Was John the Baptist a member of the Essenes?
The mystical sect shared similar values with the Forerunner of Jesus, but their ministries differed in many ways. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia
Eduardo Verastegui Is Building The World’s Largest Statue Of Jesus For Mexico
He is currently in the process of creating the world’s tallest statue of Jesus! Mexican architect Fernando Romero is the designer behind this incredible work of art. ☩ Becky Roach of Catholic Link
The Four Evangelist: Carving by ALBL Oberammergau
These particular sculptural reliefs were made for St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Spring, Texas. ☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal
Cardinal Wuerl Knew of Archbishop McCarrick's Abuse Allegations in 2004
The Jan. 10 disclosure from the Diocese of Pittsburgh is the first confirmation by Church authorities that Cardinal Wuerl was aware of allegations against the disgraced ex-cardinal before June 2018. ☩ Ed Condon, J.C.L., & J.D. Flynn, J.C.L. of Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register
Why the Pope is Wrong About Nationalism
Pope Francis gave his annual talk to the Vatican diplomatic corps this week. Once more he denounced “nationalism” and promoted multilateralism and international institutions. Like many others, the pope seems to have a fundamental misunderstanding of both nationalism and globalism. ☩ Austin Ruse of Crisis Magazine
A Mystery Vestment -- And a Beautiful One
Unfortunately, one sometimes comes across things which are of great interest but for which there is little to no information provided. This chasuble is one such example. . . ☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal
Voyages Liturgiques: Liturgy in 15th Century Rouen
Practices & ceremonies taken from an Ordinal of the church of Rouen about 200 years old, all of which are still observed, except a few that I will make sure to point out. ☩ Aelredus Rievallensis of Canticum Salomonis
Beware the Dangers of Vigilant Sloth & Gluttony
Play is a necessary part of life — a part we forget when we substitute entertainment for leisure. ☩ Sherry Antonetti of National Catholic Register
A call for harmony — and a demand for truth
Pope Francis’ recent Christmas message, ‘Urbi et Orbi’, was a meditation on the roots of fraternity in the incarnation . . . What struck me as strange was that he failed to mention the sources of the conflicts there which I have followed so closely. . . ☩ Fr. Robert Sirico of Powerblog
Twelve Things I Like About the Traditional Latin Mass
A week ago I wrote a blog post about twelve things I like about the Novus Ordo. I thought it was a pretty harmless reflection on my life as a parish priest and my observation of what works and doesn’t work in the liturgy. . . Hooboy! ☩ Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Response to 7 Common Objections Against TLM
“12 Reasons Not to Prefer the Novus Ordo” article met with criticism of Novus Ordo devotees. ☩ Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D., of New Liturgical Movement
Oxford Supports Emeritus Professor Accused of ‘Transphobia’
Oxford University is standing by emeritus law professor John Finnis after a petition calling for his removal. ☩ Catholic News Agency/EWTN News via National Catholic Register
Mazie Hirono Says Trump Nominee Not Qualified Because He’s a Pro-Life Catholic
The liberal media avoids reporting on recent accusations of anti-Catholic bigotry from prominent Democratic Senators & the pushback from a party colleague. ☩ Nicholas Fondacaro of Life News
‘We strive to develop a sense of chastity’: how Catholic colleges are fighting porn
☩ Kelly Salmonon of Catholic Herald
Chinese Communist Party Stifles Faith in the Cradle, Closes Religious Schools
☩ Feng Gang of Bitter Winter
A Novus Ordo moment
☩ Fr John Hunwicke of Fr. Hunwicke's Mutual Enrichment
Bringing Natural Law to the Nations
☩ Samuel Gregg, D.Phil., of Law and Liberty
Vatican adds new press office roles in ongoing communications reform
☩ Elise Harris of Crux
Venezuelan bishops denounce Maduro’s new presidential term as illegitimate
☩ Catholic News Agency via Catholic Herald
Karl Marx and the Great Socialist Revival
☩ James Bovard of Mises Wire
Pets are Becoming People Too—Under the Law
☩ Anne Hendershott of Crisis Magazine