“Wicked” author Gregory Maguire talks about his religious upbringing, Elphaba’s search for a soul and why nuns, saints and witches might not be all that different.
Faith
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
The sorrowful mysteries of the rosary remind us that suffering is sacred
Contemplative prayer challenges us to find meaning in suffering. I view this way of praying as the ultimate act of trust in God.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Beyond ‘Conclave’: What really happens when a new pope is elected?
With an all-star cast including Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, “Conclave“ genereated a lot of Hollywood buzz. It has also raised some questions: How is a pope really elected? Does the movie get it right?
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
To teach faith and morals in a diverse church, we must recognize the doctrinal authority of bishops’ conferences
At a time when the church’s doctrinal teachings on faith and morals are questioned everywhere, the relevance of such teachings to the believers brought up in diverse contexts is of utmost importance.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Popes Francis and Benedict agree: we must not confuse proselytism and evangelization
If our true desire is for others to know Christ, we must imitate him. Authentic evangelization is not accomplished through clever argumentation but by bearing witness to the working of God’s love and mercy in our lives.
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican stats: number of Catholics and deacons up, but priests, nuns and baptisms down
The Vatican agency, Fides, has published a brief overview on the global number of Catholics, permanent deacons, seminarians, and more.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
The liberating work of mercy: Banning ‘servile work’
The church’s teaching on servile work as it developed over the centuries is another indicator of how the church constantly sought ways not only to extend its evangelization but to challenge itself to recognize fully the others for whom Christ died.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Review: The intersection of faith and mental illness
Anna Gazmarian’s ‘Devout’ is an emotional, vulnerable portrait of a woman who was failed by two institutions, both science and religion, that she rightfully believed would help her.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Dear U.S. bishops: Here’s how to help JD Vance understand church teaching on migrants
Why can’t the U.S. bishops use their bully pulpit and their extensive media access to issue a public rebuke to JD Vance, as they did to Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi?
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Gratitude, sorrow, suffering and mercy: R.I.P. Greg Hillis
Greg Hillis, who died on the morning of Oct. 8, leaves behind a large and diverse community of family and friends all over the world. For so many of us, he was a true friend in the Lord.