Stories - 2017

Mireille Yoga at the Edimar Center in Yaoundé.

Cameroon: Ashes or Fire

WorldAlessandra Stoppa

"We think we possess things forever. Instead, they are given to us." From November's Traces, we offer here the story of Mireille and Victorien, a married couple in Yaoundé, Cameroon, whose letter was quoted during the Beginning Day of CL.

Fr. Federico Trinchero, Carmelite missionary, with his young brothers in front of Saint Marc Major Seminary in Bangui.

A Seed Amidst War

WorldFederico Trinchero

In a country devastated by war, young men choose to follow Christ. Over the years, we have followed the story of a Bangui monastery turned refugee camp. Despite the ongoing conflict, something flourishes in the “periphery of the periphery of the world.”

Paul Mariani at the Communion and Liberation vacation.

Paul Mariani: In the Verses of a Friend

US, UK and MoreMattia Ferraresi

American poet Paul Mariani visited a CL vacation and shared his passion for 20th and 21st century poets as well as some intimate questions.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre

Christophe Pierre: "A New Occasion for the American Church"

EncountersChristope Pierre

We published the comment of Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, at the conclusion of the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, "The Joy of the Gospel in America," which was held in Orlando, Florida on July 4.

The Tamras family before the kidnapping.

The Beginning of Peace

WorldAnna Leonardi

The story of the Tamras family: the night of the attack, the imprisonment, and the faith of three kids together with their father and grandfather while their mother negotiated with one of the militants.

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square.

CL Knights & Pope Francis

WorldFr. Accursio Ciaccio

"If we look at the Crucifix, we understand that even in suffering there is a meaning, despite the fact that we might not know it." Pope Francis met with middle school kids of the Knights in the Paul VI Hall, Vatican.

Lorenzo Patelli (left) and Doreen.

Doreen's Candle

US, UK and MoreAnna Leonardi

Studies at Bocconi, the first flight to the USA, and the discovery that "faith is enough to live as men." The story of Lorenzo Patelli, professor at the University of Denver, where life "begins again only through facts."

American flag at sunset. Photo/Flickr

Rediscovering Our Roots, Moving Forward as One

US, UK and MoreStephen Adubato

"Certainty cannot be a weapon that shields us from dialogue." In light of the 2016 presidential election and the despair that followed, Stephen Adubato took a look at the nation's next steps.

Jacob Donaldson. Photo by Margaret Stokman

The Devil's Trick: The Screwtape Letters

US, UK and MoreStephen Adubato

"Reality as it is given in the present moment is the place in which the promise of eternity reveals itself." Marcie Stokman, founder of Well-Read Mom, and Dr. James Como spoke about "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis at the 2017 New York Encounter.

Tommaso Bardelli (left) and Dan Jusino. Photo by Migi Fabara Martinez

Forging a Culture of Forgiveness

US, UK and MoreSuzanne Tanzi

"Healing is about teaching people to love — themselves and others." Stories of reconciliation with life with Dan Jusino and Tommaso Bardelli at the 2017 New York Encounter.

John Bartlett (left) and Tom Colucci. Photo by Amy Knaus

A Long and Improbable Journey of Grace

US, UK and MoreSuzanne Tanzi

The Rev. Tom Colucci, a firefighter during the horrors of September 11, 2001, gave a witness at the 2017 New York Encounter of that unforgettable day, the work that followed and the concrete signs of Christ throughout it all.

Richard Cabral. Photo by Brenda Abdelmesih

Tell the True Story: Richard Cabral Speaks

US, UK and MoreCharles Atkinson

"What are we missing? Why do we often perceive reality as disappointing? What can help us reconcile with reality and engage life as it is?" The 2017 New York Encounter opened with music and a conversation with Richard Cabral and Fr. Vincent Nagle.

Mila Villaceran (left) and Anthony Lechich. Photo by Amy Knaus

Caring Across Generations

US, UK and MoreKristin Hurd

Monica Goodwin, Mila Villaceran and Anthony Lechich discuss the impact of the elder generations at the 2017 New York Encounter.

Julián Carrón (left) and Joseph Weiler. Photo by Sophia Wiener

Beauty Does Not Betray

US, UK and MoreGreg Barry

"Our faith must become a lived beauty through which others can encounter God’s incredible love." Fr. Julián Carrón discussed his new book "Disarming Beauty" with Joseph Weiler at the 2017 New York Encounter.

R. R. Reno (left) and David Brooks. Photo by Sofia Wiener

Brooks and Reno on the American Dream

US, UK and MoreSantiago Ramos

David Brooks and R. R. Reno discussed the question, “Are the American People Betraying Their Dream? Or Is the American Dream Betraying its People?" at the 2017 New York Encounter.

(L-R) Claire Vouk, Matt Malone and Timothy Dolan. Photo by Mary Sarah Ivers

American Dream Come True

US, UK and MoreBrittany Higdon

"The goal of Christianity is not to win an argument, but to be holy." Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Rev. Matt Malone and Claire Vouk conversed on the American saints' exhibit “The American Dream Come True” at the 2017 New York Encounter.

Audience members at Reality Does Not Betray. Really?.

What Wonder Knows

US, UK and MoreSuzanne Lewis

"The problem with man making himself dissimilar to God is that it also makes him dissimilar to himself." A conversation on the 2017 New York Encounter theme with Michael Waldstein, John Waters and Fr. José Medina.