The Catholic Thing
The Ascension as a Gift of Faith
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Ascension. (Depending on where you are; check your local listings.) It’s worth pondering: Why did Christ ascend? Why, having conquered death, did He not remain? Wouldn’t it have been simpler for a…
The Devil and ‘Emerging Issues’
It’s often been said, though perhaps not often enough lately, that the Devil can cite Scripture for his purposes. Whether the Evil One is operative in many of the current approaches to Scripture – in university departments and some Church…
Who Gets to Say? – The Catholic Thing
I read recently that Cardinal Reinhard Marx says he will allow the blessing of same-sex unions, contrary to Vatican directives. Fr. Davide Pagliarani, the Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X, says he intends to ordain new bishops…
New Converts and Ancient Mystagogy
Mother Church is still celebrating the record number of converts who were received into her family at Easter. Her task now, like that of all mothers, is to nourish her children so they grow in wisdom, age, and grace before God and man. As…
A Link in a Chain
Homily preached by the Reverend Peter M. J. Stravinskas, Ph.D., S.T.D., at the Church of St. Pius X, Forked River, New Jersey, for the Confirmation of Nolan Santos. ‘I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons,’ wrote our latest…
‘Synodal Shepherds’ Attack the Sheep
The Catholic Church is accustomed to attacks upon her teaching. The history of heresy over the centuries reveals the never-ending efforts of those who seek to replace Catholic doctrine with various errors. What the Church has only recently…
The Catholic Church’s American Moment
This year is special for American Catholics in two ways. First, there’s the upcoming 250th birthday of the American Republic on July 4, 2026. But there’s another anniversary to celebrate. Today is the first anniversary of the election of Leo…
If I Were Created a Cardinal
If I were created a Cardinal and dispensed from the canonical requirement to be ordained a deacon or priest – my vocation is as a layperson – this is how I would counsel the Holy Father on the first anniversary of his pontificate. “Holy Father,…
Confessions of a Catholic Writer
Someone asked recently what it’s like to be a Catholic writer these days. That brought me up short. Because the situation of a Catholic writer at present is pretty much like that of any Catholic – we’re all bewildered by the many things now that…
A Trip to France Triggers a Midlife Crisis of Faith
Although the idea of a midlife crisis feels like an outdated concept these days, there is still something to be said about it. It may look different for men today, but they are still forced to confront certain personal challenges that arise…