The whole semantic field of 'tool' and 'instrument' is fraught with negative moral connotations. St. Ignatius’ writings , however, show a different tendency. There, 'instrument' both serves as a central spiritual category and bears a positive connotation.

One of the nation’s most distinguished sociologists for many years and an expert on the relationship between religion and public life, the Rev. John A. Coleman died on Jan. 17, 2025 in Los Gatos, Calif., at the age of 87.

When I worked for U.S.A.I.D., I was not a churchgoer, but the moral vision was clear: We Americans, in our affluence, must reach out to those in need with generosity.

In today’s religious culture, Brebeuf could be seen as a model for other Catholic institutions for evangelization and interreligious dialogue.

When we remember John R. Donahue, S.J., prominent themes that come to mind include his passions for Catholic biblical scholarship, social justice and teaching.

Today in The New York Times, Pope Francis praised the value of joy, humor and laughter, and noted “jokes about and told by Jesuits are in a class of their own.” Here are 5 of my favorite.