Catholic Journal

Reflections on a Post-Francis Church

Now that Pope Francis has gone to the House of the Father, it is normal, logical and natural to ask the pivotal question: After Francis’ charismatic pontificate, in which direction will the Church move...

St Peter’s Keys and Our Representation

The conclave begins again in Rome where cardinals from around the world will come together to pray for the Holy Spirit’s descent and to choose the next Bishop of Rome. This process and the ancient rituals have...

I Didn’t See the Pope

My recent journey to Rome during the Jubilee of Deacons was intended as a spiritual pilgrimage, an exploration of faith, and an opportunity to experience the magnanimity of the Church’s traditions...

All Essays

A Catholic President in Spirit

Democratic New York Governor Alfred Smith was the very first Catholic to run for president, having secured his party’s nomination in 1928. Despite losing to Republican Herbert Hoover, Smith won the largest metropolitan...

Lenten Meditations- Part 1

When I give conferences and lead retreats in my line of work, I look for the right thoughts that will give people something worthwhile to consider. As Lent begins I want to offer some insights I have gleaned from my ten...

Focusing On Our Goal

In life, for something to be truly worthwhile, it has to fulfill its goal. If that does not occur then its existence is put to question. Even you and I were created to fulfil our purpose. What is our aim? Why do we...

Our Spiritual Eyes

Usually, it is kids who do exactly the opposite of what they are told to do. They must do it out of spite, I guess, and it is unnerving and frustrating their parents and teachers. However, if it is adults who act out of...

A Fine Line

In Eleanor H. Porter’s 1913 novel, an orphan named Pollyanna takes center stage. With an unjustifiably optimistic attitude, this young lady’s name has come to describe a certain type of individual; namely...