Saints Cosmas and Damian were twins born to Christian parents in Arabia, in the third century. They lived in the region around the border between modern day Turkey and Syria. They were physicians who were renowned for their skill as well as their refusal to charge for their services. Their …

On Sept. 23, the Catholic Church remembers the Italian Franciscan priest St. Pio of Petrelcina, better known as “Padre Pio” and known for his suffering, humility and miracles. The man later known by these names was originally named Francesco Forgione, born to his parents Grazio and Maria in 1887. His …

The first Respect Life Month after the overruling of Roe v. Wade by the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health is an opportunity to consider abortion access and regulation in a post-Roe world. It presents a challenge to both think clearly about the form (and limits) of pro-life legislation …

That’s a phrase anyone who meets Jim Brooks will likely hear, no matter the weather or conditions. Brooks sees this as an uplifting mindset. “We should all fill in the blank: ‘It’s a great day for’ because it truly is great to be alive, to live for and love others …

Watching the Olympics is a passionate experience. It’s intense, witnessing the world’s most excellent athletes drive themselves to mind-blowing achievements. In 2012, I saw Oscar Pistorius rise to greatness, racing without lower legs. This year, I witnessed Shaun White defy gravity on his snowboard. Their talent is incredible and I’ll …

Saint Matthew, the first-century tax collector turned apostle who chronicled the life and ministry of Christ in his Gospel, is celebrated by the Church today, September 21. Although relatively little is known about the life of St. Matthew, the account he wrote of Christ’s ministry – traditionally considered to be …

As my wife and I were discerning family lay missionary work, we heard that professor Dr. Otto Maduro of Venezuela asked new recruits, “Who among you wants to become a lay missioner because you want to go to another country to help the people?  Please raise your hand.  Okay, those …

Pope John Paul II said this of the Catholic Church in Korea: “The Korean Church is unique because it was founded entirely by laypeople. This fledgling Church, so young and yet so strong in faith, withstood wave after wave of fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century, it could …

The historic St. Xavier High School swimming and diving team received has multiple accolades— including, most recently, placing second place at the state competition in March. Additionally, senior Gavin Hang and head swimming and diving coach, Dave Albert, were named Cincinnati/NKY Winter Sports All-Stars. But it’s more than just the …

QUESTION OF FAITH Literal or Symbolic? How do we know which parts of the Bible are to be taken literally and which symbolically? A difficult aspect of interpreting the Bible is whether certain verses should be taken literally or figuratively. For instance, the first two chapters of Genesis each contain …