Introduction The Pontificate of Pope Francis has been full of surprises.[1. This essay was written over the summer as an exercise in synthetic theology with a goal of better understanding and interpreting the Mind of the Magisterium. Only … [Read more...]
Archives for 2018
Marriage and the Juridical Relevance of Pastoral Language
October 2, 2018 by Catherine Godfrey Howell, JCD
The revised Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1983 (CIC-83) brought with it a definition of the consensual incapacity for marriage. This formula is a kind of juridical innovation given that it did not exist prior to the CIC-83 and literally … [Read more...]
“To Jesus through Mary” Is Not Enough
October 2, 2018 by Keith Berube
St. Louis de Montfort’s “To Jesus through Mary” is a common refrain amongst lovers of Mary, and rightly so. To be sure, she is the way to Jesus — Jesus does not come to us via any other way. Nor is anyone transformed into Christ but through … [Read more...]
On Prayer
October 2, 2018 by Rev. William J. Nessel, OSFS
Let me share some reflections by Baroness Catherine de Hueck Doherty and St. Francis de Sales, including inspirations in prayer, liberty of spirit, prayer and solitude, dryness and prayer, prayer and mystical theology, methods of prayer, … [Read more...]
The Words Men Need to Hear
A Priest Speaks to College Seminarians
September 18, 2018 by Fr. Timothy Shea Valentine
Speak only the words men need to hear, the things that really help them . . . (Ephesians 4:29) Introduction The effects of language—for good or ill—first occurred to me when I was five, during the summer before kindergarten. As my broth … [Read more...]
Intensive or Extensive Religious Education?
September 18, 2018 by Dr. Michael Brummond
Why do parish religious education programs so often seem to be one-size-fits-all? Whether a parish’s program is dubbed religious education, faith formation, or good ol’ CCD, parish-based catechesis of children tends to be rather coo … [Read more...]
A Case for the Sacrament of Marriage
September 18, 2018 by Rev. Kenneth M. Dos Santos, MIC
Did God intend marriage to be a union between one man and one woman, a union that is both permanent and indissoluble? Is marriage at its very essence meant to be a covenantal bond between a man and a woman, or is it just as easily entered … [Read more...]
The Revised Catechism on the Death Penalty
A Careful Reading
September 18, 2018 by Joseph Arias
With popular news articles beginning on August 2, 2018, various media agencies have been proclaiming: “Pope Francis has declared the death penalty wrong in all cases, a definitive change in church teaching . . .” (New York Times), “Pope Fran … [Read more...]
Fatima’s Third Secret—More Relevant than Ever?
September 18, 2018 by Fr. Regis Scanlon, OFMCap
For many decades, the “Third Secret of Fatima” was considered by many people to be one of the great mysteries of the Church. It was part of the message believed to be held back from the public at the request of Our Lady of Fatima, who app … [Read more...]
Reflections on the Crisis in the Church
September 18, 2018 by Deacon Mike Houghton
Every weekday morning, I pray the rosary in my car on the way to work. It’s not the most ideal time to do it; I’m often distracted by traffic events and inclement weather, but I suppose it’s better than not praying it at all. On Tuesdays … [Read more...]
Questions Answered
September 18, 2018 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Question: I truly appreciate our parish priest. Everyone loves and admires him. People find it sometimes difficult to express their appreciation. How does one go about showing their appreciation for their priest? Answer: One hears so … [Read more...]
Homilies for September 2018
September 2, 2018 by Rev. John P. Cush, STD
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B—September 2, 2018 Readings: Ex 16:2-4, 12-15; Ps 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54; Eph 4:17, 20-24; Jn 6:24-35 http://usccb.org/bible/readings/080518.cfm The Apostle James writes in his epistle: “Be do … [Read more...]
In Defense of the Sabbath – and the Pharisees
September 2, 2018 by Joseph Keith Woodard, PhD
One of the many mysteries in the New Testament is the reaction of the Pharisees, when Jesus of Nazareth restores a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath. This was in the first year of his miracle-packed ministry in Galilee, but he had already g … [Read more...]
Christ, Melchizedek, and the Eucharistic Sacrifice
September 2, 2018 by Marcus Benedict Peter
“…when [Christ] instituted the Eucharist. That fulfilled Jeremiah 31. That's when he offered what appeared to be bread and wine. That's when he became a new Melchizedek, feeding the new children of Abraham so that through Abraham's seed, Jes … [Read more...]
Fallen from Our First Love
September 2, 2018 by Matthew Malicki
“Could you not watch with Me for one hour?… Keep watch and pray” (Matthew 26:40-41) There are many sources of evil plaguing our society. However, we as a Church must be reinvigorated by the consoling certainty of God’s Word, especially wh … [Read more...]
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