Today, we are launching The Fourth Watch newsletter. In the inaugural edition of this Catholic newsletter, James Keating considers the crisis of literacy in higher education, but also sees reason for hope. Read an excerpt on the First Things website by clicking above, or better yet, read the full article for free on The Fourth Watch website by clicking here. While you’re there, I invite you to subscribe. 

From the December issue: The story most historians tell about the history of Mexico focuses on its many liberal revolutions, from the Reforma in the 1850s to the Revolution in the 1920s. And yet for all the times liberals have tried to excise the influence of the Catholic Church, Mexico remains deeply religious. Todd Hartch reviews two histories of Mexico and finds an answer both obvious and surprising for the Mexicans’ deep-seated faith.

For further reading: Associate editor Germán Saucedo, our resident Mexican, wrote about another crucial aspect of Mexican culture currently under government attack: bullfighting.

St. Andrew was the first apostle Jesus called. Beckoned away from his nets, Christ told him and his brother Simon that they would be “fishers of men.” But how did Andrew’s former livelihood actually equip him to be a missionary? Hans Boersma discusses this question.

For further reading: Andrew eventually became the first bishop of Byzantium, while his brother became the bishop of Rome. While the East and West no longer share the bonds of brotherhood, there have recently been hopeful signals from the Vatican, especially during Pope Leo’s recent visit to Turkey. Fr. Richard John Neuhaus wrote about his hopes for reunification with the Orthodox Church in “Reconciling East and West” (December 2008).

Listen: In the ​latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, George Weigel joins in to discuss his recent book, Pomp, Circumstance, and Unsolicited Advice: Commencement Addresses and University Lectures.

For further reading: In a May column, Weigel explained that Catholic universities are in a unique position to combat the radical skepticism that pervades higher education. In his book, he “suggests that Catholic institutions of higher learning can lead the reform of college and university life: if they refuse to indulge the fashionable skepticism that has led to the corruption of so many campuses.”

Upcoming Events

• TODAY: Launch of The Fourth Watch: A Newsletter about Catholicism | Sign up with one click.
• February 1, 2026: Second Annual Neuhaus Lecture at the New College of Florida | Sarasota, FL. Details coming soon.

Until next time,

VIRGINIA AABRAM

Newsletter Editor