Commentaries
Year of Consecrated Life: Time to thank God for ‘powerhouses of prayer’
A visit to Camilla Hall of the I.H.M. Sisters reminds Ann Menna, especially during this year dedicated to religious women and men, that they continue to pray for everyone even if their active mission is over.
When a special child exceeds mom’s dreams
Writer Cheryl Kehoe Rodgers is proud of her parenting skills, but she will never forget how her son broke through the limitations of Down syndrome -- and what she thought was possible -- to serve at the altar for Mass.
The message of reform behind the pope’s Christmas message
Father Eugene Hemrick believes that in the seemingly harsh tone of Pope Francis message is a calling for a postmodern renaissance. He wants to lift our spirituality to new heights.
Modern miracles among us
For most of us, giving is a season, and what we contribute comes from our abundance. However, there are special persons like Margaret Domashinski who give of the very substance of their lives.
Drop in abortions is Pa. prompts a dignified response
Amy Hill writes that the 32,108 abortions in 2013 is the lowest number on record in the state. That’s good news, but we have a long way to go toward fully valuing human dignity.
The Francis effect in Cuba: What popes are supposed to do
Father Gus Puleo sees the actions of Pope Francis in the U.S.-Cuba diplomatic breakthrough as those of a bridge builder, the literal meaning of the word pontiff.
A pet’s death forces us to face our mortality
Effie Caldarola's pet golden retriever, Sunny, died after a long life. That made the writer ponder the mystery of human death, and the hope that dead loved ones fall into "the arms of a merciful God."
Heading out for an encounter with God
When Christ is "let out" to heal the world, young people might return from the outskirts to the church. Father William Byron assumes they will find a welcome in our parishes.
The cry of the comfortable
As Effie Caldarola drank the coffee she bought and ate a warm cinnamon bagel she was provided, she couldn't shake the memory of the homeless beggar she'd seen moments earlier -- and how she turned her head away
Volunteering as a two-way street of help
Karen Osborne knows teenagers are enthusiastic, creative, have a lot of energy and free time. She advises them to use these resources for their communities, for the good of all.