‘Christ before me’: Pray the Breastplate of St. Patrick at the manger
Of all the things and people to be present at the birth of Jesus Christ, there were shepherds! I would probably have been more surprised if there were not shepherds. … Learn More
Category: Columns
Seven new books to help feed your mind and your faith
“If you have once accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some time every day. That is why daily prayers and … Learn More
Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always!)
Sunday, December 17 is Gaudete Sunday. It is a day midway through the Advent season when we are called to be especially joyful because the Lord is near.
Why the Magnificat is the perfect prayer in Advent
Anyone who says evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours regularly recites the Magnificat from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Named for its first word in … Learn More
Reaching out in faith: Can one Mass satisfy my Sunday and Christmas obligation in Advent 2023?
It’s a little confusing.
Reaching out in faith: Can a Catholic date a person whose marriage has not been annulled?
Q: Can there be situations where a Catholic can date another person who has been divorced but has not yet received a declaration of nullity for that marriage? In a … Learn More
Friday abstinence: Getting to the meat of the matter
Long ago, in the days before the Second Vatican Council, those who felt a certain distaste for the Catholic faith were wont to speak of their papist neighbors as “mackerel … Learn More
Cardinal Tobin: Waiting for the blessed hope during Advent
We pray about it in a special way during Advent.
Cardinal Tobin: Faith leaders can influence the world on climate change
We must align our spiritual values with our actions toward the planet and each other.
Reaching out in faith: What are the rules for Advent and Christmas trees?
Q: When I was a kid we put up the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and took it down a day or two after Christmas. As an adult, I put … Learn More