Understanding Our Church

A Treasury of Arkansas Writers Discussing the Catholic Faith

Understanding Our Church

Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

St. Bernard Tolomei was model of courageous service to sick
Sister M. Glorea Knaggs, OSB
If you had to come up with a name for a Catholic hospital, what would you call it? St. Vincent is a great choice, since the religious congregations he founded are dedicated to works of mercy. Many choose St. Luke, patron saint of physicians. But what about St. Bernard Tolomei?
The full experience of heaven, pets included, is beyond us
Judy Hoelzeman
My sister called me in a halting voice one morning in October last year to tell me her dog had died. I was shocked; her dog had not been sick. I drove to her house and found her sitting on her couch in tears, the dog beside her.
Experiencing different languages and cultures prepares us for unity
Kelli Nugent
At the great celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe this past December, I recalled that our mother Mary is declared the patroness of the Americas and patroness of the unborn.
The incarnation of Christ made known by the message of an angel
Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
Nine months until Christmas, “Yes!” You might be thinking, “She must like those channels with Christmas movies.” Or “Lady, we are in Lent, not Advent.” But do you realize, March 25 is the feast of the Annunciation?
Embracing dependence requires humility but leads to real happiness
Katie Karp
When I was a sophomore in college, I read “The Odyssey” for the first time. My professor taught the epic focusing on one of the most important virtues for the ancient Greeks, interdependence.
Love of Christ impels us to share good news of Gospel with others
Jeff Hines
St. Paul said, “The love of Christ impels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14) A gas pump has an impeller. It’s something inside that spins and forces the gasoline out. It is a force from inside. We are not compelled or propelled, but rather, impelled.
Pope Benedict XVI’s many written works humbly explain the faith
Edward C. Dodge
In December, when Pope Francis asked us to pray for Benedict XVI as he prepared to go to the Father’s house, I couldn’t help reflecting on the impact Benedict has had on me, and I immediately revisited some of his works as I joined my own prayers for Benedict to th
Pope shares the gift of St. Francis de Sales’ spiritual example of love
Father Andrew Hart, JCL
Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? I hope so, and maybe a few other things besides. Sometimes the best gifts are unexpected.
As faithful Catholics, we must strive to be ‘co-workers in the truth’
Father Jerome Kodell, OSB
The shortest book in the New Testament and, in fact, the whole Bible is the Third Letter of John. It is not really a book but a letter of about 200 words.
Prayer, even short shout-outs, brings us closer to the presence of God
Lou Ann Gieringer
For years I have carried a small prayer card in my Bible. I’ve read it many times and loved it each time I read it. I want to share it with you. It is called “In Your Presence” by Luther Cross: “Lord, may I live on tiptoe expecting blessings in child-like wonder.

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