If the best of all possible results from recent political developments were to occur — a big if — the real problems that beset society will yet remain unfixed. The reason is that those real problems involve an order that … Continue reading
Category: Catholic Living
‘Woe to You That Are Rich’
For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it, said: Who then can be saved? He said … Continue reading
Confessions of a ‘Gladtrad’
Christmas, New Year’s, and Epiphany always, I think, make us meditative over our past, present, and future. We are tempted to look at the events and challenges of our lives in isolation — not merely from those of others, but … Continue reading
Apostasy Never Justified, Commentary on the Novel ‘Silence’
Crisis Magazine, John Paul Meenan; A recent article in First Things by J.D. Flynn reflects upon Shusaku Endo’s 1966 Japanese novel Silence, now being released as a film directed by Martin Scorcese (which should tell you something). The tale follows an idealistic Jesuit missionary who, … Continue reading
An Evangelical Convert on the ‘Incredible Gift’ of Confession
This is a good article to give to your Protestant friends, maybe even for Christmas. First, I have a quick story to tell — and it is a true story — regarding another Protestant convert’s first two confessions; he is … Continue reading
Now That’s Something I’d Like for Christmas
CNA: Coloring books for adults have exploded onto the bookstore scene in the past two years. What was once considered a hobby for the kids is now all the rage for people who are full-grown. More here.
Fasting and Abstinence During Advent? The Way It Was Not Too Long Ago
Community in Mission, Msgr. Charles Pope; I was explaining to a new Catholic recently that the reason the color purple (violet) is used during Advent is that Advent, like Lent, is considered a penitential season. During these times we are to … Continue reading
Glory to God: Bringing the Faith to the Poorest in Remote Northern India
CNA: Every day in the remote villages of Northeast India courageous priests and nuns are braving the elements of the wild – including tiger attacks and elephant stampedes – to bring the Good News to people who have yet to … Continue reading
We Need a Little Christmas – Or a Lot!
…I’ve grown a little leaner Grown a little colder Grown a little sadder Grown a little older And I need a little angel Sitting on my shoulder I need a little Christmas now –Jerry Herman, “We Need a Little Christmas” … Continue reading
Ethiopia: Zealous Young Catholic Helps Bring 300 to Baptism, More Coming
CNA: A distant part of Ethiopia last week celebrated the baptisms of 300 adult catechumens, youth, and infants. “Today when you receive this great Sacrament of Baptism you become sons and daughters of God, people of God and members of the … Continue reading
Interview With ‘Tough’ Catholic Coach of Tampa Bay Bucs
National Catholic Register, Trent Beattie: As a young boy, Mark Duffner aspired to the priesthood — and the papacy. The Annandale, Virginia, native wanted to become the first pope from the United States. However, being introduced to football in high school … Continue reading
Thomas Myron Hooker, RIP
Funeral for Homeless Man, a Regular at San Francisco Church California Catholic Daily: Thomas Myron Hooker was a beloved fixture at Star of the Sea Church in the Richmond District of San Francisco. When Mass was being celebrated or when … Continue reading
Irish Catholic ‘Martyr’ Ann Glover Hung as a ‘Witch’ in Boston 1688
CNA, Mary Rezak: The last person hanged for witchcraft in Boston could be considered a Catholic martyr. In the 1650s, Ann Glover and her family, along with some 50,000 other native Irish people, were enslaved by Englishman Oliver Cromwell during … Continue reading
Teaching Your Unruly Child to Think Straight
Children who violate the fourth commandment — honor thy father and mother — think differently than those who are well-behaved. Recalcitrant children believe that the fulfillment of their needs should always come first, even though their demands are not only … Continue reading
Our Little Catholic ‘Babushkas’
Catholic Culture, Father Jerry Pokorsky: One of the most memorable homilies I’ve heard was given by a New York City priest when I was in the seminary. He introduced his homily with a droll comment about “little Italian grandmothers” and … Continue reading