June: Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, month of God’s infinite love

By Father Arthur Torres Beloved readers and faithful Christians of the Diocese of Knoxville, Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, together with praying the holy rosary and devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is one of the deepest and most widespread devotions within the Catholic Christian tradition. This …

The pope’s opinion on world affairs merits our ear

Holy Fathers from Benedict XV to Leo XIV have spoken out on war and called for peace By Deacon Bob Hunt The purpose of this month’s column isn’t to discuss who’s right and who’s wrong, Pope Leo XIV or President Trump, on the matter of the war with Iran. Part …

A saint with a devotion to the Eucharist

Francis of Assisi implored those in his order to ‘reverence, honor the most holy body and blood’ By Father Randy Stice This year is the Eighth Centenary of the happy passage of St. Francis of Assisi from earthly life to his heavenly homeland on Oct. 3, 1226. Pope Leo XIV …

‘I just don’t know if those babies are ready’

Moms and dads everywhere sharing the same fears and calling on the same Father  By George Valadie Looking back, I think Madge moved in back in late January. The process took longer than you’d think given the fact she had so little to bring. We definitely had plenty of room; …

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

May peace fill every human heart and spread to all parts of the world By Bishop Mark Beckman One of the great joys of springtime for a bishop is the opportunity to journey about the diocese and celebrate the sacrament of confirmation for our young people. Here in East Tennessee …

An open letter to the Church’s newest members

Welcome! You are wanted, needed, and a gift to God and all who worship Him By Claire Collins I want to address my brothers and sisters in Christ who just came into full communion with the Catholic Church this past Easter or who are preparing to very soon. I want …

Motherhood and embracing the works of mercy

Corporal, spiritual actions offer a pathway to holiness for mothers and their children By Gabrielle Nolan During the month of May we celebrate mothers of all kinds: biological mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all the women in our lives who have given of themselves in a motherly way, such …

1

The would-be case of Valadie vs. social media

It’s a sure-fire loser, but self-image and self-perception aren’t the same for all ages By George Valadie They’ve got me. I have to admit it, I’m addicted. It’s not tobacco, and it’s not alcohol. It’s not drugs or gambling or shopping at Amazon. But in this one area, I’m hooked, …

Who we are will reflect the choices we’ve made

Many forces oppose the Church, but it is up to the individual believer to live out the faith By Deacon Bob Hunt I have been reading about what journalists and sociologists are calling a “surge” in newfound faith among young people around the world. We are experiencing that at Holy …

Through the eyes of St. John Chrysostom

The saint understood the Eucharist and the ‘rich and luminous message’ it contains By Father Randy Stice “The Eucharist,” wrote St. John Paul II, “unfolds in a dynamic context of signs containing a rich and luminous message.”1 However, we do not always understand the luminous message contained in the words …

1

New life

Sometimes all we need to do is take a step down a new path By Bishop Mark Beckman Early in my priesthood, I was seeking a quiet spot to pray away from the busyness of parish life during Holy Week. I had heard about a place called “Radnor Lake,” which …

The large role Scripture plays in Mass

The liturgy—including prayers, songs, and kneeling— is ‘totally permeated by the Word of God’ By Father Randy Stice If you attend Mass regularly, you probably know more Scripture than you realize. In addition to the readings in the Liturgy of the Word, much of the Mass is drawn from Scripture: …