Guest Commentaries

A religious scene depicting Jesus in a glowing robe ascending, surrounded by disciples in colorful robes on a mountain. Catholic theme of the Transfiguration.

The Evident and the Transfigured

by Dr. Rebecca Oas As we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration, it’s worth reflecting on the fact that Our Lord was not transformed on Mount Thabor [Tabor], but transfigured. That is, it was His appearance that was changed before the eyes of the Apostles. I observe that Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines transfigure as “to…

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A display case titled "Better Than Nature: The Pill" featuring various birth control pills and packaging. Bright, colorful background with text describing the exhibit. The display appears to be part of an educational or historical presentation on contraception, with a focus on Catholic themes."

The Inconvenient Truth for Liberals in Laudato Si

By Guest Author Terri Aluise The Vatican is set to release Pope Francis’ much anticipated encyclical Laudato Si on Thursday. A leaked draft version of the encyclical was released earlier this week and shows that Pope Francis believes that man is the primary cause of climate change. Not surprisingly, Conservatives are already in an uproar…

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Bronze statue of a robed figure holding a cross, flanked by two kneeling figures against a brick wall. Catholic-themed sculpture with religious symbolism.

The De Smet Statuary at SLU: An Alternative Approach

by Fr. Claude Pavur, S.J. Editor’s Note:  This guest commentary is by Fr. Claude Pavur, S.J. on the recent controversy surrounding the Fr. De Smet statue at St. Louis University. Fr. Pavur is a well-respected Jesuit priest and scholar–formerly of St. Louis University, now at Boston College–and the Bellarmine Forum is honored to have his contribution here. The two…

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A golden monstrance with a host at its center, surrounded by angels and saints in a heavenly scene. The altar is adorned with candles and rich red fabric, evoking Catholic Eucharistic adoration.

The Enchantment of Catholicism

By Guest Author, Terri Aluise   Fr. Andrew Greeley wrote in his book The Catholic Imagination: Catholics live in an enchanted world, a world of statues and holy water, stained glass and votive candles, saints and religious medals, rosary beads and holy pictures. But these paraphernalia are mere hints of a deeper and more religious…

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A depiction of Jesus with rays emanating from his heart, dressed in white robes, set within an ornate golden frame. The text "JEZU UFAM TOBIE" is displayed at the bottom, indicating a Catholic theme."

Jesus I Trust in You

by Guest Author, Terri Aluise Feast of the Divine Mercy Liturgical Color: White This Sunday we will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. Many are familiar with the image of the Divine Mercy. It was revealed to a humble Polish nun, St. Faustina Kowalska, in 1931 in a vision she had of Christ. The image is of…

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A marble sculpture depicting an angel and a robed figure, likely Saint Teresa of Avila in ecstasy. The figures are intricately detailed with flowing drapery, set against an ornate background.

Let Nothing Disturb You

by Guest Author, Terri Aluise   This year, 2015, marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Avila. I have spent the last month or so trying to discern how I can, in my own feeble way, honor her on this occasion – for she is a close friend and a spiritual…

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A long table draped in red and white cloths set up for a Catholic event, featuring various food items. The room has tiled floors and white walls with religious statues visible in the background.

Go to Joseph!

 By Guest Author, Terri Aluise “Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, There’s always laughter and good red wine, At least I have always found it so. Benedicamus Domino!” One of the best ways to honor St. Joseph, the patron of the family and protector of the universal church, is to hold a St. Joseph’s Day…

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A detailed drawing of a gray and white rabbit standing upright, with a textured background.

Pope Francis on Rabbits and Large Families

In his recent trip to the Philippines, Pope Francis spoke forcefully on marriage and the family and sparked further headlines with his comment that Catholics should not “breed like rabbits.” Lost amidst the glaring headlines that the Holy Father has instructed Catholics to stop having kids are beautiful reflections on the family and its importance…

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The Church Welcomes Me - Grade 2 book cover. Children in white dresses and a man in red robe at church entrance, holding religious items like candles and palm branches. Text reads "The Church Welcomes Me" with a Catholic theme."

Subpar Catechesis

It is not uncommon to run into a debate on how best to solve the issues plaguing the Church. There is no dearth of suggestions about what to do to combat the many forces, both within and without, that assail the Church. I’ve heard many great suggestions, from a renewal to the liturgy to a…

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The Catholic Thing: Five Years of a Singular Website book cover featuring an orange and yellow sky over old European buildings with domes, including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Edited by Robert Royal, preface by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput.

“A Steady and Invigorating Catholic Light”

by Guest Author, Daniel J. Kelly The Catholic Thing:  Five Years of a Singular Website Robert Royal, Editor St. Augustine’s Press Paperback, $20 The blogging age has unwittingly renewed an old thing: book writing by serial installments. The website known as The Catholic Thing has raised the bar in both blogging and books by publishing…

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