Throughout a long career as a novelist, essayist, short story writer, poet and screenwriter, Ron Hansen has regularly explored questions of faith and religious belonging.
Faith
Posted inFaith, Pope Francis Homilies
Pope Francis on Epiphany: ‘Let us find God in flesh and bone, in the faces of those we meet each day.’
On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Francis reminds us that “contemplating God is beautiful, but it is only fruitful if we take a risk, the risk of the service of bringing God to others.”
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Pope Francis’ focus on the Bible and mercy—and why so many Catholics are uncomfortable with it
We can see the ways in which the Bible has guided Francis’ pontificate—and why Pope Francis’ use of the Bible has created not just joy for many, but fear and even confusion for others.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
100-Word Faith Stories: (Very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today
These (very) short essays about unexpectedly experiencing God in the world today include stories of perseverance, love and gratitude.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
What is a dad’s role in the delivery room?
What does a dad “do” during the birth of his child? I went to St. Joseph for help.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
‘Grace is everywhere’: Reflections on 60 years of priesthood
Looking back on 60 years of priesthood, the author notes the importance of the cross, the Eucharist, faith and grace in giving people meaning, purpose and hope in life.
Posted inArts & Culture, Music
The descendant of slavery and choir director who saved a beloved Christmas carol from extinction
The Work brothers preserved the rich tradition of Negro spirituals, most notably in crafting the iconic Christmas carol “Go, Tell It on the Mountain.”
Posted inArts & Culture, Music
Remembering The Pogues’ Shane MacGowan, the raucous and tragic sage of Irish music
Shane MacGowan once said that he was the one that God would use to save Irish music. Despite a public persona that was often less than saintly, he grappled with faith in many of his iconic songs.
Posted inFaith
Tiny faith stories: Finding peace in unlikely places
We asked readers to share stories of surprising moments of faith in no more than 100 words. In these (very) short essays, they explain how they experienced God through these situations.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
A Preacher’s Guide to Advent
Scripture scholars Barbara Reid, O.P., and Victor Cancino, S.J. join host Ricardo da Silva, S.J. to discuss how preachers can help Catholics enter into the Advent season—even as the world around us begins to celebrate Christmas.