I have hesitated to write or speak about the upcoming Synod on Synodality for several reasons. First, I really do try to be open minded and give projects and people the benefit of the doubt. The Synod on Synodality is proposed. Let's not jump to conclusions. Let's give it a fair hearing. Let's try to be [...]
It is interesting that Pope Francis, in a recent interview has called for priests to be normal guys who play soccer rather than "preaching dogma". The Holy Father's opposition to dogma would seem to fit with his appreciation of ambiguity and a generally fuzzy approach to all things Catholic. By blurring distinctions and erasing boundaries, a [...]
Sola Fide is one of the famous Protestant "solas". It means "Faith Alone" and is the expression of the Protestant belief that we are saved by faith alone. This statement is a clear rejection of salvation by works. It's supported by the verse, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [...]
One of the aims of the Napa Institute Conference is to bring together Catholic philanthropists with leaders of Catholic apostolates and ministries to achieve positive relationships for ministry and outreach. Some critics have blasted the institute and conference for being some kind of Catholic Bohemian Grove--a secret meeting of fat cats (or fat Catholics) in order [...]
This week I attended the Napa Conference in California for the first time. It was great to meet so many readers of this blog and to connect with publishers and editors I have been working with, but who I have not had the chance to meet face to face. For those who are not familiar with [...]
Certain levels of the Catholic Church are all abuzz with the workings of "synodality". This top-down congregation of committees purports to be a "work of the Spirit" by which all God's people get a voice. However, it seems to me that it is simply another clericalist gimmick. I've been a Christian all my life and a [...]
The other day on social media a convert to the Catholic faith indulged in a familiar rant--and I sympathize. This person had visited a charismatic-type Protestant church and said (I paraphrase) "The worship was lively and welcoming. People were happily praising the Lord. There was a joyful spirit and afterward the pastor noticed me, welcomed me [...]
Whenever the memorial came along of the Seven holy founders of the Servite Order I was curious. I did not know who these saints were and have to confess that I did not take the time to learn about them. Yesterday Divine Providence was my teacher. The scholar, educator and author Michael Aeschliman and his wife [...]
Last week I was in England for a family wedding, and while I was on this side of the Atlantic I decided to take a vacation at one of my favorite spots: Podere Capitignano is a hillside retreat in Northern Tuscany. The scholar Michael Aeschliman and his wife Lynn have converted the farm buildings into holiday [...]
One of the joys (and chores) of a Catholic priest is to hear confessions. I say "chore" because it is tiring to sit there for hours listening to what seems the same old stuff. I realize that for the penitent it is a guilty and often shameful worry and a great relief to make one's confession [...]