A concern among many of the 2,200 churchmen at Vatican II was to truly make Catholicism a “church of the poor,” as Pope John XXIII put it shortly before convening the council. The bishops who gathered for Mass at the catacombs that November evening were devoted to seeing that commitment become a reality.

Edward W. Schmidt, S.J. offers a reflection from Arantzazu. Visit our special pilgrimage web site to follow their trip and submit prayer requests.

"I expect that Pius will one day be named a saint, but I also do not expect that to end the debate."

Matt Malone, S.J. offers his first reflection from Loyola. Visit our special pilgrimage web site to follow their trip and submit prayer requests.

A new book brings together the best of America’s writings on prayer.

We’d all like to cheat time’s passage, but all we have is today. This blessed day. A reflection for All Souls Day.