Perspective
Why I’m Spending Christmas in Bethlehem This Year
This Christmas, while massive crowds of pilgrims will flock to Rome for the opening of the Jubilee year, I’ll be spending the holy season in Bethlehem. For many, Rome’s grand […]
Perspective
Padre Pio Is Beloved but Most Misunderstand Why
When I think about the saints most beloved by modern Catholics, Padre Pio tops the list. His weathered face and brown Capuchin habit are iconic. His remarkable personal story, his […]
Perspective
The Moment Revival Found Me
I saw it. The Church in the United States has witnessed the defining moment of a generation. There’s no other way to describe it. I had high hopes for the […]
Perspective
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Brings Jesus to NYC
We stepped carefully down the labyrinth of gangplanks and docks in New York Harbor. A drizzling rain and clouds obscured the city’s magnificent skyline as we made for the boat. […]
Perspective
Russell Brand’s Baptism Reveals the Urgent Need for Tradition
I would never have guessed comedian Russell Brand would be defending Christianity on Instagram, but here we are. The actor’s journey to Christianity led him to share with his millions […]
Perspective
No, Richard Dawkins, Cultural Christianity Is Not Enough
In a striking turn of events, renowned atheist and evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins recently declared himself a “cultural Christian” during an interview with Rachel S. Johnson of LBC. Dawkins’ declaration […]
Perspective
From the Cross to the Resurrection with three Marys
Venerable Fulton Sheen once wrote, “Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” None of us can understand the joy of Easter without […]
Perspective
How a Lenten Climb Up Tepayac Hill Leads to Christ
I should have been more prepared for the altitude. I knew Mexico City’s elevation had been a concern during the organization of Pope Benedict’s 2012 trip to the country. (Many […]
Perspective
We Can Be More Merciful Without Courting Sacrilege
Controversy erupted surrounding the funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili, which was hosted at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York City. Roughly 1,000 mourners turned out for the memorial for […]
Perspective
Is Hell Empty? I Think Not, but I Hope I’m Wrong
Sometimes you hope to be wrong. For example: A good friend from college seminary discerned out of formation and began to pursue a relationship with a young woman. I didn’t […]
Perspective
Remembering, and Missing, Pope Benedict XVI
A year out from his death, I dearly miss Pope Benedict XVI. He was the pope of my coming of age. The generation of priests above me feel this way about […]
Perspective
Pray the Breastplate of St. Patrick at the Manger
Of all the things and people to be present at the birth of Jesus Christ, there were shepherds! I probably would have been more surprised if there were not shepherds. […]