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The most typical symbol of Christmas is a light shining in the darkness. The shepherds in the fields and the wise men in the east suddenly see the night made bright. It is a season for candles and stars, and its theological sense is caught in one of the readings from the liturgy for Christmas night: "The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all men" (Titus, 2:11).
During the last few months I have been grappling with the complex question of how the different ministries within the church are interrelated. Just when I was tempted to draw an intricate chart with red, purple and black lines, some exciting fold-outs and many arrows pointing this way and that, I came across a very simple story about a monk and a cripple:
The Beatification of Oscar Romero
Remembering Romero
Memory and Healing in El Salvador
Luke Hansen, S.J., took part in delegation to El Salvador from July 24 to Aug. 1, 2014, to mark the 25th anniversary of the assassination of six Jesuit priests, Elba Ramos and her daughter Celina at the University of Central America.
The Restoration of St. Patrick's Cathedral
On March 17, 2012, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York unveiled ambitious plans to restore St. Patrick's Cathedral. One year into the $175 million, 3-year project, assistant editor Ashley McKinless got a behind (and above) the scenes look at some of the church's renovation efforts.
California Missions
After a visit to Mission San Juan Bautista in March 2013, Kirk Whitney and his family resolved to visit all 21 of the California missions before the Year of Faith ended in November. Here he shares just a few of the many beautiful sites they saw along their West Coast pilgrimage.
A Terrible Beauty
Former associate editor James Keane shares photos from the major sites of the Easter Rising of 1916, a failed attempt by Irish nationalists to throw off centuries of English rule and establish an Irish Republic.
On January 12, Pope Francis named 19 new cardinals and announced a consistory for their formal induction into the College of Cardinals on Feb. 22. Here is a round-up of photos and background information so you can meet his selections.
Luke Hansen, S.J., an associate editor of America, created this photo journal after participating in a delegation to Honduras in September 2013.
Pope Francis at the Church of the Gesù
Reporting from Rwanda
Savings and Internal Lending Communities in Rwanda
Community Healing and Reconciliation in Rwanda
Remembering Genocide in Kigali
Eugene O'Neill: Life and Words
Sixty years after the death of the great American playwright Eugene O'Neill, Kevin Spinale S.J. says that his plays "remain powerful because of their honesty. Take another look at the work of a man who struggled mightily to grasp truth."
Letting Go
Father James Martin, S.J., reflects on his visit to the Artifact Storage Facility, where the Archdiocese of New York stores old statues, crucifixes and other religious pieces from churches that have closed.
Women in the Life Of the Church
To accompany America's special Oct. 28 issue: Women in the Life Of the Church, a collection of contemporary artwork by Catholic women.
'Pride and Prejudice' Through the Years
A photo gallery of illustrations and pictures celebrating the 200th anniversary of Pride and Prejudice. This gallery accompanies the article "Pride and Principle: The spiritual side of Jane Austen's novels" by Julie Rattey.
The Skulls of Bisesero: Remembering Rwanda's Genocide
William Collins Donahue visits the Rwandan Genocide Memorial at Bisesero. These images accompany his piece written in the July 1 issue.
Ignatius' Way: A New Pilgrim Path
In the March 4 issue Chris Lowney writes about the new Ignacio camino, a pilgrim route that visits many of the sites associated with the life of St. Ignatius Loyola. Here we present highlights from the journey.
Lowell's Native Son
James T. Keane visited Jack Keroauc's hometown of Lowell, Mass. on the 90th anniversary of the writer's birth. This slideshow accompanies Keane's essay on Kerouac.
The Art of Ferdinand Hodler
Select images from "Ferdinand Hodler: View to Infinity." This slideshow accompanies Fr. Leo J. O'Donovan's review of the show.
A Journey to Baggot Street
Kerry Weber travels to the house in Dublin where Sister Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy.
The World of Warhol
Leo J. O'Donovan, S.J., narrates an audio slideshow of a new show on Andy Warhol at the Met in New York. This slideshow accompanies Fr. O'Donovan's review of the show.
Cathedral of Christ the Light
A tour of Oakland's modern cathderal, with captions by Judith Dupre. This slideshow accompanies Dupre's article, "Woven from Light".
New Traditional Churches
A introduction to several new Catholic churches built in a traditional style. This slideshow accompanies Michael E. DeSanctis's article "Upon This Foundation".
At Home with Catholic Writers
A tour of the homes of select Catholic authors. On January 30, 2012, Kerry Weber published an essay on popular literary pilgrimage sites.
The Work of Catholic Relief Servives
A slideshow highlighting the projects around the world supported by Catholic Relief Services. In January 2012, America published a profile of Carolyn Woo, the new president and chief executive officer of CRS.
The Sacred Arts
A slideshow with commentary by Judith Dupre featuring selected images from the book Ars Sacra. This feature accompanies a portfolio that appeared in the Christmas 2011 issue.
Rembrandt's Jesus
A narrated slideshow of Rembrandt's paintings of Jesus. This feature accompanies a review of a new exhibit of Rembrandt's work by Leo J. O'Donovan, S.J.
Worship Space Today
A slideshow of newly designed churches. This feature accompanies interviews in the May 23 issue with Roberto Chiotti, an architect, and Richard S. Vokso, a sacred space planner.
The Vatican's Coins of the Realm
A closer look at the Vatican tradition of coin making, featuring coins and medals from the 15th through the 20th centuries. Read William van Ornum's survey of Vatican numismatics, and browse his selection of additional resources.
The Mosaics of Marko Rupnik, S.J.
Highlights from Fr. Rupnik's installation at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. Read Fr. James Martin's Christmas reflection on the mosaics.
Rising from the Rubble
A slideshow report on the unique role of Catholic N.G.O.'s in Haiti's recovery. Read the article by Joseph G. Bock on the subject.
In The World of Khubilai Khan
Images from the exhibit "The World of Khubilai Khan" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Read Fr. Leo J. O'Donovan's review of the show from November 2010.
Christian Life in the Middle East
In advance of the October 2010 Synod on the Middle East, a selection of photographs chronicling the life of Christians in Israel and the surrounding region.
View Kevin Clarke's audio slideshow from the Middle East
Matisse's Reinvention
Images from the exhibit "Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917." Photos courtesy the Museum of Modern Art. Read Fr. Leo J. O'Donovan's review of the show in the August 30-September 6, 2010 issue.
A Requiem for St. Vincent's
A slideshow history of St. Vincent's Hospital in New York, which closed in the spring of 2010 after serving the city for over 150 years. Produced by associate editor Kevin Clarke. Read Clarke's article on St. Vincent's from the July 5-12, 2010 issue. Photos courtesy Catholic News Service, the Sisters of Charity New York and Jeremiah's Vanishing New York.
The Greening of Detroit
An introduction to Detroit's burgeoning urban farm movement. Photos courtsey David Alire Garcia. Read Garcia's article on urban farms from the June 21-28, 2010 issue.
The Monks of Kintsvisi
Jonathan Alpeyrie presents a photo essay of the Kintskivis monastery in the Republic of Georgia. Closed for 90 years during the Communist regime, the monks returned to the monastery in 1990. This slide show accompanies Alpeyrie's essay, "Set in Stone", from the May 31, 2010 issue.
Catholic Life in Vietnam
A photographic introduction to the church in Vietnam today and its relationship with the country's communist government. This slide show accompanies George Anderson, S.J.'s article, "The New Vietnam", from the March 29, 2010 issue.
Crisis in Honduras
A pictorial account of the political crisis in Honduras that began with the forced removal of President Manual Zelaya in June 2009. This slide show accompanies Tim Padgett's article, "The Other America", from the March 8 issue.
Mexico Tipico
Pictures from life in Oaxaca, Mexico, past and present. This slide show accompanies Robert Joe Stout's article, "Adonde Vas Mexico?" from the February 22 issue.
Haiti Weeps
Photographs from Catholic News Service chronicling the devastation in Haiti following the January 12 earthquake. Additional coverage and commentary from America's editors and friends is available on our blog and elsewhere.
Rowan Williams Accepts Campion Award
The Archbishop of Canterbury was granted the honor by the editors of America on January 25, 2010. Transcripts and audio selections from the ceremony are also online.
After the Storm
America columnist Kyle T. Kramer offers a meditation on death and renewal in the wake of a storm that fell numerous trees on his farm. Read Kramer's essay on storms, both economic and natural, in the November 23 issue.
Kandinsky's Creations
Images from the work of Vasily Kandinsky on view at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Read Father Leo O'Donovan's review of the show.
Berrigan and the Peace Movement
A selection of photographs from the life of Daniel Berrigan, S.J., and his long involvement in the Catholic peace movement. Read Father George Anderson's interview with Father Berrigan.
Passion Week in Peru
Professor Jaime Lara from the Institute of Sacred Music and Art at Yale University narrates a slide show of Holy Week at a Jesuit parish in the Cuzco region of Peru.
Holy Week at The Casa
A meditation for Holy Week drawing from photographs and music provided by the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Narrated by Karen Sue Smith. We recommend you increase your audio volume for optimal presentation.
America's Century in Pictures
A portfolio of photographs and artwork tracing America's 100 year history.
The Treasures of Pompeii
Images from the National Gallery of Art's special exhibit on Pompeii and the Roman Villa. Read a review of the exhibit by Leo O'Donovan, S.J.
Along the Camino
Photographs from the famous pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Read Arthur Paul Boers' reflections on his journey along the Camino.
The Art of George Tooker
A selection of works from the respected American artist. Read Karen Sue Smith's review of the National Academy Museum's exhibit of Tooker's work.
Praying with Icons
A slideshow of popular icon subjects and themes, courtesy of Trinity Icons. Read Father Stephen Bonian's introduction to praying with icons.
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In the Steps of Saint Paul
A tour of Pauline pilgrimage sites in Turkey. Read John Endres's article on how to make a Pauline pilgrimage.
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The Art of Olafur Eliasson
Highlights from the Danish artist's exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Read Father Leo O'Donovan's review of the show.
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Benedict in America
A selection of images from Pope Benedict XVI's April 2008 visit to the United States.
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Animals in Distress
A companion piece to David Pinault's April 28, 2008 article on working with injured animals. "Sewing up the torn paw of a Javanese leaf-monkey...might seem an untried and unexpected form of interfaith dialogue," Pinault writes, "but it proved very productive for me."
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Praying with Art
An online meditation for Lent and Easter, narrated by Karen Sue Smith.
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Pilgrimage to Chimayo
Fr. Jim Martin narrates a tour of Chimayo, the Lourdes of America.
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The Art of Alfonse Borysewicz
Catholic artist Alfonse Borysewicz leads the viewer on a tour of his notable works.
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