Carla Visits Father Morelli

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com Father Morelli was in the loft reading the apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians. It was in preparation for his sermon on Sunday. He was going to address the question, Does one have to be circumcised in order to be a full Christian? Although circumcision wasn't practiced among Italy's Roman …

Father Jörgensen’s Questionings

A week ago, I was asked to baptize an infant later that morning. I have misgivings about it because nowhere in the Bible is there any such thing as infant baptism. Jesus wasn't baptized until He was thirty years old. As a baby, He was dedicated to the Lord. Last night I read every scripture …

The Holy Stairs, Martin Luther & Indulgences

Dushan was waiting in a café for Chioma so that they could go to Archbasilica of Saint John in Laterano and also to see the famous Scala Sancta, known as the Holy Stairs believed to be part of Pontius Pilate's palace in Jerusalem and are the same ones Jesus climbed before being tried by the …

Celibacy & Abortion

Father Kiesler was in his office with Bishop Haas. The bishop had just completed his pastoral visit. He seemed quite pleased. "Father Kiesler, you're doing a fine job with the school and the parish," he told him. "As fine a job as the late Father Schmidt." "Thank you, Your Excellency." "Is there something on your …

Shaniqua’s Story

I used to be a prostitute.  And then, one night, I met a Catholic priest who changed my life forever. Father Ramirez didn't preach at me like most religious people do.  Instead, he asked me about myself and what got me into prostitution.  He sat and listened as I shared my story and not once …

The Search For Nata

I was very discouraged from my trip to Dakar. I showed everyone I met the photo but no one seemed to know who she was or where she was. After two unfruitful weeks, I returned to Paris. I kept the photo in my wallet. I'm not sure why I did that. I looked at it …

Taahira’s Story

People stare at me because of the tribal marks on my face.  I wish I never had them.  I wish I knew what I looked like without them.  Before I left Nigeria, I asked my mother about them.  She said that she and my father were merely upholding traditional practices. I wished that I was …