Commentaries
Choose what really matters
Reflecting on Pope Francis' moving and unprecedented prayer service from the Vatican last Friday, Effie Caldarola prays that all will be shaken awake by the pandemic crisis.
Maintain routine, stay connected and rely on prayer, counselor advises
With widespread effects from the pandemic that are unprecedented in our lifetime, such as Masses being suspended and sporting events cancelled, people need help to cope with the chaos.
The happiness of an Easter in pandemic, besides the bunnies
Writer Pete Sheehan notices how incongruous are festive Easter decorations in normal times, but even more in these days that confirm the inevitability of death. But it does not have the last word. Jesus does.
In a crisis, look to the poor for guidance
One can take "normal" life for granted, but when it's taken away, those who have little can show how to value what is most essential, and to find an encounter with God, writes Hosffman Ospino.
Virus restrictions help build culture of life by respecting others
To give up in-person gatherings with our friends to protect their lives and health is a great sacrifice and an opportunity to live more fully our Christian calling, writes Richard Doerflinger.
Missing the sacraments? God has something greater planned
While Catholics long for the Eucharist, the church longs for the time when the sacraments will cease and her journey ends with the vision of God. This is the mystery we own, writes Father Eric Banecker.
Antidote of hope arises to banish epidemic of fear
The coronavirus and its disruptions are just the latest sign of a crisis of fear in the U.S., writes CatholicPhilly.com editor Matthew Gambino, but he points to signs of hope that God remains with his children.
An opportunity not to be missed
The coronavirus presents a time of risk and hardship, but also responses of self-sacrifice and appreciation of faith. We're challenged now to live as we have preached, writes Greg Erlandson.
As devotion goes digital, church of the present emerges
With public devotion in groups restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic, the digital paths by which people are gathering for prayer to God have proliferated, writes Father Thomas Dailey.
Past epidemics show today’s action on COVID-19 can work
A century ago Philadelphia experienced Spanish flu and a century before that, yellow fever. Lou Baldwin puts the current coronavirus pandemic in context and shows history's verdict on effective responses.