• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Catholic Review

Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Menu
  • Home
  • News
        • Local News
        • World News
        • Vatican News
        • Obituaries
        • Featured Video
        • En Español
        • Sports News
        • Official Clergy Assignments
        • Schools News
  • Commentary
        • Contributors
          • Question Corner
          • George Weigel
          • Elizabeth Scalia
          • Michael R. Heinlein
          • Effie Caldarola
          • Guest Commentary
        • CR Columnists
          • Archbishop William E. Lori
          • Rita Buettner
          • Christopher Gunty
          • George Matysek Jr.
          • Mark Viviano
          • Father Joseph Breighner
          • Father Collin Poston
          • Robyn Barberry
          • Hanael Bianchi
          • Amen Columns
  • Entertainment
        • Events
        • Movie & Television Reviews
        • Arts & Culture
        • Books
        • Recipes
  • About Us
        • Contact Us
        • Our History
        • Meet Our Staff
        • Photos to own
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • CR Media platforms
        • Electronic Edition
  • Advertising
  • Shop
        • Purchase Photos
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • Magazine Subscriptions
        • Archdiocesan Directory
  • CR Radio
        • CR Radio
        • Protagonistas de Fe
        • In God’s Image
  • News Tips
  • Subscribe
An illustration shows a poor box at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Jan. 26, 2020. (OSV News illustration/Tyler Orsburn)

Hope in the cross: A Lenten experience

March 4, 2025
By Erin O'Leary
OSV News
Filed Under: Commentary, Lent

Lent gets its name from a word meaning “springtime,” the time of year when the hours of daylight are lengthening and the sun is bringing back its warmth and light.

The Lenten season, indeed all of springtime, is a time of hope: We deepen our relationship with Christ through our Lenten disciplines and look to his crucifixion, death and resurrection to overcome the darkness that can cause us to struggle and despair.

Some days we may not feel the love of God that is always present, but we can rely on hope to move us forward in faith, especially in the 2025 Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis gave the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Exercise hope this Lent and find renewal for the coming Easter season, where we celebrate Christ’s joyful resurrection.

Hope is a theological virtue, a gift from God that helps us act as his children. Received at baptism, hope gives us confidence and inspiration as we look forward to heaven and salvation. Hope allows us to move forward in faith even in the most doubtful or difficult times. Hope can help us feel secure even in the midst of our own failings or the injustices we see in the world around us.

St. Thomas Aquinas said, “Hope denotes a movement or a stretching forth of the appetite toward an arduous good.” In other words, we are reaching for the goodness of God when we exercise hope — even when it isn’t easy.

Hope is also a form of trust in, and surrendering to, our loving God. We have faith in his goodness, and we trust his guidance for our lives and future. And, while hope is a gift, it is also an active choice we make to stretch toward God’s goodness.

This stretching exercise can take many forms as we live the days of Lent through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

— Pray with hope. The season of Lent calls us to deepen our prayer lives. St. Padre Pio’s famous phrase, “Pray, hope and don’t worry,” is a reminder that prayer can give us comfort when we place our hope in God. Prayer shows our reliance on God as well as our confidence in God. Along with praying traditional Catholic prayers, it is helpful to pray with God’s word. This Lent, renew your prayer life by reflecting on these hope-filled Scripture passages:

“We who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm” (Heb 6:18–19).

“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer” (Rom 12:12).

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).

“Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy” (Heb 10:23).

Another way to deepen our faith this Lent is to learn and recite the Act of Hope. Consider God’s mercy as you reflect on Christ’s death and resurrection and find hope in the promise of salvation: “O my God, relying on your infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.”

— Fast with hope. During Lent, Catholics are called to days of fasting from food and abstinence from meat as we refocus our discipleship. The goal of fasting is to improve our relationship with Christ as we experience sacrifice in honor of his sacrifice for us. Fasting can help us feel connected with Christ and solidarity with the poor. Many Catholics also traditionally “give up” something for Lent. Here are some ideas to make your Lenten sacrifice a hope-building exercise.

Refrain from negative or hopeless comments; try saying things only in positive ways. Avoid watching television or movies with negative messages or dialogue. Give away items that are burdening you with clutter; find new homes for them with a charity donation. Trade the time you usually spend on screens or sports viewing to take walks with family or friends. Skip buying desserts or treats and use the money you save to purchase flowers for someone who needs a day-brightener.

As you fast, consider Pope Francis’ April 2017 TED Talk in which he addressed misconceptions around hope. “Feeling hopeful does not mean to be optimistically naive and ignore the tragedy humanity is facing,” he said. “Hope is the virtue of a heart that doesn’t lock itself into darkness, that doesn’t dwell on the past, (that) does not simply get by in the present, but is able to see a tomorrow. … And it can do so much, because a tiny flicker of light that feeds on hope is enough to shatter the shield of darkness.”

— Give alms with hope. “It is in giving that we receive,” according to the Prayer of St. Francis. Almsgiving can seem the easiest of Lenten disciplines. Most of our parishes have opportunities to donate funds to missions or the poor, and these are important works of charity.

Giving funds to help support others has been a part of Lent since the earliest days of Christianity and brings hope to others. However, as St. Teresa of Kolkata said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into the giving” that’s important. Exercising hope means we are relying on God’s love for us, which calls us to truly love others. This might mean that we exercise our hope this Lent by giving our love in time as well as in treasure.

This Lent, consider volunteering time at your parish during one of their Lenten activities, or help clean or decorate the church in preparation for Holy Week. Write cards to family and friends expressing ways they help you feel more hopeful and thanking them for their support. At Mass, introduce yourself to one new person each week of Lent and show them God’s love by sitting with them during the liturgy. Actively watch for someone each day who needs an extra helping hand in your family, in your neighborhood, at work or at school.

You could also keep a Lenten hope List. Write down names of those you encounter who need an extra dose of love and support. Pray for them and check in with them during Lent to show your care.

St. Bonaventure stated, “Three things are necessary to everyone: truth that brings understanding, love of Christ which brings compassion, and endurance of hope which brings perseverance.” While Lent is traditionally the season to renew and refocus our discipleship through deeper experiences of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, it is important to remember that Christians are also called to live in hope.

This Lent, let us work to become more understanding, compassionate and faithful through developing a habit of hope.

The anchor, a symbol of hope

Did you know that the anchor represents hope? During the time of Roman persecution of Christians, it was adopted as a Christian symbol because it forms a cross. It was found in the catacombs and in homes, serving as an encouragement to Christians without drawing the attention of authorities. Since that time, the anchor cross is found in many churches and reminds us of hope and stability in Christ. As you meditate on the cross this Lent, consider the anchor cross and use it as an inspiration for hope in stormy times.

Read More Commentary

A simple guide to Holy Week

Heidi Busse

March 26, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/holy-week-guide.jpg’, description: ‘A simple guide to Holy Week’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

During this special time, we enter into the passion of Christ — his Crucifixion, death and Resurrection — through liturgical celebration and personal conversion.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/holy-week-guide.jpg’, description: ‘A simple guide to Holy Week’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-287851’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading A simple guide to Holy Week

The Donatist comeback

George Weigel

March 25, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/augustine-weigel.jpg’, description: ‘The Donatist comeback’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

The strange, Donatist parallelism between the SSPX leadership and the German Synodal Path illustrates what’s come to be called the “horseshoe effect:” in a moment of cultural turbulence, social fragmentation, and political dysfunction like our own, the extremes of left and right bend toward each other rather than occupying two ends of a linear spectrum.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/augustine-weigel.jpg’, description: ‘The Donatist comeback’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-290088’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading The Donatist comeback

Who was Venerable Father Flanagan, Boys Town founder?

Deacon Omar F.A. Gutierrez

March 25, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/who-was-flanagan.jpg’, description: ‘Who was Venerable Father Flanagan, Boys Town founder?’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Father Flanagan is an icon of the power of diaconal identity. It both shows us and makes effective now the power of Christ the Servant. Where Father Flanagan saw pain, he rushed in and embraced the child of God who suffered. When he saw injustice, he spoke out eloquently and forcefully called others to greater charity in Christ.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/who-was-flanagan.jpg’, description: ‘Who was Venerable Father Flanagan, Boys Town founder?’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-290144’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Who was Venerable Father Flanagan, Boys Town founder?

Question Corner: Does holy water ‘absolve’ us from venial sin?

Jenna Marie Cooper

March 25, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qc-holy-water.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Does holy water ‘absolve’ us from venial sin?’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

With respect to holy water in particular, St. Thomas Aquinas specifically identifies the “sprinkling of holy water” as a means for the remission of venial sin in question 87, article 3 of the “Third Part” of his work the “Summa Theologica.”

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/qc-holy-water.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Does holy water ‘absolve’ us from venial sin?’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-290194’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Question Corner: Does holy water ‘absolve’ us from venial sin?

Why does the Annunciation loom so large in Catholicism?

Elizabeth Scalia

March 23, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/annunciation-importance.jpg’, description: ‘Why does the Annunciation loom so large in Catholicism?’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

The Annunciation is the full-on proof of Augustine’s words: “God created us without us, but he will not save us without us.” Just as God’s own Word of assent was necessary for the creation and sustained expansion of the universe, Mary’s “yes” was necessary to its salvation.

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/annunciation-importance.jpg’, description: ‘Why does the Annunciation loom so large in Catholicism?’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-289996’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading Why does the Annunciation loom so large in Catholicism?

Church steeple against a blue sky with the shining sun

What I have done and what I have failed to do

Rita Buettner

March 23, 2026

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-before-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-before-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-before-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ChurchandSky-2.jpg’, description: ‘What I have done and what I have failed to do’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-before-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
$(‘#facebook-after-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
facebook: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘facebook’);
}
});
$(‘#twitter-after-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
twitter: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘twitter’);
}
});
$(‘#pinterest-after-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
pinterest: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ChurchandSky-2.jpg’, description: ‘What I have done and what I have failed to do’ } },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘pinterest’);
}
});
$(‘#linkedin-after-290026’).sharrre({
share: {
linkedin: true
},
urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’,
enableHover: false,
enableTracking: true,
disableCount: true,
buttons: { },
click: function(api, options){
api.simulateClick();
api.openPopup(‘linkedin’);
}
});

});

Continue Reading What I have done and what I have failed to do

Copyright © 2025 OSV News

Print Print

Primary Sidebar

Erin O'Leary

View all posts from this author

| Recent Commentary |

A simple guide to Holy Week

Question Corner: Does holy water ‘absolve’ us from venial sin?

The Donatist comeback

Who was Venerable Father Flanagan, Boys Town founder?

Why does the Annunciation loom so large in Catholicism?

| Recent Local News |

Fixed up and polished, Havre de Grace church ready for Easter

School Sisters of Notre Dame sell Villa Assumpta to Baltimore senior housing nonprofit

Saint’s relic in Hunt Valley brings comfort to cancer families

BMA exhibition highlights how Matisse reimagined the Stations of the Cross

Sister Kathleen Haughey, S.N.D.de.N., dies at 94 

| Catholic Review Radio |

Footer

Our Vision

Real Life. Real Faith. 

Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond.

Our Mission

Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform, teach, inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media.

Contact

Catholic Review
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-3150
mail@CatholicReview.org

 

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent

  • Marriage or the priesthood? Pope Leo XIV shares advice for discerning one’s vocation
  • Pope calls on French bishops to find solution to divisive liturgy debates
  • Senators seek information from FDA and abortion drug manufacturers on mifepristone
  • Life must be defended in a world wounded by warfare, pope says
  • Russian drone strikes damage historic church, monastery in Lviv ahead of Holy Week
  • Gosnell death brings closure, renewed pro-life commitment, says investigating detective
  • New U.S. global health policy seen as a way to eliminate malaria in concert with faith leaders
  • Supreme Court weighs whether policy of turning away asylum-seekers at border can be reinstated
  • Residents turn to resistance in faith as settler violence terrorizes West Bank Christian village

Search

Membership

Catholic Media Assocation

Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

The Associated Church Press

© 2026 CATHOLIC REVIEW MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED