Commentaries
Memories arise when adult watches parents grow old and sick
Writer Maryanne Kane remembers her mother's remarkable, faith-filled life and wonders how in the blink of an eye she has come to stand by the bed of the woman who always cared for her.
Byzantine Catholics prepare for Christmas with 40-day fast
By calming our busy minds and distracted souls through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we can receive the Savior more readily into our lives, writes a Byzantine priest on this ancient Advent custom.
An enduring economic revival
President-elect Donald Trump spoke much about economic revival during the campaign. Archbishop Thomas Wenski seeks more than false hope for those who feel most abandoned by Washington, and for lasting change in the economy.
A way forward on immigration
Archbishop Jose Gomez points out a little known, multi-faceted consensus in public opinion regarding immigration reform. Catholics are waiting for a president and the media who have the will and the courage to tell the truth and to lead.
Are your grandparents lonely?
Many elderly people feel the sting of loneliness at Christmas, even as young people may lose contact with them, writes Sister Constance Veit. She offers some ways young and old can give their loving presence this holiday.
Our response to God’s gift of Jesus, our love, is ‘finest gift we bring’
Father Joseph Corley sees wisdom in the carol "Little Drummer Boy," and he offer 7 ways to prevent our Christmas spirit from getting hijacked. Number 1: Don't shop until you drop, or get in serious debt.
Uncle is welcome for Christmas, but not his smoking habit
In their Marriage Matters column, Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain help a couple deal with an uncle who wants to smoke in their house, against their wishes. Communication between the couple is key, they advise.
Racism is a disease that must be cured
The new administration can count on the Catholic Church, writes Archbishop Wilton Gregory, to help eradicate this devastating moral sickness at a time when racist sentiments have again become acceptable to express publicly.
Spend less, give more and turn Christmas upside down
Americans will spend $656 billion, or more than $800 per person, on Christimas gifts this year. Maria-Pia Negro Chin believes we should be praying more fully and stop spending money on gifts we won't remember.
Looking beyond the electoral divide and politics itself for healing
Wise advice from Abraham Lincoln and C.S. Lewis can help us examine our own hearts as we seek healing and hope after the division and rancor of the recent presidential election, writes a guest commentator.