Perspective
With Biden in office, here is the way forward
Even in a normal year, the juxtaposition of the U.S. presidential inauguration and the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade (1973) is jarring. 2021 is […]
Columns Archive
The Sunday Gospel
Listen to the Lord, that you may have life
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Mark 1:7-11 This weekend, the Church invites us to celebrate the great feast of the Baptism of the Lord, great because it commemorates […]
Perspective
The faith of Violet Jessop
When Violet Jessop set out to be a maritime stewardess, she wasn’t driven by some starry-eyed desire to see the world. She was moved by necessity. Her Irish father, a […]
Perspective
‘Dominion,’ the values of the West and the cross of Christ
The popular historian Tom Holland has written an extraordinary book called “Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World.” The subtitle sums up his argument. Holland is deeply impatient with […]
Perspective
‘Ite Ad Joseph’: Brother Andre Bessette, CSC
On United States Postal Service stamps, New York Times headlines or ESPN sidelines, one can spot them. Well-known and well-educated, the priests, brothers and sisters of the Congregation of Holy […]
The Sunday Gospel
We come to worship the newborn King
Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12 This weekend, the Church invites us to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, one of the most revered […]
Bishop's Column: In Truth and Charity
Mary: Daughter of Israel, Mother of God, Queen of Peace
The following is the text of Bishop Rhoades’ homily on New Year’s Eve at St. Louis, Besancon Parish. January 1st is the eighth day of the Octave of Christmas. For […]
Perspective
Reflections and resolutions for the new year
By OSV editorial board Happy New Year! We are grateful to God for seeing us over the threshold of a new calendar year, and we pray that 2021 will be […]
A more human society
The problem of political theologians
Some say religious leaders get too involved in politics. But we should also worry about politicians who wander into theology. One example comes from Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia, while […]
The Sunday Gospel
The perfect example of a holy family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Feast of the Holy Family Luke 2:22-40 A selection of readings is possible for this feast. These comments refer to one set of readings. The Book of Genesis provides the […]
Perspective
The weary soul rejoices: celebrating the Christmas season
“Have yourself a merry, little Christmas,” the classic secular song croons. Never before have these lyrics been so apropos. With the COVID-19 pandemic still spreading and getting everyone vaccinated is […]
Perspective
For unto us a child is born
There is nothing like the birth of a child to make one appreciate Christmas. Four times, I have experienced such Christmases. Now I am experiencing my fifth. It was the […]