Looking at the Van Goghs we see a few parallels with the Holy Family, who knew humiliation and repudiation.

When both the literal and the spiritual darkness of the world feels overwhelming, we must not turn away.

Pope Francis’ encyclicals have drawn from and lead to this truth: What the world needs is heart—not sentimentality, but integration, presence and fortitude to stay in the tensions of our current reality.

Our readers weigh in on the value and spiritual benefits of vegetarianism, inspired by the experience of Fr. Francis X. Clooney, S.J.

What caused Dorothy Day to stand out in her time, as it does still, is the way her spiritual life was expressed not only in her daily prayer but in her response to the needs of her neighbors, to the poor and to the demands of history.

"Reminders to “be kind,” or the hope for a quiet life with just enough creature comforts and just enough distraction are understandable. But they are simply not enough.”