The Narthex
Crickets at the USCCB
The U.S. bishops must make some noise this summer on abortion legislation
By John M. Grondelski | June 10th 2024 12:03 PMScientists tell us that 2024 is a unique year. Every so often, Americans in different regions experience the emergence of cicadas, insects that burrow underground until their new brood hatches and then announce their arrival with uproarious noise. What makes 2024 special is that two different broods -- one that…
READ FULL BLOG POSTContraception & Cremation
Both require we grapple with the reality of embodiment
By John M. Grondelski | December 18th 2023 2:50 PMRegular readers know I am a harsh critic of cremation and of the Church’s misconceived 1963 decision to tolerate it. I have repeatedly argued that that 1963 rescission of the prohibition on cremation allowed the camel to poke its nose under the tent, upending the latter. The most cursory survey…
READ FULL BLOG POSTHumanae Vitae at 55
The anniversary of an important encyclical of the 20th century has gone unnoticed
By John M. Grondelski | July 25th 2023 12:55 PMPope St. Paul VI’s encyclical on human life (not “birth control”), Humanae vitae, marks its 55th anniversary Tuesday, July 25. Yes, you can be pardoned if you -- like most people -- didn’t notice. Arguably one of the most important encyclicals of the 20th century, not just in terms of…
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