Today, 15 May 2026 — the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum — Pope Leo XIV is expected to sign his first encyclical. Provisionally titled Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity”), the document is reported to address artificial intelligence, international peace, and what Vatican sources describe as a deepening crisis in international law. If the date holds, it will be one of... Continue Reading →
When Faith Gets Hijacked: A See-Judge-Act Look at Christian Nationalism and Catholic Social Teaching
Many Catholics today are troubled, remembering when being “pro-life” and Catholic meant caring for neighbors and inviting, not judging. How did we get here? How did a movement calling itself Christian come to champion exclusion over welcome, fear over mercy, and power over service? And more importantly, what are we, as people of faith, supposed... Continue Reading →
What Say Ye Brené Brown and Thomas Merton: The Mask We Wear — and What’s Underneath
Here is a question that has a way of stopping people mid-sentence. First, try it on yourself: Are you being yourself right now, or are you performing a version of yourself that you think will be acceptable? Most of us, if we’re honest, have to pause before answering. As you read this, use the See-Judge-Act method on yourself.... Continue Reading →
Preach What You Practice: Why Catholic Institutions Must Welcome the Union
The Church has long upheld workers’ dignity. Now is the time to live that principle within its own walls. It’s uncomfortable when a Catholic hospital administrator discourages unionization while a local bishop endorses labor dignity. This contradiction can be resolved. Catholic institutions shouldn’t just accept worker organizing—they should welcome it as true to their identity.... Continue Reading →
From the Inside Out
From the Inside Out Contemplation, Conscience, and the Catholic Vision of a Just World Integrating Thomas Merton, Joseph Cardijn, and Mortimer Adler with the Traditions of Greek Philosophy and Enlightenment Thought Introduction: The Problem of Knowing and Doing There is a temptation, in every age, to separate the life of the mind from the life... Continue Reading →
Merton, Cardijn, Rerum Novarum, and the New Things of Our Time: Magnifica Humanitas
In ten days, we celebrate the 135th anniversary of Rerum Novarum. More than a century ago, Pope Leo XIII wrote Rerum Novarum—”On the New Things”—to address the social upheaval of industrial capitalism. His central message—labor is not a commodity, workers deserve dignity, and justice is essential—remains as urgent today as ever. This text argues that revisiting... Continue Reading →
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