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  Students of religion often characterize the Hindu principle of karma and the Christian principle of grace as opposites, but this is not strictly the case. And both can serve as compatible motivations for the pro-life cause. Consider karma, a type of retributive justice.... Read More →

  “Gratitude is the attitude” said the spinning instructor to her class full of intrepid and somewhat exhausted riders. I was one of them. I liked the rhyme as I pedaled away; I liked the message even more. I remember being with a friend who observed about someone he was having... Read More →

    Thanksgiving is here. The time to give thanks in an intentional way —in silent prayer and/or before the family feast and/or in a sanctuary service and/or in a public square—has arrived. We give thanks to God, the source of all blessings—graces acknowledged and... Read More →

(This piece was originally posted on October 23, 2015.) __________________________________________________________________ The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he... Read More →

  [This column originally appeared in the February 1989 issue of catholic eye, and was also included in the book of collected Canavan pieces for catholic eye,  Pins in the Liberal Balloon.] ____________________________________________________________ Cardinal Ratzinger has... Read More →

These are the only two ultimate destinations for us human beings—either endless, perfect happiness, or endless, perfect misery; and these correspond to the choices life presents to us. Read More →

  When Saint Paul visited Athens and saw the abundance of statues of the gods they worshipped, he observed: “I see you Athenians are very religious.” If Paul were to visit the United States in the month of October, he would no doubt say, “I see you Americans are very... Read More →

   Come to me, all who weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).  If you would, take the time you would normally spend reading... Read More →

  Saint Teresa of Calcutta is cited by Pope Leo XIV in his just published apostolic exhortation Dilexit te (“I have loved you”): Foundress of the Missionaries of Charity, she dedicated her life to the dying abandoned on the streets of India. She gathered the rejected, washed... Read More →

  The church witnesses for life simply by being the church. By gathering for worship, hearing the Word of God, celebrating the Sacraments, and observing the Christian Year, the congregation declares that innocent human lives are to be recognized and defended.  Without... Read More →