La Declaración de Independencia, que celebramos el 4 de Julio, declara que los derechos de la vida, la libertad y la búsqueda de la felicidad deben ser dados por Dios y, por lo tanto, “propios”. La enseñanza de la justicia social católica está de acuerdo. Estos no son solo derechos …

An Independence Day reflection They did their best to make the surroundings pleasant, but a hospital’s surgical waiting room’s designers did not create an atmosphere for reflection as TVs blare, monitors mark patient progress from pre-op to procedure room to recovery, relatives and friends chatter to distract from the serious …

Affirming life and love at area’s largest pro-life event By Gail Finke Despite dire threats of thunderstorms, the 13th annual Cross the Bridge for Life celebration took place June 3 under a cloudless, azure sky. As always, not a drop of rain fell.      “A lady called me to …

This column first appeared in our July, 2018 print edition. A few years ago, when I was still working in a parish, my beard did some evangelizing. Now, before I elaborate, I should share a couple of points about my beard. First, it’s long. It’s not “ZZ Top” long, but it’s …

Priest who built campus ministry moves to parish life; who’s next for WSU This story first appeared in our July, 2018 print edition By Walt Schaefer Father Ed Burns, who has served as Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at Wright State University for the past dozen years, hopped in his car …

This column first appeared in our July, 2018 print issue Q: What does the church teach concerning transubstantiation? Is the current teaching of the Catholic Church that through the consecration of the Eucharist we receive the real presence of Christ, or a symbolic presence? A: Very frequently it is thought …

A shorter version of this story appeared in our July, 2018 print edition. Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr ordained Fathers Craig Best, Jarred Kohn, Andrew Smith and Jacob Willig to the priesthood May 19 during a joyous Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains. Concelebrating were Bishop Joseph R. …

IMAGE: CNS photo/courtesy University of Dayton By Steve Larkin WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’,” which was promulgated June 18, 2015, has provided both a motivation and a framework for Catholic universities implementing sustainability projects. The encyclical, which has acquired a reputation as the “environmental encyclical,” has made …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 June 26 that a California law that placed requirements on crisis pregnancy centers that oppose abortion violated the First Amendment. In its decision in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra, the court found …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Michael Reynolds, EPA By Carol Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a 5-4 decision June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Donald Trump’s travel ban on people entering the U.S. from some Muslim-majority countries, saying the president’s action was within his power. The court’s much anticipated decision in …