Father Jeffrey F. Kirby, Author at Crux

Father Jeffrey F. Kirby

CRUX_CONTRIBUTOR

Father Jeff Kirby is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome and has authored several books, including Lord, Teach Us to Pray (St. Benedict Press, 2014) and Doors of Mercy: A Journey Through Salvation History (St. Benedict Press, 2016).

Fr. Kirby seeks to live and exercise his priestly ministry in such a way as to exemplify the positive role religion can play in society, as well as to highlight the mutual service that both Church and State can render to one another. In this effort, Father Kirby works to apply and teach the spiritual patrimony of the Catholic Church and the overall contribution of the human spirit to the human narrative.

As such efforts have led to the formation of consciences and development of leadership in the public forum, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Fr. Kirby is a friend to Catholic media, and has been on EWTN, CatholicTV, and Salt and Light. He has also been on the BBC, NPR, and ABC to discuss various issues relating to the Church. Fr. Working with St. Benedict Press and Catholic Scripture Study International, Father Kirby was the Host of the national Christian formation program Doors of Mercy and was one of the co- instructors of Luke: The Gospel of Mercy. Both programs presented the Gospel message through a creative use of videography, lay-out design, and live-streaming.

More information on Father Kirby can be found at frkirby.com, and he can be followed on Twitter @fatherkirby.

Recovering the importance and the lessons of the Ascension

The Easter season begins to conclude with the Ascension of the Lord. Even though in many places the feast day is now moved from its traditional Thursday observance to a Sunday, it’s easy for it to pass without any notice or attention. This is a sad situation, since the Ascension is such an intimate and essential event in Christ’s earthly ministry and in the observance of the Easter season.

Spiritual lessons from the mania over fidget spinners

Believe it or not, the mania among young people these days over the fidget spinner can be an odd but very real call to prayer. As the person sees the need for mental rest and solitude and finds a portion of these from a popular gadget, she can realize there are other broader and deeper resources for such renewal and rejuvenation.

On Mother’s Day, remember Jesus also has a mother

Jesus Christ didn’t just appear as an adult, or fall from the sky. He was born of a woman, and had a human mother. Jesus honored Mary as his mother and showed her the love of a devoted son. With her maternal heart, she held a privileged place in his life and mission.

One hundred years later, Fatima’s message still echoes

In 1917, meaning, purpose, value, along with transcendence, dignity, and benevolence were rapidly being shed, and this interior emptiness was fueling humanity’s ungodly rage and desire for annihilation. It was into that environment that Mary injected herself in Fatima, bringing a message of light and hope.

Saints remind us of what is most human, sacred, and good

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, who gave up her life so that her daughter might live, shows us the wisdom of the Gospel and the church’s teachings in contested areas of human life. She points us to the cross when things are confusing and appear to be spinning, since the cross is stable and always stands firm, and perpetually shows the believer the path of love, which is not easy but which always allows goodness to win.

How Low Sunday became Divine Mercy Sunday

The Sunday after Easter was once called Low Sunday, but now we celebrate it as Divine Mercy Sunday. The reason is that after a long 20th century, the human family is in tremendous need of healing and hope, of both receiving mercy and sharing compassion with one another.