I recently posted an article at Millennial about the growing rift between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. My argument is that this is just the latest example in a long trend of billionaires wielding power from a place of personal vendetta, private interest, or other individual motives—often with a wild disregard for the consequences of their actions. As many have done, I’ve been reflecting on the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, whose teachings have inspired Pope Leo XIV, particularly through... Read more
Returning to the foundations can sometimes feel frustrating. Many people grow weary of routine, the repetition of drills, and the discipline of going back to basics. Yet, this process—this continual return—is the foundation of becoming truly fluent in anything. When I used to teach guitar lessons, I would often remind my students that the length of their instruction was far less important than the hours they dedicated to practice. True comfort and mastery in playing wouldn’t come from simply receiving... Read more
The world is constantly changing, and effective leadership requires adaptability, yet adaptation without cultural integrity leads to fragmentation. Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Boniface, a towering figure in Church history known for his martyrdom and his missionary zeal. On the eve of Pentecost in 754, Boniface and his companions were killed by marauders as they prepared for a confirmation ceremony. Yet, his legacy extends far beyond his martyrdom—he was instrumental in reviving the Church in present-day France and... Read more
St. Bernardino of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan friar, was a man whose life was marked by deep faith, powerful preaching, and an unwavering commitment to spiritual renewal. Born in 1380 in Massa Marittima, Italy, Bernardino was orphaned at a young age and raised by a devout aunt. His early years were shaped by service to the sick, particularly during a devastating plague in Siena, where he and his companions took charge of a hospital, caring for the afflicted. After recovering... Read more
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Ubald of Gubbio, a remarkable leader and saint of the 12th century. From a young age, Ubald was entrusted with positions of leadership, yet he never sought power for its own sake. In fact, he once talked himself out of becoming Bishop of Perugia. Instead, he led in response to the needs of his time—a man who longed for solitude, yet proved to be an effective administrator. Those who knew him were... Read more
Recently, I had the privilege to sit down with Marcus Peter to discuss what the new papacy means for the future of the Church. Our conversation highlighted Pope Leo XIV as a pontiff who is calling us to refocus on the centrality of Christ in the life of every Christian—including the Pope himself. Here are a few reflections I had following the conversation – which you can listen to here: From his very first homily, Pope Leo XIV has challenged... Read more
I wanted to share a program that I had the great privilege of being on last week called Notes from Above. It’s a production of Ave Maria Radio and is a weekly conversation about faith and music. In this week’s episode, I got to sit down with Deacon Tom and Sister Sarah as they explored the joyful mysteries of the rosary in honor of Our Lady whose motherhood of the church is particularly honored in the month of May. In... Read more
Like many, the election of Pope Leo XIV has been a joyous surprise for me. I did not expect an American Pope, and as an American myself, I was deeply moved by the thought of a Pope who has lived in places I also have lived in —Chicago and Michigan. In a certain sense, it makes the papacy feel more tangible and connected to my own life, a sentiment reinforced by the Pope’s first sermon at the Mass with the... Read more
I wanted to share a reflection on the life of Pope Francis, as well as a significant personal update. After a wonderful Easter, I woke this morning to the news that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, had passed away. I immediately went to tell my wife, Joan, just as I had twelve years ago when Pope Benedict XVI resigned. But this time, I found myself weeping. Pope Francis was the only pope I had ever known as a Catholic. I... Read more
It seems that everywhere I go these days, there is a palpable sense of anxiety about the direction of our nation here in the United States. Not everyone has the same set of fears or concerns, but nearly everyone feels some level of anxiety. I’ve seen it manifest in my own life in many small ways: The students who don’t show up for confirmation or religious education classes at my parish because their parents are worried about deportation. The neighbor... Read more
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