My favorite carols are often among the least known.
Music
Posted inFaith
‘The Little Drummer Boy’ reminds us we all have gifts to share this Advent
The Advent season prepares us for the incredibly humble journey of Jesus’ birth. This carol provides another dimension of this humility.
Posted inArts & Culture, Podcasts
Did the magi really exist? Investigating the story behind the Christmas carol
Besides its musical beauty and thrilling sense of wonder, the song ‘We Three Kings’ offers a treasure trove of stories to unwrap.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
Puccini, opera and the arts as a gift from God
Giacomo Puccini, the composer of “La Bohème,” “Tosca” and “Madama Butterfly,” has been called the world’s most popular songwriter, and with good reason.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Pope Francis and Chappell Roan both refused to endorse Trump or Harris. Catholics can learn from the backlash.
Too often, Catholics expect Pope Francis to reflect their personal or political convictions perfectly, forgetting that he is the head of a global church, not of a political party of any particular country.
Posted inArts & Culture, Music
What fans lost when we lost One Direction’s Liam Payne
Being a Directioner—what we fans of One Direction call ourselves—has always offered a sense of inclusion and belonging.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
How my 4-year-old taught me the true meaning of ‘good’ liturgical music
The music we hear at Mass makes a difference. Our son looks forward to church all week long, and the music is the reason why.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Book Club
Remembering Kris Kristofferson, outlaw and pilgrim
Kris Kristofferson was a Rhodes Scholar, a literary wunderkind and the lyricist behind many songs made famous by more prominent voices. Kristofferson was also—hear me out on this—a man for whom religious faith was an important part of his life.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
The Ignatian creativity of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’
“Singin’ in the Rain” inspires us to meet pivotal moments with creativity, cooperation and a desire to achieve the greatest possible good.
Posted inArts & Culture, Music
‘R-Rated Taylor Swift’: Why this priest is paying attention (and listening) to Chappell Roan
I’m interested in Chappell Roan because the culture has interest in her and because she’s a very talented, intelligent young artist.