ABIDING THE LONG DEFEAT WITH J.R.R. TOLKIEN
Faithfulness In A Disenchanted Age: The only thing that may remain within our power is our own faithfulness.
Faithfulness In A Disenchanted Age: The only thing that may remain within our power is our own faithfulness.
ENGAGING CATHOLICS
A series of web interviews with American writers, priests, politicians, thinkers and other public figures represents a dialogue between Catholicism and various aspects of secular culture.
A series of web interviews with American writers, priests, politicians, thinkers and other public figures represents a dialogue between Catholicism and various aspects of secular culture.
VATICAN WARNS CATHOLIC BLOGS CREATE "CESSPOOL OF HATRED"
Although Pope Francis has succeeded in rebranding the public profile of the Church his positive tone isn’t always reflected when Catholics themselves take to the use of social media.
Although Pope Francis has succeeded in rebranding the public profile of the Church his positive tone isn’t always reflected when Catholics themselves take to the use of social media.
YOUNG ADULT CATHOLICS BLOG
Join the movement of Catholics in their 20s and 30s who seek justice in the church and world
Join the movement of Catholics in their 20s and 30s who seek justice in the church and world
ABBEY OF THE ARTS
An online, global "monastery" offering resources which integrate contemplative spiritual practice and creative expression with monastic spirituality.
An online, global "monastery" offering resources which integrate contemplative spiritual practice and creative expression with monastic spirituality.
IN 'THE TWO POPES,' AN IMAGINED CONVERSATION EXPRESSES A UNIVERSAL NEED FOR TOLERANCE
[The film] deals well with church history, the papacy, the mysteries of faith and communion. It also has something to say about the antagonistic level of public discourse in the U.S.
[The film] deals well with church history, the papacy, the mysteries of faith and communion. It also has something to say about the antagonistic level of public discourse in the U.S.
MEET THE MONKS WHO BREW THE ONLY TRAPPIST BEER IN AMERICA
St. Joseph's Abbey, in Spencer, Mass., is a beautiful monastery, has a welcoming community, and is great place to make a retreat. It's also the only place licensed to brew authentic "Trappist beer" in the U.S.
St. Joseph's Abbey, in Spencer, Mass., is a beautiful monastery, has a welcoming community, and is great place to make a retreat. It's also the only place licensed to brew authentic "Trappist beer" in the U.S.
THE JESUIT MISSIONARIES WHO INSPIRED ROLAND JOFFÉ’S 'THE MISSION'
The story of a film that became an inspiration to Jesuits and their companions worldwide.
The story of a film that became an inspiration to Jesuits and their companions worldwide.
THREE ESSENTIALS FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL ONLINE
Like many powerful forces in this world, online communication is capable of building-up humanity or tearing people down and apart from each other.
Like many powerful forces in this world, online communication is capable of building-up humanity or tearing people down and apart from each other.
WHY ARE CATHOLIC WRITERS SO BORING?
Myles Connolley on American Catholic Writers: The American Catholic Writer sets out bravely to be persuasive, to be provocative, to be useful—to be everything, indeed, except entertaining.
Myles Connolley on American Catholic Writers: The American Catholic Writer sets out bravely to be persuasive, to be provocative, to be useful—to be everything, indeed, except entertaining.
CATHOLIC MEDIA HAS A DIVERSITY PROBLEM
Catholic media must actively seek out women and people of color to ensure broader, more accurate representation.
Catholic media must actively seek out women and people of color to ensure broader, more accurate representation.
'SOLOS’: MONOLOGUES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
Seven great actors for seven great questions: this is the strength of Solos, a miniseries produced by Amazon Prime Studios.
Seven great actors for seven great questions: this is the strength of Solos, a miniseries produced by Amazon Prime Studios.
AT 50 YEARS, 'THE GODFATHER' STILL IMPACTS HOW HOLLYWOOD DEPICTS GANGS, VIOLENCE
The legacy is that in the grab for power, one dies alone, seemingly exterminated by a child playing with insect spray as happened to Vito Corleone.
The legacy is that in the grab for power, one dies alone, seemingly exterminated by a child playing with insect spray as happened to Vito Corleone.
‘THE CHOSEN’ – WHEN JESUS BECOMES A TV SERIES
The central idea of writing fiction that combines the essential episodes of the Gospel with an added narrative fabric is legitimate in its approach as it reveals the humanity of both Jesus and the other characters.
The central idea of writing fiction that combines the essential episodes of the Gospel with an added narrative fabric is legitimate in its approach as it reveals the humanity of both Jesus and the other characters.
OFFICIALS ACROSS US CHURCH, VATICAN LAMENT CLOSING OF CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
Catholic media professionals lamented the pending loss of Catholic News Service, which has been long respected for providing objective and balanced reporting on the church.
Catholic media professionals lamented the pending loss of Catholic News Service, which has been long respected for providing objective and balanced reporting on the church.
IN CLOSING CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, U.S. BISHOPS UNDERMINE THEIR PASTORAL WORK
No editing, no accountability, no professionalism adds up to no credibility. And that is what the Catholic bishops, whose reservoir of credibility was already down to the fumes, are sacrificing when they dismantle a professional news outlet like CNS.
No editing, no accountability, no professionalism adds up to no credibility. And that is what the Catholic bishops, whose reservoir of credibility was already down to the fumes, are sacrificing when they dismantle a professional news outlet like CNS.
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE CLOSURE OPENS THE DOOR TO PARTISAN AND IDEOLOGICAL CHURCH COVERAGE
There’s going to be a big gap in what our parishioners are going to know about what’s going on in the U.S. and throughout North America.
There’s going to be a big gap in what our parishioners are going to know about what’s going on in the U.S. and throughout North America.
RIP CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, GONE TOO SOON AND WHEN WE NEEDED YOU MOST
The passing of CNS exemplifies the more general problem of the Catholic Church operating on a national level through bishops' conferences.
The passing of CNS exemplifies the more general problem of the Catholic Church operating on a national level through bishops' conferences.
AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE
A nun founded a TV station that became the “Catholic Fox News.” Given the lack of any real competition for EWTN, critics say there is a danger of the oppositional right being the only voice with a large platform.
A nun founded a TV station that became the “Catholic Fox News.” Given the lack of any real competition for EWTN, critics say there is a danger of the oppositional right being the only voice with a large platform.
“CHURCH IN THE DIGITAL” OFFERS TOOLS FOR A CHURCH ALSO PRESENT ONLINE
Pope Francis pens the preface for “Church in the Digital” which offers tools and proposals for the Church that is also present in the digital world.
Pope Francis pens the preface for “Church in the Digital” which offers tools and proposals for the Church that is also present in the digital world.
HOW TO EVALUATE CATHOLIC JOURNALISM AS CNS SHUTS DOWN
Lots of actors will be after audience, influence, and revenue. Be careful what you read. Be concerned if the outlet is endorsed by the people (bishops in particular) it is supposed to be covering.
Lots of actors will be after audience, influence, and revenue. Be careful what you read. Be concerned if the outlet is endorsed by the people (bishops in particular) it is supposed to be covering.
PUBLISHER COMMITS TO RELAUNCHING CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
Two months after the U.S. bishops' conference said it would halt Catholic News Service operations in the U.S., Our Sunday Visitorannounced it will launch a new iteration of the service at the beginning of 2023.
Two months after the U.S. bishops' conference said it would halt Catholic News Service operations in the U.S., Our Sunday Visitorannounced it will launch a new iteration of the service at the beginning of 2023.
POPE FRANCIS WARNS OF TOXICITY IN SOCIAL MEDIA, CALLS FOR INCLUSION IN DIGITAL SPACE
Pope Francis has called on Catholics to counter toxicity in social media, and to engage in dialogue and education to help deal with “lies and misinformation.”
Pope Francis has called on Catholics to counter toxicity in social media, and to engage in dialogue and education to help deal with “lies and misinformation.”
OVERLAPS BETWEEN STRANGER THINGS AND THE CATHOLIC THING
If we as Catholics do not find ways to appreciate the points of contact with our faith that are latent within new media, we are losing a tremendous chance for evangelization.
If we as Catholics do not find ways to appreciate the points of contact with our faith that are latent within new media, we are losing a tremendous chance for evangelization.
THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC JOURNALISM
We need to tell the story of the Church in a new light. We need to communicate the narrative of salvation in a way that is healing for the late modern person. We need to employ the best media strategies, to embrace transparency, to rebuild trust in the institution of the Church.
We need to tell the story of the Church in a new light. We need to communicate the narrative of salvation in a way that is healing for the late modern person. We need to employ the best media strategies, to embrace transparency, to rebuild trust in the institution of the Church.
A GROUNDBREAKING DOCUMENTARY ON THE CHANGES TO CATHOLIC PARISH LIFE
[This] film is a tool and a guide for these challenging conversations that need to happen at parishes around the country.
[This] film is a tool and a guide for these challenging conversations that need to happen at parishes around the country.
DOES THE POPE NEED AN EDITOR?
The pope's interview last month with America, the Jesuit journal, was a textbook example of why the Vatican does not want the pope doing interviews.
The pope's interview last month with America, the Jesuit journal, was a textbook example of why the Vatican does not want the pope doing interviews.
REACTION AND REFORM
An engaging account of how catholicism has developed over the past 250 years - A Review: Catholicism: A Global History from the French Revolution to Pope Francis
An engaging account of how catholicism has developed over the past 250 years - A Review: Catholicism: A Global History from the French Revolution to Pope Francis
‘WOMEN TALKING’ IS THE OSCAR NOMINEE EVERY CATHOLIC NEEDS TO SEE
“Women Talking” is an exploration of the way that religion can be used to imprison people - and what’s worse, to teach them to imprison themselves.
“Women Talking” is an exploration of the way that religion can be used to imprison people - and what’s worse, to teach them to imprison themselves.
‘A PORTRAIT OF DEFEAT’: INSIDE A REVEALING FILM ABOUT POPE FRANCIS
Gianfranco Rosi’s intimate new documentary In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis follows the pontiff as he confronts contentious issues around the world.
Gianfranco Rosi’s intimate new documentary In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis follows the pontiff as he confronts contentious issues around the world.
A NUMBER OF NEW BOOKS SPOTLIGHT WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN NEW TESTAMENT
‘It’s not that we’re trying to rewrite history. It’s simply that women have been obscured, and women’s actual roles in the Bible have been obscured.’
‘It’s not that we’re trying to rewrite history. It’s simply that women have been obscured, and women’s actual roles in the Bible have been obscured.’
'PLAYING GOD' TRACES THE HISTORY OF CATHOLIC CONSERVATISM GONE EXTREME
Catholicism in America is metastasizing into a thoroughly American Catholicism, subservient to the culture's most rapacious instincts.
Catholicism in America is metastasizing into a thoroughly American Catholicism, subservient to the culture's most rapacious instincts.
VATICAN II: RUPTURE OR REFORM?
There are, according to political analyst and papal biographer George Weigel, two approaches to the Second Vatican Council that need correction.
There are, according to political analyst and papal biographer George Weigel, two approaches to the Second Vatican Council that need correction.
PODCAST: THE VATICAN’S NEW SOCIAL MEDIA DOCUMENT HAS SOME BLIND SPOTS
New document urges people to step beyond social media into working creatively for a positive change in the physical world.
New document urges people to step beyond social media into working creatively for a positive change in the physical world.
GETTING A ‘LIKE’ FROM THE VATICAN - IS ROME TOO SANGUINE ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA?
The document seems to have been written mostly with the loud and divisive U.S. Catholic social-media sphere in mind.
The document seems to have been written mostly with the loud and divisive U.S. Catholic social-media sphere in mind.
AS TWITTER DEVOLVES, HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS PROCEED ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
With the arrival of the new app Threads, Catholics consider the Vatican's recent document about how to engage on social media platforms.
With the arrival of the new app Threads, Catholics consider the Vatican's recent document about how to engage on social media platforms.
SO LONG, ENDEAVOUR. SEE HOW YOU GO
With the final season of “Endeavour,” viewers say farewell to the iconic British detective. Why do such dramas filled with sadness and loss captivate audiences?
With the final season of “Endeavour,” viewers say farewell to the iconic British detective. Why do such dramas filled with sadness and loss captivate audiences?
‘THE DESTROYER OF WORLDS’: 75 YEARS OF ‘AMERICA’ ON OPPENHEIMER
A trip through America’s archives all the way back to 1946 offers further evidence that Oppenheimer’s misgivings about nuclear weapons began almost immediately.
A trip through America’s archives all the way back to 1946 offers further evidence that Oppenheimer’s misgivings about nuclear weapons began almost immediately.
THE BOMB IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STAR IN 'OPPENHEIMER'
"Oppenheimer" put nuclear weapons on center stage as the star of the show. Let us not waste this moment of remembrance.
"Oppenheimer" put nuclear weapons on center stage as the star of the show. Let us not waste this moment of remembrance.
MORE THAN MACHINES?
Our current pursuit of AI as a solution to all of our problems, while simultaneously fretting about the ruin it may cause in the future, is“a perfectly predictable outcome of our single-minded focus on technique and efficiency.”
Our current pursuit of AI as a solution to all of our problems, while simultaneously fretting about the ruin it may cause in the future, is“a perfectly predictable outcome of our single-minded focus on technique and efficiency.”
THROUGH ART, A CLARETIAN PRIEST BRINGS GOD’S KINGDOM TO LIFE
Whether art, advocacy, accompaniment, or protest, each person has a gift to use to build the kingdom. What is important is finding your unique voice to offer resistance and hope.
Whether art, advocacy, accompaniment, or protest, each person has a gift to use to build the kingdom. What is important is finding your unique voice to offer resistance and hope.
‘MODERN SAINTS’ BOOK OFFERS MORE RELATABLE, SOMETIMES PROVOCATIVE ICONS
The book, out Dec. 5, includes reflections from 50 ‘saints of tomorrow,’ including Jesuit priest James Martin and public theologian Christena Cleveland.
The book, out Dec. 5, includes reflections from 50 ‘saints of tomorrow,’ including Jesuit priest James Martin and public theologian Christena Cleveland.
WHY I FINALLY LEFT TWITTER (AKA 'X')
I am now among this group of people who will no longer abide the hate-mongering algorithms; the Wild-West-like trolling; the rise in antisemitism, racism, homophobia and transphobia; and the absence of virtually any constructive discourse.
I am now among this group of people who will no longer abide the hate-mongering algorithms; the Wild-West-like trolling; the rise in antisemitism, racism, homophobia and transphobia; and the absence of virtually any constructive discourse.
REVIEW: TREATING THE SPIRITUAL LIFE LIKE AN ADVENTURE
The new book provides a reflective pause to holistically look at our lives, with all of their twists and turns of grace and challenge, and consider how we are living in relationship to ourselves, others and the divine.
The new book provides a reflective pause to holistically look at our lives, with all of their twists and turns of grace and challenge, and consider how we are living in relationship to ourselves, others and the divine.
MAVERICK POPE SCRAMBLES THE VATICAN’S COMMUNICATIONS OPERATION (AGAIN)
It probably should be no surprise that Francis once again has ignored the standard playbook, creating a brand-new position of “director of communication” for St. Peter’s Basilica
It probably should be no surprise that Francis once again has ignored the standard playbook, creating a brand-new position of “director of communication” for St. Peter’s Basilica
WILL SACRED ART REVITALIZE THE CHURCH AGAIN?
Even when creators of sacred art are eccentric or bizarre, their work proclaims the truth and challenge of the incarnation.
Even when creators of sacred art are eccentric or bizarre, their work proclaims the truth and challenge of the incarnation.
THE TEILHARD DE CHARDIN PROJECT
The time is right to introduce Pierre Teilhard de Chardin to a new generation – the man, the paleontologist, the visionary French Jesuit priest, whose legacy includes a strong environmental movement, and multiple movements in cosmic spirituality.
The time is right to introduce Pierre Teilhard de Chardin to a new generation – the man, the paleontologist, the visionary French Jesuit priest, whose legacy includes a strong environmental movement, and multiple movements in cosmic spirituality.
LAST WEEK IN THE CHURCH (PODCAST)
Crux offers the very best in smart, wired, and independent coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. Tune in every Tuesday for Last Week in the Church, where John Allen Jr. gives his expert insight and analysis on the latest news from the Catholic Church.
Crux offers the very best in smart, wired, and independent coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. Tune in every Tuesday for Last Week in the Church, where John Allen Jr. gives his expert insight and analysis on the latest news from the Catholic Church.
60 MINUTES GOES INSIDE THE VATICAN WITH POPE FRANCIS
Correspondent Norah O'Donnell sat down with Pope Francis for a historic interview. Francis had previously never spoken at length with an English-language American broadcast network.
Correspondent Norah O'Donnell sat down with Pope Francis for a historic interview. Francis had previously never spoken at length with an English-language American broadcast network.
POPE FRANCIS CALLS OUT ‘MADNESS’ OF US ANTI-IMMIGRANT POLICIES
In a 60 Minutes interview, the pope criticized the stance by conservative prelates who are 'closed up in a dogmatic box.'
In a 60 Minutes interview, the pope criticized the stance by conservative prelates who are 'closed up in a dogmatic box.'
VATICAN CONVENES ASTROPHYSICISTS TO DISCUSS BLACK HOLES, QUANTUM THEORY
While the Vatican might strike some as an unlikely partner for the advancement of science, the Catholic Church has played a key role in the field of physics throughout history.
While the Vatican might strike some as an unlikely partner for the advancement of science, the Catholic Church has played a key role in the field of physics throughout history.
THE SAINT OF TIMES SQUARE
Today, few may notice the statue of Father Duffy as they hurry to shows or to add great photos to their ‘gram. But having been so many unexpected things in his own life, and known so many different kinds of people, he is actually kind of a perfect person to watch over Times Square.
Today, few may notice the statue of Father Duffy as they hurry to shows or to add great photos to their ‘gram. But having been so many unexpected things in his own life, and known so many different kinds of people, he is actually kind of a perfect person to watch over Times Square.
THREE BOOKS ABOUT DEATH TO READ BEFORE YOU DIE
We all know what life is like. Some of us know what death is like. As these writers use their gifts to articulate their stories, they illuminate the truths we hold in common that sometimes hide in the corners of our souls.
We all know what life is like. Some of us know what death is like. As these writers use their gifts to articulate their stories, they illuminate the truths we hold in common that sometimes hide in the corners of our souls.
NEW NETFLIX FILM WANTS TO MAKE MARY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
Catholic Hollywood director D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia”) set out to tell the story of Mary as seen through her own eyes, in a new film available on Netflix. “You may think you know my story,” Mary tells viewers at the start of the film. “Trust me, you don’t.”
Catholic Hollywood director D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia”) set out to tell the story of Mary as seen through her own eyes, in a new film available on Netflix. “You may think you know my story,” Mary tells viewers at the start of the film. “Trust me, you don’t.”
MANY VOICES, ONE SPIRIT - BUILDING BRIDGES IN TODAY'S DIVIDED CHURCH
This free resource - in six faith-sharing sessions - offers concrete tools and action steps that can help us achieve healthy dialogue in our communities. All resources are designed for small-group faith sharing!
This free resource - in six faith-sharing sessions - offers concrete tools and action steps that can help us achieve healthy dialogue in our communities. All resources are designed for small-group faith sharing!
JUST DO IT - ORIENTING OURSELVES TOWARDS ACTION
How many of us reach for our phones as soon as we wake up? Bleary-eyed, groggy, we go straight to the messages and emails and tweets and videos with auto-generated captions that accumulated overnight. So begins our day of words.
How many of us reach for our phones as soon as we wake up? Bleary-eyed, groggy, we go straight to the messages and emails and tweets and videos with auto-generated captions that accumulated overnight. So begins our day of words.
WHO GETS TO DEFINE BEAUTY IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?
Beauty plays a profound role in sacred spaces. But some Catholic approaches to beauty can be exclusionary.
Beauty plays a profound role in sacred spaces. But some Catholic approaches to beauty can be exclusionary.
POPE FRANCIS’ AUTOBIOGRAPHY: A SUSTAINED, LOVING LOOK AT THE REAL
With the publication of this autobiography, Pope Francis cements his monumental project of demystifying the papacy. This memoir presents Jorge Mario Bergoglio as a man of real substance who has the courage and maybe even more than a little audacity to tackle one of the oldest traditions in Christianity
With the publication of this autobiography, Pope Francis cements his monumental project of demystifying the papacy. This memoir presents Jorge Mario Bergoglio as a man of real substance who has the courage and maybe even more than a little audacity to tackle one of the oldest traditions in Christianity
US TIKTOK BAN WILL NOT IMPEDE SOCIAL MEDIA EVANGELISATION, SAY PRIESTS
Priests across the United States have claimed their social media evangelisation will not be threatened by the potential ban on TikTok. ‘The Lord led our ministry to TikTok, and if TikTok goes away, He will lead us elsewhere.’
Priests across the United States have claimed their social media evangelisation will not be threatened by the potential ban on TikTok. ‘The Lord led our ministry to TikTok, and if TikTok goes away, He will lead us elsewhere.’
HE'S A YOUNG MILLENNIAL CATHOLIC PRIEST; OF COURSE HE'S A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER
For Fr. David Michael Moses, whose humorous and heartfelt videos have tens of millions of views, social media isn’t a tool — it’s a mission field.
For Fr. David Michael Moses, whose humorous and heartfelt videos have tens of millions of views, social media isn’t a tool — it’s a mission field.
BEYOND ‘CONCLAVE’: WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN A NEW POPE IS ELECTED?
“Conclave” is a big-screen thriller that offers a fictionalized (and maybe a bit sensationalized) trip through the process by which the Catholic Church elects a new pope. The movie was a top contender at the 2025 Oscars. It has also raised questions in more than a few minds: How is a pope really elected? Does the movie get it right?
“Conclave” is a big-screen thriller that offers a fictionalized (and maybe a bit sensationalized) trip through the process by which the Catholic Church elects a new pope. The movie was a top contender at the 2025 Oscars. It has also raised questions in more than a few minds: How is a pope really elected? Does the movie get it right?
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