When J.F.K. visited Ireland in 1963, both Ireland and Irish-Americans celebrated the occasion. The visit of President Joe Biden this week inspired similar feelings—but in a situation far different.
James T. Keane
James T. Keane is a Senior Editor at America.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Comedy is born of tragedy in the Irish memoir ‘Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?’
Seamas O’Reilly mines a family tragedy for mirth and good storytelling in ‘Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?’ James T. Keane offers his thoughts on this latest selection for the Catholic Book Club.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Henri de Lubac, the Bruce Springsteen of Catholic theology
Henri de Lubac, S.J., had a long career filled with many twists and turns—but he is recognized today as one of the giants of 20th-century Catholic theology.
Posted inFaith, Scripture Reflections
Why do Christians have so little to say about Holy Saturday?
A Reflection for Holy Saturday, At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter, by James T. Keane
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Jesuits…in space! Looking back on Catholic coverage of the cosmos
Finding our place in the cosmos—whether that be via moon landings or our human origins in stardust—has been the subject of more than a few America articles.
Posted inArts & Culture, Short Take
Breaking: America magazine introduces new editorial sections
Adding to its dizzying array of takes, America Media has announced four new options for would-be contributors.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
The priests and politicians of Edwin O’Connor’s novels
Edwin O’Connor, whose life and literary career were abruptly cut short by his 1968 death at the age of 49, captured the imagination of his audience like few other authors of his time.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Philosopher for a Secular Age: Charles Taylor’s influence in the Catholic Church
Charles Taylor, the Canadian philosopher and social theorist who has become one of the world’s most prominent thinkers in the last few decades, continues to influence American religious dialogues, including in the pages of ‘America.’
Posted inExplainer, Faith
When St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday in Lent, should we eat the corned beef?
Can (or should) you eat meat this St. Patrick’s Day? Some archdioceses are giving out dispensations, while others insist upon fasting. Who is right?
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
‘The Irish Lincoln’: When Éamon de Valera visited America
While Éamon de Valera, the great politician and Irish patriot, is not always remembered fondly by all Irish, the writers and editors of America couldn’t get enough of him.