The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia hosts a weekly novena service and Mass, attracting many seeking intercession from Mary. Confession plays a key role, offering consolation and a personal connection to God. The sacrament’s modern emphasis on reconciliation aims to heal and renew relationships rather than impose guilt.
Tag Archives: christianity
Does God Exist?
by Joseph Stoutzenberger I never wanted to write directly about God. What can be said about what Catholicism calls “ineffable,” a term for that which cannot be fully described or explained. Some years ago, I did write an essay about the existence of God. I relied heavily on the “proofs” for God’s existence put forthContinue reading “Does God Exist?”
Will U.S. Catholicism Survive?
That sounds exactly like what Pope John XXIII and Pope Francis feared. They warned that the church was not meant to be a museum. If it was to survive it had to be a living, growing, thriving garden. To be that blossoming garden, both of these popes saw a need for change—what Pope John XXIII called aggiornamento, “updating.”
When the Saints Go Marching In
Joseph Stoutzenberger reflects on the negative focus of local news, contrasting it with the myriad of kindnesses often overlooked. He highlights the virtues celebrated in Catholicism, emphasizing love, kindness, and patience. Despite negative discourse among some Catholics, he advocates for embodying the fruits of the Holy Spirit to foster compassion in communities.
Who Wears the Pants in the Family?
A newly ordained priest’s dictatorial decree banning women in pants from the sanctuary underscores a troubling trend of clericalism within the Church. These outdated views reflect a more profound fear of women asserting authority, revealing an institutional struggle with gender dynamics—the push for inclusivity clashes dramatically with his repressive stance.
If God Is Love…
by Joseph Stoutzenberger When I was a child, I loved movies. As a paperboy, if I paid my bill in full by 10:00 Saturday morning I received a pass to our local movie theater. (My small home town had only one theater.) I attended many Saturday matinees. I took it to heart when a characterContinue reading “If God Is Love…”
St. Francis of Assisi and Nature
by Joseph Stoutzenberger A few years ago, a publisher approached me about writing a book about Francis of Assisi and nature. I knew Francis is associated with love of creation and is the patron saint of the environment. His statues with birds on his shoulder and other animals at his feet in gardens everywhere attestContinue reading “St. Francis of Assisi and Nature”
Know Thyself
by Joseph Stoutzenberger A professor of mine at Temple University, David Harrington Watt, insisted that it is important in scholarship to let readers know who we are and what has influenced the positions that we are expressing. In my writing, I have always stayed away from talking about myself. If I wrote about, for instance,Continue reading “Know Thyself”
Are We Misreading “The True Spirit of Christmas”?
By Joseph Stoutzenberger, December 24th, 2023. A Christmas Eve morning news program ended with a panel discussing “the true meaning of Christmas.” At the heart of the discussion was, of course, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” One commentator railed against the materialism underlying all the shopping and gift-giving. Another suggested that doing random acts of kindnessContinue reading “Are We Misreading “The True Spirit of Christmas”?”
Joseph Stoutzenberger 