Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires is now Pope Francis. His simple name, two syllables, inspired by a simple Saint, communicates the spirit of this humble man who cooked his own meals in Buenos Aires, prefers to take public transportation, and consistently refused a place in the Roman Curia, (until he was pressed to accept the highest place of all). As I was on Twitter reveling in the joy of a new pope with many other happy Catholics, I... Read more

The process to elect the new pope has the media buzzing about the normal issues: celibacy in the priesthood, women’s ordination, contraception. In other words, the media is discussing every issue that is problematic to urbane, enlightened folks and declares to the world that the Church needs to update with the times.  Meanwhile back in the dinosaur age, the process to elect the pope is not affected by media buzz (gasp). I think this subconsciously is the source of some of... Read more

As Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy comes to a close, I have mixed feelings, as I am sure many of you do too. I am excited to see who will be elected next, but I am also sad to see Pope Benedict step down. He is a great man, someone who greatly impacted my faith life and the lives of countless others. I pray that our new pope will be a wise and humble leader for the Church, even greater than Blessed JPII... Read more

I first saw this video in an article from Slate magazine. In it, Jimmy, a gay Mormon, comes out to his friends and family and videotapes their reactions. Thankfully, most of them seem positive, if a little awkward. His mother’s reaction is priceless. But the line in the video that is causing controversy is when Jimmy says, “What does being a gay Mormon mean? Well, it means that I’m going to live a celibate life… sucks!” Of course, many people are commenting... Read more

On Ash Wednesday, in the Gospel of the day, Jesus tells us: “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. ” (Mt 6:6 ). It is not enough to go into our room and pray; we also need to shut the door. I think these words are especially meaningful in light of the recent abdication of Pope Benedict XVI. As I read secular media’s coverage of the event, I was struck by how... Read more

Do you need a Lent pep talk? I do. Especially after yesterday’s news that gave the entire Catholic world a shock. Pope Benedict XVI was pope when I came back to the Church; he was elected on my birthday. I have a special place in my heart for him, always will. So, his resignation is a sad moment for me, as it is for many, many people. But from following this humble, brilliant, faith-filled man very closely over the past... Read more

I will be participating in a live interactive discussion on ways to engage in the New Evangelization. Join me and fellow Ignitum Today columnists Edmund Mitchell, Amanda Mortus, and Ryan Eggenberger this Friday, February 8th at 8pm for a live interactive discussion! To sign up: click here Hope you all can participate! The more the merrier. And please feel free to share with anyone who might be interested. _______ I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church’s... Read more

Many of you probably read the recent heartbreaking news of Marc and Eddy, deaf twins who requested, and were granted, euthanization in Belgium after discovering they were going blind. Later this year, Belgium’s ruling party is set to consider allowing the euthanasia of children and Alzheimer’s sufferers.  This news was on my mind recently when I read about Robert Gleason, an inmate in Virginia, who was executed last week. He wanted the death penalty so badly that he killed other inmates so he would receive... Read more

You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all.– St. Therese of Lisieux The need for reform in the Church is something that ebbs and flows. Depending on historical circumstances, the need for serious change can be great in some times while at other times it is less so. However, there is virtually never a time in which there is no need for reform in the Church because although the Church is the Body... Read more