Once upon a time I was a second grader at St. Pius X School in Rodgers Forge. One day, our teacher, Sister Suzanne, announced to my class that it was time to prepare for the May Procession. catholicreview.org/queen-of-the-m… #Blog #Commentary #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

She purchased the bush and planted it when her #grandmother died seven years ago, and every year it blooms around this time—just before #Mother’s Day. catholicreview.org/a-grandmothers… #HappyMothersDay #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

As he stood there waving to the people of Rome—and people around the world—I was trying to get a sense of our new pope. catholicreview.org/who-is-our-new… #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

As our younger son is getting ready to be confirmed, I’ve been thinking back on my time as an eighth grader preparing for the sacrament. catholicreview.org/gift-of-grace/ #Sacraments #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

I never thought we would have an #American #pope, so I had no expectations for how that might be different for me, as an American. I had never considered what it would be like to hear a pope talk in English with an American accent. catholicreview.org/the-pope-is-sp… Rita Buettner #Blog

Back in early April, Abigail Benjamin submitted a request for tickets to attend a papal audience in May. Not many people were requesting tickets at the time, as a cardinal handled the papal audiences for an ailing Pope Francis. But Abigail felt she and her husband, Jon, should

Summer is my favorite time of year, and I am looking forward to being outside more and enjoying longer, slower days. I love everything about summer, even the heat and the humidity. Bring. It. On. catholicreview.org/sometimes-i-co… #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

I watched as my son, who was stuck in a challenging situation, stepped forward to advocate for himself—politely & firmly. He was heard without any apparent criticism, the problem was immediately resolved, & the world continued to turn. catholicreview.org/when-children-… #Blog Rita Buettner

Walls usually create division, but my #father built one that helped bring our family closer together. My father helped me see that we often have more than we think we do. catholicreview.org/a-fathers-gift/ #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

Two Loyola University Maryland alumni were ordained as priests this month! Congratulations to the Rev. Jonathan Pennacchia, S.J., ’14, who was ordained on June 14, and the Rev. Thomas O’Donnell, ’15, who was ordained on June 21. loyola.edu/news/2025/0625…

It’s such an honor to be part of such a talented team!

We hadn’t planned on taking a whirlwind weekend adventure. Back when we started planning to go to New York for our niece’s high school graduation, I figured I’d take a couple of days off, and we would have a leisurely visit. Then life started picking up speed.

Earlier this year, my husband John mentioned that his cousin Terri had something she wanted to give to me. He showed me a photo of a sculpture that included statues of St. Rita of Cascia & St. Therese of Lisieux. catholicreview.org/a-gift-and-a-c… #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

As our niece’s sixth birthday was approaching, she put together a list of wishes for her special day. catholicreview.org/making-a-birth… #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog Rita Buettner

Pope Paul VI watching the moon landing from Castel Gandolfo That same day, July 20, 1969, Robert Prevost watched it as a student in the U.S. 56 years later he talks to the second man to walk on the moon, now as Pope Leo XIV The vast continuum of the papacy…

The story of Mary and Martha is so relatable—and probably because it’s told from Martha’s perspective. It might just as easily have been Mary saying to Jesus, “Lord, please tell her to stop working and sit down to listen to you.” catholicreview.org/a-parenting-le… #Commentary #Blog

Loyola University Maryland is excited to announce a $1 million gift from Elaine and Anthony Grillo to provide critical assistance to students pursuing Loyola Education degrees and support the renovation and expansion of Donnelly Science Center. loyola.edu/news/2025/0729…

Earlier this year, my husband John mentioned that his cousin Terri had something she wanted to give to me. He showed me a photo of a sculpture that included statues of St. Rita of Cascia and St. Therese of Lisieux. catholicreview.org/a-gift-and-a-c… #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog

We have all hoped and prayed for miracles. No wonder we get excited when we hear that the Vatican has confirmed one. And the miracle in the news is such a beautiful one- catholicreview.org/a-miracle-for-… #Commentary #Blog #FaithBlog #Saints Rita Buettner

The clouds seemed to be getting darker and heavier as I hurried up the steps to church. Somehow, in my rush to get to a late afternoon Mass, I hadn’t noticed that a storm was coming. And because I wasn’t paying attention and was in a hurry, I had left my umbrella in the car.