This reflection appears towards the end of Cardinal Martini’s thought-provoking chapter on the Visitation in "The Gospel Way of Mary: A Journey of Trust and Surrender". More »

Around the turn of the last century, millions of Europeans took part in a wave of immigration to the United States in search of new opportunities. Many who came were of limited means and did not speak English. More »

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15) More »

Jesus’ way of presenting the Holy Spirit made it evident that his followers were supposed to relate to the Spirit as a teacher, a counselor, a consoler—as someone who would help and guide them in their daily lives as Christians. In the Acts of the Apostles, we saw that Christ’s followers were in a dialogue with the Spirit, who actively directed and assisted them in their missionary activity. More »

On the feast of the Ascension, we are called to rejoice both in Jesus’ victory over sin and death and in the glorious life that he has secured for us. We pray that we would experience the new life that is ours in Christ. Three aspects of that new life stand out in today’s reading from Ephesians: More »

I stood watch over my mother. It was the third night since she had been removed from life support, and various family members were taking turns at her bedside. This was my night to keep vigil. More »

Our Lady, who is always praying for sinners, asks us to pray for their conversion too. Since my childhood I’ve been very dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. Her message to little Lucia, Francesco, and Jacinta has left its imprint on my life. More »

May 10 is the feast of St. Damien of Molokai, the Belgian missionary who volunteered to serve the people who had been banished to a government-sanctioned leper colony on the Hawaiian island of Mokokai. More »