By Mark Irons
Good things don’t always fit neatly in a box. Neither do popes. But even among devout Catholics, papal presumptions or “hot takes” abound.
6/20/25
Reading Time
2
min
By Msgr. Charles M. Mangan
The arrival of the annual Solemnity of Corpus Christi — the most holy Body and Blood of Christ—impresses upon us the unmistakable, unsurpassable gift that Jesus left behind. It has been nearly 2,000 years since the church first exulted in the most holy Eucharist, which St. Thomas Aquinas hailed as “the Sacrament of Sacraments.”
6/17/25
Reading Time
3
min
By Elizabeth Foss
“How’s your summer unfolding?” I asked. “Great!” she replied brightly. “Super busy. So much to do. Coming and going — trips and camps, swim lessons and the gym. Trying to keep up!” I nodded in recognition and smiled in return. We exchanged a vague promise to get together soon for an afternoon of catching up. […]
6/17/25
Reading Time
3
min
By Lucia A. Silecchia
Years ago, a baby elephant was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Since I lived within walking distance of this newborn neighbor, I grew surprisingly attached to him. His antics were recorded on camera to the delight of a cynical city that fell in love with him.
6/17/25
Reading Time
3
min
By Irene Pruitt
After months of counseling, Maria still felt that something was missing. Her counselor seemed knowledgeable, but whenever she mentioned prayer or her struggles with her faith, there was an awkward pause, and the conversation turned to “evidence-based treatment.” Eventually, she found herself wondering — is there a place where her faith and mental health needs […]
6/17/25
Reading Time
3
min
By Fr. Joseph M. Rampino
Jn 20:19-23 In celebrating the great solemnity of Pentecost today, the church turns her mind to consider perhaps the most mysterious, and certainly most overlooked person of the Blessed Trinity, the Holy Spirit. So often, Christians associate the Holy Spirit and his action with religious enthusiasm, with exotic spiritual gifts, with mystical experiences, with the […]
6/7/25
Reading Time
3
min
By Irene Pruitt
Peter lay awake, listening to the ticking clock. The rhythm usually lulled him to sleep — tonight, it felt like a countdown to an explosion. The rumors had started — departmental restructuring, layoffs, pay cuts. Now, after that email, the worst-case scenario seemed almost certain. For years, he had built his life around stability — […]
6/6/25
Reading Time
3
min
By Lucia A. Silecchia
“White smoke” was all that my friend’s text said. That was, of course, all that I needed to hear to know that the quiet afternoon I had planned in my office at Catholic University would no longer be so quiet. That text was followed by an invitation to everyone on campus to gather in the […]
6/5/25
Reading Time
3
min
By Elizabeth Foss
A crazy eye thing happened last weekend. A kind of system breakdown that will permanently alter the way I see things. Literally. But probably figuratively, too.
6/5/25
Reading Time
3
min
Popular
Popular
National
6/8/26
Reading Time
3
min
Beauty beyond comprehension