1. C.S. Lewis on stage, and on the couch

There are those who love C.S. Lewis, and those who have never read him, and that accounts for pretty much everybody. This month the Philadelphia theater presents two opportunities for fans and for those who need to become acquainted with one...

Thursday, 11 October 2012 | 1681 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

2. Reaching out in song

Singer-songwriter Kathleen Fowle doesn’t even remember his name. He was homeless. She met him years ago in St. Paul, Minn., and their encounter was, in most ways, unremarkable. He didn’t say or do anything unusual, Fowle recalled. But that...

Thursday, 30 August 2012 | 2437 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

3. Life and death at the Rodin Museum

Auguste Rodin was close to his sister Maria, who entered the convent and died at a young age. Rodin was devastated and soon entered a religious order himself, the Society of the Blessed Sacrament. He wasn’t there long. Seeing the bust of...

Thursday, 19 July 2012 | 1894 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

4. Spider-Man, Iron Man, Superman, and the God-Man

This past decade has seen a plethora of movies dealing with superheroes: the “Batman” films, “The Green Lantern,” “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Thor,” etc. But the most popular—at least judging by box office...

Thursday, 19 July 2012 | 2192 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

5. We have a silly movie

I recently saw the movie “Habemus Papam,” an Italian film by director Nanni Moretti at a tiny underground theater near Lincoln Center. The comedy, currently also playing in Philadelphia, stars Moretti, Renato Scarpa and Michel Piccoli, and...

Thursday, 24 May 2012 | 2306 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

6. A songwriter’s search for faith and meaning

For those interested in American culture, 20th century literature, rock and roll, and the tenacious hold of the Catholic faith, there is Bruce Springsteen. Some trivia questions: 1. What Catholic novelist and National Book Award winner...

Thursday, 08 March 2012 | 1967 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

7. Picasso and the jagged path of modern art

Three months ago Pope Benedict XVI hosted a gathering of artists from around the world under Michelangelo’s frescos in the Sistine Chapel. The event marked the 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s letter to artists and the 45th...

Thursday, 25 February 2010 | 7459 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

8. Mystery and message set to music

Christ in Christmas Songs We Three Kings With Christmas Day now here, the 12 Days of Christmas now begin, lasting from Dec. 25 to Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany. This day recalls St. Matthew’s account of the days after Jesus’ birth...

Wednesday, 23 December 2009 | 6860 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

9. Music in joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth

Christ in Christmas Songs Joy To The World This past Sunday, Dec. 13, Catholics around the world celebrated the third Sunday of Advent, in preparation for the Lord’s birth on Dec. 25 (now only a week away). The third Sunday is known as...

Thursday, 17 December 2009 | 7423 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more

10. Questions, set to music, for the mother of God

Christ in Christmas Songs Mary, did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water? Did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new? This child...

Thursday, 10 December 2009 | 6577 hits | Print | PDF |  E-mail | Report | Read more