No, I’m not referring to myself in the title, though I would bristle at the accusation of heresy, or even theological imprecision. The forthcoming (November/December 2014) edition of The Catholic Response magazine features this cool-headed commentary by its founder and editor, Father Peter Stravinskas, on the 2014 Extraordinary Synod on the Family. Because it generates more … Read more
As the Church crisis continues, and Catholics around the world pray for God’s guidance, it seems particularly appropriate to pray for Pope Francis. These two prayers are excellent in that regard. I hope you’ll all join me in praying them: Almighty and Everlasting God, have mercy on Thy servant N., our Supreme Pontiff, and direct him, … Read more
During a recent dinner conversation, a Jewish friend asked me, with sincere politeness, if I agreed with the Church’s attempts to “impose its morality” on a pluralistic society when it comes to abortion and other hot-button issues. She, like other American secularists, — I say “other” because, although my friend is Jewish, the Reform denomination … Read more
With the release on Monday of the relatio post disceptationem, the mid-term report presented at the start of the second week of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, the Catholic blogosphere went crazy. And rightfully so. While the report is in no way official or binding, it very much captures a tone and verbiage that … Read more
You may be aware that a mid-synod report — referred to as a “Relatio post disceptationem” — was released today. Voice of the Family (VoF), self-described as “an international coalition of pro-family groups”, is having none of it. John Smeaton, co-founder of Voice of the Family, threw an uppercut right out of the gate: Those who … Read more
Pope Francis is scheduled to beatify Pope Paul VI on October 19, at the conclusion of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the family. The timing is fitting as the two popes’ legacies could be forever associated based on how each dealt with their respective cultural crises: Paul VI and the sexual revolution, … Read more
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? If a Friday podcast doesn’t get posted until Sunday, is it still a Friday podcast? We don’t usually post on Sunday, but a series of unfortunate events (that’s fair use, right?) caused a delay in … Read more
[powerpress] ON TODAY’S EPISODE: Steve riffs on the synod, and on the question everyone would like an answer to: why do heretics have a seat at the table? Also, an interview with Fr. Richard Heilman about the launch of his upcoming apostolate, the Holy League. In-Depth – Links from Today’s Episode: The Holy League Trailer: The Holy League Facebook … Read more
“Put me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thy arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy as hard as hell, the lamps thereof are fire and flames. Many waters cannot quench charity, neither can the floods drown it: if a man should give all the substance of his house for … Read more