If there is one thing that is certain about the shutdown, it is not only about the wall. There are many levels of discussion in this debate that involve more fundamental issues than just a physical structure. Understanding these issues can make sense out of the present impasse. Of course, there is … Read more
Little remains of the vast edifice of family, community and faith relationships that once unified and anchored the American way of life. These things have not disappeared from the horizon. They are still important, but they have deteriorated. There is no more consensus about what they mean, and they no longer serve … Read more
The Declaration of Independence enshrined the unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. By this right, we think we may freely live the life that makes us happy, as long as it is not illegal or violates the rights of others. Many have the illusion that we can achieve perfect happiness on … Read more
In his book, Pope Francis’s “Paradigm Shift”: Continuity or Rupture in the Mission of the Church?, Mr. José Antonio Ureta spells out many reasons for faithful Catholics to be concerned about the direction in which Pope Francis is taking the Church. Chapter six discusses the Pope’s inclination to reject objective morality and … Read more
Novena to Our Lady of Good Success of the Purification (February 2 is the feast day of the apparition of Our Lady of Good Success of the Purification) Act of Contrition I believe in God: strengthen, O Lord, my faith; I hope in God: firm, Lord, my hope; enkindle, O Lord, … Read more
Many complain that young people are not getting the basic life skills so needed to survive in the world. Parents and schools no longer teach skills like cooking, laundry, budgeting, or car repair as in times past. At the same time, our culture encourages young people to extend their adolescence well into … Read more
The new Congress, the shutdown and jittery markets have set the nation on the path of uncertainties. We are faced not with simple misfortunes or a predictable economic downturn. This crisis is somehow different since we face the unknown. It is the cause of great anxiety. It is a bit like running … Read more
Forty-six years ago this month, the horrible and infamous Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, legalized the slaughter of innocent unborn children through abortion. However, now, pro-lifers from all over the world are still converging by the hundreds of thousands upon Washington D.C., the nation’s capital, to boldly and unabashedly proclaim that … Read more
Nationalism is one of those vague terms that appears when a social order is not anchored in moral certainties. The term can take on many meanings, some good, others bad because when nothing is certain, a climate of anxiety takes hold that distorts the national debate. This climate is found in today’s … Read more
A society with authority and vital flux is one of an immensely rich social life. Every family, social group, profession, region, and State tends to gather together under natural leaderships to address the needs so proper to our social nature. Each unit produces by custom and good sense that which it is … Read more