Robert Edwards

Living a Catholic life.

TVESDAY EDITION

The Scandal & the Lampstand

The priestly sex-abuse scandal has had so much publicity that it’s hard to imagine what more can be said. But what’s amazing to me is that almost nothing has been said about the relationship of the Scandal and the dissent from Humanae Vitae. Rarely mentioned, if ever, is the Totality Thesis of the dissenters. ☩ John F. Kippley of The Catholic World Report

Cardinal Kasper attacks Cardinal Müller who publicly proclaimed Catholic doctrine

I saw that one of the very inveterate promoters of confusion, who has exercised great influence begin in 2013, Walter Card. Kasper, has compared Card. Müller to – wait for it – Martin Luther. ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

Andrew Sullivan Servant of the Evil One

Memo to Andrew Sullivan: There’s No ‘Anti-Gay Purge’

Commentary: Sullivan’s recent article seems erudite & reasonable, unless you are one of the people he is mischaracterizing. ☩ Jennifer Roback Morse of National Catholic Register

Letter to an Aspiring Priest

I’m grateful to you for getting in touch. Many people today would no doubt think you are strange for considering the priesthood, given the cloud that hangs over the Church. Others might congratulate you for heroism. Actually, both reactions are excessive. For a Catholic young man who is fervent in his faith, it’s a normal & reasonable thing to think seriously about being a priest, & rightly so. . . ☩ Thomas Joseph White of First Things

Call for an ‘ethical tariff’ on China to stop religious persecution

Silence and tepidity in the international community is costing lives. ☩ Marco Respinti of Mercatornet

“Rumors that a certain prelate threatens his orthodox priests with institutionalization or laicization are not rumors. . . they are (the) truth”

Back in August 2018 I posted one of the hardest things I’ve ever written for this blog. . . (I, Big Pulpit Editor, chose the pic- Ed.) ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?

“I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament. There you will find romance, glory, honour, fidelity, and the true way of all your loves upon earth.” ☩ Winston Elliott, III, of National Catholic Register

Extraordinary Form Mass Ad Orientem

Thoughts about ‘ad orientem’ worship & priests being bullied

The rubrics of the Novus Ordo Missale Romanum and the tradition of many centuries have the priest at the altar facing liturgical East. . . ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

Tranny Madness: A Triumph Of Will Over Reality

☩ William M. Briggs, Ph.D., of Statistician to the Stars!

Automatic penalties confuse every topic they touch

☩ Edward N. Peters, J.C.D., J.D., of In the Light of the Law

Sacred Music Symposium in Canada Sets a High Standard

☩ J.P. Sonnen of Liturgical Arts Journal

Pope Benedict XV Teaches How To Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

Why “The Great Music” Is as Important as “The Great Books”

Ignorance of the great works of music is as bad, for someone who seeks to be educated in Western culture, as ignorance of Dante & Shakespeare in literature, & Plato & Aristotle in philosophy. . . ☩ Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D., of The Imaginative Conservative

Our Socialist Democratic Party

While certain left-of-center commenters on this blog say that I’m being an alarmist in talking about socialism among Democratic presidential candidates, it doesn’t look that way from inside the party’s strategists. . . ☩ Rod Dreher of The American Conservative

God Owns Me

God told me one night that He owned me. I heard this interiorly, without any words being spoken. ☩ Jim Dougherty of Catholic Stand

Cross vs. Crucifix

You display a bare cross in your homes; we display the cross and the crucifix. What is the difference and why? The cross is an upright post with a crossbeam in the shape of a “T”. A crucifix is the same, but it has Christ’s body (corpus) attached to the cross. . . ☩ Steve Ray of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

Through the Year with Maria Von Trapp, Off the Shelf 111 with Rob Kenney

This week Rob Kenney and I discuss an incredible resource that Sophia Institute Press has breathed new life into. Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family is back in print and sure to serve as a timeless classic to new generations of families looking to incorporate the Catholic faith into their daily lives. ☩ Pete Socks of Catholic Stand

Seeds of Liturgical Utilitarianism

It seems to me that utilitarian reductionism has long been a temptation of our mindset, particularly in the Latin church, which has always excelled in law and administration, in “getting things done.” ☩ Tom B. of Tom's Digest

What the Church Says About Suicide

Suicide is a difficult topic for many, even hopeful Catholics. It’s also a topic of confusion. Many persist to say that no matter what, victims of suicide will go to hell. Is that the truth, though? ☩ Shaun McAfee, O.P., of National Catholic Register

Julien Green's Vatican II

Several years ago, I came across some odd volumes of the journal of Julien Green in a Paris secondhand shop. . . ☩ Paul Dean of First Things

Pope St. Vitalian: Of Calendars, Celts, & Christian Unity

Unlike Christmas, which is a fixed date that can fall on any day of the week, Easter has always been observed on a Sunday. . . ☩ Richard Becker of Catholic Exchange

Beauty & Other Things

☩ J. Budziszewski, Ph.D., of Mercatornet

On the Role of the Angels at the Second Coming

☩ Msgr. Charles Pope of Community in Mission

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MONDAY EDITION

Pro-Infanticide Catholics Need the Church’s Strongest Medicinal Penalties

Editorial: The Church needs to administer strong medicine in the face of publicly dissenting Catholic politicians like the New York governor. ☩ The Editors of National Catholic Register

A simple defrocking won’t mean the McCarrick case is over

Much of the reporting has indicated that the timing of the announcement is deliberate, in that Pope Francis & his Vatican team want the McCarrick case to be resolved before a high-profile summit of presidents of bishops’ conferences from around the world on the clerical abuse scandals set for Feb. 21-24. Here’s the thing, however: Even if McCarrick is defrocked, that hardly would mean his case is over. ☩ John L. Allen, Jr., of Crux

Can the Ol’ Catholic Blog Neighborhood Come Back?

I miss when the Blogosphere felt like a neighborhood with all sorts of takes on the same reality, with slices of home life here, theology there, humor another place, sarcasm another. I miss feeling like walking through the internet like browsing the North End of Boston, or all the hidden lovely places in New York. Now, everything feels like Best Buy & Walmart with a Starbucks on every corner. ☩ Larry Denninger of A Catholic Misfit

The Velatio Nuptialis: An Ancient (& Forgotten) Part of the Latin Marriage Rite

Until around 1999, our parish of Saint-Eugène in Paris was one of the few in France to keep up a custom that goes back to the first centuries of the Church. At Nuptial Masses, [1] two high-ranking clerics or two witnesses held a large white veil [2] over the kneeling couple during the nuptial blessing given by the priest between the Pater and the Kiss of Peace. ☩ Gregory DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement

Lay Catholics: Stop Waiting for Bishops to do Your Job

It is a familiar story. The particulars are more radical this time. But it is essentially the same story. ☩ Peter Wolfgang of Catholic Vote

Biblical & Historical Evidence for Raising the Dead

The miracle of raising the dead is a belief grounded in the Bible & documented throughout Catholic history ☩ Dave Armstrong of National Catholic Register

Christophobia Is Real

I had a galvanizing telephone conversation today with an American academic who grew up in the USSR. They completely agree with the premise of the book I’m planning — a book about the rise of totalitarianism via identity politics progressivism — & urged me to pay particular attention to the way global corporations are carrying these ideas forward. This. . . ☩ Rod Dreher of The American Conservative

Drag Queen Story Hour: Coming to a Library Near You

How should a Catholic respond? ☩ Kathy Schiffer of National Catholic Register

Refuting a Clever Denial of Jesus’ Divinity

☩ J.P. Nunez of Catholic Stand

Pagans vs. Christians in the Modern World

☩ Rachel Lu, Ph.D., of Public Discourse

Iceland's Catholic Church is Booming!

☩ John Aidan Byrne of National Catholic Register

Pope Benedict XV Teaches How To Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

The Age Of Antichrist

☩ Rod Dreher of The American Conservative

Catholic Harbor Seton’s version of Facebook is 1-Year-Old

We recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of Catholic Harbor, Seton’s online social community for enrolled students (ages 13 and up). The anniversary provided an excellent occasion to look back over our first year and to see the impact the site has had for the students. ☩ Seton Magazine

Democratic Socialism & Regular Socialism Have the Same Goal

The longing for the socialist dream comes in part from the great success of capitalism as an engine of prosperity. ☩ Antony P. Mueller of Mises Wire

On the Lam from an Ancient Custom

What happened to the St. Agnes Feast Day tradition? ☩ Ines Murzaku of National Catholic Register

The West Is Stirring

Some people make things happen; some people watch things happening; some people don’t know what’s happening.” This old saw hacked into my head upon reading the Manifesto signed by “30 Pro-Europe Intellectuals,” informally sub-titled in many media reports, “Europe is coming apart before our eyes.” ☩ John Waters of First Things

Did Fulton Sheen Prophesy About These Times?

“The only way out of this crisis is spiritual. . . The time is nearer than you think.” ☩ Joseph Pronechen of National Catholic Register

Christianity’s Masculinity Crisis

It might seem odd to classify gender theory as a national security threat. After all, if a woman feels she was meant to be a man, there seems to be no reason why her personal desires should have any impact on national policy. ☩ William Kilpatrick, J.D., of Crisis Magazine

Misery Versus Poverty

Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. ☩ Julie Machado of Catholic Stand

Economics helps explain why suicide is more common among Protestants

. . .for people who are in a suicidal state of mind, the individualistic qualities of Protestantism can tip the balance towards ending their lives. ☩ Sascha O. Becker and Ludger Woessmann of Big Think

Adventures in the Old Atheism, Part III: Freud

Our theme has been the tendency of the best-known Old Atheists to show greater insight vis-à-vis the consequences of atheism than we find in their shallow New Atheist descendants. ☩ Edward Feser, Ph.D.

God, You’re Kidding, Right?

☩ Kendra Van Esh of Catholic Stand

9 big questions about democratic socialism

☩ Hunter Baker of Powerblog via Acton Institute

MONDAY EDITION Read More »

SVNDAY EDITION

Experiencing God’s Glory in the Eucharist

User’s Guide to Sunday, Feb. 10 ☩ Fr. Jordan Schmidt, O.P., of National Catholic Register

South Dakota's Tiny Treasure: The Sacred Heart Chapel

An Intimate Chapel Designed for the Peace & Quiet of Christ ☩ Favorite Catholic Things

A Pair of Insightful Books on Sacred Music

. . .Maestro Porfiri's best writing on choral music, Less is More, & an intriguing book by Giacomo Baroffio, Re-tractationes: The Spirituality of Gregorian Chant. . . ☩ Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D., of New Liturgical Movement

Find interior peace with the Brief Rule of St. Romuald

The holy monk left a very short rule to follow that can open your soul to God's presence. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

Teaching Sacred Music Through Musical Groups

Icannot say enough good things about the Belle Voici a Capella Ensemble. This small group of professional singers leads the way in creating an effective environment where the broader community can be introduced to the best of sacred polyphony and choral music. . . ☩ J.P. Sonnen of Liturgical Arts Journal

Blessed Tommaso da Olera (1563-1631)

Born in 1563 in northern Italy, Tommaso labored as shepherd in his youth to help support his family. With no resources & no schools nearby, he missed out on an education, but eventually he did acquire a rudimentary literacy after joining the Capuchins at age 17. . . ☩ Rick Becker of Clinging to Onions

Five of the most beautiful Catholic sculptures of all time

Remember D’Agrave’s St. Bartholomew? ☩ Daniel Esparza of Aleteia

7 Steps to Reclaim the Catholic Faith in a Neo-Pagan Modern Culture

How the Christianity Saved Civilization is about seven revolutions that changed society for the better. These revolutions were a direct result of Christianity. But today, we live in a society that highlights the Church’s failures over her faithfulness. ☩ Chloe Langr of epicPew

Defense Against the Devil: Priest Offers Keys to Spiritual Protection

☩ Patti Maguire Armstrong of National Catholic Register

How to Raise Children With the Concept of Mercy

☩ Susanna Spencer of National Catholic Register

Candlemas 2019 Photopost

☩ Gregory DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement

From Christmas to Candlemas: The 40 Days of Christmas

A question that is suspended in time, then and now, is “Where is the newborn King of the Jews?” If our answer is “wrapped in tissue paper and put away in the attic,” well, that’s the wrong answer. Where have we put Jesus since Christmas? ☩ Cynthia Millen of Catholic Stand

A Man For All Seasons

More is a man of an angel’s wit & singular learning. I know not his fellow. For where is the man of that gentleness, lowliness & affability? &, as time requireth, a man of marvelous mirth & pastimes, & sometime of as sad gravity. A man for all seasons. ☩ Donald R. McClarey, J.D., of The American Catholic

Broken heart? Pray this prayer to St. Dwynwen for healing

If you are suffering from a bad break-up, St. Dwynwen is your saint. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

Anglican choral music brings Catholics together for Candlemas

People from across the Catholic community in Ottawa (including the Nuncio!) came together a few nights ago to celebrate a choral High Mass in the Anglican Use, the first time this particular feast day has been celebrated with full choral music by ordinariate Catholics in the city. ☩ Christopher Mahon of The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society

The remarkable story behind Our Lady’s prophesies from Ecuador

Over 400 years ago, Our Lady prophesied attacks on the Sacraments of the Church ☩ Jane Stannus of Catholic Herald

If the Saints Had Blogs

Do you ever wonder what the saints would write about if they lived in the age of the internet and had a blog? What would they say to us? What would their focuses be? Here are my imaginings ☩ Theresa Zoe Williams of epicPew

Renewing Human Rights

. . .the Universal Declaration is seventy, the international human rights idea is in crisis, losing support both at home and abroad. ☩ Mary Ann Glendon, J.D., & Seth D. Kaplan, Ph.D., of First Things

SVNDAY EDITION Read More »

SATVRDAY EDITION

L’Affaire McCarrick: Soon to be “Mister”

Reuters: Vatican to rule next week on defrocking of disgraced U.S. Cardinal: sources. . . ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

The Gift of Filial Adoption

The Christian Faith is the only valid and the only God-willed religion. ☩ Bishop Athanasius Schneider, O.R.C., of The Catholic World Report

Cardinal Burke Launches His Own Personal Website

The patron of the Order of Malta also hopes to use the site to teach the Church’s doctrine & discipline. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

The Lost World of Christendom

Christendom — once something that meant more than a geographical description of Christianity’s presence around the world. It was a place where temporal rulers, like the monarchs of France, submitted first & foremost to the divine law of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, & his vicar on earth, the Supreme Pontiff. This is the world that was destroyed by the French Revolution of 1789. ☩ James Day of Catholic Exchange

Sex-Abuse Crisis: Bishops Press Forward With Own Reforms

A number of U.S. dioceses have already announced new initiatives to deal with the crisis, ahead of this month’s global summit on clerical sexual abuse at the Vatican. ☩ Stephen Beale of National Catholic Register

Did Pope Francis Say God Willed Islam Into Existence?

I was one of the first Catholics to give up on “Popesplaining.” That term, which I saw on Twitter, refers to people reading what Pope Francis has written or said, seeing that it seems heretical, & doing one of the following: Claiming that it has been poorly translated or taken out of context, by nefarious secular journalists. . . ☩ John Zmirak, Ph.D., of The Stream

http://the-american-catholic.com/2014/09/18/cardinal-dolan-company-man-iii/

Governor Cuomo, Cardinal Dolan continue the war of words over abortion

More than two weeks after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law expanding legal protection for abortion, his battle with New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan continues in the op-ed pages of New York newspapers. ☩ Catholic News Agency

Cardinal Müller Issues ‘Manifesto of Faith’

☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

Analysis: Archbishop McCarrick, Bishop Zanchetta, Pope Francis, * the Vatican abuse summit

☩ J.D. Flynn, J.C.L., of Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report

Pope Benedict XV Teaches How To Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

The Church’s Broken Moral Compass

☩ Benjamin Wiker, Ph.D., of National Catholic Register

The Faith & the South

When we think of “the faith & the South” we tend to think of Protestantism in general, & perhaps the Southern Baptists in particular, especially in terms of the so-called Bible Belt. There is, however, much more to the South than the Protestant evangelical or fundamentalist culture that has made its presence felt, socially & politically, from southern Virginia to Texas. ☩ Joseph Pearce of The Imaginative Conservative

Pope Francis Has Been All Bark But No Bite on the Abuse Issue

. . .the lack of follow-through has received harsh criticism, especially from survivors & Vatican watchers who say these tools have not yet been implemented. ☩ Elise Harris of Crux

The Tightrope of Tolerance & Tyranny

When tolerance is the only virtue, tyranny eventually takes over. ☩ Fr. Dwight Longenecker of National Catholic Register

The Vatican clarifies pope’s comments on sexual abuse of women religious

A spokesman said the Pope meant to say that sexual manipulation had occurred within the religious congregation, not actual sex slavery ☩ Catholic News Agency via Catholic Herald

Frescobaldi & Early Italian Organs

Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. ☩ Christopher Stembridge of Vox Humana

After CRISPR Twins, Gene Editing Holds Promise & Peril for Humanity

He Jiankui rose from obscurity to international scrutiny after revealing to the world that he used a new genetic-editing technique to design two HIV-resistant Chinese baby girls as embryos & implanted them into their mother through in vitro fertilization (IVF). ☩ Peter Jesserer Smith of National Catholic Register

Family? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Families!

Family Envy: Democrat & Totalitarian Power Lust ☩ Guy McClung, Ph.D., J.D., of The American Catholic

Pope Francis Says ‘No’ Then ‘Maybe’ to Married Priests

Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

Cardinal Burke Launches His Own Personal Website

The patron of the Order of Malta also hopes to use the site to teach the Church’s doctrine & discipline. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

Catholic Creative: A Jewelry Designer

☩ Katie Warner of National Catholic Register

The Future Of St. Blockbuster’s Parish

☩ Rod Dreher of The American Conservative

Pope Francis & Mirages of Fraternity, Part II

☩ Maureen Mullarkey of Studio Matters

Friends & Tolerance

☩ Paul Kniaz of Catholic Stand

The Orientation of Catholic Mass (The Divine Liturgy)

☩ David L. Gray of DavidLGray.info

SATVRDAY EDITION Read More »

FRIDAY EDITION

The Fate of Bitter Winter’s 45 Arrested Reporters

Great media coverage and two petitions to free them is an occasion to publicly share some details on their capture, detention & present state. ☩ Marco Respinti of Bitter Winter

Michigan Priests & Injustice (Read Second Michigan Story -- Ed.)

The second story is darker. Due to what appears to be a possible unfolding scandal regarding a whistle-blower, a new activist group of Catholics in the Diocese of Gaylord is calling on Bishop Steven Raica to immediately reinstate a young priest. Bishop Raica suspended Fr. Matthew Cowan last month after Father Cowan filed a complaint of sexual harassment against a top diocesan official. ☩ Rod Dreher of The American Conservative

The Constructed Society & the Leaven of the Gospel

The great need in public life today isn’t support for the right parties & programs, it’s a better understanding of human life & the public good. & the Church can provide that if she’s free to be herself & speak. ☩ James Kalb, J.D., of the Catholic World Report

Booze, cigars & a halo? Chesterton sainthood cause awaits approval

A leading scholar behind the push to advance the canonization of celebrated writer G.K. Chesterton has published a new book making a case for the sainthood of the “prolific” 20th century author, hitting back at critics who see him as unsuited for a halo. ☩ Elise Harris of Crux

Vatican Rejects CCP’s Claim that Underground Catholics Should Join the Patriotic Church

Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the head of the Vatican’s congregation responsible for China, rejects false interpretations of the Vatican-China deal. ☩ Massimo Introvigne of Bitter Winter

‘Zero tolerance’ doesn’t seem an inflated expectation for pope’s summit

Twice now, & with ascending levels of authority, we’ve been cautioned not to expect too much from the summit on clerical sexual abuse Pp. Francis has called for in Feb. for the pres. of bishops’ confs. around the world. ☩ John L. Allen, Jr., of Crux

The Mystery of the Our Father’s Ending

Why do Christians say the Our Father (the “Lord’s Prayer”) slightly differently? ☩ Douglas M. Beaumont of Catholic Answers Magazine

Reclaim the Catholic Season of Carnival

Here in the U.S, we've come across the word “Carnival” almost exclusively in connection with the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, so that people have the idea that Carnival is celebrated only on the day before Ash Wednesday (Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday”). This, however, isn't so. Carnival is a season. ☩ Maria Augusta Von Trapp of Catholic Exchange

Pope Benedict XV Teaches How To Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

It’s Not Fair, But Does Cardinal Dolan Deserve It?

☩ Edward N. Peters, J.C.D. J.D., of The Catholic World Report

The immorality of layoffs

☩ Matthew Walther of The Week

On the Role of Our Guardian Angels

☩ Msgr. Charles Pope of Community in Mission

An Inspiring Conversion Story

Heather Ross, Cream City Catholic founder Jake Ross’ wife, sits down with Cream City Catholic to tell her conversion story. Please enjoy this inspiring testament to the power of the Holy Spirit acting through a beautiful liturgy. ☩ Adam Rivera of Cream City Catholic

Popes in red rather than white?

Would you like to see the pope (or maybe the next one) resume wearing a red cassock? ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

Why Abel’s Sacrifice Was Better

The early Christians understood this. St. John Chrysostom observed that Abel’s piety is demonstrated by “the fact that he did not casually offer any one of his sheep but ‘one of the firstborn,’ that is, from the valuable and special ones,” whereas in Cain's case, “nothing of the kind is suggested”; Genesis 4:3’s description of Cain bringing “an offering of the fruit of the ground” suggests a lack of zeal or care. ☩ Joe Heschmeyer, J.D., of Catholic Answers Magazine

Femininity, Masculinity, & Toxic Ditches

Is there a double standard here? ☩ Anthony S. Layne of Catholic Stand

Over 1,000 Pro-Life People Rally Against Infanticide at Virginia State Capitol

Virginia lawmakers gathered with pro-life voters, students & other concerned residents to oppose radical pro-abortion legislation being pushed in states all across the country. The Right to Life rally took place outside the Virginia State Capitol. ☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

Why Vatican II’s Definition of Church Makes Sense

One of the most common criticisms of Vatican II is that it changed the teaching regarding the relationship between the idea of the Church of Christ & the Church. Much of the debate among interpreters of Vatican II has centered around the phrase subsistit in, found in the conciliar document Lumen Gentium (LG), which declares. . . ☩ Casey Chalk of Crisis Magazine

Suicide Rises When Faith Recedes

Suicide is the result of an assault against, or loss of, the theological virtue of hope. It is only common sense, therefore, that suicide rises when faith recedes. ☩ Fr. Donald Kloster of Liturgy Guy

That Song Is Heretical – Should Catholics Listen To “Christian Music”?

Ephesians 5: 18-19 says, “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.” ☩ Sara Estabrooks of Catholic Link

Aborted Baby Parts Are Being Infused With Mice in Shocking Experiments

Gristly experiments that take organs from aborted babies and implant them into mice are taking place in the United States. ☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

FRIDAY EDITION Read More »

THVRSDAY EDITION

The Curious Case of Fr. Edwin Dwyer is a Lesson for U.S. Catholics

Catholics in the U.S. learned three important lessons recently. We learned these lessons from our bishops. . . ☩ Gene Van Son of Catholic Stand

The Decline of Objective Moral Truth

The issue that faces the Church is not a confusion in morality, but a failure to educate the faithful about the truth. ☩ Fr. Brian Mullady, O.P., of National Catholic Register

Cardinal DiNardo speaks on ‘healing breach of trust’ caused by the sex abuse crisis ☩

In reflecting on Vatican II (1962-1965), DiNardo said he believed that the Holy Spirit is using the present moment “to open the Church, sometimes with great force, to what was developing half a century ago.” ☩ Christopher White of Crux

How Long Will I Be In Purgatory?

To begin with, purgatory exists for two reasons: one, to punish sins for which reparation has not been done on earth. . .There is something called the “effects of sin” also called the “matter of sin.” The effects of sins remain in the person—weakened conscience, weakened ability to deal with the passions, & so on. . . ☩ Jay Toups of Hope in the Storm

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln: Some cardinals have ‘very disturbing’ views on morality

The bishop also said that a pope’s words are not necessarily 'authentic doctrine' ☩ Catholic Herald

The Cultural Train Wreck That Is Hollywood

Ours is a tragic age, but based on my cultural observations over the Christmas holidays hardly anyone appears to be taking it tragically. ☩ Tom Allen of Crisis Magazine

New York Ignites New Push by States to Expand Abortion

Recent legislative attempts to expand abortion up to birth in the name of health care have been denounced as ‘evil, pure & simple’ by the U.S. bishops. . . ☩ Peter Jesserer Smith of National Catholic Register

Closing the cathedral – A step closer in Utrecht

It appears that the process of secularising & selling the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Utrecht is no more option anymore, but soon to be reality. ☩ Mark de Vries of In Caelo et in Terra

How Spiritual Direction Transformed a Catholic High School

Twenty graduates from this Catholic high school in Maryland have entered seminary since spiritual direction was established there ☩ Elizabeth Anderson of National Catholic Register

President Slams Abortion, Infanticide in State of the Union: “All Children, Born & Unborn, Made in the Image of God”

The President gave a clear & forceful message on pro-life issues during the State of the Union Address. ☩ Steven Ertelt of Life News

5 Causes of Infertility that (Almost) No One Talks About

Infertility is a part of life for 1 in every 8 couples in the U.S. Most people know that risk factors like age and tobacco use can make having a baby difficult, yet, there are young, tobacco-free families who struggle to get pregnant in every community. Because knowledge is critical in safeguarding your reproductive health, here are 5 causes of infertility you may never have heard of. ☩ Margaret Brady of Natural Womanhood

Sister Wendy Criticizes Sex in Art

Sister Wendy exposes the reason why. In an interview with Bill Moyers, she criticizes the way that controversial topics are used in art. ☩ Fr. Michael Rennier of Dappled Things

Catholic Wedding

Quæritur: Catholic Marriages Without Nuptial Masses

It has been over 20 years since I’ve attended a marriage in the OF between two Catholics that has had a Nuptial Mass. Why doesn’t the Church require that if two Catholics are getting married, they must have a Nuptial Mass? ☩ Fr. Tim Ferguson of Fr. Z's Blog

The Grace of the Liturgy: The Joy of God’s Presence Among Us

Introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam. “I will go in unto the Altar of God, to God, Who giveth joy to my youth.” This is how the Tridentine Rite Mass begins – with the priest saying these prayers at the foot of the altar. Going to the Lord’s House to praise, worship & adore Him should be a joyful experience. . . ☩ Edward Monti of Catholic Stand

Can angels read our thoughts?

Baroque & 19th-Century Realism Contrasted

. . .differences between 19th-century realism in art, exemplified by Adolphe-William Bouguereau, & the essential elements of the Baroque style in a simple way. ☩ David Clayton of New Liturgical Movement

Dear German Bishop: Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality Can’t Change

Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen wrote “Overcoming prejudices: The Church must change view of homosexuality”. . . ☩ Fr. Mat. P. Schneider, L.C., of Through Catholic Lenses

Re: Father Z's 'Seeking a Way to Understand' (Francis & Plurality)

While St Anselm did define theology as ‘faith seeking understanding,’ it has always been presupposed by theologians that nothing should be off table; including whether something turns out to be a heresy or not. ☩ David L. Gray of DavidLGray.INFO

Why Aquinas Didn’t Finish His Summa: The Vision of Heaven That Made Him Put Down His Pen

. . .when Thomas Aquinas was celebrating Holy Communion during the Feast of Saint Nicholas, he received a revelation that so affected him he called his principle work nothing more than “straw” & left it unfinished. ☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholic

Hilaire Belloc & the Heresy of Our Times

To defeat the Modern Heresy, we must promote truth in the face of relativism, structures of justice & mercy in the face of those of power, traditional familial love in the face of “the modern family,” & the redemption of sinful lives in the face of a tolerant culture that seeks to do away with sin altogether. ☩ Casey Chalk of Public Discourse

Prince Hall Freemasonry & Why Catholic Cannot be Freemasons

. . .we talked about Prince Hall Freemasonry, which is the predominately Black sect of Freemasonry that I once belonged to, and we also talked about why Catholics cannot be Freemasons ☩ David L. Gray of DavidLGray.info

The importance of modesty . . . for Men

☩ Andrew Swafford of Chastity Project

What’s So Beautiful About ‘Filling the Earth?’

☩ Amanda Evinger of National Catholic Register

Pope Pius X Explains How to Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

Patrick's Guide to Big Tent Traditionalism

☩ Patrick Archbold of Creative Minority Report

THVRSDAY EDITION Read More »

VVEDNESDAY EDITION

Pope Francis & Grand Imam Sign Historic Declaration on “Human Fraternity for World Peace”

During the historic first ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, Pope Francis & Grand Imam Ahmad el-Tayeb signed together a declaration on “human fraternity for world peace and living together.” ☩ uCatholic

A Brief Primer on the Devil

Devils, as pure spirits, don’t make choices like humans. . . ☩ Howard Kainz, Ph.D., of The Catholic Thing

Awe & Apostolate: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings Explained

Our Readings for this Sunday combine two major themes: awe & apostolate. Both Isaiah and Peter are awed & ashamed to find themselves in the presence of God; but both are subsequently sent out (in Greek, apostello) on mission for the Almighty. We, too, feel our unworthiness and need of mercy in God’s presence, & also our responsibility to spread the Good News of mercy to all people. ☩ John Bergsma, Ph.D., of The Sacred Page

Why Renewing Cultural Catholicism Might Be the Solution to the Declining Church in America

Fr. Matt Fish, the pastoral administrator at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, wrote a detailed twitter thread describing reasoning for the “collapse” of the Catholic Church in America, or the West. He explained that because our culture has disposed of what is truly “cultural Catholicism,” the Church as a whole suffers from the consequences. ☩ ChurchPOP

The Pope’s Abu Dhabi trip has vindicated Benedict XVI’s Regensburg lecture

Both Pope Francis & Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb criticized faithless modernity, echoing Benedict's prophetic address ☩ Sohrab Ahmari of Catholic Herald

Church Is Striving to End Abuse of Women Religious by Clerics, Pope Says

Aboard the papal plane returning to Rome today, the Holy Father acknowledged that mistreatment & sexual abuse has occurred, & needs to be prevented. ☩ Catholic News Agency/EWTN News via National Catholic Register

The Church Needs Children

Fr Michael White has nowabout one of the recent Mass readings, has opened himself up for a fair amount of criticism in Catholic corners of social media by explaining why he does not like to have little children at Mass. . . ☩ K.E. Colombini of Crisis Magazine

Socialism: The God That Always Fails

A former Sandinista supporter, Clifton Ross, loses faith in socialism as a result of seeing close up its failure in Venezuela. . . ☩ Donald R. McClarey, J.D., of The American Catholic

Green Thomism at 40 Degrees Below

Overcoming the worst of winter means facing squarely the problem of sin. ☩ Christopher J. Thompson, Ph.D., of National Catholic Register

Pope Francis signs peace declaration on ‘Human Fraternity’ with Grand Imam, Explanation

One paragraph has caused controversy, but a theologian says it must be read in the proper context ☩ Mary Rezac of Catholic News Agency via Catholic Herald

Science Versus Scientism

Scientism is science’s own Judas. It betrays its master with a kiss.Pearce of National Catholic Register

The Mystery of Suffering: Why do innocent little children suffer?

. . .But what about the suffering of innocent children younger than the age of reason. . . ☩ Editorial by the Abbot of St. Mary Magdalene of Le Barroux via Rorate Cæli

What’s the Difference Between Abortion & Infanticide?

Is an infant, marked for abortion but delivered alive, even in tragic circumstances, a person whom the law ought to protect? ☩ Justin Dyer, Ph.D., of Public Discourse

Thees & Thous: Anglican Usage’s Familiar God

I have been blessed to attend occasional Mass & Evensong celebrations at a not-so-nearby Anglican Usage Parish, St. Thomas More (Scranton, PA). Blessed, in that the liturgy leads me closer to our Lord. It is a return to traditional liturgy, an escape from “inclusive language” & liturgical elevator music, those elements that hide the true message of the liturgy, communion with our Lord, the Body of Christ in the Eucharist. ☩ Robert Kurland, Ph.D., of Catholic Stand

The Pro-Life Witness of ‘The Man in the High Castle’

The same inherent violence is exposed in an unlikely place: The Man in the High Castle, a series produced by Amazon Prime based on the book with the same title written by Philip K. Dick. ☩ Derya Little of National Catholic Register

Witnesses tell about Christianity in North Korea

☩ Hyung-jin Kim of Associated Press via Crux

Guiding Christians Through Islam

☩ David A. Rahimi of Public Discourse

Pope Pius X Explains How to Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

Fever

☩ Noel Ethan Tan of Ignitum Today

VVEDNESDAY EDITION Read More »

TVESDAY EDITION

Community land trusts a possible answer for escalating housing costs

Community land trusts are celebrating their 50th anniversary in the United States in 2019, and Catholic figures had a role in their development. ☩ Mark Pattison of Catholic News Service

Incredible Video Shows Unborn Babies Jumping Around, Waving, Yawning & Sucking Their Thumb

A video such as this can revolutionize the world. It provides a window into the hidden, amazing world of the preborn child. It is both informative and entertaining, and helps us to form a connection to a child that we might not otherwise have. ☩ Maria Gallagher of Life News

Evangelizing Arabia: Parish life in Abu Dhabi

While few in number, parishes in the United Arab Emirates are remarkably diverse and bring together Catholic traditions and devotions from across the Middle East, South Asia, and the rest of the universal Church. ☩ Catholic News Agency/EWTN News via The Catholic World Report

The strategy of the devil when we are progressing in holiness

Oh he's a sneaky one . . . but a good part of the battle is won just by knowing his tactics. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

Social Media’s Role in Society – Off the Shelf 110 with Shaun McAfee

. . .In the internet age we can find ourselves getting caught up in the quick reaction sound bites that spread across social media like wildfire. . . . ☩ Pete Socks of Catholic Stand

Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia Bishop Hinder: We’ve Waited With Bated Breath for This Momentous Day

Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia says we are witnessing ‘history in the making’ as Pope Francis becomes the first ever Roman Pontiff to set foot on the Arab Peninsula. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

The Catholic Literary Revival: Newman & Hopkins

Joseph Pearce examines the lives & legacies of Blessed John Henry Newman & Gerard Manley Hopkins. ☩ Joseph Pearce of Faith & Culture

Infanticide Is The Historical Hallmark Of A Pagan Culture

Judeo-Christian principles helped to form our culture, & Christianity is deeply pro-life. Until now, restraining evil as Christianity defines it bound Americans together with a common creed. ☩ Georgi Boorman of The Federalist

Cloistered Carmelites Reviving Ancient Architecture

☩ J.P. Sonnen of Liturgical Arts Journal

St. Vincent de Paul to coordinate re-entry programs for former prisoners

☩ Mark Pattison of Catholic News Service via Crux

Stand, Sit, Kneel, Repeat: Why Catholics Do the Things We Do

☩ Kathy Schiffer of National Catholic Register

Abortion in America Will End Badly, as Slavery Did

☩ John Zmirak, Ph.D., of The Stream

Pro-Life in Practice: 20 Active Ways to Help

Here are several things we can all do to make abortion a less viable option for moms in a crisis situation. 1. Donate to & volunteer at local Crisis Pregnancy Centers. . . ☩ Ericka Andersen of The Stream

How Catholicism's decline increased partisan polarization on abortion

The Church & the Abortion Capital ☩ Ross Douthat of The New York Times

Pro-Abortion Handmaid’s Tale Uses Super Bowl Commercial to Trash Christians

The ad, which aired during the first commercial break of Super Bowl LIII, seeks to twist Reagan’s sunny & effective “Morning in America” 1984 campaign message into sinister Orwellian propaganda. ☩ Alexa Moutevelis Coombs of Life News

Did Pope Pius XII Prophesy Warnings About the “Suicide” of Altering the Faith in Its Liturgy?

In 1933, Pope Venerable Pius XII was Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, Secretary of State to Pope Pius XI. As Secretary of State, then Cardinal Pacelli had a close working relationship with his longtime friend, Count Enrico Pietro Galeazzi. Sixteen years after the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, Pacelli made prophetic remarks to his close confidant & intimate collaborator. Until last year when a complete English translation was produced, only partial copies of his full remarks to Count Galeazzi ever appeared in Catholic publications. ☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholic

Father Rutler’s Cultural Commentary

Calm in Chaos: Catholic Wisdom for Anxious Times ☩ John M. Grondelski of National Catholic Register

Get Out Now: Why You Should Pull Your Child from Public School

“If you are concerned about your child’s faith, intellectual formation, & patriotism, public schools are working against you.” ☩ Marcia Segelstein of National Catholic Register

Of Sad Defeats & No Progeny

There was a time when the idea that the law would make it possible for women to rent out their wombs would have struck most everybody as a moral horror, especially Catholic Demos. Now, for the Catholic Democrat who is governor of New York, commodifying childbirth is progress, especially because it makes it possible for gay couples to have children. ☩ Rod Dreher of The American Conservative

Ad Orientem As A First Step Toward Spiritual Renewal

There is a spiritual reform that Francis could enact that would communicate a new direction—a new orientation. . . ☩ David G. Bonagura, Jr., of Crisis Magazine

Revisiting “The Spirit of the Liturgy”

Both Joseph Ratzinger & Romano Guardini, in their classic books on the liturgy, demonstrate that our continuing conflicts & difficulties with matters liturgical are not about taste but about doctrine. ☩ Fr. Peter M.J. Stravinskas of The Catholic World Report

Why I Receive Communion on the Tongue

“Out of reverence towards this Sacrament, nothing touches it, but what is consecrated.” — St. Thomas Aquinas. ☩ Dustin Siggins of National Catholic Register

Pope Pius X Explains How to Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

Rod Dreher’s Double-Barrel Misfire

☩ Edward N. Peters, J.C.D. J.D., of In the Light of the Law

Becoming Saints In A Time of Scandal & Crisis

☩ Jonathan B. Coe of Crisis Magazine

The Need for Mutual Humility & Support Between the SSPX & the FSSP

☩ Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D., of New Liturgical Movement

TVESDAY EDITION Read More »

MONDAY EDITION

Pope Francis Arrives in Abu Dhabi for Historic Visit

The Holy Father said the Feb. 3-5 apostolic voyage, which includes an interreligious gathering & large open-air Mass, will be ‘short’ but ‘important.’ ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

Underground Catholic Churches Forced to the Catacombs

Reminiscent of early Christians, Chinese Catholics must move in secret & meet in out-of-the-way places, while priests face arrest if caught. ☩ Yang Xiangwen of Bitter Winter

The duties of seven Chinese bishops received into full communion

Holy See and People’s Republic of China Signed Provisional Agreement in September 2018 ☩ L’Osservatore Romano via Zenit

The Conversion of America Through the Eucharist

The soul of America is Christianity. Christianity is the principle of our national life. As our nation becomes increasingly de-christianized, it loses more & more of its source of vitality. Unless the moral disease is cured, America as the nation we still call the United States, will disappear. ☩ Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., of Roman Catholic Man

Vatican magazine condemns clerical abuse of nuns

The Catholic Church has been too slow coming to terms with the sexual abuse of women – particularly women religious – by priests, the editor of the Vatican newspaper’s women’s magazine has said. ☩ Cindy Wooden of Catholic Herald

The Transformation of the “Eastern Lung”

Though almost no one in the West has taken notice, there has been a recent development important for all of global Christianity. A new Autocephalous Church of Ukraine was created during the Kyiv Orthodox Church Synod on November 15, 2018 – a move that has been welcomed by the Ukrainian Catholic Church. ☩ Myroslav Marynovych of The Catholic Thing

Bishop Walter Hurley of Saginaw Removes Priest For Attempting To Restore Tradition At His Parish

Bishop Walter Hurley, the apostolic administrator of Saginaw, has relieved a priest from his assignment at a parish in Bay City, Michigan. This priest’s crime? Attempting to restore some tradition to the liturgy in an attempt to reinvigorate his rapidly dying parish. ☩ uCatholic

A Canonical Look at Fr. Pokorsky’s Idea of "Restricted Donations"

Fr. Jerry Pokorsky has an interesting essay over at CatholicCulture wherein he suggests “restricted donations” as a mechanism by which Catholic laity might influence pastors, and to some extent bishops, toward the good. ☩ Edward N. Peters, J.C.D. J.D., of In the Light of the Law

Is The Bible Reliable?

I often hear from skeptics & atheists on my channel who say that there’s no evidence for the things that Christians believe about Jesus. As soon as they are presented with the volumes of written material about the life & miracles of Jesus, including those of the New Testament, the immediate response is that those sources are inadmissible because they are written by Christians & this makes them biased &, therefore, unreliable. The first problem with this objection is that it doesn’t follow. Just because someone believes the things that they’ve recorded, doesn’t mean that they aren’t telling the truth. In fact, that’s a pretty strange objection. ☩ uCatholic

Pope Francis Outlines Key Priorities for February Sex-Abuse Summit

Holy Father said he wants world’s bishops to receive a ‘catechesis’ on the suffering of abuse survivors, understand better the urgent reality of combating sexual abuse. ☩ Courtney Grogan of Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register

Radical Feminists Join Conservatives to Fight Trans Cult

Julia Beck was booted from the Baltimore LGBTQ Commission because she referred to a male rapist as male even though he says he’s female. They placed this male rapist in a woman’s prison where he proceeded to rape more women. Beck is both a lesbian & a self-confessed “radical feminist” who told her story on an amazing panel at the Heritage Foundation this week. . . ☩ Austin Ruse of Crisis Magazine

Across Midwest, deep freeze closes diocesan offices, Catholic schools

A broad swath of the Midwest experienced a deep freeze during the last days of January with historic low temperatures impacting daily routines. . . ☩ Carol Zimmerman of Catholic News Service via Crux

Is the Hierarchy Really Serious About the Abuse Crisis?

. . .the Church’s public witness has been badly damaged and is likely to suffer further damage. The scandals will certainly affect the credibility of Catholic teachers and clergy when they teach about sexual ethics. But because the scandals also involve lying, cover-ups, cowardice, financial fraud, cronyism, abuse of power, and possible blackmail, they will result in a general loss of confidence in the Church’s authority to speak on any moral matter. ☩ William Kilpatrick, Ph.D., of Crisis Magazine

10 Ways Envy Can Hurt, & 11 Ways Not to Let it

Envy hardly feels like a choice. It is an unwelcome, dark feeling that appears, all at once, as if it was there all along, when something wonderful happens. But not to you. It brings sadness that becomes envy if allowed to grow into anger & even hatred at the person who has the wonderful thing. ☩ Patti Maguire Armstrong of National Catholic Register

Lust, Lust, Lust, & Bishops

☩ Fr. John Hunwicke of Fr Hunwicke's Mutual Enrichment

3 Keys to Credibility at the Upcoming Sex Abuse Summit

☩ Msgr. Charles Pope of National Catholic Register

Pope Francis misses the mark in focusing on clericalism & synodality

☩ Christopher R. Altieri of The Catholic World Report

Socialism in America?

☩ Howard Kainz of Catholic Stand

MONDAY EDITION Read More »

SVNDAY EDITION

The Bible Says Your Suffering Can Help Save Others

“In bringing about the Redemption through suffering, Christ raised human suffering to the level of the Redemption. Thus each man, in his sufferings, can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ.” (Pope St. John Paul II) ☩ Dave Armstrong of National Catholic Register

Here’s what to do with blessed candles

Often distributed on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, blessed candles are powerful spiritual additions to the home. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

8 Books That Show the Way to Holiness & Success

Do you have a special goal in 2019? There’s probably a book for that ☩ Kathy Schiffer of National Catholic Register

On Suffering: It’s Meaning & Purpose (Part I of III)

The questions stem from the advice that’s given all-too-often in response to suffering: “Embrace your cross.” In essence, suffering is directly linked to our salvation, a salvation that was won for us by the suffering Christ on the Cross. So, too, Christ called us to take up our cross daily & follow him. . . ☩ Steffani Jacobs of Catholic Stand

The Three P’s of Saint Mark’s Gospel

We can learn presence, prayer, & patience from Mark’s Gospel ☩ Fr. John P. Cush, S.T.D., of National Catholic Register

Novena prayer for those seeking a spouse

This prayer was recently published by the Catholic Church in England & Wales. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

Our Ego Keeps Us From the Greatness We Were Made For

☩ Constance T. Hull of Catholic Exchange

What Convinced Me to Convert

☩ Sabrina Vu of Catholic Stand

A Tour of the London Oratory: The Lady Altar

☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

Must-See Churches in Milwaukee

☩ James of Cream City Catholic

“Our Lady Directed Me Back to Christ”: Growing Closer to Mary in 5 Simple Ways

We often hear that if you grow closer to the Blessed Mother, you will also grow in your relationship with Christ. This happened to Caroline Bortle, our ChurchPOP face.. . . ☩ ChurchPOP

Catechist Compendium: New Masterwork Appears for Teaching the Faith

Dominicans release catechetical work named Echoing the Mystery, a resource for those wishing to catechize and evangelize. ☩ Joseph Pronechen of National Catholic Register

Ten Things That Forgive Venial Sins, According to Aquinas

Venial sin is lesser sin that “does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, & consequently eternal happiness” as mortal sin would. According to the Catechism. . . ☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholic

This Interview with an Exorcist is Fascinating

Father Gabriele Amorth has lived a fascinating life. He died in 2016, but is known as world’s the most famous exorcist. He didn’t set out to be a demon slayer, but fought in WWII and went to law school before going into the seminary. As in all things, God had greater plans and a firm calling for Father Amorth. ☩ Laura Hensley of epicPew

“Represent the Angels & Saints”: The Heavenly Role of an Altar Server, According to this Parish Priest

Our worship on earth reflects the worship in heaven. What we do here at the holy sacrifice of the Mass is a kind of distant echo of what goes on in heaven. ☩ Fr. Dwight Longenecker of ChurchPOP

Voyages Liturgiques, Angers (1): The Office on Solemn Days

Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. ☩ Aelredus Rievallensis of Canticum Salomonis

What is A Pilgrimage & Why Do Catholics Do Them?

Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. ☩ Steve Ray of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

St. John Fisher by Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs

An artist whose work I have been intending to feature for a little while now is the painter, Gwyneth Thompson Briggs. Ms. Briggs, in the words of her own website, is "a contemporary sacred artist in the perennial tradition of Western sacred art. She is dedicated in particular to reviving techniques from the Renaissance & Baroque eras to reveal the glory of God in the midst of today’s ecclesial & civilizational crises." ☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

Humanity Dehumanized: Hegel’s Reflections on the Enlightenment & the French Revolution ☩

. . .observations raise the question how we are to understand the French Revolution as a unique event by itself, different in kind & motivation from ours. Hegel offers an interpretation. . . ☩ David Lawrence Levin of The Imaginative Conservative

St. Thomas Aquinas for Beginners

☩ David A. Smither of National Catholic Register

Liturgical Notes on the Purification of the Virgin Mary

☩ Gregory DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement

Voyages Liturgiques: Chartres

☩ Aelredus Rievallensis of Canticum Salomonis

A Millennium of the Holy Face?

☩ Fr. Stanley Smolenski of National Catholic Register

What Makes a Baptism Catholic?

☩ Cathy Caridi, J.C.L., of Canon Law Made Easy

SVNDAY EDITION Read More »

FRIDAY EDITION

52 Books Every Catholic School Library Should Have

Talk to your school librarian to make sure that your school’s books are carefully curated & selected. More & more I’m finding children’s literature that is full of ideas that go against the Catholic faith ☩ Becky Roach of Catholic Link

The Avuncular Episcopacy

Some bishops have shown themselves to be true leaders in the Church’s recent crises, but too many bishops seem content to be spiritual uncles and not true spiritual fathers. ☩ Nicholas Senz of The Catholic World Report

Quæritur: Missing Mass in a winter storm

This Sunday morning a big snow storm made the roads look treacherous. I live 10 miles from church. I assumed Mass was cancelled but could find no texts or other notices either way. Later, I found out Mass was, indeed, celebrated (to a congregation of 15). I shall confess my failure to attend Mass. I’m concerned I’ve incurred a mortal sin. What do you think? ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

Miraculous Image of Blessed Mother Holding Baby Appears in Pregnancy Sonogram, See the Photo!

An Instagram user sent ChurchPOP a sonogram image seemingly portraying the Blessed Mother holding a pregnant woman’s baby. ☩ ChurchPOP

Church in Italy preserves the remains of a saintly dragon slayer . . . & the dragon he slew

Little is known about the actual life of St. Donatus, but legends abound. ☩ Daniel Esparza of Aleteia

New Movie Reveals Former Planned Parenthood Director’s Shocking True Story – Watch the Trailer Here!

From the writers & producers of God’s Not Dead & I Can Only Imagine, Unplanned tells the incredible story of former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson. ☩ ChurchPOP

When red tape hits the homeless: San Diego charity closes due to new restrictions

Due to new guidelines passed by the State Legislature of California, a non-profit is ceasing operations & will dissolve by the end of the month. ☩ Joseph Sunde of PowerBlog

Why Do People Hate the "Good Person"? The 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings Explained

The Readings for this Sunday show both Jesus and Jeremiah facing opposition for speaking God’s truth to their contemporaries. They raise interesting questions about why it is that the “good person” so often suffers at the hands of others, & offer encouragement to those who experience this suffering. ☩ John Bergsma, Ph.D., of The Sacred Page

Pope Pius X Explains How to Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

The Baroque: Tridentine Art for the Latin Mass

☩ David Clayton of New Liturgical Movement

The Miraculous Medal: A Catholic’s Ultimate Fashion Accessory

☩ Meghan Ashley Styling (Fashion from a Catholic Perspective)

Texas’ New Anti-Christian Bills & Why Christians Should be Concerned

Members of the Texas legislature are gearing up to consider several new bills that some groups are calling “Ban the Bible” bills. ☩ Nancy Flory of The Stream

Quæritur: Marijuana & validity of marriage

Recently marijuana was legalized in Canada. . . . My understanding is that Catholics cannot be impaired by drugs and alcohol at the time of the wedding for the sake of validity because of their inability to give free consent to the marriage. Would this mean that habitual pot heads wouldn’t be able to marry in the Catholic Church? ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

Women Deacons? Pope Francis Will Soon Decide

Would you like to see a woman deacon giving the homily at your Sunday Mass later this year? ☩ Fr. Regis Scanlon, O.F.M. Cap.

Christianity & Culture War

David French, who has litigated religious liberty cases, makes a strong, necessary point about anti-Christian bigotry. ☩ Rod Dreher of The American Conservative

Bishop Rick Sitka of Knoxville: “I Would Excommunicate Any Catholic Legislator” Who Voted for Abortions Up to Birth

He would excommunicate any Catholic politician who advocated for abortion on demand. ☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

Political Illiteracy: Jim Wallis & “God’s Politics”

Jim Wallis is an intelligent and sincere person, someone worth listening to on serious subjects. But he appears to be politically illiterate, but. . . ☩ Benjamin Locker, Ph.D., of The Imaginative Conservative

Quæritur: Butter in coffee on Ash Wednesday

I know this is a bit early for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but I am curious (and excited about Lent). There’s a trend of putting butter into one’s coffee. ☩ Fr. Z's Blog

FRIDAY EDITION Read More »

THVRSDAY EDITION

The Strength of Humility & Surrender

Strange & Unreasonable. . . ☩ Cecily Lowe of Catholic Stand

Saving Andrew Cuomo’s Soul

Bishops may not wish to be 'politicians or culture warriors,' but they are required to speak with clarity on what is & isn't acceptable for a Catholic to do, say & believe. ☩ Ed Condon, J.C.L., of Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register

Learning the Bosco Method

John Bosco developed a simple and loving method for dealing with children which informs Catholic educators today, but these simple methods for teachers & those who work with young people can be applied in all our work with people–especially in the area of the New Evangelization. ☩ Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Priestly Silver Jubilee in the Philippines

Fr Michell Zerrudo celebrated a solemn High Mass for his silver jubilee of priestly ordination at the parish of the Most Holy Redeemer in the Philippine diocese of Cubao. ☩ Gregory DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement

Catholic Church Leaders Increasing Accused of Being Cowards

An article popped up on my screen today as I opened my e-mail account. It was from The American Thinker. I was asked if I agree with Alicia Colon, the author of the article. It is hard not too. ☩ Steve Ray of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

What Northam’s Walk Back Really Means

After a disastrous interview yesterday morning, Virginia governor Ralph Northam attempted some damage control that somehow muddled the situation even further.  ☩ Alexandra Desanctis of National Review

A Tour of the London Oratory: The High Altar & Sanctuary

☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

Pope Pius X Explains How to Fundraise

☩ Brice Sokolowksi of CatholicFundraiser.net

The Miraculous Medal: A Catholic’s Ultimate Fashion Accessory

☩ Meghan Ashley Styling (Fashion from a Catholic Perspective)

Something Wicked This Way Comes

The current mania among Dems for the legalization of maternal infanticide demonstrates how desperately our world needs Christ.  ☩ Donald R. McClarey, J.D., of The American Catholic

Jesuit Scholar of Islam Assesses Upcoming Papal Visit to UAE

Egyptian native Father Henri Boulad says the historic visit offers a ‘golden opportunity’ to address some ‘thorny issues,’ but urges Pope Francis to take a more realistic approach toward Islam. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

Is Missing Mass Okay Because of Bad Weather? 3 Things to Consider, According to This Parish Priest

These are great thoughts to consider when bad weather hits! ☩ ChurchPOP

Guiding Souls to Christ at Faithful Catholic Schools

An interview with Kelly Salomon of the Cardinal Newman Society ☩ Justin McClain of National Catholic Register

How to Survive the Present Crisis in the Catholic Church

The crisis in the Catholic Church is no secret. The Church is infested, at the highest levels, with homosexualists (people who want to normalize homosexuality), homosexual harassers (men who use positions of power to manipulate younger men into gay sex), pederasts (men who engaged in sex with post-pubescent teenage boys), financial criminals, heretics and liturgical abusers. This isn’t the first time in Church history we’ve seen a time such as this, but it may be the worst time, and the consequences are only now beginning to take shape. ☩ Shane Schaetzel of Complete Christianity

Texas dioceses name clergy with credible allegations of sex abuse

In a step to restore trust in the Catholic Church, dioceses in Texas released their lists of priests against whom credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor have been determined. ☩ Catholic News Service

Are Bad Catholics Still Catholics?

. . .Part of the criticism was based on the fact that Cuomo is a baptized Catholic; many were aghast at the spectacle of a Catholic taking such a radical pro-abortion stance. . . ☩ Jimmy Akin of Catholic Answers Magazine

An Act of Spiritual Malfeasance Against St. John of the Cross

You can imagine, then, how surprised I was when I read an article by one of these above-mentioned proprietors of progress, a manifesto that condemned one of the mortal sins of our progressive times: cultural appropriation. . . ☩ Fr. Nicholas Blackwell, O. Carm., of Catholic Stand

The Lazy & Hateful Gray Lady Targets Christian Schools

☩ Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D., of Crisis Magazine

St. Paul & Priestly Celibacy

☩ Tom Nash of Catholic Answers Magazine

Another Calling

☩ Nicholas Lye of Ignitum Today

THVRSDAY EDITION Read More »