Commentaries
Blessed John Newman modeled courage, faith for today
Anyone who has met rejection for defending the truths of the Catholic faith can find comfort in the soon-to-be canonized English bishop, a convert to the faith. He knew everyone has a unique calling by God.
What country music can teach the church
The "three chords and the truth" artistry of a genre that developed in America's poor, rural areas speaks to the hearts of diverse people, writes Effie Caldarola. For that reason, liturgical music should take note.
Archbishop Chaput, model bishop for the New Evangelization
George Weigel finds in the archbishop of Philadelphia a man of courage whom the fathers of the Second Vatican Council envisioned as the ideal diocesan bishop in the third millennium of Christian history.
When cancer strikes, all are called to ministry of healing
Wendell Scanterbury, who directs pastoral care for Cancer Centers of America in Philadelphia, urges Catholic parishes to launch a ministry of care and compassion to cancer sufferers and their caregivers.
The ministry of making room — for baby, for stranger
As Laura Kelly Fanucci's body stretches to make space for someone new, so she sees parallels in our church -- scoot over to welcome someone into your pew -- and our nation, to widen the love God asks us to share.
Most Americans want conscience protection, some politicians don’t
Richard Doerflinger finds it disturbing that some Democratic Party leaders have turned against religious freedom protections, such as not forcing doctors to perform objectionable procedures, which the party supported in 1993.
Don’t live in a monastery? That’s OK, this grace is for you
As monasteries of the Visitation of Holy Mary around the world, including in Philadelphia, continue their tradition of contemplative prayer, everyone can join them this year and realize God's grace, writes Father Thomas Dailey.
Fight against ‘throwaway culture’ start of major social shift
Greg Erlandson recounts a suggestion that we follow the lead of today's politically uninterested young people and disengage from politics, help the suffering, pray -- and let God doing something new.
Smartphone stress points to ‘change of mind’ underway
Young adults worry a great deal about the negative effects of digital media, writes Brett Robinson. The brains of people at any age are being rewired today, but this change has a spiritual component and remedy.
Pope’s letter uplifts all priests celebrating Christ among his people
Father Joseph Quindlen finds comfort and inspiration in Pope Francis' recent letter to priests. Our age “marked by old and new wounds" requires priests to be "builders of relationships and communion,” the pope said.