Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Effie Caldarola

Effie Caldarola writes a biweekly for OSV News. Caldarola is a wife, mom and grandmother who received her master's degree in pastoral ministry from Seattle University.

Looking toward the dawn at Easter


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OSV News Filed Under: Commentary

It’s difficult to think of laughter when you see the suffering of the men who languish, none of them having access to due process, in a brutal foreign prison. But as Christians we are called to hope, even in the midst of night.

Rain and tears


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OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, Lent

As the rain falls softly, we know the lesson of Lent: that as we listen to God’s voice in our lives, we also stand on sacred ground.

The hopeful legacy of Jimmy Carter


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OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, Social Justice

Jimmy Carter has been the subject of countless retrospectives since his death on Dec. 29. For some years, we’ve had an unfair image of his one term in office as a “failed” presidency, yet a universal acknowledgement that his post-presidency was an extraordinary example of a life well-lived.

Focus on God


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OSV News Filed Under: 2024 Election, Commentary

Like many, I was appalled at the dehumanizing words and lies spoken about migrants in the recent election, and the joy expressed about the threats to tear families apart by deporting hard working people hoping for citizenship. Words hurt.

Reunions in graveyards


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OSV News Filed Under: Commentary

It’s not macabre to love a graveyard. On the contrary, there’s a feeling of continuity, of belonging, of hope in resurrection. It impresses on me the shortness of this earthly journey and the gratitude I have for my loved ones.

Underground railroad


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OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, Racial Justice

Although many Americans were abolitionists, particularly the Quakers, or Friends, it’s scandalous to us now to admit that many Christian churches were complicit in profiteering from slavery, the Catholic Church being no exception.