Last night I watched some of the most joy-filled children rejoice in the love of Christ as they welcomed Pope Benedict to their home here. It was beautiful and inspiring and uplifting. I was watching it live on EWTN, where Raymond Arroyo is anchoring the trip live. It was a reminder to me of how thankful I am to Mother Angelica (born Rita Rizzo), that she answered a series of seemingly crazy calls (read the book!) to establish this media... Read more
From Pope Benedict’s homily Sunday in León: we need to overcome fatigue related to faith and rediscover “the joy of being Christians, of being sustained by the inner happiness of knowing Christ and belonging to his Church. From this joy spring the energies that are needed to serve Christ in distressing situations of human suffering, placing oneself at his disposition and not falling back on one’s own comfort” (Address to the Roman Curia, 22 December 2011). This can be seen clearly... Read more
You are sometimes reminded that monumental figures of world history are also men, and can even be friends, as the current and immediate past pope were. Today Pope Benedict XVI told those gathered for Mass in Leon, Mexico: Dear brothers and sisters, by coming here I have been able to visit the monument to Christ the King situated on top of the Cubilete. My venerable predecessor, Blessed Pope John Paul II, although he ardently desired to do so, was unable on... Read more
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From his airport arrival in Mexico Friday: I come as a pilgrim of faith, of hope, and of love. I wish to confirm those who believe in Christ in their faith, by strengthening and encouraging them to revitalize their faith by listening to the Word of God, celebrating the sacraments and living coherently. In this way, they will be able to share their faith with others as missionaries to their brothers and sisters and to act as a leaven in... Read more
This is a time for choosing. Are we really who we say we are? Will we fight for the right to be? A man from West Virginia writes in response to a recent syndicated column I wrote: You … point directly the real issue, which is a political elite who have established themselves as moral judge, jury, and executioner. I am appalled at the attack on those that stand by their conscience and belief. I am appalled that if one chooses not to tow... Read more
There is a lot of confusion out there about what all this religious-freedom talk is in regard to the Obama administration and the coercive Department of Health and Human Services mandate requiring Americans to violate their consciences if they happen to have moral qualms with contraception but sterilization and even abortion. If you did not get a chance to already, can I recommend you read my interview with Jeanne Monahan this week? She has testified on Capitol Hill about the... Read more
You may remember Georgetown accommodating President Obama not all that long ago. This gal’s parents offer a response to a whole lot that has been happening lately: The picture comes from Friday’s Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally in Cleveland. More photos here. Read more
I ran into a whole lot of us outside the Department of Health and Human Services today making a statement in support of religious freedom in the face of the Obama administration’s attack on conscience rights in America. I share some photos from D.C. and elsewhere here. (From Cleveland:) Read more
Pope Benedict on Saint Joseph, whose feast day we celebrate today: When Mary received the visit of the angel at the Annunciation, she was already betrothed to Joseph. In addressing Mary personally, the Lord already closely associates Joseph to the mystery of the Incarnation. Joseph agreed to be part of the great events which God was beginning to bring about in the womb of his spouse. He took Mary into his home. He welcomed the mystery that was in Mary... Read more
Kathryn Lopez
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