Spirituality

Devil destroys overtly or slyly by pretending to be a friend, pope says

The devil is more dangerous when he is polite and friendly, persuading people to be "lukewarm" and worldly, than when he shows his true face and blatantly pushes people to sin, Pope Francis said.

Could Judas be forgiven his suicide?

Father Ken Doyle answers a reader's question about what became of Judas -- was he forgiven for betraying Christ? It's conceivable, but the priest does not like Judas' chances.

Letter to a clerical abuse survivor

Sexual abuse survivor Gina Christian urges victims to place Christ, rather than others, at the center of their healing process. The Lord alone can bring one back from the dead.

That ‘old-time religion’ marches on, because it works

This month and next, Catholics are praying in the tried-and-true ways of the rosary, Forty Hours devotion and the Prayer to St. Michael. Father Thomas Dailey hopes we pray these spiritual exercises for the good of all.

What happened to ember days?

A writer calls for the return of four sets of days in the year that the church had set aside for the faithful to do penance, fast and pray for priests. The days have been optional in the church since 1969.

Marriage, a gift from God, blesses us all

When lived authentically, married love becomes a great witness to the love that God has for his people, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

Readings of the Holy Mass – Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Read or listen to the readings before Mass with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.

An agenda for surrender

As her own plans crumbled on a Irish adventure this summer, Gina Christian learned God's will at the tomb of Venerable Matt Talbot, on which she laid a notebook of prayer requests for those struggling with addiction.

Rosary’s lifeline to Jesus and Mary more relevant than ever

At a time of pressures on busy families immersed in the digital age, this package of resources can help anyone deepen their relationship with the Lord. If it's been a while since you've prayed the rosary, watch our refresher video.

Five reasons the rosary is the perfect prayer for families

The rosary is simple and tactile, it brings peace and, through story, mirrors the rhythms of daily family life, writes Gretchen Crowe. No better prayer is suited to family life than the rosary.