We’re now halfway through the four weeks of the second session of the Synod on Synodality. And a fair question to ask is: What have we done?

Pope Francis has decided that this year, we will be discussing not any series of topics—clericalism women’s ordination to the diaconate, or ministry to L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics—but synodality itself.

I suspect that there are other Catholics who may pray it in their own way, too. And, to my mind, any way you pray that leads you closer to God makes sense. 

Father James Martin responds to the five most common reasons for opposing L.G.B.T.Q. issues that he’s heard from synod delegates and church leaders from around the world.

First, remind yourself that extreme forms of hopelessness are not coming from God.

On the Feast of the Uganda Martyrs, James Martin, S.J., recounts the story of young men revered throughout East Africa.

“You do not have to believe in Marian apparitions to be a good Catholic,” Father James Martin writes. “But I do. I’ve never had a problem believing in them.”

Father Lohfink’s book, ‘Jesus of Nazareth: What He Wanted, Who He Was,’ is a model of clarity, scholarship, insight, belief and, best of all, surprises, Father James Martin writes.

For Orthodox Christians, Lazarus Saturday, with its brightly colored vestments, its relaxation of fasting and its little sweet-smelling pastries, is a joyful time.

My trip was short but introduced me to faithful people, powerful history and a beautiful land.