Category Spirituality

Shrove Tuesday: Preparing for Lent

By Matthew Sottile, Editor A day when Catholics everywhere prepare themselves for the challenges Lent will bring, yet also serves as an introspective moment of thanks. I say this because many celebrate the day with a heaping pile of pancakes,…

Be Servants of Hope in a World of Fake News

By Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director Does the Catholic Church have anything relevant to say about the spread of “fake news” and its impact on political debate? Pope Francis offers an unalloyed “yes!” In his Communications Day Message for 2017 (issued…

On the Quebec Shooting

Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director Canada has its own racist demons. Can we learn anything from the killing of six Muslims at a suburban mosque near Quebec City on Jan. 29? How do we respond – as individuals and collectively –…

The Conversion of St. Paul

Matthew Sottile, Editor The Conversion of St. Paul; what to think of such a dramatic moment? Many are reminded of the theatrical representation captured best by the hands of Michelangelo- and no, I do not mean that Michelangelo. Instead, I’m…

Ushering in the New Year

Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director January 24 is the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers and journalists. This memorable bishop, writer and advisor of popes and European royalty remains to this day an inspiration for those of us…

Merry Christmas from the Novalis Team!

Joseph Sinasac, Publishing Director Why do we love Christmas? Why do we spend so much time, energy, money and angst in preparing for this single day? For many reasons, I suppose, but at its heart, Christmas responds to our deep…

Literature’s Impact

By Matthew Sottile, Editor  By definition, literature consists of “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.” The books we cherish move us to tears, educate youth, and transport us to worlds far away. I think we…

Advent: Preparing a Home for the Newborn Jesus

By Natalia Kononenko, Editor, Living with Christ I remember the Advent season of four years ago quite vividly still. I was living a sense of “double-expectancy,” as I awaited the birth of my son, while the Christians around me were waiting for…