Politics, Prayer, and Poetry
Prayer and poetry are mysteriously similar, though: words seeking wisdom, spiritual interaction, and renewal; both springing from man’s desire to live forever.
How Young May the Next Pope Be?
Elderly popes had been the norm for several reasons. Wisdom, of course, comes with age. So does a proven track record. Near-octogenarians have also been elected as “stop-gaps,” such as John XXIII
Contra Frequent Holy Communion?
So, does frequent Holy Communion really drive away Catholics? Unfortunately, tragically, I would say yes, sometimes, maybe even often.
How Subsidiarity Got Astronauts Home and Gets the Mail Delivered
The symbolism of SpaceX rescuing astronauts when governmental agencies and massive defense contractors were seemingly unwilling or unable to act underscores the relevance of the Catholic principle of subsidiarity.
The Simulation of Culture: Notes Inspired by an American Mall
Liberalism is the earthquake that shatters and then removes any firm cultural ground to stand or build on. Liberalism prevents a society from planting a flag or staking a claim, from saying “This is good, beautiful, and true, and this is not.”
The Hidden Saints of Seventh-Century England
There is a little-known English saint who shares March 17 with St. Patrick as her feast day, even though she is never invited to the party. This is St. Withburga.
Covid Mea Culpas?
Prior to the pandemic, Francis was promoting the image of the Church as “field hospital.” But real field hospitals do not strike tent in the middle of a battle.
Running For My Eternal Life
Truly, adopting distance running as a habit, or even a way of life, has been one of the greatest decisions I have made. I am not just running for my life; I am running for my eternal life.
Sacrificing Truth at the Altar of Gender Ideology
To understand the shift in discourse on biological sex, we must examine how contemporary ideological movements, like the Frankfurt School, extended Marxist critiques into culture and identity politics, which has infected the natural sciences.
Sublime Sisterhood
The redemptive reach of Jesus Christ is far wider than we know, reaching across all barriers of time and space.
That Hideous Severance
The second season of Apple TV’s phenomenal hit Severance has held many surprises, but the biggest may be its growing similarities to a dystopianesque novel by C.S. Lewis.
Infiltration Comes to the Lay Carmelites
My naive enthusiasm for the O. Carm. “brand” began to wane after being told the first-year formation materials discouraged us from reading any of the original writings of Teresa of Avila or John of the Cross.
Should Steubenville Cut Bait or Be Allowed to Let Down the Nets?
The report cites decreased general and Catholic population, financial issues, and other challenges as reasons why the Steubenville Diocese would eventually need a merger.
Confirmation Confusion
The Archdiocese of Baltimore recently announced that children there can now be confirmed at age nine. The change ostensibly is intended to deepen their faith and better engage their parents in their religious formation.
Pope Francis’ Condemnation of Gaza “Genocide” Reflects Traditional Catholic Doctrine
Pope Francis’ recent observations on the situation of the Palestinians in Gaza are well-founded and not at all unjustified. His statements are very much in keeping with the facts, Catholic moral teaching, and the historic views of the popes.
So Many Cardinals, So Few Seats?
At 252, the College of Cardinals is at an all-time high, with members hailing from a record 94 countries. Since 1975, only those under the age of eighty are permitted to vote.
Confessions of a Sinner
There can be little doubt that of the nine books set down to describe Augustine’s life, Book VIII is everyone’s favorite. It is the centerpiece of the story, the necessary hinge on which all the action turns.
Lenten Prayer and Fasting for Holy Leadership in the Church
For those who occasionally doubt the efficacy of prayer and fasting—myself included, mea culpa—we need only recall how divine intervention has very recently changed the course of history.
Bring Back Slut and Whore?
The key insight is that the conceit of the Oscar-winning “Anora” is that there is hope for a whore that one of her disgusting johns will marry her and take her away.
Europe and America: By the Seas Divided
European elites want to declare their independence from America, but that begs the question: Which Europe and which United States?