Many Catholics nowadays are no doubt unaware that for many centuries the Pope was the independent ruler of a large territory in central Italy. The Papal States extended roughly from Florence on the … more

Although Napoleon Bonaparte is often recalled as a French military celebrity, the Emperor was no Marshall Foch or General deGaulle. If fact, the Corsican usurper was more like Attila the Hun than … more

St. Charles Borromeo, honored with all the heavenly elect on this Solemnity of All Saints, could have taken great advantage of his family’s prominent position in society and in the Church. His … more

The 21st century is not the first era to be scandalized by the reprehensible conduct of some clergy. In 1517, Martin Luther visited Rome as a young, pious, Augustinian priest and monk. Author Eric … more

An interfaith discussion group has met alternately at Providence College and Temple Emmanuel for a number of years. I have been pleased to be among the Catholic laity and clergy along with professors … more

In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60 percent worldwide, according to the World Health Organization and other media. Currently youth suicide is increasing at the greatest rate. … more

Father Stephen Dandeneau, recently installed pastor of St. Eugene Church in Chepachet, was intrigued about a unique retreat experience in Ireland and, wanting a fellow traveler, thought, “Well, … more

The Bible is not bashful about admitting the reality of evil. Original sin is quickly introduced as our first parents’ perennial flaw. The murder of Abel by Cain, the vengeance of Lemech, and the … more

Dalai Lama is the name given to the Buddhist leaders of Tibet who are part of the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism. The name roughly translates into “big ocean.” The 14th and current Dalai Lama … more

Father Richard Donnelly, once pastor of St. Mark Church, Garden City, described the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse, as “a spiritual pep talk in code.” No doubt one of his professors at St. … more