Backyard diamond July 7, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Feature, Sports, The Narthex George Matysek’s backyard may never win landscaping awards, but the dirt where his sons play baseball has become a place where memories, family bonds and faith take root.
Yes and no March 12, 2026By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus tells us to let our “yes” mean “yes” and our “no” mean “no,” warning that anything more is from the evil one. Scripture scholars explain that he was condemning the misuse of oaths and calling his followers to live in truth. But I couldn’t help thinking that he was also calling us to something deeper: an integrity of heart.
Eyes on Christ November 18, 2025By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Feature I never did walk on water that summer long ago. But I learned that the true miracle is not defying gravity. It is allowing Christ to steady me when I sink, to calm the storms swirling around me and draw me into worship even in the midst of chaos.
Witness to truth March 24, 2025By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Feature George Matysek Jr. remembers the late Elizabeth Ann Murphy, a victim-survivor of child sexual abuse and a fierce advocate for justice. She dedicated her life to ensuring survivors’ voices were heard, challenging fellow Catholics to listen and take action.
Christmas silence December 21, 2024By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Christmas, Commentary Maybe silence, especially at a time of the year so filled with what the Grinch referred to as “NOISE, NOISE, NOISE” can be the way we can encounter Christ in a more meaningful way.
More than a ‘cracker’ May 8, 2024By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Eucharist, Feature As one of my own daughters prepares to receive her first Communion this spring, my wife and I try to explain that in the Eucharist we encounter the God of the universe. Just as food feeds and nourishes our bodies, the Eucharist feeds and nourishes our souls. It gives us the strength to resist sin and to be Christ’s presence in the world.
Love makes room February 26, 2024By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Feature, Marriage & Family Life Managing Editor George Matysek Jr. shares some personal reflections on welcoming a sixth child to his family.
Power of prayer works for vocations April 24, 2023By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Vocations If you’re skeptical about the power of prayer in fostering religious vocations, consider the extraordinary example of Elizabeth Louisa Rolls Vaughan.
‘Moo like a cow’ October 20, 2022By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Feature There is beauty and power in proclaiming our beliefs together in community worship.
Baltimore’s strongman July 5, 2022By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Arts & Culture, Commentary, Feature Antone Matysek’s most-famous stunt, which he performed on the Vaudeville stage, was hoisting three men over his head with one arm as they pedaled vainly on a custom-made bicycle outfitted with added weights.
The gift of time January 4, 2021By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Christmas, Commentary, Feature, Marriage & Family Life, Parenting As we watch our children grow up right before our eyes, we are reminded that time is limited and precious.
In the footsteps of St. Isaac Jogues April 2, 2020By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Coronavirus We can find solace in knowing that holy people such as St. Isaac Jogues have also been separated from reception of the Blessed Sacrament. Maybe we can find courage and perseverance in their example.
