It’s easy to grow frustrated with the shortcomings of others — when parishioners only attend Mass on Christmas and Easter, or when students neglect their homework. There’s something in human nature that notices and attends to problems — and … [Read more...]
About Samantha Mattheiss
Samantha Mattheiss is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Felician University. She holds a PhD in psychology in the area of cognitive neuroscience from Rutgers University, Newark. Her research explores the intersection of faith and psychology, and is published in a range of academic journals. She is also the author of a book chapter in an interdisciplinary academic volume, and is currently writing a book on psychology and Catholicism.
Mother Church, Tota Pulchra
A Call for Ecclesial Communities
May 20, 2021 by Samantha Mattheiss
In the Gospel of John, we read “Neque vocem ejus umquam audistis, neque speciem ejus visistis” (John 5:37), or “Neither have you heard His voice, nor seen his ‘speciem.’” “Speciem” is defined as “visual appearance . . . splendour, beauty, vi … [Read more...]
Father, Receive These Gifts
July 2, 2020 by Samantha Mattheiss
Pope Francis, in his 2016 annual meeting of the pontifical academies, called for local parishes to be “oases of beauty, peace, acceptance.” This is consistent with the Church being “Mother of us all” (Gal 4:26) — a place where all can be fed … [Read more...]
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