From the beginning, the Bishop of Rome exercised influence beyond the Eternal City, becoming a rock of doctrinal orthodoxy that would help the universal Church weather many storms. Rome was never an ordinary city in the history of the Petrine Read more…
I just discovered that I have an unexpected Name Day on May 19th. Catholics celebrate their Name Day as another birthday in honor of the patron saints on feast days of the one after whom they are named. There are Read more…
On this day of Pope Francis’s funeral, first of all we pray for the repose of his soul. Everyone would acknowledge, no matter the side on which they would land, that Francis’s Pontificate was controversial and divisive, particularly in matters Read more…
During Lent, the Church calls us to prayer, almsgiving, and, perhaps most prominently, fasting. What does Lenten fasting and penance look like? Well, besides the lenient strictures of abstaining from meat on Fridays and eating a little less on Ash Read more…
I was struck by a line from the Psalms: “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant” (Psalm 25:14). The great covenants have been revealed through the Patriarchs and Read more…
I’ve heard many times that since Sundays commemorate the Resurrection we pause Lent on Sunday and should celebrate a little Easter. I was even taught when I was young that you could have the thing you gave up for Lent Read more…
Deep Reading #6 In terms of Christmas, Catholics are fighting a losing battle. We don’t need to be reminded how far we’ve fallen from the simple celebration of Christ’s birth: instead, we have commercial companies making a push to sell Read more…
The Letter to the Hebrews tells us “Our God is a consuming fire” (11:29). Fire consumes its fuel while it generates heat and light, with the ability to purify and destroy. On a cold winter night, it brings consolation. If Read more…
Deep Reading #5 In an age flooded with media, the cinema industry wields enormous influence. In a little more than a century, movies have evolved into a highly consumerist market based almost entirely on entertainment. Given this (not really) innocent Read more…
I have two great spiritual loves that, on the surface, may not seem compatible: Byzantine liturgy and Benedictine monasticism. When you look deeply, however, surprising connections emerge between them. Here are some major ones. St. Benedict is revered as a Read more…