Commentaries
Devotion needs the daily work of conversion
Just as we need to polish brass to keep it shiny, so we also need to work off the corrosion on our hearts to stay devoted to God, writes Father Eugene Hemrick.
Religious freedom: A partisan issue?
Attacks on President Trump's order on religious liberty reveal the new "faith" of some secular liberals: to discriminate against other faiths. Freedom of religion should again have bipartisan support, writes Richard Doerflinger.
The empty chaos of today’s art might be telling us something
John Garvey doesn't want to accept poetry without rhyme, music without sound or painting without form but to rebel against that art. The Catholic vision of God bringing order to chaos could benefit the culture.
Money is tight for family; should they cut back donations to church?
Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain advise a couple with a strong tradition of tithing -- giving 10 percent to their church -- even as their family grows. Prayerful communication and compromise is key for the couple.
What’s for dinner in Lent? Fish, and faith
Maureen Pratt sees the many healthful benefits of eating certain kinds of fish. So important were fish to ancient people that it is no surprise fishing appears in the Gospel stories we reflect on during Lent.
We need the ethical wisdom of Ben Sira more than ever
The ancient writer of the Bible's Book of Sirach is especially relevant because of today's blatant falsehoods, pitiable rhetoric, and egotistical self-righteousness. He presents checks and balances needed to guide us through challenging times.
Is a print publication coming back to the archdiocese?
CatholicPhilly.com editor Matthew Gambino explains plans for the possible launch of a new, local Catholic news magazine. The archdiocese needs to know how many people will pay to read it -- see how you can respond.
In a divided church, are we party operatives or messengers of the Gospel?
A consistent attitude of openness to others demands that I love those who disagree with me -- including Catholics who think their favorite issue is more urgent than mine, writes Richard Doerflinger on apparent divisions among Catholics.
Onward, Christian stranger, into the Romanesque ruins of America
Seminarian Eric Banecker looks at Archbishop Charles Chaput's new book and finds inspiration from its passages on St. Augustine, who wrote during the time of the collapsing Roman Empire -- with parallels for today.
Ponder the idol of money, and its evils, during Lent
We live in a culture of greed where grasping for wealth and security can mask our emptiness, writes Effie Caldarola. The Gospel story of Lazarus and the rich man may make a challenging daily reflection during Lent.