The cross and medal of St. Benedict is considered one of the most powerful sacramentals of the Catholic Church. But where did this spiritual object come from, and how did it derive its power?

Father John Dear has dedicated his life to promoting peace and nonviolence. The internationally known author, activist and teacher of peace and nonviolence has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize and has worked with St. Teresa of Kolkata, Daniel and Philip Berrigan, Coretta Scott King and many others.

“The Life of St. Anthony of Egypt,” written by St. Athanasius, his contemporary and friend, tells the story of this great Desert Father and was a natural fit to read in the heat of July.

Every Christian, but especially seminarians, should set aside their screens regularly and spend time with a book of literature or poetry, Pope Francis said.

Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talked with Father Burke Masters of the Diocese of Joliet about his book, “Grand Slam for God.” Father Masters talks about his conversion to Catholicism in high school, and his journey through the College World Series and pro baseball along the way to discerning the call to the priesthood. Learn about his struggles and joys.

Dubbed by local newspapers as “the padre of the poor,” Father Baker (1842-1936) built, in addition to the basilica, an orphanage, a maternity hospital, a trade school and a home for infant care.

In the nearly 50 years separating Roe v. Wade from the Supreme Court’s June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that reversed the court’s previous abortion precedent, abortion opponents argued against the Roe ruling many of them saw as judicial overreach.

Jesus considers all the baptized to be his friends and will always try to restore them to life and health as he did with his friend Lazarus in the Gospel, Pope Francis wrote.

Ethan Hawke knows “Wildcat,” his film about the life and imagination of Southern writer Flannery O’Connor released May 3, is unlikely to attract general audiences. “It’s a difficult subject matter for a lot of people. They don’t know what to make out of it,” he said in a Q&A with media April 30. The film […]

Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with Eric Clayton about his book, “My Life with the Jedi… The Spirituality of Star Wars,” and discusses how the religious elements of good, evil and redemption play into the epic saga. Managing Editor George Matysek Jr. chats with Elizabeth “Libby” Smith about her book, “The Coin Flip,” a historical novel based on a real-life event.