More and more, Catholics are shying away from using terms like "proselytizing," "conversion," and even "Catholic" in their ecumenical and inter-religious efforts, almost as if they were ashamed of the Gospel, or afraid of appearing as a … [Read more...]
Challenging Islam
March 27, 2012 by Rev. Michael P. Orsi
Today, we face a political/religious challenge, Islam, in which, avoiding hard truths, exposes us to a real and present danger. I am not disposed toward the soothingly facile idea embodied in the popular expression, “Let’s agree to disa … [Read more...]
Razing the bastions, yet again
Be confident, bold and loving, for Christ has won!
June 1, 2011 by David Vincent Meconi
In his 1952 Razing the Bastions (Schleifung der Bastionen) Hans Urs von Balthasar challenged the Church to replace any posturing of fear with a more world-friendly embrace.[1. Han Urs von Balthasar, Razing the Bastions, trans., Brian McNeil … [Read more...]
In defense of dogma
Editorial, May 2010
May 1, 2010 by Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ
I want to raise my voice in defense of dogma. Since the Vatican Council dogma has been neglected, downplayed and even reviled by some theologians. This has been the result of the emphasis on Holy Scripture, because the Council urged … [Read more...]
Bringing back Latin
December 1, 2009 by Dr. Mark J. Clark
During the debates of the Second Vatican Council one prelate after another addressed the Fathers of the Council in fluent Latin. That they did so is hardly surprising, for Latin remained the living language of the Roman Catholic Church. … [Read more...]
On bringing back Latin
Editorial, December 2009
December 1, 2009 by Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ
It is certain that there has been a drastic decline in the knowledge of Latin in the Catholic Church since Vatican II. It probably did not occur to most of the bishops at the council that their approval of the use of the vernacular in the … [Read more...]
The Roman Synod of Bishops
Editorial, May 2009
May 1, 2009 by Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ
About every three years I have published an article on a Roman Synod. They usually take place every three years. Representing HPR, I have covered twelve of them since 1971. This month I thought it would be helpful to explain briefly what a … [Read more...]
Irish Church in decline
THE END OF IRISH CATHOLICISM? By Vincent Twomey (Veritas Publications, 7 Lr. Abbey St., Dublin, Ireland, 2003), 220 pp. PB $18.95 [Available in the U.S. from Ignatius Press]
April 9, 2009 by Book Reviews
During the past few years we have seen much speculation about the rapidlydeclining state of the Church in Ireland after a series of clerical scandals and a drop in religious practice. Many are wondering if Ireland is still Catholic and … [Read more...]
A Good Place to Start
PILGRIM FELLOWSHIP OF FAITH. The Church As Communion. By Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI); edited by Stephan Otto Horn and Vinzenz Pfnur; translated by Henry Taylor (Ignatius Press, P.O. Box 1339, Ft. Collins, Colo. 80522, 2005), 379 pp. PB $17.95.
April 9, 2009 by Book Reviews
Pope Benedict XVI, the former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, is a professor, scholar and author of many books and articles. This volume, for example, includes a bibliography of 79 pages of his many different publications. When he accepted the … [Read more...]
Reform Moved Too Quickly
THE ORGANIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE LITURGY, by Alcuin Reid, OSB, London, England: Saint Michael’s Abbey Press, 2004, 333 pages, $38.95 (US).
April 9, 2009 by Book Reviews
This book traces the history of the Roman Liturgy, with emphasis on the Mass, from the beginning of Catholicism to the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). The history is divided into three phases: from the beginning up to 1900; 1900–1948; 1 … [Read more...]
Theology of the Diaconate
FROM THE DIAKONIA OF CHRIST TO THE DIAKONIA OF THE APOSTLES. An Historico-Theological Document of the International Theological Commission (Hillenbrand Books, 1000 East Maple, Mundelein, IL 60060, 2004), 124 pp. PB $14.00.
April 1, 2009 by Book Reviews
This is an official treatise on the diaconate, and especially on the permanent diaconate. It contains all the information one needs to have about this subject, in clear language and in a brief format. The evidence of the Scriptures, of … [Read more...]
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