Perspective
We need grace to succeed in our resolutions
I learned the act of contrition in second grade. Mrs. Tartamella would patiently practice with us every day. We’d go through the prayer line by line, and when we’d get to […]
Perspective Archive
Perspective
Stepping back from the brink
Jan. 6, 2021, was an epiphany of sorts for Americans who watched in horror as a mob breached the U.S. Capitol, assaulted police and vandalized offices. It was both shockingly […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Perspective
Jesus is coming
My younger sister and I used to fight over who would get to blow out the candles of the Advent wreath. We’d light the candles at dinner, and as soon […]
Perspective
Of mice and men: a saint for our times
“Synchronicity.” That’s the word one journalist used in a Nov. 3 Instagram post to describe the fact that Election Day fell on the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, […]