As the release of “Silence” approaches, I suspect we’ll be seeing more stories like this. But this one is quite good. Here, a gifted Catholic writer looks at the gifted Catholic director for a profile in next Sunday’s New York Times magazine—and underscores how and why Scorcese’s work so often wrestles with questions of faith: What led this great American artist to make a story of missionaries in Japan his ultimate passion project? He is known for his gangster pictures; he is... Read more

From Vatican Radio:  Although the Extraordinary Jubilee Year has concluded, we are still living in a “time of mercy.” That was the message of Pope Francis is a lengthy Apostolic Letter, entitled Misericordia et misera, (“Mercy and Misery”), issued at the close of the Year of Mercy. The title refers to the encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, from the eight chapter of the Gospel of Saint John. In his commentary on the Gospel, St Augustine said... Read more

Timely and important words, from his homily at the Consistory for the creation of the new cardinals this morning: My enemy is someone I must love.  In God’s heart there are no enemies.  God only has sons and daughters.  We are the ones who raise walls, build barriers and label people.  God has sons and daughters, precisely so that no one will be turned away.  God’s love has the flavour of fidelity towards everyone, for it is a visceral love,... Read more

This sensational and beautiful ad for Amazon is featured prominently on Aleteia’s home page, and it’s starting to get a lot of buzz on social media. But if you haven’t seen it, take one minute and watch. This is a bracing answer to so much of the anxiety, uncertainty and fear that are monopolizing the national conversation right now. Consider it an early Christmas gift from the good people at Amazon—reminding us of the human ties that bind us all and that... Read more

If you’re near Groton or New London, Connecticut this weekend, stop by and say hello: Our CNEWA team hits the road again this weekend: I’ll be visiting Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton, Connecticut, accompanied by our development associate, Christopher Kennedy. Check the websites for Mass times. I’ll be preaching at all the Masses this weekend, sharing the latest news about CNEWA’s vitally important work among the suffering displaced people of Iraq... Read more

The New York Times this week posted a short video, with highlights from sermons and homilies that addressed the outcome of the election. (You can read what I had to say at my parish here.) The sampling covers a range of religions and viewpoints, from various corners of the country. It makes for an interesting cross-section. Take a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHhugOP2HMg Read more

From RNS:  Pope Francis is firing back at foes of his efforts to make the Catholic Church more open and pastoral in its ministry, telling an interviewer that “they are acting with ill will to foment divisions.” The pontiff’s lengthy interview in Avvenire, the official newspaper of the Italian hierarchy, was published Friday (Nov. 18) and followed days of news coverage of demands by four hardline cardinals who have grave concerns about Francis’ approach… …The pope also took the opportunity... Read more

This just in:  A New York judge has ruled in favor of the Diocese of Peoria’s lawsuit to bring home the remains of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. The ruling, by Justice Arlene Bluth, directs the Archdiocese of New York to cooperate with the Diocese of Peoria in relocating the remains. Patricia Gibson, attorney for the Peoria Diocese, says she will begin that process Friday. “In our mind, it’s a classic David-versus-Goliath victory,” Gibson said. ” … We hope (the relocation... Read more