Perspective
A Map of Holy Week
The entire calendar of the Church’s year — the structure of feasts and seasons that make up the year, from Advent to Christ the King, the way those who are […]
Columns Archive
Perspective
What to Make of the Great Synodal Debate
The Catholic Church today can, in an important sense, be described as a Church in upheaval. A significant part of that reality arises from the fact that the Church does […]
Perspective
We Must Always Turn to God, As He Alone is Light
Fourth Sunday of Lent John 9:1-41 Drawing from the first word, in Latin, in the Entrance Antiphon for this weekend’s liturgy, this Sunday long has been called “Laetare Sunday.” Laetare […]
Perspective
How I Learned Pope Francis was a True ‘Pope of Peripheries’
It is often said that we are our truest selves when we are happy, comfortable, and surrounded by those we love and trust. During each of the nearly 30 trips […]
Perspective
Pope Francis: 10 Titles for 10 Years
Before he was known for anything else, Pope Francis was known as “the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years.” Throughout the last 10 years, he has led the Church […]
Perspective
We Must Focus on and Drink the True Water of Life from God
Third Sunday of Lent John 4:5-42 The source of the first biblical reading for this Lenten weekend’s liturgies is the Book of Exodus, one of those five books of the […]
Perspective
In Lent, Let’s Learn What It Means to be Companions
Ask any teenager anxious about where they’ll sit in the cafeteria for lunch. Ask any widow or widower learning to cook for one. Ask a grandparent planning a holiday feast, […]
Perspective
The In-between Times Are the Most Difficult
From the time I was very small, I’ve always needed to know “the plan.” My mother relishes in telling a revealing story about me from when I was 6. We […]
Perspective
Don’t Give Up on the Liberal Arts
It has just come to my attention that Marymount University, a Catholic institution in Arlington, Virginia, has announced its intention to cut 10 traditional majors from its program, including philosophy, […]
Perspective
Lent is a Time to Reinforce Your Faith
Second Sunday of Lent Matthew 17:1-9 The Book of Genesis is the source of this weekend’s first biblical reading. As its name implies, Genesis reveals the divine origin of life […]
Perspective
The Joyful Season of Lent
Welcome to the joyful season of Lent! Now, I suspect that you have never thought of Lent as a time of joy, and no wonder. It seems more like a […]
Perspective
Family Life as Seen in a Rock Tumbler
Most Lenten reflections center on fasting or abstinence along with prayer and almsgiving. However, the word “repent” in our English bibles translates the Greek word “Metanoiate” which most literally summons […]