Commentaries
A father for those who need one
Jesuit Father William Byron sees himself as any priest might -- an unwed father. He sees among many people the need for father-figures like him, and prays more men will answer God's call as he did.
Americans near and far honor Mary, our empress
Father Gus Puleo, a local pastor with a mostly Latino congregation, retraces the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe and recounts the miracle of devotion each year on her feast, Dec. 12.
Mom and Dad’s Christmas: Humbug or happy?
Deacon Paul and Helen McBlain offer some tips for a husband who’s caught up in the festive Christmas spirit and his wife who’s overwhelmed with the work of the holiday rush.
Christmas: The most inclusive time of the year
Pete Sheehan is all for being sensitive to minorities. Yet the irony is that Christmas is perhaps the most inclusive of holidays. If non-Christians enjoy Christmas, then he’s going to wish a “Merry Christmas” to all.
Excitement keeps building for papal visit next year
News of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia is pumping a new vibrancy into this archdiocese and this city, writes Melissa Squarcia Fordyce. He will drive home an important message not just for Philadelphians but for the entire world: family matters.
While running to meet Christ, keep an eye on the poor
As we look for Christ in the least of his brothers and sisters during Advent, we should work to improve society for the common good, writes Amy Hill of the Pa. Catholic Conference.
Widowhood and Christmas
As I head toward my second Christmas as a widower, I now know the challenges begin with Halloween.
New immigration rule is too little, too late
Father Gus Puleo writes that President Obama’s recent order does a little for only a third of the 12 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., but it doesn’t address the overall issue. And the rule may be fleeting.
‘I’m sorry,’ and other words for Advent
True words of apology can begin the process of forgiveness and healing, writes Maureen Pratt on the cusp of Advent. She can't imagine "my bad" making it into the sacrament of penance.
St. Anne, grandmother of her savior
John Garvey is excited about a unique exhibit of art about Mary. In one painting, Mary sits beside her mother and between them they hold Jesus, who leans back and looks over his shoulder at his grandmother.