Commentary

There are two classifications of saints. The Communion of Saints of the Living are those who are alive, baptized, believe in God, practice their faith, and do their best to live a good and holy life. The Communion of Saints of the Faithful Departed are those who have completed their human journey on earth and have died, fulfilled their calling, been redeemed by Jesus’ saving grace, and have taken their place in heaven with God and the company of angels and saints in light, happiness, and peace for all eternity.

A recent Netflix documentary about the social media industry called "The Social Dilemma" has raised some important questions for the Church in the digital age. The movie looks at the psychological techniques used by companies like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to encourage the addictive use of social media.

Love yourself. Yes, Jesus wants you to love yourself. He said so. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:39). But this sounds so selfish. When a person hears, “Love yourself,” all sorts of things come to mind. “Put yourself first,” which is egotistical, prideful, self-centered, and individualistic. “Give yourself what you want,” which is selfish, greedy, and materialistic. “The world revolves around you and what makes you happy,” which is narcissistic. “Enjoy the pleasures of life; if it feels good, do it,” which is hedonistic, self-indulgent, and decadent. Certainly, this is not what Jesus means when he says, “Love yourself.”

Anthony was born in Sallent in the Diocese of Vich in Catalonia, Spain in 1807. His father was a weaver, and he learned his father’s trade as a young man. He made a major shift in 1829 when he entered the seminary in Vich, and he was ordained to the priesthood in 1835.

School choice silence Building a culture of life

We give it special attention this month. It is a journey through the Gospel story. Yielding only to the Mass, arguably the favorite prayer of many saints, popes, monks and mystics. And, of all of us sinners who desire to love Jesus more than our sins. In spiritual warfare, it “is the weapon for these times,” proclaimed St. Padre Pio.

I was 23 and on my way to graduate school in Alaska. The plan was to drive from Minnesota to Washington, put my car on a ferry in Bellingham, take that for three days through the Inland Passage, disembark in Haines, Alaska, and then drive two more days along the Al-Can, through the Yukon mountain range, the interior of Alaska, and then into Anchorage. In a hatchback. In 1990, when hundreds of miles of the Al-Can remained unpaved.

“In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation.”