Reflecting on the Fifth Chapter of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on Love in the Family “You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, ...read more

The vocation of the family is to love. The most extraordinary way a family can love is through the ordinariness of life. For the families we will meet in this series, it simply means being open to whatever God wills in their lives. It is their surest way to grow in holiness, a call given to everyone. ...read more

I recall with much vividness Sept 11, 2001. It was a surreal day that will always be remembered for all the evil and destruction at the hands of terrorists. Although violence has occurred since the beginning of time, this organized and premeditated act shocked the world and instilled a heightened fear of terrorism. I was ...read more

Below you will find the official text for Breda O’Brien’s personal testimony, as delivered on Day 3 of the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. Good afternoon, everyone. When I was asked to speak at the Congress, I was both deeply honoured and deeply terrified. I have never missed a deadline for my Irish Times column, ...read more

All parents want the best for their children.  When it comes time to start thinking about their education you always look for the best choice for their future. Should homeschooling be one of those options? There are people who say kids need to socialize, thus home schooling is not the best choice for introducing them ...read more

One of the biggest challenges families face today is the question of how to educate one’s kids. How do you explain to them what is right and wrong? Discipline nowadays is sometimes a misunderstood and linked to old models that some would consider violence. As Catholics we compromise to teach to our kids Catholic values, explain to ...read more

Disclosing the truth about Santa Claus. This is a difficult one. As the kids gleefully prepare their stockings, when is the right time to break it to them? Or should they just find the presents not-so-discreetly hidden under the bed one day? Are we lying to our children?  Will you stoically hold the line and ...read more

Where do you draw the line on pornography? That’s the question Pedro asks this week on Perspectives Weekly. Joining him for the discussion is Robert Borys, Author of Love, Marriage and– Pornography? The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines pornography as an offense against chasity, under article 2354: Pornography consists in removing real or simulated ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI called on the universal Church to marked the first Sunday of Advent with a Vigil for Nascent Life.  Catholic News Service’s Carol Glatz and John Thavis have more on the Holy Father’s effort to promote the sanctity and dignity of life. To download Flash Player please click here ...read more

Every year around mid-December there is a blessing at the Sunday Angelus Address of angels and little Baby Jesus figurines. As you can see in the photo, it’s a cute scene to see young children gleefully getting their Baby Jesus figures blessed, so they can be laid in their Nativity scenes at home. And though ...read more