A forum of Catholic Thought

Our Lady of DeliveranceJaymie Stuart Wolfe

Because St. Louis Cathedral sits on the city's main square in the French Quarter, most of the tourists who come to New Orleans take a moment to peek inside. That curiosity coupled with the cathedral's ...

The 'month of the dead' brings its own strange refreshmentBishop Robert Reed

Those of us who have experienced the death of a loved one, even if we believe that she or he has gone to a better place, still find ourselves struggling with the parting. It's hard to let go. Sometimes ...

Make New Friends, But Keep the OldMaureen Crowley Heil

When I was in elementary school at Saint Michael School In Hudson (of blessed memory), one of the many activities in which I participated was Girl Scouts. I began as a Brownie, eventually "flying up" ...

A royal truthScott Hahn

What's the truth Jesus comes to bear witness to in this last Gospel of the Church's year? It's the truth that in Jesus God keeps the promise He made to David of an everlasting kingdom, ...

St. Cecilia and hope in sacred songRichard Clark

Nov. 22 is a date near and dear to the hearts of pastoral musicians as the church celebrates the feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians. A third-century virgin and martyr, she is ...

The paradox of Ordinary TimeLucia A. Silecchia

Every year, as Advent and Christmas approach, I seem to have the exact same conversation with one of my students. When I ask how the semester is wrapping up, invariably one of my students will tell me ...

What's the scriptural basis for praying for the dead and venerating relics?Jenna Marie Cooper

Q: What scriptural basis is there for praying for the dead, for their repose, or for praying to the dead, for their intercessions? And in a related way, what scriptural basis is there for the Catholic ...

Holy daysFather Robert M. O'Grady

The article about the Immaculate Conception generated several comments and questions beyond that specific holy day to holy days in general. Sunday is the primary holy day for all Roman Catholics. The ...

We need YOU on #GivingTuesday!Maureen Crowley Heil

The year was 1943. French Bishop Charles Forbin Janson had just returned from a trip to what was then one of the largest mission lands -- the United States. Bishop Charles was eager to do something to ...

Hope in tribulationScott Hahn

In this, the second-to-last week of the Church year, Jesus has finally made it to Jerusalem. Near to His passion and death, He gives us a teaching of hope -- telling us how it will be when He returns ...