via Vatican Radio: Pope Francis received Birthday Wishes and a celebratory cake on Thursday as he greeted members of the Italian “Azione Cattolica” movement thanking them for their commitment to welcome migrants. It was a special morning in the Vatican as a large group of children and young people who belong to the non-political lay… Read More Pope Celebrates His Birthday with Young Catholics Who Are Welcoming Migrants

While this political season has stirred up some of the more troubling elements in American culture, a remarkable story about a little girl who has experienced great tragedy and was simply hoping to receive a few Christmas cards has illuminated the best impulses in our society: In 2013, Sa’fyre Terry lost her father and three… Read More Girl Who Lost Family in Fire Receives 300,000 Christmas Cards

In general, hardcore partisans root for their party’s presidential candidate to face the weakest possible candidate from the opposing party. But for those who put the country and the common good first, it is far safer to have the two strongest candidates from each party square off, just in case one’s preferred candidate loses. Yet… Read More Would a Ted Cruz Primary Win Be Good for the Country?

Smartphones are supposedly ruining our lives and making us incapable of having real conversations. But phones, like other modern means of communication, are tools. We can surely misuse them, but we can also use them to create meaningful connection. Here are ten ways: 1) Practice “relationship life support” — but don’t be afraid to unfollow… Read More 10 Ways to Make Meaningful Connections in the Digital Age

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!” (Philippians 4:14)  Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing. How many of us spontaneously associate God and joy? In our alienation from God, we experience God only as judge, as distant and demanding. But God’s whole business is joy. God is a communion, a community of joy in God’s own inner life. God… Read More Let Us Rejoice

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Gaudium et spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, a key document from Vatican II. It is a truly extraordinary document, offering wisdom on a wide-range of subjects. Rereading this week, I was struck by the unity of Catholic moral and… Read More From Gaudium et spes to Pope Francis: The Unity of Church Teaching on Human Life and Dignity

“The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes.” Pope Francis Poverty is linked to some of the most pressing issues of modern times, from climate change to gun violence. Yet all too often, how we view poverty reflects societal misconceptions and prejudices and is disconnected… Read More Poverty, Capitalism, and Pope Francis