Pope Francis’ announcement of an upcoming synod dedicated to synodality is a cause of concern. Synodality is a vague term that describes the spirit of a synod, which is an assembly of ecclesiastics or other church delegates, convoked pursuant to the law of the church, for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical … Read more
Who would ever have thought that pagan Incan idols would be worshiped at the Vatican in Rome? Yet, that is what happened over the course of the month-long Pan-Amazon Synod. It started in the Vatican Gardens on October 4, 2019. There was a ceremony with a ring of people, including one in … Read more
The wise Roman maxim “Si vis pacem, para bellum”—“If you want peace, prepare for war” still applies today. The prospects for peace in our times have dimmed since the fall of the Berlin Wall thirty long years ago. The reality of war was made patent by the brutal 9/11 attacks and the … Read more
In today’s polarized climate, Americans are being asked to choose between “either globalism or nationalism.” It is a false dilemma since neither side represents the balanced position found in an authentic patriotism that first appeared in ancient times. However, even ancient forms of patriotism, while sound in their origin, could not keep … Read more
As globalism comes under increasing attack, the right attitude toward the local nation and the global world is hard to find. Too much attachment to a local place can lead to narrow and distorted perspectives that can stifle development. Too little loyalty to a nation in favor of vague global links can … Read more
The influential left-leaning magazine The Atlantic just released a special issue highlighting America’s polarization. It is meant to shock a deeply divided nation struggling to stay together. “How to Stop a Civil War” is the menacing cover story. “How America Ends” is yet another ominous title among others that analyze the nation’s … Read more
People who see the horrors of our chaotic world frequently segue to looking for a dangerous non-solution—the Benedict Option. That is why we must resist the temptation of simply writing off the present system with all its problems and isolating ourselves. In resisting, we reaffirm our certainty in Our Lady’s triumph foreseen … Read more
Who would ever have thought that pagan Incan idols would be venerated at the Vatican in Rome? Yet, that is what happened over the course of the month-long Pan-Amazon Synod. It started in the Vatican Gardens on October 4, 2019. There was a ceremony with a ring of people, including one in … Read more
She was already suffering from sadness and depression. A few days after Christmas, Kendrea Johnson decided to end it all. The six-year-old girl from Minnesota was found hanging from a jump rope in what officials called a suicide. She left a note that said, “I’m sorry.” People used to believe that such … Read more
(December 10 is the feast day of Our Lady of Loreto) O Virgin of Loreto, greeting thee with filial devotion, I love to repeat the words of the Archangel Gabriel and also thine: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” “The Almighty has done great things in me.” O … Read more