CNA Columns
Chair for the Study of Atheism at the University of Miami I
Just days ago, the New York Times reported that the University of Miami has established a Chair of Atheism, Humanism,... Read more
Pondering a merciful God who seeks the worn and the weakest
I am not often drawn to an image as I once was while studying in the Seminary for the priesthood. It... Read more
Why lay liturgical ministers should wear albs at Mass
In my status as a retired-but-still-working priest, I have the opportunity to fill in for Sunday Masses in a variety... Read more
Why 'Last Days in the Desert' is so boring
With his latest film, Last Days in the Desert, Rodrigo Garcia has accomplished something truly remarkable. He has taken a portion of... Read more
Gender Identity: The New Frontier
On April 19, 2016 the retail store Target announced that it would provide gender neutral bathrooms and also allow men... Read more
A Memorial Day reflection from America’s late peace-priest
The best way to remember those who have been killed in battle is to work for the day when others... Read more
Pearls of Great Price
Why are pearls considered the world’s most mysterious of gems? Because of their origin and the manner in which they... Read more
Time for healing, not lamenting
On Friday, May 13, the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice issued a joint instruction, which they called... Read more
New dispatches from our endless culture war
Although the wave of battles now underway in several parts of the country over religious freedom laws and LGBT rights... Read more
How to work the Spiritual Works of Mercy into your Holy Year of Mercy
There are many ways to observe the Holy Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis last December and continuing until... Read more
Temples of God
The feast of the Most Holy Trinity falls on this Sunday, one week after Pentecost. Ordinary time resumes with the... Read more
Our daily bread
May is Mary’s Month. It is a new moment in the springtime of the year when we reflect on the... Read more
LOADED: Money and the Spirituality of Enough
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.... Read more
Pope’s invitation to families: Live the Gospel
Two weeks ago I issued a statement saying that I would study Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, “Amoris Laetitia,” or “The... Read more
Pope Francis and a dream for Pentecost
This Sunday, the Church brings to completion the Paschal Season by bestowing the Holy Spirit on us in the Liturgy,... Read more
The miracle of life
I experienced a miracle! A few days ago, I held in my arms my first grandbaby – newly born Faith... Read more
Forever in our Mother’s Heart
In the 19th century, before the age of television, oratory was an extremely popular form of entertainment. During those golden... Read more
A Tribute to Mothers
Every major tradition, culture, and nation celebrates Mother’s Day. Each of us knows instinctively that this day belongs to those... Read more
Shakespeare and the fading of the Catholic world
Last week the world marked the 400th anniversary of the death of the greatest writer in the English language and one... Read more
Tellin' it like it is ... but no one is listening
“Uncharitable.” “Crude.” “Hyperbolic.” “Jerk.” “Condescending.” “Sarcastic.” “I don’t like his tone…” “I don’t usually post his stuff…” “It’s another rant…”... Read more
