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Ignatius Press Podcast

Fr. Donald Haggerty: Are Dark Days Ahead for the Church?

Mar 3, 2025
Fr. Donald Haggerty, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York and author on spirituality, discusses the challenges facing the Church today. He shares insights from his book, 'The Hour of Testing,' addressing the rise of doctrinal ambiguity and cultural indifference toward God. Fr. Haggerty emphasizes the vital role of prayer for spiritual growth and the need for deeper understanding of the Eucharist. He advocates for genuine human connections in a technology-driven world, urging listeners to navigate these dark times with hope and faith.
47:57

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Fr. Haggerty warns that doctrinal ambiguity and cultural indifference to God could pose significant challenges for the Church's teachings in the 21st century.
  • He emphasizes the importance of spiritual receptivity and genuine relationships with God, contrasting it with the negative effects of modern technology on faith engagement.

Deep dives

Ecclesial Uncertainty in Current Times

The podcast discusses the concept of ecclesial uncertainty, emphasizing the unpredictability and potential challenges facing the Church today. Father Haggerty expresses concern about possible shifts in core teachings, particularly regarding issues such as homosexuality and artificial contraception, which could lead to unprecedented changes within Church doctrine. He notes that while the Church has experienced corrupt leadership, a rupture in doctrinal clarity would be a significant concern and a departure from historical precedents. This uncertainty, according to Haggerty, may signify a critical juncture in the Church's journey through the 21st century.

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