Upon commissioning the preaching of the Gospel, our good Lord said to His Apostles, “He who hears you hears me.” (Luke 10:16, RSV) These words the Catholic bishops applied to themselves: “This sacred Council teaches that the bishops, from di … [Read more...]
The Importance of the Value of Reputation, Part II
Go to Part I As the Church was the sign and sacrament to the world, there was a direct link between the reputation of the Church’s ministers and the mission of the Church itself.[1. Liguori cites the “rigorous discipline” of the early Chu … [Read more...]
“Reading” a Marian Eucharistic Icon
Scripturally, Theologically, and Liturgically
May 26, 2023 by Fr. Stanley Smolenski, SPMA
This icon has a double appellation. The first is that of place, Our Lady of Connecticut, because its basic symbols are derived from the state’s shield and motto. Its second designation is that of grace, Virgin Mother of the Holy Vine, from w … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – June 2023
May 26, 2023 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Church Teaching on Living Wills Question: Many states are encouraging living wills to settle end of life decisions. Is this wise? What is the teaching of the Church on this subject? Answer: The Church is enthusiastic to promote the … [Read more...]
Love for Liturgy, Love for the Church: An Ongoing Dialogue
Editor’s Note: Due to the high interest and lively discussion prompted by Fr. Robert McTeigue’s recent article, “What Many Priests No Longer Believe,” the following two responses have been published to offer additional viewpoints on the chal … [Read more...]
The Patterns of Heavenly Things
Sacredness and Beauty in the Liturgy
January 27, 2023 by Kaleb Hammond
The history of the Catholic Church has produced an extensive tradition of sacred art, especially in the fields of painting, music, and architecture. Although this tradition has expanded and diversified over time, with variations across … [Read more...]
The Spirit of Truth
The Holy Spirit’s Role in a Deeper Understanding of Revelation
December 22, 2022 by Dr. Michael Brummond
Jesus, who identified himself as the truth (Jn 14:6), indicated that it was “to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you” (Jn 16:7). Indeed, Christ promised to pray to the Father to send ano … [Read more...]
Priestly Obedience in a Post-McCarrick Church, Part II
November 25, 2022 by Rev. Philip Smith
Go to Part I Now that we have traced the nature and the theological implications of obedience and ecclesial authority, let us now look at authority and obedience as complementary responsibilities. Church documents emphasize that … [Read more...]
Perhaps Another Minor Ministry
November 25, 2022 by Rev. Basil Cole, OP
When St. Paul VI dissolved the minor orders for the Latin Church and instituted a ecclesiastical reality called “minor ministries” of acolyte and lector, he wanted laymen only to assume these ministries of the liturgy in a more ins … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – December 2022
November 25, 2022 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
The Mass as Sacrifice Question: Why do you call the Mass a sacrifice? Does not Paul say the sacrifice of the Gentiles is a sacrifice to demons? “A broken and contrite heart O Lord thou will not despise,” I read in the psalms. Answer: Sac … [Read more...]
How Appealing to “Inclusivity” Is Detrimental
September 30, 2022 by Abbot Austin Murphy
On February 7, 2022, Brantly Millegan was fired as the director of operations for Ethereum Name Services (ENS). The cause for his termination was a Tweet that he posted in 2016 that expressed Catholic moral teachings in blunt form. It read: … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – October 2022
September 30, 2022 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Church Teaching and the Theological Ethics of Life Question: There has been much talk about the Church changing her teaching on Humanae Vitae. This apparently is due to a recent document from the Pontifical Academy of Life: Theological … [Read more...]
Overview of Desiderio Desideravi
July 28, 2022 by Fr. Timothy Eck
On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, June 29, 2022, Pope Francis promulgated the Apostolic Letter Desiderio Desideravi.[1. Francis, Desiderio Desideravi (Rome: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2022), … [Read more...]
The Eucharist: The Prima Via of Divinization
May 27, 2022 by Fr. Matthew Gonzalez
The current state of the Church in our contemporary age, and those salient points to which she sets her vision, would suggest that the Eucharist remains at the core of all her efforts and activity.[1. Catechism of the Catholic Church (Citta … [Read more...]
Overcoming Polarization Within the Church
Reconnecting the Sacraments with the Moral Life
April 28, 2022 by Michael Vacca
Note: This article originally appeared in The Catholic Journal, July 4, 2019. Introduction: Framing the Issue Sadly, our world is more divided than ever before. Even a cursory glance at politics, education, or culture suffices to give one … [Read more...]
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