Commentaries
We want to stop ISIS, but how?
Columnist Steve Kent calls for a clearly defined plan for civilized action against the Islamic State's brutal terrorists, one that shuns a primal thrust for revenge. He offers the lesson of the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945.
St. Peter Claver: Pioneering fighter for human rights
Father Gus Puleo writes of the heroic “apostle to the slaves” who by identifying himself with the black slaves of his time showed their human dignity to the world.
Hispanics and the future of the Catholic Church
As the nation observes Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15, the church has much to celebrate. Alone among major Christian denominations in the U.S., the Catholic Church continues to grow and most of that increase is Hispanic or Latino. Yet, they have not always been welcomed.
Dad avoids caring for his special son
In their Marriage Matters column, Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain probe the feelings of a husband struggling to deal with his special-needs child – and the emotional toll on the couple’s marriage.
How it feels to be left out, without an ice bucket
When nobody nominated her for the ice bucket challenge, Karen Osborne felt again like she was picked last for kickball -- pretty lousy. She has advice for dealing creatively with the feeling.
A new GI Bill could save colleges and serve youth
Jesuit Father William Byron believes that if today's drifting and unfocused youth had a GI Bill-type incentive to serve the nation, they could get themselves into gear without getting into crippling debt from college costs.
Ebola brings out the best and worst of people
Steve Kent sees the heroism in doctors moved with empathy for victims of the deadly virus. He also sees the ugliness of prejudice and lack of compassion in some observers.
Pope as a warmonger? Not so fast
There is little evidence that Pope Francis is rethinking the "just war" doctrine, writes columnist Steve Kent. The pope was not talking recently about a traditional war between nations but about a criminal force of fanatical militants using crimes against humanity.
Stem cell issue throws cold water on Ice Bucket Challenge
After you get a bucket of ice water dumped over your head to raise awareness for Lou Gehrig's disease, direct your donation away from embryonic stem cell research, writes CatholicPhilly.com editor Matthew Gambino.
Mayor de Blasio’s indecent proposal
The New York City mayor found a way to offend Catholics and Jews by dictating how they should run religious preschools -- without religion. If the rules seem weird to John Garvey, what about 4 year olds?