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

National Conference for Single Catholics promises to deepen faith, foster relationships

Jul 20, 2024 / 06:00 am

Anastasia Northrup, who started the annual event more than 20 years ago, told CNA it provides practical aids for growing in faith and forming lasting relationships.

Michigan parents press case to end discrimination in school funding 

Jul 1, 2024 / 13:57 pm

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy and the Bursch Law firm have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their challenge to Michigan’s Blaine amendment.

Controversy swirls around Canadian Catholic schools celebrating ‘Pride’ month 

Jun 28, 2024 / 07:00 am

For the third year in a row, St. Denis Catholic School in Toronto, Ontario, raised the Pride flag on school grounds.

Top European human rights court rules countries can’t be forced to introduce assisted suicide

Jun 14, 2024 / 15:30 pm

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in favor of Hungary’s right to uphold its laws prohibiting assisted suicide, affirming the laws of 46 countries.

Pro-family leaders in Mexico react to Sheinbaum’s election 

Jun 5, 2024 / 18:50 pm

Various pro-life, pro-family, and Catholic leaders in Mexico have reacted with concern to the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as president of the country.

A new player in post-secondary Catholic education: San Damiano College for the Trades

May 29, 2024 / 15:30 pm

The new college, which is currently accepting applications for its fall 2025 inaugural class, is geared toward young men.

No reason to be cynical about celebrity conversions, Bishop Barron and others say

May 27, 2024 / 06:00 am

The phenomenon of celebrity conversions to the faith has taken center stage, especially on social media, and they have been widely welcomed.

Mary, Mother of Persecuted Christians gains a shrine in Wyoming

May 14, 2024 / 07:00 am

Bishop Robert Pipta of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio, dedicated a shrine and an icon at Wyoming Catholic College. 

Orthodox Church ordains female deacon 

May 9, 2024 / 18:05 pm

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa ordained Zimbabwean Angelic Molen as a deaconess in the Orthodox Church.

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.”