Effie Caldarola: In a scary world, be the helper

A favorite quote of mine comes from Fred Rogers, the children’s television personality. He shared how his mom would comfort him when he was a frightened child. If news events were scary, she would say, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Scott P. Richert: The joy of symbols A glimpse beyond the veil

The Canadian novelist Robertson Davies once described children as “literal-minded toughs.”

Contrary to the common view that they have very active imaginations, children tend to take the world at face value, rarely looking beneath the surface. The recognition that one thing may be a sign of something else – much less that something material may be a sign of something spiritual – does not come easy to children.

Elizabeth Scalia: Remember the best of Pope Francis: Five unforgettable moments

Before we look ahead to the next pope, let us appreciate the five most memorable moments of the Franciscan papacy:

Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” spoke profoundly to a relevant – truly crushing – issue of our times: Our need to focus on realities over illusions or trending notions and to proclaim Jesus Christ as the incarnate founder of all reality.

Pope Francis: A call to listen and respond in love

A reflection from Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv.

I was appointed by Pope Francis as the fifth Bishop of Charlotte in April of 2024, so it is safe to say that he holds a special place in my life and in my heart.

Laura Kelly Fanucci: Walk the Emmaus road this Easter season

Right now is a difficult time for nearly every family I know. Parents are stressed. Teens are depressed. Kids are anxious.

Studies on mental health back this up with statistics, but start a conversation with friends, family, neighbors or parishioners and you’ll soon hear stories of struggle and suffering.

Jeff Morgan: The spiritual problem – and opportunity – of boredom, even on a CLT tarmac

At the start of a recent semester, I showed a YouTube video to my students that lauded the perks of ditching social media. I thought it was a clever accompaniment to the assigned reading from Pascal’s “Pensées,” where Pascal argues that we seek distraction to avoid living with purpose before God.

All that I am desires union with I AM

The idea of union with God is, for most people, alternately attractive and terrifying.

Brian Pusateri: It’s time for us to move

Moving is never easy. It can disrupt our routines, pull us away from friends, and fill us with uncertainty. Yet sometimes we know deep down that we’re being called to move.