As a young seminarian serving at St. Agnes of Bohemia parish in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, I came to appreciate many customs and traditions that I had never heard of as the son of an Irish immigrant. One of these customs was la mordida or “the bite.” This custom is …

One of my favorite songs of all time is “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. The melody, the lyrics, and that distinct voice really conjure up beautiful images in my mind. It’s a peaceful song, and every time I hear it, I’m reminded of all the gifts the world …

Each year at this time, we are reminded that God’s creation is a sacred tapestry woven with purpose, beauty, and dignity. From the expansive universe to a vulnerable newborn child, every element of creation reflects the divine image and invites us into a relationship of reverence and stewardship. The pro- …

In his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi te” Pope Leo XIV sets out the foundations of Christian Revelation and of the tradition of the Church. Andrea Tornielli Already in the title, Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te, reveals its close connection with Dilexit nos, the final encyclical of Francis, and represents, in …

Sixty years ago Pope Paul VI addressed the United Nations. By Andrea Tornielli “Never again war, never again war!” Sixty years have passed since Paul VI, Bishop of Rome, raised his cry for peace at the United Nations Headquarters. It was Monday, 4 October 1965. Only twenty years out of the immense …

While reflecting on vocations, my imagination kept landing on my favorite lines from The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. They’re from a conversation between Frodo, a small hobbit, and Gandalf, a wise, old wizard, in the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring. Gandalf is explaining a …

As the Church marks the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Abbot Marion Nguyen reflects on the theme, “The Cure for Indifference: A Spiritual Prescription” By Abbot Marion Nguyen The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19–31) is striking not because the rich man is portrayed as wicked, but …

I recently found myself reflecting on the course of my summer. As a pilgrim of hope, I traveled to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee year, alongside parish directors of evangelization from the archdiocese. We were blessed and privileged to accompany Archbishop Robert Casey to the Papal Mass where Pope Leo …

As the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Jenny Kraska reflects on the theme, “Where suffering and love meet”. By Jenny Kraska Each year on September 14, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – a day when Christians are …

As the Church marks the Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Fr Luke Gregory reflects on “The cost of discipleship: a call to true commitment” By Fr Luke Gregory, OFM The teachings of Jesus resonate profoundly, especially for those seeking deeper meaning and peace. As revealed to us in the Gospel …