Spirituality
A time for the rosary, and a time for silence
Father Ken Doyle answers a reader's question about the appropriate times for public devotional prayers such as the rosary in church -- including before or after Mass and during a Holy Hour.
All wars begin in a jealous heart; let go of pride, envy, pope says
All wars begin in the human heart -- a heart that is jealous and bitter and tears apart communities through misunderstandings and marginalization, Pope Francis said.
Bring disabled veterans to your prayers
Veteran warriors living with the physical wounds and nightmarish memories of battle have descended into a hell that few civilians have. We owe our veterans a remembrance in our prayers, writes Father Eugene Hemrick.
Praise the Lord by remembering everything he has done for us, pope says
Do not forget to praise God for all he has done and how he is there to guide people, lowering himself like a loving father who bends down to help his child learn to walk, Pope Francis said in a morning homily.
Church called to keep hope alive, live in joyful expectation, pope says
The church of Christ is called to keep the light of hope alive in the world, showing all humanity the path leading to "the merciful face of God" and salvation in Christ, Pope Francis said.
Faith leads to generous love, not fake facades, hypocrisy, pope says
Faith is not about appearances and superficially following the laws with a heart that resists detaching itself from greed and evil, Pope Francis said in a morning homily.
How Mary’s statue helps in our busy home
A local Catholic couple explains their devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, and how her image reminds everyone that she is praying for the family, no matter how hectic life becomes.
Put a lock on your heart to avoid temptation, pope says
The best way to guard one's heart against the tricks of the devil, Pope Francis said, is with the daily practice of an examination of conscience.
Can laypeople offer blessings?
Clergy normally offer blessings, but in many cases laypeople appropriately do so -- and not just at dinner, writes Father Ken Doyle.
When God says no
Father John Catoir knows what it's like to doubt God when a loved one dies. Time does heal, and God's will takes into account the suffering of others, not just the pain of one person.