The great mask controversy exploded on the scene as the COVID crisis developed. Contrary to what might be expected, the demand for masking soon became a major issue. A simple matter of medical precaution turned into an ideological fight running along the same fault lines now polarizing the nation. Almost immediately (with … Read more
Gustavo Antônio Solimeo and Luiz Sérgio Solimeo Notions about the holy angels among the Catholic faithful, even the most enthusiastic Catholics, are often vague and superficial. For the most part, they are mere memories and images of childhood, not much different from fictitious and somewhat mythological beings such as fairies and elves. … Read more
On November 7, supporters and friends of The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP), and its Return to Order campaign, gathered in the small town of Alma west of Topeka, Kansas, for their annual regional conference. Because of COVID restrictions, organizers chose a location in a more … Read more
One topic never seems to get old in the media. It is any development in the sexual abuse scandals inside the Catholic Church. Any case will get full coverage from a zealous press who will do everything possible to follow a narrative of an oppressive institution and defenseless victims. One story inside … Read more
Two bloody beheadings by Islamic militants in France shocked the world. The French government and the media are trying to frame the attacks as only the work of isolated fanatics exposed to radicalized Islam. Such an evaluation is a mistake. Something more ominous is contained in these ghastly deeds. The crimes sent … Read more
Election Day has arrived, and voters will decide the course of America for the next four years. Like all postmodern elections, this is again the most important election in our history. The stakes are very high. The campaigns are over, and everything has been said. The two sides are locked in battle, … Read more
Imagine a conversation among the Apostles after the Resurrection in which one says, “You know, Barabbas is not so bad. I know he’s a criminal but we must consider his intrinsic dignity.” Another replies: “I heard that he comes from an underprivileged background. Besides Saint Peter was a sinner too.” The dialogue … Read more
The triple crisis of COVID-19, civil unrest, and economic disaster is now shaking the West’s spiritual and material foundations and the world. This is no ordinary crisis since it questions our time-worn certainties, changes our daily lives, and restricts Church freedom. In the face of this crisis, many are stunned and wonder … Read more
The new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti (hereafter FT), is an atypical papal document. First, because contrary to tradition, it is not addressed to the Catholic bishops, clergy, or faithful. Instead, it is written for “all people of goodwill, regardless of their religious convictions.” Second, because it is not inspired by Sacred Scripture, Fathers … Read more
Catholics have long extended the benefit of the doubt to Pope Francis when he frequently veers off the path of orthodoxy. With his latest statement regarding same-sex civil unions, there are no benefits in entertaining doubts. Many Catholics sense something is terribly wrong. “What we have to create is a civil union … Read more