Kevin J. Banet

Is America a Marxist Country?

Many Americans would have a problem with the claim that the United States is a Marxist country. After all, we stood against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. We despise the cruel treatment of Christians and other religious believers in China. And Communism is more or less a “dirty word” in American politics.

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God’s Hidden Power: An Famous Theologian Faces a Roomful of Thugs

What can an aging, seemingly feeble priest do against a room full of thugs intent on a most wretched evil? You might not think much, but that is only because you have not met Father John A. Hardon, S.J.

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Suffering from Mental Distress? Servant of God Fr. John Hardon, S.J. Gives Us Answers

In his book, Spiritual Life in the Modern World, Father explained that deep interior joy is possible despite the sadness and sorrow all around us, provided we surrender ourselves without reserve to the Providence of God.

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How Prayer, Confession and Submission to the Will of God Can Ease Anxiety

Have you noticed that more of your friends and acquaintances seem to be afflicted with mental distress? Or maybe you have been afflicted in this way. The U.S. Bishops have recently addressed the growing problem of mental illness in a hope-filled and proactive way. They launched the National Catholic Mental Health Campaign in 2023. And two years later they put greater emphasis on local progra

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When St. Mother Teresa and a Priestly Servant of God Teamed Up to Teach the Faith

Picture an elderly Jesuit priest who looks out solemnly over his black-rimmed glasses at thirty or so Catholic laity gathered before him. The group busies themselves finding their seats, chatting with friends and shuffling papers. And yet John A. Hardon waits patiently to begin. Presentations on the Catholic faith usually don’t start out like this. Many teachers would call people to attention

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At 12, I Wanted to be a Carmelite Nun — But Life Got in the Way

Question: How is it, according to Saint Francis, that most daughters who enter religious life are unaware of the object, or purpose of religious life?

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Are There Multiple Meanings to “Starting Afresh” in Christ?

Every new day is a new opportunity to grow in virtue, to grow in imitation of Christ, and to grow closer to Christ. For some of us this is the first day, for some of us we are starting over from a major misstep, and for some of us we are laying a new brick on this slow process of building a life of holiness.

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Fighting the “Daughter of Eve” Within Us

Our Christian faith is a constant battle between who God calls us to be, and the lies the devil whispers to distort our identity. This struggle is not only external but also within our own hearts. We must resist the pull of the “daughter of Eve” within us, the tendency toward disobedience.

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A Life Saved from Abortion: God’s Hand in Chicago

The memory of that day remains one of the most profound encounters of my years as a pro-life sidewalk counselor.

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God is Outpouring His Spirit Like Never Before

There is no telling (with certainty) whether “the end is near,” but one thing we can be certain of is that the death rate remains at 100%. Our personal end is always near, with our short time on earth. We know that God exhibits justice, but we also know that God is merciful, and we need to run to God every chance we can get.

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So Many Spiritualities — And I'm Confused About How to Pray!

Prayer is a deeply mysterious enterprise. On one hand, it is simple–a conversation with the personal God. On the other hand, it is complex–a profound soul-transforming encounter with an Infinite Mystery.

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When We Are Free, We Are at Liberty to Follow Jesus

Here in America, we often talk about “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” – it’s kind of our motto. But what exactly is liberty? Should we pursue happiness at all costs? What if, instead, obedience is the secret to liberty?

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Why We're Filled With Hope for Pope Leo XIV

We have a new pope, with a new name, Pope Leo XIV, whose mission is to shepherd and feed Jesus’ sheep. Let us reconnect with this profound reality and rediscover what it means in our lives.

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Has Lent Pointed You to Your Eternal Destiny? Our Chat Room Members Ponder It

God works in mysterious ways. Sometimes he manifests himself in “signs” or miracles; and as one of our chatters below experienced, a mysterious doodling that she couldn’t explain how she produced it.

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A Saint for Those with Mental Illness — Part II (Conclusion)

Let’s take a physical look at St. Benedict Joseph Labre: his uncovered and unkempt red hair and beard. A rosary around his neck. A large crucifix at his breast. His eyes always cast down. Arms crossed and holding another rosary in his hand.

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