In 1982, ‘America’ paired essays by Cardinal John O’Connor and Gordon Zahn, the noted American sociologist and peace advocate, on the topic of “Military Chaplains: Defining Their Ministry.”
Catholic Book Club
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Henri Nouwen died 30 years ago—but he still speaks to the modern seeker’s soul
Whether writing on Christian spirituality, faith, psychology, pastoral care or another of his many interests, the Rev. Henri Nouwen always emphasized the importance of embracing one’s own vulnerability and finding the human in the other.
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Frank Gehry’s religious imagination—and a little Los Angeles chapel
Frank Gehry’s creations have charmed and sometimes puzzled the world—but what would a cathedral designed by him look like?
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George Orwell is more relevant than ever. Just ask the pope.
George Orwell’s crusade against the misuse of language resulted in his name becoming an adjective—and his writing becoming more and more relevant in our age.
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Roald Dahl, the literary magician, reluctant atheist—and theologian?
Roald Dahl’s reputation has taken some hits over the years, but the magical quality of his children’s books endures.
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Another year over, a new one just begun: ‘America’ on N.Y.E.
Over 117 years, the editors of ‘America’ offered plenty of advice and exhortations (and warnings) for New Year’s Eve…but also reminded readers always to have hope.
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Knute Rockne and the legacy of Notre Dame football
To Notre Dame fans as well as to a certain portion of the American Catholic populace, Knute Rockne remains a mythic figure—the founding father of the legend of the Fighting Irish.
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‘Gaudium et Spes’ and the optimistic final days of Vatican II
Vatican II closed 60 years ago this week. One of its final documents, “Gaudium et Spes,” has also proved to be perhaps its most influential.
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What William Kennedy’s writing did for his hometown of Albany
William Kennedy did for his hometown what Joyce did for Dublin, what Bellow did for Chicago, what Faulkner did for his fictional Yoknapatawpha County. He became the bard of a particular time and place and, through it, continues to explore universal themes.
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‘Lumen Gentium’: The master work of Vatican II
Some of the most resonant and memorable phrases of Vatican II come from “Lumen Gentium,” including the description of the church as the people of God.