When you think of ways that child sex trafficking could be stopped or prevented, you likely assume that it’s an issue for law enforcement. But former trafficking victim Holly Smith pointed out in a recent Washington Times article that “media literacy” can actually play an important role in keeping kids safe. She writes: I was trafficked when I was fourteen years old. It was the summer between eighth grade middle school and ninth grade high school. The man who trafficked... Read more
What does 19th century Catholic cleric Cardinal John Henry Newman have in common with 20th century talented-but-self-destructive-singer-songwriter Hank Williams Sr.? For one thing, both of them have songs featured on the outstanding new album by The Lower Lights entitled “A Hymn Revival: Volume 2.” I originally wrote about this vocal group consisting of 40 singers and musicians before Christmas when they released their second CD, “Come Let Us Adore Him,” which was a follow-up to their 2010 debut, “A Hymn... Read more
This morning on her Facebook page, former Christopher Closeup guest Rita Cosby announced the passing of her father Richard: “The 4th of July is a time to appreciate freedom and what it means to be an American. On this holiday, some very sad news about one of the greatest patriots I’ve ever known. It’s taken me a few days to write something, as this is devastating news for my family. Last week, my dear father lost his final battle to... Read more
The passing of actor Andy Griffith today at age 86 is a good time to remember his television legacy which impacted popular culture in such a positive way. Though I vaguely remembered watching repeats of “The Andy Griffith Show” as a kid, I came to appreciate the series much more when I rented a tape of episodes at my local Blockbuster while I was a college student. Though the show was 30 years old and black-and-white, it managed to be... Read more
The founder of The Christophers, Father James Keller, was an expert on the Declaration of Independence. He passionately believed in its words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Father Keller also liked to point out all the references to God in the Declaration. The Founding Father’s referred to “Nature’s God,” “the... Read more
When Cheri Lomonte was interviewing a woman whose son was serving in Afghanistan as a member of the United States Armed Forces, the radio host discovered that nine months had passed without the young Catholic soldier ever seeing a chaplain from any religious denomination. The reason, she discovered, is that there is a tremendous chaplain shortage, especially for Catholics. For the 330,000 members of the military that declare themselves Catholic, there are only between 200 to 250 chaplains. As Cheri... Read more
A few months ago, I interviewed Maura Byrne, a young woman who started a ministry called “Made In His Image” which offers support and counseling to women who have endured eating disorders and abuse. Maura herself is a survivor of both of these devastating harms, and found healing only after a Catholic therapist approached her issues from a physical, emotional and spiritual perspective. (Read the full story here.) “Made In His Image” is a new ministry to which Maura is... Read more
In light of the Colorado wildfires and all the other natural disasters that have taken place lately, here is an original prayer I composed this morning for those who are suffering: Lord, Our world has been upended. The forces of nature appear to be conspiring against us. The homes and possessions of families, friends and strangers – things for which they’ve worked all their lives, for which we’ve worked all our lives – have been destroyed. Our sense of Hope... Read more
Today’s post comes from The Christophers’ Jerry Costello: “One day, the priests will return…” They were among the most haunting words I have ever read, the key phrase in a mission story quite unlike any other. I admit to a special fondness for mission stories, especially when they involve Maryknoll–the long-time home of the founder of The Christophers, Father James Keller. This one fits the bill on all counts, so let me share it with you. It comes from Maryknoll... Read more
Christopher Closeup Podcast – Guests: Kara Eschbach and Janet Sahm, Part 2 A few years ago, country superstar Martina McBride had a hit with her power anthem “This One’s for the Girls.” The song addressed women of all ages, starting with the lyrics, “This one’s for all you girls about thirteen. / High school can be so rough, can be so mean. / Hold onto your innocence. / Stand your ground when everybody’s givin’ in.” The next verse continues, “This... Read more
Christopher Closeup
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In