany Welch, who leads the Aquinas Center in South Philadelphia, tells the story of a mother and son from Africa -- who settled happily here then fled to Canada in fear -- in the light of sadness changed into new life at Easter.
A volunteer’s experience can inspire a new generation
If you are young, want to volunteer and share the core values of spirituality, simple living, community and justice, Jesuit Volunteer Corps might be for you, writes alumna Effie Caldarola. But JVC's funding is threatened.
An open letter to President Trump: It’s time to govern
A Catholic editorial urges President Trump: Forget about the drama, which your opponents love, and focus on the tasks at hand. So many thought you could never get elected. You proved that you could. Now, prove you can govern.