Commentaries
Pope and patriarch will take historic first step toward healing
When Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow meet this week, it will be the first of its kind. Msgr. Gregory Fairbanks explains what is at stake and the role all Christians play in the work toward Christian unity.
Picturing Jesus: Our ‘Buddy,’ or joyful savior?
Attempts to lighten up the image of Our Lord in art have often gone awry, notes Gina Christian, because they miss the necessary idea that Jesus suffered death so as share eternal life -- and laughter -- to everyone.
Get to know people in poverty and how to ease its sting
In addressing human suffering, Pope Francis asked "What will you do?" last fall in Philadelphia, recalls CatholicPhilly.com editor Matthew Gambino. He's encouraged by a new local parish initiative on poverty.
Respect the uniqueness of unborn persons, like the snowflakes of a blizzard
As Jesuit Father William Byron was one of the 85 million Americans experiencing last week's snowstorm, he thought about the more than 50 million lives lost to abortion in the U.S.
Why does the church back resettling Mid-East Muslims in the U.S.?
Normally Father Ken Doyle won't respond to letters expressing blatant anti-Muslim bias, but since other people might share such views, he confronts the topic head on.
‘You shall not oppress an alien’ — in any era
John Garvey traces Donald Trump's attacks on Ted Cruz back to the 18th-century John Adams administration. Adams, who regretted his anti-immigration laws, lost to Thomas Jefferson.
Don’t give fear the upper hand, get to know a Muslim neighbor
If we get to know Muslims better, writes Carolyn Woo, we can begin to fight the scourge of extremism. Through love, we can banish a fear that robs our nation of compassion and diminishes us.
Resolutions that extend beyond the new year
Resolutions that seemed like a good idea at the time often end on Jan. 31. Effie Caldarola suggests we don't judge ourselves harshly this year, but to return to God's lavish mercy again and again.
And the Oscar for best homily goes to …
Jesuit Father William Byron suggests dioceses give annual awards for best preaching, best participating congregation and best liturgical music in order to improve liturgies in all parishes.
Stepping aside can be a loving gesture to those who are sick
Knowing that caregivers of very ill people can become overwhelmed by a constant stream of questions and requests for updates from friends, Maureen Pratt suggests ways to show support without adding to a family's stress.