In Advent 2011, the English Translation of the Mass was changed. One of the most noticeable changes was in the Penitential prayer in the beginning of the service known as the Confiteor. Why all of a sudden did we begin beating our breast and saying...
Pope Francis has often made comments about capitalism and money that have caused some people to label him as a socialist who believes government redistribution of wealth is the answer to economic injustice. Does a careful examination of his words justify the interpretation that he...
Sacramentals -- what are they and what role do they play in Catholic liturgical life? Are they devotional articles or objects of popular devotion like scapulars, or are they blessings? Can they be found in the Bible, either the Old or New Testament? Were...
Paul tells us we are justified by faith, not works. The story from Luke 7 about Jesus, the Pharisee, and woman with the alabaster jar helps us to understand what Paul means and why many debates between salvation by faith vs. works entirely misses...
This article on the importance of the charisms of the Holy Spirit, the supernatural gifts of grace, is helpful for all Christians at all stages of development. But it is especially valuable for those preparing for or teaching about the sacrament of confirmation....
A list of the many titles Scripture gives to the Holy Spirit including counselor, advocate, Spirit of Truth, Promise of the Father, and others....
Pope Francis was elected as successor of Peter and bishop of Rome on March 13, 2013. He chose to be installed on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19 2013. Thus, his very first homily as Pope was on the role of Saint...
Salvation history is the story of a journey. Abram goes from civilization to the desert, Moses from the Pharaoh’s palace to a mountaintop. The people of Israel repeat Moses’ journey, and then are led through the desert to the Promised Land. All these journeys have a...
This Lenten and Holy Week meditation on Psalm 45 and the contemplation of beauty represents a message that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) sent to a meeting of the ecclesial movement Communion and Liberation in August 2002. The group was meeting in...
Ressourcement Theology and its Intellectual Background A Select Bibliography Ressourcement Theology was a theological movement from the early 20th century through the Second Vatican Council that saw the key to the revitalization of both theology and pastoral life in the church as lying in a reappropriation of...