“Si tacuisses philosophus mansisses” “I have great faith in the Holy Spirit to move papal conclaves, but I would concede that I may be running ahead of the Spirit on this one.” And thus E.J. Dionne Jr. is off and running. Initially I was dumbfounded because I didn’t think anyone would actually seriously propose what I tossed off as a joke in my “first reactions&... More

Pope Benedict is resigning. Not the end of the world, nor the end of the Church. If you find yourself saddened by this news remember: the Church is the bride of Jesus Christ, not the product of human enterprise. The Pope is Christ’s vicar, not successor. The pope is a caretaker and steward, not lord. Continue to love the Church and not any one man. Trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit̵... More

I mean seriously: that thing is just inappropriate. She must not know that vestments are supposed to match, not coordinate. Apart from that, this video is made of awesome.* * by “awesome” I clearly mean, “rarely do people volunteer such a testimony for why they ought not be taken seriously.” ...READ MORE... More

Morley Safer of CBS’ 60 Minutes spent some time talking with one of my favorite Catholics, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York. Dolan is a gregarious Irishman with a smile that doesn’t quit, a magnetism that holds your attention, an eloquence that instructs without overburdening, and honesty and fidelity that inspire. My final semester in seminary began with a 5-day silent retreat wit... More

Examples of humility and legitimate public repentance do present themselves often enough. Partly because our culture of the sensual-erotic and sensationalistic wishes us to look at Lady Gaga more than Mother Theresa. Partly also by definition: it cuts against what it means to be humble to promote one’s own self-humbling. Are those vessels glass and clay?! Good thing it's just bread and ... More