Martin Barillas

Martin Barillas

Martin Barillas is a writer and translator, having once served as a U.S. diplomat in Europe and South America. A lifelong Catholic, he resides in Michigan with his wife Alice and their four children and grandchild. He has written on a variety of topics, including human rights, politics and religion. He is also a novelist.

Articles by Martin Barillas

Arsonists burn down homes of Egypt’s beleaguered Christians

Apr 24, 2024 / 15:45 pm

Muslim extremists set on fire several homes of Christians in Minya, a province in southern Egypt, in a continuation of anti-Christian violence. 

Catholic sculptor readies monumental Stations of the Cross in Orlando, Florida

Apr 16, 2024 / 14:45 pm

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe in Orlando is adding a “Gospel Garden” featuring massive bronze Stations of the Cross.

Byzantine Catholic priest ‘overjoyed’ to join special Synod on Synodality meeting

Apr 4, 2024 / 07:00 am

Father Artur Bubnevych said he is honored and delighted to be among the five priests from the U.S. selected to attend the upcoming meeting of priests in Rome.

Uptick in attacks on Catholic parishes reveals hostility to faith, religious liberty

Mar 6, 2024 / 08:00 am

Attacks on churches are at an all-time high, occurring in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Priest battles ‘hate crime’ charges for criticizing Islam

Mar 5, 2024 / 10:15 am

A Spanish priest is facing up to three years in prison on “hate crime” charges for his heated words about Islam.

Order of Argentine priests spreads the Gospel where the Church has not gone before

Feb 29, 2024 / 07:00 am

The Order of St. Elijah was founded in 2015 and seeks to emulate the saints’ missionary boldness.

New wilderness program for seminarians promises to ‘strengthen faith and brotherhood’

Feb 18, 2024 / 07:00 am

Wyoming Catholic College now offers backcountry treks for seminarians from dioceses across the country. 

Euthanasia for Canada’s mentally ill still on the table despite ‘pause’ on implementation

Feb 9, 2024 / 08:00 am

The Canadian government has paused implementing medical assistance in dying (MAID). But the pause does not mean a permanent halt to the plan. 

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology in midst of major expansion

Jan 20, 2024 / 08:00 am

St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology founder Dr. Scott Hahn calls the new headquarters building in Steubenville, Ohio, “a dream come true.”

The hidden life of Nicholas Black Elk revealed in canonization process

Dec 10, 2023 / 07:00 am

Two Jesuit priests have emphasized Black Elk’s enduring Catholic faith as his canonization process unfolds.  

Spanish lawyer, mom of 4, challenges country’s rosary ban

Dec 8, 2023 / 14:30 pm

“There are plenty of times when the Virgin Mary has come to Spain’s aid,” Polonia Castellanos said, “and we are certain she will help us now.”

The faithful servant of Christ and the Church who was assassinated by Soviet communists

Oct 22, 2023 / 05:00 am

Blessed Theodore Romzha of Mukachevo, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001, stayed with his people until the end.

Biological Integrity Initiative arms parents against transgender ‘ideology’

Oct 20, 2023 / 09:00 am

Sponsored by the American College of Pediatricians, the initiative encourages physicians to speak out on gender dysphoria and assist policymakers.

Judge rules against rural Catholic community in dispute with local authorities in Michigan

Sep 30, 2023 / 08:00 am

An attorney for families at Cottonwood Farm called the local government’s actions against the community “persecution.”

Catholic newspaper takes Mexican president to task for joking about murders

Sep 8, 2023 / 11:40 am

“He not only shows a lack of sensitivity but also perversion,” read an editorial in the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara.

Why did dozens of religious sisters show up at this rural Michigan ice cream stand?

Sep 6, 2023 / 08:30 am

A group of Religious Sisters of Mercy recently enjoyed a “sweet celebration” at Merrill Whippy Dip in Michigan.

Israeli president condemns violence against Christians

Aug 11, 2023 / 11:15 am

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the Stella Maris Monastery in Haifa following attacks by Jewish extremists against the site.

Jim Caviezel to join rosary rally for ballot measure that could impact Ohio abortion vote

Aug 4, 2023 / 11:45 am

Organizers of the “Rosary Rally” in Cincinnati hope to encourage all Christians in Ohio to vote “Yes” on Issue 1 on Aug. 8.

‘Sound of Freedom’ screening on Capitol Hill sparks call to track missing children in U.S.

Jul 28, 2023 / 13:10 pm

Members of Congress recently viewed the popular anti-trafficking film, after which producer Eduardo Verástegui proposed draft legislation.

Bach on a mountain: Wilderness experience informs faith at Wyoming Catholic College

Jul 16, 2023 / 07:00 am

Students at Wyoming Catholic College in Lander, Wyoming, begin their academic careers with a long mountain trek that challenges them body and soul.