The Virginity and Celibacy of the Holy Family
The Virginity and Celibacy of the Holy Family The example of the Holy Family points toward a deeper understanding of family life and of communities of families: tribes, nations, and cultures. Bonds of blood are real and important. https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/virginity-and-celibacy-holy-family/ Catholics are accustomed to viewing the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model for every family. Yet because all three were celibate—understood in a broad
The Guardian of the Covenant
The Guardian of the Covenant By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky ( bio - articles - email ) | Dec 22, 2025 https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/guardian-covenant/ In co, parties engage in trade agreements. Nations make treaty agreements. Every agreement enhances mutual understanding. Some even prevent war. Throughout Scripture, God also enters into trade agreements with man. At first glance, St. Joseph may appear to occupy a relatively obscure role as a negotiator in the Gospe
The Evidence of Affirmation
The Evidence of Affirmation By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky ( bio - articles - email ) | Dec 15, 2025 https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/evidence-affirmation/ Every so often we must examine our intellectual patterns of thinking with the humility to admit that we can be wrong—and the wisdom to know where firm certainties of truth are found. Good Catholics accept Church teaching as true and reliable. We needn't be great theologians to accept the Creed and try to live by
Old Time Thomistic Metaphysics
Old Time Thomistic Metaphysics By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky ( bio - articles - email ) | Dec 09, 2025 https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/old-time-thomistic-metaphysics/ From our morning coffee routine to scientific research, we are a bundle of habits. Good habits are virtues; bad habits are vices. Whether good or bad, our habits govern the faculties of our souls and shape our emotions. At times, vices intermingle with virtues like poison ivy hidden among flourishing f
We Know Not the Day nor the Hour — If You Get My Drift
We Know Not the Day nor the Hour — If You Get My Drift By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky ( bio - articles - email ) | Dec 01, 2025 https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/we-know-not-day-nor-hour-if-you-get-my-drift/ Advent begins with the same warning that ended the liturgical year: Be watchful. Stay awake. You do not know the day nor the hour (cf. Mt. 24:37-44). Jesus speaks these words not to frighten us, but to shake us free from spiritual lethargy. Advent is our time to wa
