CATHOLIC ARTICLE

Introduction You’ve likely heard the term “saints” in religious talks or readings, but what does it really mean to be a saint? Is sainthood reserved for a select few who have done extraordinary things? As a Catholic scholar, I invite you to explore the concept of saints as ordinary people with extraordinary lives, deeply rooted […]

Introduction The topic of indulgences has been a source of confusion, misunderstanding, and even controversy within and outside the Catholic Church for centuries. Many people think of indulgences as “get-out-of-jail-free cards” for sins or shortcuts to Heaven. But are they really? Let’s dive into what the Catholic Church officially teaches about indulgences, trace their historical

Introduction Social justice is a term we often hear, especially in today’s politically charged environment. But what does social justice mean from a Catholic perspective? It’s more than a trendy catchphrase or political agenda. It’s an integral part of the Catholic faith, deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the broader Christian tradition.

The Scriptural Roots of Fasting Fasting, as a practice of self-denial, has its roots in the Bible. This tradition is firmly grounded in the Old Testament and is carried forward into the New Testament. For instance, in the book of Jonah, the city of Nineveh was spared because the people fasted and repented (Jonah 3:5-10).

Introduction When many people think of the Catholic Church, they often imagine the iconic figures of the Pope, bishops, and priests. While these are central roles within the Church, there is a rich tapestry of other ways of living out one’s faith that often gets overlooked. One such path is the “Consecrated Life,” a journey

Introduction The topics of creation and evolution are often thought to be in a head-to-head clash, particularly when discussed in religious contexts. The Catholic Church, however, offers a nuanced perspective that aims to reconcile scientific discovery with theological understanding. Far from seeing science and faith as incompatible, the Church posits that they can and should

In the life of the Catholic Church, we often hear about documents called “encyclicals.” What is an encyclical and why should anyone care to read one? To really get what an encyclical is, and why it matters to you, let’s go step-by-step. We’ll dig into what these writings are, where they come from, and what

Introduction Pilgrimages have long been a cherished part of the Catholic tradition. The journey to a sacred place for the purpose of showing devotion, asking for divine aid, or seeking spiritual enlightenment is not just a medieval practice but very much alive today. But why are pilgrimages so important in Catholicism? To answer that, we

Introduction The Miraculous Medal is a devotion held close to the hearts of many Catholics. A token of faith, it is more than just a piece of jewelry. For those who wear it and pray with it, it serves as a constant reminder of God’s grace and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But

Introduction Understanding the role of the laity in the Catholic Church requires going beyond mere organizational matters to a profound engagement with the theological, spiritual, and social dimensions of the Church as the Body of Christ. Vatican II, through documents like Lumen Gentium, has laid significant emphasis on the laity’s role. At the same time,