Marriage

A historical scene depicting John the Baptist speaking with King Herod and his court. John is dressed in animal skins, while Herod sits on a throne wearing red robes. A woman, likely Herodias, is seated beside him. The text reads: "If Amoris had governed John the Baptist's talks with Herod... Look, Herod, it’s all dependant on to whom God spoke when he said these things. Just make a small manifestation of desire to change, and follow your conscience!" The scene is rich in colors with detailed historical attire."

Ad Absurdum: Contextualizing John the Baptist for Amoris Laetitia

At some point in this mess over the consternations on the problematic Amoris Laetitia, it occurred to me that John the Baptist and St. Thomas More have a lot to say about it. There are a lot of voices in the swirl…  well, every voice it seems besides that of Pope Francis. One can make the argument, and…

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A man dressed in white religious attire descends airplane stairs, flanked by individuals in formal suits and uniforms. The scene includes red carpeting on the steps and flags visible at the top of the stairs, suggesting a significant Catholic event.

Despite all the Angst, Maybe Pope Francis is Right… And the reactions were wrong for the wrong reasons

In the past week, Pope Francis said something that got everyone in an uproar (imagine that).  Catholic blogs were immediately lambasting the statement.  Many claimed that he was wrong to say what he said.  A giant news network even got into the act and claimed it was time for him to resign.  I wonder if maybe…

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A vintage black rowboat rests partially in shallow water near a sandy shore, with oars inside. The scene is sepia-toned, depicting a serene lakeside setting.

A Skiff in Raging Waters & Grace and The Value of Suffering in Marriage

Author’s Note:  My wife Annie and I were honored to be asked by Fr. Nate Meyers and the good people of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Buffalo, MN to deliver a reflection on marriage for their annual Cana Dinner. It was a wonderful evening, and I commend our remarks (especially my bride’s!) to the friends of…

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Text "From Under the Rubble" over a background of rough, gray and brown stones with some green moss."

From Under the Rubble…Father Time

  “The Holy Father lives in Rome, Why won’t Daddy live at home?” Welfare Lullaby It’s been a great year for the Holy Father. But a lot of fathers haven’t been so lucky. Or so holy. “In 1960, fewer than one in 10 children lived in a single-parent home,” writes Dr. Patrick Fagan, one of…

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A judge declares two people are no longer married in a divorce court scene, while an illustration of Jesus says they are still married to each other. The judge is at a bench, and the couple sits in front of him. The background is red with black outlines. Text: "You are no longer married to each other." and "You are still married TO EACH OTHER."

If that was yesterday… Marriage catechism needs updated

From the old Baltimore Catechism… My how times have changed… That’s not even scratching the surface of Our Lord’s words: Have ye not read, that he who made man from the beginning, Made them male and female? (Matt. xix. 4). Yet, people have hinged all their happiness on the idea that marriage is something different….

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Illustration of three people protesting in Paris with signs reading "La Famille C'est Sacré!" and "Non au Mariage Homosexuel." They hold signs with religious themes, emphasizing traditional marriage. The scene is set in a public square with text explaining the context of the protest and fair use of documentary photos. The characters are dressed in casual clothing, with one wearing a hat."

French March for Marriage, they may yet be Romantics

News today from France about Catholics and “others” marching to protest a French bill that would make marriage be defined to include unions between same sex persons spurs some hope in the French. Recently, I wrote about a Russian cultural center to be built in Paris being denied a permit to build. I see some…

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A detailed relief sculpture in black and white depicting a Catholic saint exorcising demons, with dramatic gestures and flowing robes. The scene is intense, showing the saint's authority over evil spirits.

Defensor Civitatis

I am going to be polemical. You are forewarned. There is a fundamental aspect of the debate over so-called same-sex marriage that needs to be understood: most people in the cities and towns of Minnesota and across the United States are not eager nor clamoring for the legal recognition of two homosexuals to form a…

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Vote Yes poster for Minnesota Marriage Protection Amendment. Blue and green text with a checkmark. Promotes traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Prepared by Minnesota for Marriage, includes their address in Roseville, MN.

Understanding the Marriage Amendment

Ed. Note. The Bellarmine Forum is pleased to present this guest essay written by Richard Aleman on one of the most critical issues of our day. In Minnesota (as in other states) a vocal and well funded minority has called into question the very meaning of marriage and threatens to redefine it. Mr. Aleman has…

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A sign with green and blue text reading "Vote YES Marriage Protection Amendment One Man, One Woman" and a website URL. A checkmark is next to "Vote YES."

The First and Enduring Sin

This past Saturday–September 29, 2012–in Minneapolis, Minnesota was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the temperature was a warm 80 degrees, and the fall colors of the changing leaves were done as by a master painter. A perfect day for my 7-year-old daughter to play in the front yard. Indeed she was. Into this…

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A religious painting featuring Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in warm tones with angels above. A dove descends from the heavens.

Family Devotions for the Feast of the Holy Family

Almighty and Eternal God, your fatherly tenderness never ceases to provide for our needs. We ask you to bestow on this our family the riches of your blessing. With the gift of your grace sanctify our family so that, faithful to your commandments, we will care for each other, give example to the world by…

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