By Tom Deignan In late October, media outlets around the world reported that Pope Francis had expressed support for civil unions, “a significant break from his predecessors that staked out new ground for the church in its recognition of gay people,” as the New York Times put it. It was the latest historic moment for a pope who has excited reformers within the church, … [Read more...] about Timothy Egan: A Modern Day Pilgrim
Catholicism
St. Mary of Sorrows
By Marian Betancourt, Contributor
December / January 2005
When you walk among the headstones of the hilltop graveyard of St. Mary of Sorrows, the first Catholic Church built in Fairfax Station,Virginia, you can't help but notice all the Irish names and the counties in Ireland where the deceased were born. Among the many, there's John Cashion (d. 1882) from Co. Clare, and Patrick Crowell (d. 1891) of Co. Roscommon. Each Memorial Day, … [Read more...] about St. Mary of Sorrows
The Faithful Fight Back
By Nancy Griffin, Contributor
December / January 2005
St. Catherine of Siena is a red brick church with arches for doorways, high vaulted ceilings covered with elaborate murals, an ornately carved marble altar, large stained glass windows and larger-than-life statues of saints. Occupying a small city block, the St. Catherine complex contains three other red brick buildings: a rectory, a three-story school building and a community … [Read more...] about The Faithful Fight Back
Catholic Growth Continues
in Northern Census
By Frank Shouldice, Contributor
February / March 2003
The latest census for Northern Ireland indicates that the numerical gap between Protestants and Catholics is steadily narrowing. According to this year's figures Protestants comprise 53 percent of the population in the North with Catholics making up 44 percent. The census tallies with a familiar trend of a growing Catholic community with the number of Protestants in … [Read more...] about Catholic Growth Continues
in Northern Census
The Acting President
By Tom Dunphy, Contributor
October / November 2000
Martin Sheen, the star of The West Wing, is a complicated, ebullient tangle of philosophy, Catholicism, politics, altruism, and homespun wisdom. ℘℘℘ It's a disconcerting sight: The leader of the free world is, uh, combing his eyelashes with a small mascara applicator... Okay, so it's the make-believe leader of the free world. And it's not such a far-fetched notion that … [Read more...] about The Acting President