The Church in the Modern World

Stained glass depiction of a woman with a halo, holding a heart with flames and a crown of thorns. She wears blue robes and has a serene expression, symbolizing the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Catholic tradition.

The Immaculate Heart Prevents Modern Errors on the Sacred Heart

Notre Dame is still pushing the fantasyland of McBrien and Rahner’s process theology. But, this one thing about the Immaculate Heart of Mary prevents the delusional errors of making the Sacred Heart into a mere force of the universe that we must merge ourselves into. Rather, it is a real human heart that loves you.

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A priest in white vestments with a purple stole stands by an altar, holding a crucifix. A group of men in historical clothing waits nearby in a church setting. The scene depicts a Catholic ritual or ceremony.

Is it Wrong to Judge a Catholic Parish by the Confession Schedule?

Back in the 90s, I encountered the “penance service” phenomenon whereat people were told to write their sins on a piece of paper and put them into a bowl that would be lit aflame to burn the sins. I never stayed for the finale, and had secretly hoped that the whole place would burn down…

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A group of Catholic cardinals wearing red robes and zucchetto hats, viewed from behind during a formal gathering.

The Perfect Ecclesial Storm

by Fr. Mark Pilon The Holy See has sent out a survey or questionnaire on the topic for the next Synod of Bishops, the family, and the bishops have been instructed to give it the widest possible distribution. So some dioceses in Great Britain have already put it online, and dioceses everywhere will soon send…

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A man wearing glasses and a clerical collar with a pectoral cross, dressed in a dark suit and red shirt, signing documents at a desk. Bookshelves filled with books are in the background.

How Anglicans (and Some Catholic Bishops) Think?

A brief news item today heralded the apocalyptic musings of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey.  According to a FOX News Report, the former Anglican Archbishop, then second only to the Queen as Head of the Church of England, commented:  “Christianity is just a ‘generation away from extinction’ in Britain unless churches have a breakthrough in…

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A religious fresco depicting a saint in prayer with angels and divine figures, surrounded by books and scrolls. The scene is richly adorned in gold, blue, and red hues with intricate details. Text reads: "SPIRITUS PARACLITUS MIHI DATUR" and "DATUR SAPIENTIA"."

Is Man “for His Own Sake”?

 In the Second Vatican Council’s document on The Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes), the Council Fathers declare that man is “the only creature on earth that God has willed for its own sake” (GS, no.24§3). The Catechism quotes this passage in two places (CCC, nos.356 and 1703). How are we to understand…

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A seated woman in classical attire holds a book labeled "MORALIS PHILOSOPHIA," flanked by cherubs and statues. She sits on clouds with Latin text "CAUSA RERUM" and "COGNITIO RERUM" on pillars. Rich colors, including golds, greens, and reds, dominate the scene. Themes of wisdom and knowledge are prominent in this religious or philosophical artwork."

A Continuing Program for the Next Pope? Fr. Mark Moriarty on the Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI

Ed. Note. In the midst of the Conclave, the Bellarmine Forum is pleased to offer this guest commentary by Fr. Mark Moriarty, Pastor and Superintendent of the Church and School of Saint Agnes in St. Paul, Minnesota. This commentary was adapted from Father’s bulletin article of March 10, 2013 and is offered as a tribute…

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