Chicago has James T. Farrell’s Studs Lonigan. New Orleans has John Kennedy Toole’s Ignatius J. Reilly. Boston has Edwin O’Connor’s 'Last Hurrah.' And William Kennedy’s Albany Cycle series has “ironweeds” like Billy and Francis Phelan. What, then, is the greatest book ever written about the New York City Irish?

“Jesuitical” visits long-time friend of the show, N.P.R.'s Scott Detrow, for a refreshing conversation about politics and faith as we gear up for November’s election.

When we create, we refuse to let darkness have the final say.

For Orthodox Christians, Lazarus Saturday, with its brightly colored vestments, its relaxation of fasting and its little sweet-smelling pastries, is a joyful time.

John O’Donohue focuses on how paying attention to the outer landscape of our world cultivates the inner landscape of our soul.

Robert David Sullivan's piece about media coverage of President Joe Biden's age invited a variety of responses from our readers.

From 1934: Servant of God Dorothy Day pens a letter to an agnostic friend on the supposed “morbidness” of religion.

Paul Lynch’s 'Prophet Song' was inspired by the Syrian Civil War and the plight of those seeking refuge from the destruction and death occurring in Syria.

In issuing “Laudato Si’,” nine years ago, Pope Francis made climate change a central issue in the church’s social teaching. Are we still paying attention?

Some of Jimmy Breslin’s best work has now been collected and edited by one of Breslin’s true heirs, The New York Times correspondent Dan Barry.

Stephen Prothero's enriching book, 'God the Bestseller,' takes the reader on a journey through the publisher Eugene Exman's life and works.

Mary Beth Keane has staked her claim as a creator of subtle but poignant storytelling.

Both Joyce’s and Jones’s stories move us through tragic epiphanies that leave the soul, pained by paralysis, on the threshold of conversion.

Fewer young people are choosing full-time service after college. How will volunteer organizations adapt?

i don’t have a brother he was me

The palest lavender is “Guardian Angel,”

My trip was short but introduced me to faithful people, powerful history and a beautiful land.

In Gaza, “nowhere is safe” and “hunger is everywhere.”

Pope Francis has asked the October synod to focus not on single issues but on one key question: “How to be a synodal church in mission?”

Catholic social teaching can provide a stronger framework for antiracism programs.