Columnists
My niece, fatherhood, and celibacy
I had two “prayer hours” left in my yearly silent retreat when I awoke in the wee hours of the morning to the most joyous news I had received in a long time. After almost […]
Opinion
Columnists
A pro-life virtue, a family value
Docility sounds like the title of a character study of wimps. As a personal habit, docility has gotten a bad rap. Sorry to say, some believers seem to think that being docile means that they […]
Columnists
Epiphany afterglow
In the Church’s Liturgy, each new calendar year begins with what may be called “Epiphany afterglow.” Until 1955, the Roman Church celebrated an octave, or eight days, of Epiphany, which means literally “to shine upon.” […]
Columnists
Be merciful to all others, as God is to us
When my son was in Afghanistan, my anxiety and concern compelled me to remember him and the others serving there. However, since his safe return last May, my mind and prayers were not often focused […]
Charleston Deanery
Waiting and working for peace on Earth
There is something about the physics of the universe that doesn’t tolerate chaos indefinitely. Scientific research shows that chaotic systems eventually tend to break into some sort of order and pattern. These days we have […]
Columnists
Eastward lightings
Light is a major theme in the Biblical readings of the Christmas season that has shaped Christian worship for millennia. On Christmas, the Prophet Isaiah said that “the people who walked in darkness have seen […]
Alison Blanchet
Protecting children against accidental impurity
Middle school is a jungle. As annoying as adulthood can be, with its monthly bills and preoccupation with fiber intake, there’s no way I’d want to go back to seventh grade. In seventh grade, the […]
Charleston Deanery
One saint’s Christmas letter
There are a number of saints who can be ranked among the world’s collection of geniuses. St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Teresa of Avila would definitely be among them. […]
Columnists
The Christmas Advent
It seems that each year Christmas comes earlier. At one time, retailers unveiled Christmas advertisements and decorations after Thanksgiving. Now Halloween immediately gives way to the trappings of December 25th. Perhaps next Christmas really will […]
Columnists
God loves all, without exception
Working at a parish, I encounter parents wanting to involve their children and teens in community service. Sometimes this type of outreach is required for a school, a club, or to create a well-rounded college […]