In the twenty-first century, the virtue of duty is paradoxically both greatly admired and shamefully despised. On the one hand, certain forms of duty, such as military service, are still widely appreciated. A common sight in airports, malls, and other public places is that of perfect strangers approaching soldiers in uniform and … Read more
The questions about the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitiae presented to Pope Francis by four cardinals in the form of Dubia (Doubts) remain without an official answer.
As I went to the local supermarket this Ash Wednesday, I was surprised by a table outside on the sidewalk with two men in clerical collars. The sign said it all: “Ashes to Go.” They were administering ashes to shoppers. I had already received my ashes from the priest at church, but … Read more
True Catholic social doctrine preaches “the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ,” (Pius XI) not revolt and the subversion of the civil order The “First U.S. regional World Meeting of Popular Movements” was held in Modesto, Calif. from February 16-19 with the participation of two cardinals, Peter Cardinal Turkson, … Read more
Francisco and Jacinta Marto are the youngest non-martyred children ever to be beatified. They were raised to the honor of the altars not simply because they saw Our Lady but also because they generously heeded her call to prayer, penance, and reparation. They are, thus, the first fruits of the Message of … Read more
The recent (January 30) statements by the Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, Robert Barron, that he will not fight for the abolition of the same-sex “marriage” ruling has scandalized even his admirers.
Upon arriving in Lourdes on pilgrimage on a cold, rainy winter day, I was feeling very much the pilgrim. I was cold, tired, and wet. The long trip had been exhausting and the walk in the drizzling rain from the train station to the hotel had drained me of energy. As I … Read more
Hardly a day passes when some barbarous act does not jump to the headlines. Barbarous—there is no other word to describe these vile deeds. Thus, whether it be the sadistic torturing, terrorist beheadings, mass shootings or truck ramming murder sprees (not to mention genocide and war), these acts are becoming ever more … Read more
As we enter 2017, many people are still recovering from the stress and drama of 2016. From a political, social and religious standpoint, 2016 was a year of unexpected and unimaginable turmoil. The year brought us to the edge of a tall cliff. Equally traumatic and unexpected were the last-minute rescues from … Read more
Alcántara, a town on the Tagus whose name means here crossed by a bridge—cantara, and it is situated in the plain of Estremadura, a great field of conflict for the Moslems and Christians of Spain in the twelfth century. Alcántara was first conquered in 1167 by the King of Leon, Fernando II … Read more