Nearly one year ago, daily communicants across California were shocked when their priests announced from the pulpit that public sacraments would be suspended until further notice. Several weeks later, the state imposed one of the most strict lockdowns in the country. For months, California Catholics were forced to search for clandestine access … Read more
The seal of Confession is a marvel of the Church’s pastoral care of souls. It is the promise on the part of the priest never to reveal the contents of a confession. Sinners are thus reassured that the secrets of their iniquities are forever sealed before God. They leave the confessional forgiven … Read more
In several recent pronouncements, Pope Francis has hinted that the current coronavirus pandemic is a revenge of nature. “A Revenge of Nature”? In a March 22 interview with Spanish journalist Jordi Évole, Pope Francis was asked whether the present pandemic is not “a revenge of nature”? The pope answered with a popular … Read more
(Quarantined in Milan, Italy) When future historians study the huge crisis triggered by the coronavirus, they will ask many questions, some of which might already have answers. Amid the crisis today, with Italy still in quarantine, we have to make do with the questions, which are not few or trivial. The coronavirus … Read more
Our reaction to the coronavirus reflects the crisis of our secular godless society. The problem is not the virus—as potentially lethal as it might be. This outbreak is a biological fact, like so many that have plagued humanity over the ages. While a virus is apolitical, it can, however, have political consequences. … Read more
A Catholic web site recently published an article titled “Authorities Dumbfounded at Retreats with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Prison, Causing a Total Change in Prisoners.” It is a striking testimony to the transformative power of the Church’s ministry. The experimental program in Texas encouraged inmates to participate in religious retreats. … Read more
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exod. 20:14) “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18) Since the family is the basic cell of society, when it is in crisis, all of society is dragged down with … Read more
On Easter morning, March 25, 1951, the Catholic priest mounted the steps of a partially destroyed church, and turned to face his congregation, some 60 men–gaunt, foul-smelling, in tattered clothing. Fr. Emil Kapaun raised a small, homemade, wooden cross to begin a prayer service, led the men in the Rosary, heard the … Read more
""""[vc_column_text]The fifth Call to Chivalry camp for fathers and sons was held from July 10–17 once again on the beautiful Cistercian grounds of Mount Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Roscrea, County Tipperary. As in previous years, the camp was filled with engaging talks, exciting games, outings, lively conversation and above all daily reception … Read more
""""[vc_column_text] Who should young Catholic men look up to as role models? Rock stars? Football players? Actors? At the annual Louisiana Call to Chivalry camp, boys are presented with true Catholic role models to admire and imitate. Each camp has its own theme and this year’s centered on historical figures of the … Read more