Atonement for sin is a notion that pre-dates Christianity and probably even pre-dates Judaism. more

The mid-century liturgical commission that revised the ceremonies for Holy Week was being subtly tongue-in-cheek or deliberately ironic when the members determined that Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday should be described as a “triumph.” more

The resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus Christ was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Previously, the religious leaders were profoundly disturbed that Jesus Christ had exalted himself above the Sabbath. more

The first recorded words, so to speak, from the mouth of God the Father were “Let there be light.” These words, while certainly familiar, are also a bit provocative. more

One of the most authentic shrines in the Holy Land is the Samaritan well near Sechem where Jesus encountered the many-times-wedded woman who had come to draw water. more

No one can blame Sts. Peter, James and John for wanting to prolong the Transfiguration experience. In his exhilaration, St. Peter blurts out, “Lord, how good it is that we are here. more

The National Catholic (the word is used loosely) Reporter recently praised the church in the Netherlands for its innovative response to the vocation crisis. more

Each beatitude proclaimed in this Sunday’s liturgy celebrates a deficiency. That’s right. Jesus, through the pen of St. Matthew, honors our brothers and sisters in faith who lack some portion of life and whom others might dismiss. more

Years ago, the last week of January was celebrated throughout the Catholic world as the Church Unity Octave. Beginning on the former feast of St. Peter’s Chair at Rome and concluding on the current feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, observers of the octave prayed for the unity of various Christian communities with the Church of Rome. more

Voice of the Faithful on-line newsletter, no doubt hoping to justify its own critical assessment of U.S. Catholicism, recommends its constituents read a recent article from Commonweal magazine regarding the “high stress, poor health, and low morale” of the diocesan clergy, specifically in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. more

A couple of weeks before Christmas, the Providence Journal featured an article on its religion page that highlighted a few Protestant communities that reject the celebration of Christmas. more

An advertisement featured recently on local radio begs support for a Roman Catholic missionary congregation that has earned justifiable renown over the last century. This religious congregation of priests and sisters had brought the Gospel message, amid much suffering and persecution, to what today is often called the Third World. They have a noble record. more

After 20 centuries of Christianity, the edge has been somewhat taken off St. Matthew’s insightful designation for Jesus Christ: “... and his name shall be called Emmanuel, which is God with us.” The reader should also note that this description of the nearness of God through Christ neatly concludes St. Matthew’s Gospel as well. The ascending Jesus Christ proclaims to his puzzled Apostles: “Behold I am with you always until the end of the age.” So the nearness of God, the presence of God, the closeness of God to his people through Christ is fundamental to the Gospel message. more

It might seem a little premature to celebrate the great solemnity of Pentecost, but there is a valid connection between the spirit of Advent and the arrival of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles after Jesus’ return to heaven. more

“Hello, Father Kiley? This is Peter Gilmore. My aunt said that I should call you about being a God-parent for my cousin Patrick’s baby. more

Readers of “The Quiet Corner” should put aside for one evening their reading of Will Durant’s “History of Civilization” and watch a couple of half-hour situation comedies on network television. more

Although Jesus himself never treasured nor even accepted the title “king,” this royal identity is a logical result of centuries of Christian belief. Jesus was born into the line of King David. Jesus was worshipped by the three Persian noblemen. more

No word has fallen on harder times in present day Roman Catholic circles than the word soul. Think of how common expressions containing the word soul were in Catholic life just a few short years ago. … more

It has been a few months since the glorious feast of the Resurrection. The fresh lilies, the lyrical alleluias, and the glow of the Paschal candle have long lost their splendor. Easter has changed from a festive celebration of risen life into a sublime doctrine pondered by the devout. more

On October 28, in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square, 498 martyrs of the religious persecution in Spain (1936-1939) were beatified. It was the largest group ever to be beatified at the same time. As … more