Regular Contributions

A group of people at a protest holding red signs with white text that reads "ALL RELIGIONS BELIEVE IN JUSTICE." The signs feature illustrations of diverse faces. People are gathered outdoors, some holding megaphones and listening intently."

CCHD 2013-2014: Hasn’t the Catholic Campaign for Human Development improved? Not even a little…?

New year; new grants list…and as has happened several times before, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has claimed to have undergone a major reform overhaul. CCHD Reform Started Right Here The first CCHD reform was provoked by a 1997 Wanderer Forum Foundation analysis and commentary of the Campaign that demonstrated the CHD was spending…

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A close-up of a gold-colored rosary with black beads and an oval medallion featuring the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, surrounded by intricate designs.

Our Lady of the Rosary, the Indispensable Prayer

How many times have you spent time with someone and suddenly realized that what seemed to be a few moments was in fact hours? The time speaking was just too delightful and the surprise when looking at a clock or watch attests that there, for that moment you’ve even escaped time — transcended it.  I have debated…

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A man in a black tuxedo with a red rose, holding a cigarette, in a dimly lit room. He appears to be in conversation with another man partially visible on the left. The scene is dramatic and intense, evoking themes of power and intrigue.

I got a guy in Heaven: Feast of the Guardian Angels

It just seems to be human nature that we all want a connection to power.  We want someone “on the inside” who can whisper in the ear of the boss and get things done for us.  Sometimes, we just need a guy that can talk to the boss and things get done. Growing up there…

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A weathered wooden church with a tall steeple and clock tower, set against a clear blue sky. The building shows signs of age with peeling paint and worn wood, surrounded by grassy fields.

Manipulating the Religious Landscape

Not everyone is happy about a recent Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life study that finds a growing number Americans want religion to play a role in U.S. politics.i  One syndicated columnist rather hysterically likened the trend to the Taliban’s stoning of women for failure to wear “proper” head covering. “What in the world…

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Stained glass windows depicting Archangel Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael in vibrant colors. Each figure is adorned with traditional Catholic iconography. Text reads: "ARCHANGEL SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL." Located at All Saints Church, Margaret Street London."

On the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel

A quick catechism on the existence and purpose of angels, as well as how the archangels fit into the order God created.

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Black and white illustration of Pentecost scene with Mary and apostles, dove descending from above. Apostles are gathered around Mary in a domed room, some with halos.

Ember Days – For Thanksgiving and for Priests

Today* (see note below – there’s some controversy here), this Friday, and this Saturday are days that the Church sets aside for fasting. In modern times, particularly in America, there doesn’t seem to be any fasting imposed — instead a hippy motto of “do whatever you want” prevails, and staring at your navel for a moment seems to suffice. I…

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Chicago Sun-Times tweet from Sep 20: "Pope Francis’ appointment - 1st major US move - of moderate Blase Cupich shows change in tone." A man in a black clerical outfit sits smiling in an ornate, candlelit church interior."

Blasé Cupich?

When I heard of the announcement of the new Archbishop of Chicago this weekend, I checked my Twitter account. I like Twitter for the fact that I have several news sources that give interesting and up to the minute tweets on newsworthy (and sometimes not so newsworthy) items. So, of course, I wanted to check out the…

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A wooden cross with religious icons and text celebrating "The Weapon of Peace." Features Catholic themes, including the date September 14, and phrases like "Triumph of the Cross" and a prayer. The background is blurred with warm colors, emphasizing the cross in the foreground."

A Small Act of Reparation for Offenses to God, such as Public Black Masses

Right about an hour from now, at 7 pm Central time, news has reported that the Oklahoma civic center is “sold out” for an openly satanic event. The organizer of the event claims that they wish to “deprogram people from the harmful brainwashing of Christianity.”  Specifically, they had set out to use the things reserved for…

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Two antique brass-colored keys with intricate designs and loops, resting side by side on a light background.

Giving Over the Keys

The Edgewater Beach Apartments are an interesting sight on Chicago’s north side lakefront. Built in 1928, it was part of a complex that housed the famed Edgewater Beach Hotel which was built in 1916. The pink exterior of the building may strike some as gauche, but it was meant to complement the original Edgewater Beach…

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A religious icon depicting a dark-skinned Madonna and Child, adorned in ornate robes with gold halos. The frame is intricately decorated with gold and red details, set against a dark background with flowers.

In the Name of Mary: Lord God, help!

Not sure about the feast of the Holy Name of Mary? Need an idea for something nice to do for you Mother Mary on this feast to her? Find out what Polish kings, Vienna, and the Pope discovered about Mary, and hear some suggestions from Fr. Hardon.

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