The beatification of Rutilio Grande, S.J., this weekend in San Salvador reminds us of the power of Christian witness and courage in the face of oppression.

“Bob Dylan is in the tradition of great writers stretching back to the biblical prophets—there’s something in his songs that is so resonant that people will be trying to figure the songs out for generations.”

John LaFarge, S.J., left an indelible mark on America—particularly in his unflagging devotion to the cause of racial justice for African Americans.

Joan Didion was capable both of conjuring up the horrors of modern life and of offering solace that there was still a point to it all.

In a year filled with good news and bad, more than a few Catholics stood out in the crowd (for better or for worse).

John Updike, long one of the nation's finest novelists and short story writers, also wrote extensively about the Christian imagination (and once on his misgivings about Santa Claus).

Charles R. Morris, who died on Dec. 13, was a prolific author with a broad range of interests and expertise. He also wrote a two-part history of America Media for our 100th anniversary.

Over the years, the bookworms at America Media have compiled list upon list of books that would make good Christmas gifts. Here is a sample.

A Reflection for the Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Wendell Berry could be described by many labels. More than anything else, he has been a voice of practical reason and concise cultural commentary in his more than 80 books published over six decades.