A new collective tribute by a baker’s dozen of erudite specialists adds up to an erudite, if in some parts abstruse, overview of the remarkable life and ecclesiastic career of Cardinal Sforza Pallavicino.
History
Posted inFaith, Features
Slavery and the Catholic Church: It’s time to correct the historical record
The history of the church was nothing close to a steady, if interrupted, march to eliminate slavery.
Posted inArt, Arts & Culture
Uncovering the Jesuit influence on Vermeer, one of the Netherlands’ greatest painters
Johannes Vermeer’s renowned use of light may have been more than just an artistic statement; it seems likely it was a spiritual one, as well.
Posted inPodcasts, Politics & Society
Podcast: Catholics and the crisis of white Christian nationalism
This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley talk with Brad Onishi, the author of ‘Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism — And What Comes Next.’
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Ignatian spirituality, Alcoholics Anonymous and the inspiring ministry of Father Ed Dowling
How the spiritual sponsor of A.A.’s Bill W. began his ministry
Posted inFaith, The Good Word
History will not remember your prayers, but they still matter
Before faith becomes a list of what is believed, it is an actual experience of the living God. Our emotions, desires, joys or sorrows are, as we say, touched by grace.
Posted inFaith, Vantage Point
From 1936: Fulton Sheen on Catholicism, Communism and the need for intolerance
If the world is to be saved from the evils of communism, Archbishop Fulton Sheen argued, only the Catholic Church, with its intolerance for falsehood, is up to the task.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
French playwright Moliere’s fraught relationship with the Catholic Church: A fresh look on his 400th birthday
Molière faced opposition from church figures during his life over his controversial works. Four centuries after his birth, what religious themes and tensions can be found in his plays?
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Review: When France invaded Mexico—and tried to impose a Catholic monarchy
For a brief period in the 19th century, Mexico was ruled by a Hapsburg prince installed by France and named emperor. The story is told brilliantly in Edward Shawcross’s new history, ‘The Last Emperor of Mexico.’
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
A brief history of the Catholic Church’s teaching on mercy and sin
A close look at the Catholic moral tradition around sin, mercy and confession shows that it developed from its inception pathways to holiness that were collective, merciful, hospitable, inclusive, exemplary and grace-filled.