Towards Our Eternal Home.

The evolution of the cross in Christian iconography is a journey from an object of ultimate shame to the preeminent symbol of a global faith. For nearly three hundred years, it was a sign so scandalous that it was hidden in coded symbols like the fish and the anchor. The imperial patronage of Constantine dramatically reversed its meaning, transforming it into an emblem of victory and divine authority, visually expressed in the glorious crux gemmata and the impassive Christus Triumphans. A subsequent shift in piety during the Middle Ages brought forth the suffering Christ, the Christus Patiens, while the Reformation created the enduring visual divide between the Catholic crucifix and the Protestant empty cross, a symbol that today is at once ubiquitous and contested.

On August 15, Christians celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the belief that upon completing her earthly life, she was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. Formally defined as a dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950, this doctrine is understood as the culmination of centuries of Christian faith, not a modern invention. While not explicitly detailed in the Bible, theologians ground the belief in scriptural passages such as Genesis 3:15 and Luke 1:28, viewed through the lens of a consistent Tradition that grew from the early Church Fathers. Arguments of fittingness connect the Assumption to Mary’s other unique privileges, including her Immaculate Conception, Divine Maternity, and Perpetual Virginity. The Church’s ancient liturgical celebration of her Dormition (“Falling Asleep”) further attests to this long-held belief. Ultimately, the Assumption signifies Mary’s complete union with her Son, Jesus, and serves as a beacon of hope for all Christians, prefiguring the resurrection that awaits the faithful.

The recent occasion of having my personal chalice replated in gold prompted this deeper reflection on the sacred vessel. This article explores the rich meaning of the chalice, tracing its story from its biblical roots as a cup of both divine wrath and blessing, through the intricate prayers that give it a voice in the heart of the Mass, to its ultimate theological significance. From the pages of Scripture to the words of the liturgy, the glorious chalice on the altar stands as a profound symbol of our own sacred calling: that through Baptism, each of us is made into a holy vessel, set apart by God and destined to hold his divine life within us.

In this article, we explore the seven core principles of Catholic Social Teaching, a rich tradition of thought that offers a moral compass for building a just and compassionate society.

Pope Leo XIV has spoken on the topic of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for ethical reflection and responsible governance to ensure that this powerful technology serves the integral development of the human person and the common good. His teachings highlight both the extraordinary potential of AI and the profound challenges it presents to humanity.

Palm Sunday, the kickoff to Holy Week, draws large crowds, perhaps surprisingly, for the tangible palm branches they receive. Observing Holy Week in Milan's Ambrosian Rite revealed its unique liturgical traditions, particularly in its chronological approach to Gospel readings. The Roman Rite, in contrast, features two Gospel readings on Palm Sunday, including the Passion narrative, to emphasize the link between Christ's triumph and suffering. These different approaches highlight the rich diversity within Christian liturgical practices.

Effective teaching requires more than subject mastery; it demands a willingness to reflect, adapt, and innovate. As I review my experiences from the past academic year, I turn to Ken Bain’s research on transformative learning to evaluate my methods and consider improvements. Bain’s work challenges educators to move beyond content delivery, fostering deep, meaningful engagement with students.

This is a guide for pilgrims in Europe.