Who Is My Neighbor? In Virginia, Not-So-Good Samaritans Ignore Dying Victim

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Why would good people ignore a man who lay dying on the sidewalk? Is it a prejudice that says “Oh, he’s just a drunk”? A fear of getting involved? Laziness, or a lack of empathy? A failure to realize the gravity of his injuries? On July 1, a man was struck by a vehicle near an Arlington, Virginia bus stop. Thrown to the sidewalk, the dying man lay face down and motionless. And here’s the part that’s hard to understand: ... Read more

God in the City: Religious Imagery in the City of Detroit

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Separation of church and state? Once upon a time, our national and local governments were not afraid to allow religious expression in public buildings, parks, and offices. Two such public images are Marshall Fredericks’ The Spirit of Detroit, symbol of hope for the city, and Swedish-born sculptor Carl Milles’ Hand of God, a memorial tribute to Frank Murphy. THE SPIRIT OF DETROIT Affectionately dubbed the “Jolly Green Giant,” The Spirit of Detroit sits cross-legged on Woodward Avenue, the long... Read more

The Power of a Mother’s Prayer

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Her son was a wild one. She had tried to impart solid virtues and a lively faith—but her atheist husband quashed that with his brusque way and bad example. So when her eldest son reached his teens, he broke away—rejecting Christianity for an occult religion, and preferring an easy life of casual relationships and carefree sex. He fathered a child out of wedlock. When her son had first begun the drinking, the carousing, the reckless lifestyle, she had turned her... Read more

LIKING BIKERS: Catholic Cross-Bearers Take the Gospel to the Streets

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

June 9-17 was Bike Week in Laconia, New Hampshire. Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country descended on New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, home to “America’s Original Riding Rally.” Bikers traveled winding roads through picturesque mountain forests, alongside stunning lake vistas; and they rode on historic roads like the Kangamangus Trail. Oh, and they preached the Gospel. * * * * * Visiting the Granite State for a family wedding, I couldn’t help but notice the proliferation of motorcycles along... Read more

Kateri Tekakwitha: Lily of the Mohawks

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

When I was in elementary school, my parents splurged on a membership to the Catholic Youth Book Club. I was an avid reader, and we lived quite a distance from the library—so each month I’d thrill to tear open the box which arrived in our mailbox, and to reveal the new hardcover biography of one of the saints. I collected the books on a shelf beside my bed, and I read them over and over: adventures of great missionaries, heroic... Read more

Ross Douthat Runs Over Bill Maher With Logic and Grace

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Conservative American author, blogger and New York Times columnist Ross Douthat makes the case for faith in this interview with name-calling atheist Bill Maher. Note the difference: Douthat remains steady, courteous, and on-point against Maher’s onslaught of insults toward religion. Source: youtube.com via Ashley on Pinterest Read more

Pope Benedict’s “To-Do” List to Keep Catholics in Church

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

What is the largest Christian denomination in America? If you guessed “Catholics”, you’re right! According to a 2011 study by CARA (the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate), there are 68 million Catholics in the United States—more by far than in any other group. But the second group on CARA’s list—with 22.5 million, coming in almost 35% higher than the next on the list—are “Former Catholics.” By comparison the third group, the Baptists, have only 16 million adherents. They’re... Read more

To Rise From Ashes: The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

One hundred eighty-nine years ago next week—on July 15, 1832—a careless workman started a fire on the roof of one of Rome’s great papal basilicas, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The workman had been completing repairs on the lead tiles when a great fire erupted, causing near total destruction of the historic chapel. Repairs on the basilica took more than 30 years, with many countries contributing toward its construction. Pillars of alabaster were offered by the Viceroy... Read more

HELLO, I’M WITH STUPID! Rude, Crude Children’s Clothing – UPDATED

Last updated on: September 30, 2016 at 3:58 pm By Kathy Schiffer

Isn’t it abusive to use one’s baby as a billboard? The question may seem flip, but I’ve noticed that more and more parents are enlisting Junior’s help to promote their cause or their values. This week, with St. Patrick’s Day on our minds, I’ve seen several infants wearin’ the green: green beads, green t-shirts, hats, green plastic flashing beer bottles. But THIS!! Following negative feedback from shoppers, Sears Roebuck has just pulled a line of infant attire from its racks. ... Read more

Who taught, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"?