The Second Vatican Council, in its document Gaudium et Spes, teaches us that only in the mystery of the Incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light, that Christ fully reveals man to himself. The goal of this article is to shed more … [Read more...]
“The Wind Blows Where It Wills”: Understanding the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
April 26, 2024 by Tyler Pellegrin
A Forthright Faith
May 31, 2019 by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS
In his book Conversion, Donald Haggerty relates the following story: Toward the close of the Spanish Civil War, two soldiers from the Communist Republican faction were returning to their barracks after a night of drinking and cavorting … [Read more...]
Virtue Signalling
May 19, 2019 by Dr. Wanda Skowronska, PhD
How has your virtue signalling gone this week? Have you praised recycling, veganism or rolled your eyes at the mention of Donald Trump? In my area, free bicycles were left on the street for all who wanted to use them so as to reduce carbon … [Read more...]
Is It Virtuous to Criticize the Pope?
April 20, 2019 by Joanne M.M. Baker
Lately there has been much public criticism of our Holy Father the Pope even amongst faithful Catholics. Some have been dismayed by this criticism, considering it irreverent and judgmental. Yet others justify criticism of the Pope, saying … [Read more...]
Patience a Spiritual Sign
Pope Francis and Tertullian on Patience
January 17, 2019 by Fr. Brendan Lupton
Pope Francis set forth the vision for his pontificate in his first apostolic exhortation Evangellii gaudium, a clarion call for evangelization through joy in the modern world. A fitting diptych to this first document is his most recent … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – January 2019
January 17, 2019 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Mortal Sin and the Individual Conscience Question: My question is about the “full knowledge” element for mortal sin. My belief has always been in line with the following statement from the FAQ section of the popular program “The Light Is On … [Read more...]
Book Reviews for Late Autumn 2018
November 30, 2018 by Book Reviews
The First Society: The Sacrament of Matrimony and the Restoration of the Social Order By Scott Hahn. Reviewed by Matthew Rose. (skip to review) In Praise of the Useless Life: A Monk’s Memoir By Paul Quenon. Reviewed by Matthew K. M … [Read more...]
Questions Answered
July 31, 2018 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Question: Jesus says: “Judge not.” (Mt. 7:1) When are we allowed to judge? Answer: The issue of judgement is an important moral problem. Judgement is an act of the virtue of justice. Since justice involves establishing equity between one … [Read more...]
When All Else Fails, Begin With Wonder
March 15, 2018 by Ellen Mady
I often admire my young daughter’s capacity for awe. She is able to marvel at just about anything. A few days ago, she was closely examining two bugs she had found. “Look,” she told me excitedly. “This bug has long legs, and this bug has sho … [Read more...]
Understanding Anger in Those We Care For
February 24, 2018 by Dr. John Buri
A friend of mine conducted an informal survey of priests in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St. Paul to find out which sins were heard most often in the sacrament of reconciliation. No surprise that #1 transgression for men involved … [Read more...]
Is a Sense of Humor Necessary for Salvation?
December 30, 2017 by Rev. Basil Cole, OP
Everyone needs to develop a certain flexibility in life or one simply becomes a grump, unable to be a healthy and realistic optimist in the face of trials and difficulties, failures and other mishaps of life. The flexible person first knows … [Read more...]
On Good and Evil in the Things That Afflict Us
What it means to say a condition is a good thing, and what it does not mean.
November 6, 2017 by Stephen J. Heaney
What is the proper attitude toward the afflictions God sends our way? Are they bad things, or good things? The answer is: “Both, but in respect to different things.“ I want especially here to concentrate on several types of conditions wit … [Read more...]
Meditations Upon the Virgin’s Virtues for Contemporary Clergy, Part 2
September 9, 2017 by Fr. Kenneth G. Davis, OFM Conv.
This continues the meditation begun in Part 1, here. Generosity: Mark 3: 31-35 Before Dr. Phil, there was a story about a couple who sought marriage counseling. The wife went in to see the counselor first, and alone. And after she left, … [Read more...]
Meditations Upon The Virgin’s Virtues for Contemporary Clergy, Part 1
August 18, 2017 by Fr. Kenneth G. Davis, OFM Conv.
Introduction What is the difference between a furrow and a rut? A furrow is an intentional emptiness cut into the earth in preparation for fullness. A farmer’s plow intentionally cuts a furrow, opening the earth to produce a full harvest. A … [Read more...]
The Plain Duty of Fasting
March 9, 2017 by Brandon P. Otto
Is not the neglect of this plain duty (I mean fasting, ranked by our Lord with almsgiving and prayer) one general occasion of deadness among Christians? Can anyone willingly neglect it and be guiltless?[1. John Wesley, The Journal of John … [Read more...]
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