Q. Please help me to know how to answer people who say, "It doesn't matter what religion or beliefs you have, since we're all going to the same place anyway." (Versailles, Kentucky) A. The quote you offer strikes me as a species of what the Second Vatican Council called "false irenicism." That is a...
Read full story »

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A not-insignificant part of the diplomatic coup pulled off by the White House and Cuban leaders Dec. 17 was that hardly anyone knew they had been working toward a reset in relations between the two neighbors and longtime antagonists. That the two nations had been negotiating...
Read full story »

Q. Often, I have been at a Mass where the deacon reads the Gospel, which is fine. But then, sometimes, the deacon goes on to give the homily while the priest watches. This disappoints me and makes me feel that the deacon is overstepping his bounds. Why should a deacon, rather than the priest, comme...
Read full story »

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. women religious welcomed the conciliatory tone of a Vatican report on religious life and appreciated acknowledgement of the important ministry that they practice day in and day out in the life of the church. They also said the report, released Dec. 16, opens a new beginning...
Read full story »

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- During the process of the apostolic visitation of communities of U.S. religious women, a shift in tone took place. The Vatican's final report on the visitation, released Dec. 16, made observations, not accusations. Instead of giving the women instructions, it made suggestions...
Read full story »

    Q. Please forgive my awful handwriting. I have multiple sclerosis and also Parkinson's disease and can no longer do very well on a typewriter or computer. My question is: Why is it so hard to obtain first-class relics? (Also, do I need permission from my bishop to obtain them?) I...
Read full story »

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- "Damn, Father, I knew you were comin'."   That was the starting point to one story of restorative justice.   The concept has been slow to catch on in a legal system that features capital punishment, life sentences without parole, mandatory minimum sentences, "three str...
Read full story »

  VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As Advent got underway, Pope Francis included in his morning Mass homilies specific graces Catholics should pray for as they prepare for Christmas.   In the chapel of his residence Dec. 2, Pope Francis ended his homily by telling the small congregation, "Let us ask...
Read full story »

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- It is the complete disregard for God, not his glorification, that leads to violence in this world, Pope Francis said. That is why people of faith, particularly Christians and Muslims, must work together for peace, and governments must guarantee full religious freedom for their...
Read full story »

Q. For many years, ever since I moved into our neighborhood, our parish was staffed by Franciscan Friars. But due to a shortage in their ranks, they have now been replaced by diocesan priests. With that change, parishioners have been asked to make some significant adjustments. Contemporary music ha...
Read full story »