For the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, the Epiphany of the Lord, the Baptism of the Lord, and the Second Sunday and Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Solemnity of Mary Mother of God – January 1, 2026 Readings: Numbers 6:22–27 • Psalm 67:2– … [Read more...]
Archives for 2025
The Logic of “Encounter” at the Synod on Synodality and Veritatis Splendor
December 29, 2025 by Fr. Anthony Hollowell
Over the next three years (2025–2028), the Church is undergoing a three-year implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality. The Holy See has cited a variety of goals for this phase, but the following is a general summary: “The imp … [Read more...]
In the One, We Are One: Papal Primacy and the Gift of Authority
December 29, 2025 by Fr. Matthew Gonzalez
Since its foundation, the Church has grappled with the nature and exercise of hierarchical authority, especially in relation to the Petrine office. Though much has been articulated about apostolic succession and the primacy of Peter, it is … [Read more...]
The Witness of the Teacher: Gravissimum Educationis at 60
December 29, 2025 by E. Tyler Graham
The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of a number of documents from the Second Vatican Council. While Lumen Gentium, Gaudium et Spes, and Dei Verbum (and even Dignitatis Humanae) often take the spotlight (for very good reasons) when … [Read more...]
Interreligious Dialogue: A Brief Reflection on What Is at Stake
December 29, 2025 by Cole DeSantis
Interreligious Dialogue: Between Religious Studies and Syncretism Thich Nhat Hahn, besides being one of the major spiritual and intellectual leaders of Zen Buddhism in Southeast Asia, one of the popularizers of Buddhism in the West, and … [Read more...]
The Value of Literature to Priests
December 29, 2025 by K.E. Colombini
Among the thousands upon thousands of words written after the Easter Monday passing of Pope Francis, there were a few mentions of his thoughtful reflection in July 2024 on the role of literature in the formation of priests — and its broader … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – January 2026
St. Paul and “Completing the Sufferings of Christ” Question: Dear Fr. Cush, how should we interpret the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians 1:24. It appears as if he says that by what he suffers he completes what is lacking in … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – January 2026
December 29, 2025 by Book Reviews
The Diaconate and Marriage. By Deacon James Keating. Reviewed by Deacon Dominic Cerrato (skip to review) Sacred Music: A Preface to Christian Art and Music. By Charles Scribner III. Reviewed by Fr. John J. Conley, S.J. (skip to … [Read more...]
Homilies for December 2025
For the Second Sunday, Third Sunday, and Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas), and the Feast of the Holy Family Second Sunday of Advent – December 7, 2025 Readings: I … [Read more...]
Pope Leo’s Renewed Call to Priestly Holiness
“Aspire to holiness . . . do not settle for less” (Leo XIV)
November 26, 2025 by Rev. Joseph Briody
Called to Holiness; Called to be Saints This is a very simple reflection on holiness, a topic given renewed attention by Pope Leo in recent months. The whole Christian life is a “quest for holiness.”[1. Saint John Paul II, Letter to Pri … [Read more...]
The Gratuitous Nature of God
November 26, 2025 by Thomas Hardy
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:18) Not because of any need on his part, but because of the effusive nature of … [Read more...]
The Gospel Foreshadowed: Joseph and Judah in Genesis
November 26, 2025 by James Anderson
Genesis 44 and 45 has it all: a foreshadowing of the atonement, forgiveness, providence, and a model for how to deal with suffering. This mini-gospel from the first book of the Bible anticipating the Gospel of Christ is a roadmap detailing … [Read more...]
“That He Might Be Made Known”
John the Herald According to the Gospel of John and Matthias Grünewald
November 26, 2025 by Joel R. Gallagher
Years ago, inspired by artist Matthias Grünewald’s Crucifixion piece and Benedict XVI’s insights, I wrote an article discussing the significance of the priesthood of John the Baptist and its exemplarity for priests and bishops, particularly … [Read more...]
The Passover Rhyme of the Mass
November 26, 2025 by Fr. G. Ronald Murphy, SJ
What did he mean when he said, “Do this”? It was a simple and direct question when my brother-in-law asked it: What did Jesus mean by “this” when he said, “Do this in memory of me”? Why did he say about the bread, “Take this, all of you, … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – December 2025
November 26, 2025 by Rev. John P. Cush, STD
What Is a Doctor of the Church? Question One: Dear Father Cush, what is a Doctor of the Church? Does the Church have any specific requirements for a saint to be declared a Doctor of the Church? Are all the Fathers of the Church also … [Read more...]
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