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About the Author

Prime Matters
Editorial Panel

In keeping with the best of our ancient Benedictine heritage, in which authors sign their work simply “a monk,” the editorial panel of Prime Matters remains anonymous, committed solely to articulating and awakening the Catholic imaginative vision for Catholics and all people of goodwill.

Published Pieces

The Monastery of Mar Saba

The Monastery of Mar Saba

Like all things genuinely Christian, the ancient Monastery of Mar Saba has been no stranger to conflict and controversy as it has borne witness to the Gospel throughout the ages.

Prime Matters
Sep 27, 2023
The Vatican

Understanding the Synod

How are we to understand the upcoming Synod?

Prime Matters
Sep 24, 2023
Caravaggio's "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist"

Caravaggio's "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist"

Caravaggio's stark presentation of the beheading of St. John the Baptist, housed in St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, invites us to view a brutal reality through the eyes of faith.

Prime Matters
Sep 20, 2023
Rembrant's "The Return of the Prodigal Son"

Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal Son"

In "The Return of the Prodigal Son," Rembrandt shows the desolation that comes from a life of sin, a brother on the cusp of a decision, and the embrace of mercy.

Prime Matters
Sep 7, 2023
Fontevraud Gradual, also known as the "Gradual of Eleanor of Brittany," mid-thirteenth century

Guido of Arezzo

Guido of Arezzo solidified and improved musical notation, allowing for the sight-reading and rapid spread of music.

Prime Matters
Aug 30, 2023
The Franciscan Sanctuary of Greccio

Greccio

Situated in the forested Sabine Hills between Rome and Assisi, the little town of Greccio holds a special place in the Franciscan tradition and is the birthplace of a common Christmas practice.

Prime Matters
Aug 23, 2023
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

Santa Cecilia in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, standing in the location of the house of the beloved third-century virgin martyr, shows forth the vast centuries of Church history.

Prime Matters
Aug 17, 2023
Our Lady of Charity

La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre

The Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre has played a central role in the spirit of Cuba, and her image is to be found everywhere, in churches, homes, and even on taxis.

Prime Matters
Aug 10, 2023
Mass held outside the ruins of Urakami Cathedral after the bombing of Nagasaki

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Nagasaki

Immaculate Conception Cathedral stands over the site of both centuries of persecutory practices and the previous cathedral, which was destroyed by the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

Prime Matters
Aug 3, 2023
The Vatican Obelisk and St. Peter's Square from the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica

Vatican Obelisk

The massive obelisk standing in the center of St. Peter’s Square is likely the last thing St. Peter saw as he died upon the cross.

Prime Matters
Jul 27, 2023