A Soldier’s Decision
Since the war in Iraq began, we at the Catholic Peace Fellowship have heard from more than 1,000 soldiers. And wea group that supports conscientious objectors through education, counseling and advocacyhandle just 6 percent of the calls on the national GI Rights Hotline. In answering the phone each d
Trent and Vernacular Liturgy
The so-called Tridentine liturgy is once again in the news, with Italian newspapers reporting rumors about a forthcoming papal indult that would loosen limits on the practice. Although as “Tridentine” the liturgy bears the name of the Council of Trent, it is only indirectly related to th
Jesuit Journeys: The Great Divorce, Posada, Xavier: Missionary and Saint
“The Great Divorce”
Of Many Things
Of Many Things
Nowadays when I read of Albania in the media, it is often in reference to Albanians who—desperate to escape their poverty-stricken country, where they are also beset by ethnic conflict—flee in rickety boats across the Adriatic Sea toward Italy. If they have not drowned or been intercepte
Letters
Letters
Concern for Life
Pope John Paul II stated quite clearly his view of a Christian’s attitude toward this planet on which we livea moral matter, as I recall. I long wondered whether his message was being announced among the faithful, although several bishops’ groups have written pastorals on the subject.
It was therefore a joy to read,…
Editorials
All the President’s Men
Many nursery rhymes began as coded verse that once circulated among the dissenting populace under autocratic rulers. A number of famous verses date to the Tudor monarchy. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary satirizes Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary), her garden a veiled reference to the graveyards where Protestant m
Faith and Reason
Rejecting the death penalty advances the culture of life
In 2007, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, at the time bishop of Rapid City asked: Is the right to life conditional, or is it unconditional? Can men and women forfeit their right to life by their behavior, or is that right irrevocably given by God?
Faith in Focus
I Need a JobAny Job!
When my marriage ended, I had no means by which to support my 18-month-old son. I had no job and no hope of child support until the divorce was finalized. I needed to find work, but was reluctant to put my son in day care. Then it occurred to me: maybe I could find a…
Books
Forever Deadlocked?
Two societiesIsraeli and Palestiniancoexist in one land Revered as holy land by Jews Christians and Muslims this special space has for decades been cursed by outrageous violence The present moment is a terrible one for both societies For this very reason conversation between the contending par
Incredible Hulk
Michael Lewis is a splendid and exceptional writer What creates the splendor is his gift for narrative pace for sly wit for the telling detail for the clarity and verve of his sentences What makes him exceptional is his ability to compose gripping tales about highly technical or dull subjects
From These Ashes
Postapocalyptic novels were once popular back in the last millennium when we all worried about the Bomb and what it might do to us.
Poetry
Massage Therapist
If healing has hands
The Word
Dynamics of Discipleship
Christian spirituality is discipleship that is a positive response to the call of Jesus despite or even because of our personal unworthiness In answering this call we have the examples of Simon Peter and other biblical figures like Isaiah and Paul who are led by the Holy Spirit Today rsquo s
Columns
Everyday Epiphanies
The starlight had dimmed. The magic of the Magi had dissolved into the gray of a January work week. And it had been a long week. I was feeling quite tired as I climbed into the taxi that would take me on the first stage of my journey home from the retreat house where I…
Current Comment
Current Comment
The Baghdad ExecutionsThe execution of Saddam Hussein by hanging on Dec. 30, followed two weeks later by the hanging of his half-brother, Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti, former head of Saddam’s secret police, and Awad Hamad al-Bandar, the chief judge of Saddam’s revolutionary court, made a m
Faith
Rejecting the death penalty advances the culture of life
In 2007, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, at the time bishop of Rapid City asked: Is the right to life conditional, or is it unconditional? Can men and women forfeit their right to life by their behavior, or is that right irrevocably given by God?
News
Signs of the Times
U.S. Bishop Discusses Palestinian PlightThe encroachment of Israeli settlements on Palestinian water sources must be addressed, said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., said his two-day visit to view Catholic Relief Services project
Politics
Faith
Culture
Vatican
Scripture
Podcasts