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Generation Z—those born between 1996 and 2010—and people younger than them are increasingly drifting away from institutional religions like the Catholic Church. Some go toward being “spiritual but not religious” while others move completely away from the rituals, practices, and beliefs of all religious institutions. How should we minister to...
Catholics Making Time to Shape Up Soul and Body The number of obese US adults is going the wrong way. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a new high in America’s obesity rate, with 42.4 percent of the nation’s adult population now qualifying as obese. Despite the...
Alcoholism may be one of humanity’s oldest addictions. Wine and other intoxicating beverages—along with their potential to cause problems—have been with us since the development of agriculture. In the Book of Genesis, Noah—a good farmer—planted a vineyard. And, after harvesting grapes, he promptly “drank some of the wine, became drunk,...
At a Mass I attended recently, the priest gave an interesting homily on Luke 12. He explained that, depending on our choices in life, God’s spiritual fire could either be cleansing or destructive. While this seemed reasonable, his comments about voting during this election season were debatable. He challenged the...
The Covid-19 virus has demonstrated an ability to transcend man-made boundaries and barriers that exist in our fragile global community. It reminds us of humanity’s interconnection; even at the same time we’re practicing “social distancing.” Prayer—especially during this Lenten season—also helps keep us interconnected through challenging times. The Redemptorists and...
A Model Evangelist, a Life of Struggle These encouraging words from a man with a complicated story can inspire and guide us if we let them. Saint Clement Hofbauer spoke them more than 200 years ago, and the truth in them is as fresh today as they were then. How...
There is an indescribable mercy in the gospel that opens the hearts of broken people and draws them into a life devoted to reflecting the relentless grace of the crucified Savior to a lost and weary world. It is a mystery that conquers the most hardened, sinful soul and lifts...
Ideas Parishes Can Use to Server a Fast-Growing Population By Barbara Lee As a spiritual director with a ministry to the aging, I often hear two complaints from older men and women about parish life: First: “We’re left out. Parish activities focus on families and young people, most parish events...
If an applause meter measured hope, its arrow would have surpassed maximum when Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory was installed in May as the new shepherd of the Archdiocese of Washington (DC). As the new archbishop—known as a joyous priest—entered the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, booming...
As we recall the suffering and death of our Lord on the cross, the questions that come to mind are: “Why did he suffer and die? What is the meaning of his death on the cross?” The most common understanding is that he died for our sins. We believe that...
A tree gives glory to God…by being a tree. For in being what God means it to be, it is imitating an idea which is in God and which is not distinct from the essence of God, and therefore a tree imitates God by being a tree. The more a...
We’ve known all our lives that February 14 is Valentine’s Day, a time when we honor those we love. But arguably more significant and lesser-known celebratory dates about love precede the 14th, when roses and candy fly from shops into loved ones’ arms. February 7-14 marks the annual celebration of...
Stressed out? Deepen your relationship with Jesus with practical methods of prayer. Stephen Muff Every year since 2007, the American Psychological Association has surveyed the country’s anxiety. This year broke the record. Americans are seeking remedies. More and more, people are turning toward the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, New Age...
Celebrate a city of culture and diversity with a rich history and deep faith. In 2018, New Orleans celebrates its tricentennial year. Liguorian’s award-winning fiction piece Remoulade and Ramos is a tale told by Louisiana native, Byron Miller, CSsR that skillfully weaves a young man’s rite of passage in with...
The vegetarian equivalent of meat loaf—perfect for the Lenten season. From A Monastery Kitchen: The Classic Natural Foods Cookbook Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette Ingredients: 1 cup of lentils 1 cup of rice Olive oil 4 cups of water 1 large onion, sliced 2 tomatoes, chopped 10 mushrooms, sliced 2 garlic cloves,...
The Latin root of Cardinal is cardo, meaning “hinge,” or something very important. In the Church, it came to mean “a clergyman of the highest rank, next to the pope.” In early October, Pope Francis named seventeen new cardinals, including American Archbishops Blase J. Cupich of Chicago and Joseph W....