The necessary manifestations of love, to include self-sacrifice and self-giving, and an ongoing readiness to forgive, could only continue to be present in a marriage fueled by God’s graces. By the basic principles of neurology, we know t … [Read more...]
Articles
Preaching the Truth in Love and Wisdom: Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”
April 10, 2014 by Fr. Athanasius Murphy, O.P.
...conversion occurs when the Gospel speaks to the deepest yearnings of our hearts, and the desires present within us are filled by a supernatural grace that comes from God. “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who e … [Read more...]
Prayer as Turning Point Toward Christ
April 9, 2014 by Carolyn Humphreys, OCDS
The good news is that even though we sin, God loves us and wants us to return to him. With God’s grace, bad habits can be unlearned. Ecclesia semper reformanda: The Church forever in need of reform. Because we are the Church, we are the o … [Read more...]
On Catholic History
April 9, 2014 by Richard J. Janet, PhD
The Catholic sacramental perspective continues (consciously or not) to inspire the works of historians who recognize the importance of material reality—of politics, society, economics, the arts, and all the habits and institutions of human c … [Read more...]
A Priest by Any Other Name
April 8, 2014 by Fr. Donald J. Planty, Jr., JCD
The nature of Holy Orders is both collegial and personal. Collegially, all priests are addressed as “Father” because all share in the one priesthood of Jesus, icon of the Father. Personally, each priest retains his own individuality, his ow … [Read more...]
Youth and Technology Revitalize the Pro-Life Movement
March 24, 2014 by Mary Beth Smith
So, why are college campuses “ground zero” for pro-life activism? Because Gallup Poll statistics report that upon entering college, 47 percent of women were pro-life, but by graduation 73 percent said they were pro-choice. The equation “ … [Read more...]
Searching for Clarity in Vocational Discernment
March 24, 2014 by Fr. Bryce Sibley
... The call of the Lord usually comes to us in a more subtle and indirect manner ... left up to us, with the assistance of divine grace, to discern whether we are being called to the priesthood or consecrated life. Christ calling Peter … [Read more...]
The Holy Cross: A real life “Mockingjay” for Catholics
March 24, 2014 by Dusty Gates
To me, the idea that ties the religious significance of this story together best is the “mockingjay.” I find in the image of the mockingjay a clear and resounding symbol of the Cross of Jesus Christ. The popular trilogy of novels turne … [Read more...]
The Side Effects of the Pill: Why the Church Has So Much to Say about Contraception
March 21, 2014 by Dr. William Newton
The Church pays special attention to the issue of contraception ... because so many of the modern errors in moral theology converge in this particular question of conjugal morality. There is an impression out there–in the world and even w … [Read more...]
Finding Jesus in the Catholic Church
March 21, 2014 by R. Thomas Richard, PhD
Our mission (as Church) is to bring about that meeting that can change lives, that can make disciples. Then, as a loving mother Church, we are to nurture and guide those disciples into fruitful holiness in Christ. Christ Healing the B … [Read more...]
Questions Answered
March 2014
March 21, 2014 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Can you tell me the origin of the discipline of celibacy and why the Western Church puts so much emphasis on it? Has the Church changed its teaching on the subject of condom use to prevent the spread of the HIV virus? Question: In … [Read more...]
Early Suggestions on How Our Parishes Can Observe Divine Mercy Sunday This Year
March 9, 2014 by Dr. John M. Grondelski
The feast is intended to highlight divine mercy as God's greatest attribute, the crowning work" of all his works. As such, it should form a Catholic's spiritual attitudes and behaviors. Divine Mercy image of Christ. Each year since 2 … [Read more...]
What Happened to Catholic Ireland: An Irish-American Historian’s View
March 6, 2014 by John P. McCarthy, PhD
Just like the Church in the United States, the Irish Church is enduring hard times. However, what makes it so upsetting in Ireland ... is the disappearance of what had been a Catholic society. When first coming to Ireland more than a … [Read more...]
Why the Jews Are Not the Enemies of the Church
March 6, 2014 by Dr. John Lamont
It is not true, in any sense, that the Jews are the enemies of the Church, and the characterization of them as enemies... (is) unjust. It is worthwhile explaining why this is so, because (it was) once widely held, and is still found in some … [Read more...]
1 Kings 13 and the Child of Isaiah 7: Precedence and the Numerology of Matthew’s Gospel
...(Pope Benedict's) last book, and his announcement of his retirement, were an affirmation of the Virgin Mary’s predestination, and her child’s virginal conception at the Annunciation. ... Pope Benedict had great trust in the continued mate … [Read more...]