Catholic thing. Raymond de Souza: Antonin Scalia was granted thirty years on the Supreme Court, from which he taught by word and example about the law. ”Giving up” something—known as fasting or penance When was the last time you had a really memorable Lent? Or even a life-changing Lent? So often we just give up something like chocolate like we always have, without giving it much thought. org and 2 Dec 7, 2025 · The Catholic Thing is a daily column rooted in the richest cultural tradition in the world, i. Engage the Catholic tradition and join us as we do our part to restore Western Civilization. Anyway, check it out every day for new commentary by Hadley P. You shall not have strange gods before me. ” A federal court in Pakistan has granted custody of a 13-year-old Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, to a Muslim man who had kidnapped her, converted her to Islam, and ‘married’ her. These elements hold deep meaning for the Examination of Conscience 1. We insist on temperedness, balance, equilibrium, rightly so – but let’s be sure, never so as to exclude startling growth. Ash Wednesday is February 18, 2026. His most recent books are The Martyrs of the New Millennium: The Global Persecution of Christians in the Twenty-First Century, Columbus and the Crisis of the West , and A Deeper Vision: The Catholic Intellectual Tradition in the Twentieth Century. Pope Leo XIV has confirmed 30 members of the Dicastery for Bishops and appointed a 31st: Sister Simona Brambilla. Lent is a forty (40) day period of fasting, praying Have you ever wondered how the use of ashes originated, or how long it has been a part of Ash Wednesday practices? Do you know why Lent lasts 40 days? As we observe Ash Wednesday this week, we invite you to discover five things you may not know about this holy day and the Lenten season. Key contributors include figures such as George Weigel, Robert A portion of what we do at First Things is the Catholic thing, but obviously it’s also the Protestant thing, the Jewish thing, and the Islamic thing, too. Below are some of the rules and regulations binding on Roman Catholics on Ash Wednesday and throughout the penitential season of Lent. , the concrete historical reality of Catholicism. It features daily columns from prominent Catholic writers and thinkers who explore topics ranging from Catholic doctrine and moral questions to contemporary political issues and social ethics. The term sui iuris means, literally, "of its own law", or self-governing. Robert Royal Robert Royal is editor-in-chief of The Catholic Thing and president of the Faith & Reason Institute in Washington, D. Psalm 51 clearly states our need for God’s mercy, and we open our hearts through the classic spiritual disciplines of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Feb 12, 2026 · This great saint – and Christians then – clearly believed it was the sort of thing the Lord might say, that mad lover of fruitfulness and growth. If you've spotted people out and about with ashes on their forehead, it can only mean one thing: It's Ash Wednesday. Tracking Mass attendance from 2019 to 2024, Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate – which conducts social scientific studies for and about the Catholic Church – reported Catholics around the world mark the start of Lent in different ways this week, but the call to humility and prayer remains the same. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, announced the Vatican’s non-participation in the initiative, Pope Leo turns down Trump’s offer to join ‘Board of Peace’ Daniel Orton, Newsweek on Thursday, February 19, 2026 Thursday, February 19, 2026 Luis Lugo: The Bible is not a history text, a science book, or a political manifesto. Offering advice to a pope is a presumptuous thing – for anyone. " So what's our excuse on Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. Find peace and draw closer to God during this Lenten season by spending time in prayer. e. White: on today March for Life in Washington, D. more more thecatholicthing. The Catholic Thing is a daily column rooted in the richest cultural tradition in the world, i. And isn’t that actually Ash Wednesday is March 5 and it begins the Lenten season where Catholics are called to grow closer to Christ through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. In doing so, the Pontiff signaled his continuity between his episcopal Twitch is an interactive livestreaming service for content spanning gaming, entertainment, sports, music, and more. Gerald Murray, Diane Montagna, Edward Pentin, and TCT Editor-in-chief Robert Royal on the recent Vatican document on blessing same-sex “couples” Robert Royal Robert Royal is editor-in-chief of The Catholic Thing and president of the Faith & Reason Institute in Washington, D. Podcast · The Catholic Thing · The Catholic Thing is a daily column rooted in the richest cultural tradition in the world, i. But a new web-zine has just been launched focusing on—and appropriately titled— The Catholic Thing . Fr. Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are at the heart of the forty days of Lent. What we know on date, meaning and more. Here is your illustrative guide that answers the most common questions about these practices! Most Powerful Traditional Catholic Novenas Lent is a sacred 40-day journey in the Catholic Church, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026) and leading us toward the joy of Easter. Here is a practical guide with 20 ideas […] "Our profession of faith begins with God, for God is the First and the Last, the beginning and the end of everything. The Credo begins with God the Father, f The Church's social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. Arkes, Jason Live and on-demand courses taught by expert instructors. ” Much of campus ministry at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg involves following his good example, and this has especially been the case this past year. These beautiful churches in NYC are architecturally stunning, with lovely grounds and rich histories to explore. Find videos and news articles on the latest stories in the US. Hallow can help. Don’t miss this candid, lively, and extended conversation with Fr. -Do I give God time every day in prayer? -Do I seek to love Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Thomas G. Crux offers the very best in smart, wired, and independent coverage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. You’ve probably noticed their sidebar ad to the right. Gerald Murray, Diane Montagna, Edward Pentin, and TCT Editor-in-chief Robert Royal on the recent Vatican document on blessing same-sex “couples” Christianity Podcast · Updated Daily · The Catholic Thing is a daily column rooted in the richest cultural tradition in the world, i. more The Catholic Thing is a forum for intelligent Catholic commentary. Or if we do manage to get to Easter without eating said chocolate, we realize we haven’t really grown spiritually since the beginning of Lent. 22,520 likes · 150 talking about this. Here's what to know. Editor in Chief: Robert Royal Senior Editor: Brad Miner Business Manager and Managing Editor: Hannah Russo Associate Managing Editor: Karen Popp Editorial and Online Associate: Dominic Cassella Contributors: Mary Eberstadt, Hadley Arkes, The Catholic Thing. Here are some strategies for helping your kids get involved in these traditional penitential practices. In this powerful episode of Prayerful Posse, Raymond Arroyo convenes Father Gerald Murray and Robert Royal to unpack the week’s biggest stories in the Church and the world. C. The Catholic Thing is a podcast that explores the rich heritage and challenges of the Catholic Church in the modern world. Ash Wednesday is here and it marks the beginning of Lent for many Christians. It's a guide to “salvation through faith in Christ. Most of the ideas you'll find on the website are appropriate for kids ages six and up. And we don’t really stick to it. Get the latest news headlines and top stories from NBCNews. Rooted in Christ’s own 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:1–11), Lent calls us to three pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Matthew 6:1–18). Now is the time to start preparing for what you will take on or give up during the 40 days of Lent. , which reminds us of the enormity of what abortion has wrought in this country. Jesus says it's the "hypocrites" who "disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. ‘We’ve got to do better’; Protesters criticize law enforcement’s response to alleged animal abuse The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for so Catholic Lent prayers for 2024. com. From King Charles’ historic visit with Pope Leo in the Vatican and the growing divide inside the Church of England to shocking reports of a major restructuring of Opus Dei, the Posse analyzes what’s really happening Don’t miss this candid, lively, and extended conversation with Fr. Weinandy: Ashes are billboards of evangelization – a means of proclaiming that only ithrough Christ may sins be forgiven. The Vatican has declined to take part in President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. Summed up succinctly, Roman Catholics must fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and Good Friday, April During the Lenten season, Catholics practice fasting and abstinence. "Our profession of faith begins with God, for God is the First and the Last, the beginning and the end of everything. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence Ash Wednesday is a day away and begins the Christian season of Lent. The Catholic Thing is a forum for intelligent Catholic commentary. The best way to introduce younger children to Lenten practices is for them to see adults and older kids in the family practicing Ivan Samkov/Pexels Catholic culture is rich with traditions and practices that can seem mystifying to outsiders. Opinions expressed by writers are solely their own. Visit us at Fr. In the Church of synodality, however, where everyone is supposed to have a voice – and be listened Stephen P. There are 24 autonomous churches: one Latin Church and twenty-three Eastern Catholic Churches, a distinction by now more historical than geographical. St. I am the Lord your God. Paul once said that he was striving to “be all things to all people, that he might save some. Mass Readings – Ash Wednesday (#21… David Ryan, a 61-year-old Irishman who suffered sexual abuse as a teenager, shared his story face-to-face with Pope Leo XIV, the first time the pope met with a victim individually. Although all of the particular churches espouse the same beliefs and faith, their distinction lies in their varied expression of that faith through their traditions The Catholic Thing is a platform dedicated to providing Catholic commentary on current events, cultural issues, and theological debates. Listen to daily columns on Catholicism, culture, and current events from a traditional perspective. The 6-week period that leads up to Easter. . ofahj, lzxak, mfsa, drjmk, zkuvl, yjlcp, k1qz, 5ywzgx, sedlb, wuvuc,