Robert Edwards

Living a Catholic life.

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Papal Vestments: The Subcinctorium by

An old papal vestment that always catches people's curiosity is the subcinctorium. Perhaps it is for reason that it is one of the less visible of the papal vestments that this is so. Or perhaps it is just one more manifestation of the thirst many have for knowledge of their patrimony. ☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

Pope Francis Suppresses Ecclesia Dei, Transfers Duties to CDF

The Vatican says the decision has been taken because ‘conditions and circumstances change,’ but that dialogue towards regularization of the SSPX ‘continues.’ ☩ Edward Pentinn of National Catholic Register

The Catholic Cultural Revival

One of the most exciting and powerful manifestations of Catholic beauty arose in the Catholic Cultural Revival in England over the past two centuries. ☩ Joseph Pearce of National Catholic Register

Demons

A friend of one of the victims listed these manifestations: “He’d get an oppressive feeling. ☩ The American Catholic

46 Years of Marching for Life

“Righteousness doesn’t have to be popular, it just has to be righteous.” ☩ Patti Maguire Amrstrong of National Catholic Regiset

The Unfashionable Debt I Owe My Husband

A Woman Changes When She Mothers a Newborn ☩ Sofia Abasolo of Catholic Stand

The Likely Reason Prof. Lewis was Demoted by Steubenville

. . .Rebecca Bratten Weiss is one big reason. . . ☩ Austin Ruse of Crisis Magazine

The miraculous story of a Colombian church’s mysteriously carved crucifix

☩ Vicente Silva Vargas of Aleteia

Sexual Abuse and the End of Papal Deference

☩ Fr. Raymond J. de Souza of National Catholic Register

The Mystery of Astrology

☩ Jimmy Akin of JimmyAkin.com

Orthodoxy at the Brink, With Constantinople & Moscow Divided Over Ukrainian Church

☩ Peter Jesserer Smith of National Catholic Register

All 3 Networks Ignore March for Life; CBS Promotes Pro-Abortion Women’s March Instead

ABC, NBC & CBS ignored 46th annual March for Life. ☩ Kristine Marsh of Life News

10 Wonders of the Rosary

Rediscover the spiritual power & theological richness of the rosary. ☩ Fr. Donald Calloway, M.I.C., of Catholic Exchange

First classical academy in San Francisco archdiocese

Star of the Sea School trying to create virtue in students ☩ California Catholic Daily

Why Won’t Archbishop McCarrick Publicly Admit His Guilt?

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. ☩

Who’s In Charge Now at “L’Osservatore Romano.” And What Has Changed

It was written that “L’Osservatore Romano” would be getting a facelift soon, after the abrupt change of director a few days before Christmas ☩ Sandro Magister of Settimo Cielo via L'Espresso

The top 10 most Catholic countries in the world

A look at the distribution of Catholics by population. From its humble beginnings the Catholic Church has grown vast in the last two millennia, spreading over the entire world. ☩ J.P. Mauro of Aleteia

The Bridegroom Revealed: The 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

☩ John Bergsma, Ph.D., of The Sacred Page

Faith Worth Fighting For—Bas Rutten

☩ Patrick Coffin of Catholic Stand

Single sex education offers advantages for students and for parents

☩ Andrew Mullins of Mercatornet

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Pregnant Woman’s Sonogram Depicts Jesus Crucified–See the Miraculous Photo Here!

The sonogram depicts Jesus crucified ☩ ChurchPOP

Abuse Crisis Answer: Stricter Seminary Entrance Standards

In late February, Pope Francis will meet with the heads of bishops’ conferences from around the world to address the clergy sexual abuse crisis. . . ☩ Fr. Regis Scanlon, O.F.M. Cap., of Crisis Magazine

Unique from Day One: Pro-Life Is Pro-Science

The main dividing line between pro-life and pro-choice is not which side cares more about women, families, and their basic freedoms. It's how each group applies the scientific facts to determine what constitutes women's rights. ☩ Ana Maria Dumitru of Public Discourse

Time to Re-Point Society’s Moral Compass

It seems as though parents today are facing some of the greatest challenges ever in raising their kids. ☩ Pete Socks of Catholic Stand

The Vatican press office and the first law of good public relations

The much anticipated February summit in Rome must focus on doing the right thing, including taking a realistic look at the issue of homosexuality as a causal factor in clerical sex abuse. ☩ Russell Shaw of The Dispatch at The Catholic World Report

Can the Pastor Set a Minimum Age for Baptism?

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

Senate Passes Resolution Condemning Religious Tests for Federal Officials

☩ Ed Condon, J.C.L., of Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register

Amid shutdown, DC Catholic Charities aids furloughed workers

☩ Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report

Catholic Women Deacons? Why Not?

The Pope’s discussion group on women deacons has met and made some sort of report and of course the feminists have been pushing this envelope for some time. ☩ Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Wuerl Misread the Crisis; Pope Francis Need Not

Pope Francis clearly understands that there is a crisis of credibility in the American episcopate. It is less clear that he understands why. ☩ Stephen P. White of The Catholic Thing

SPSE Evangelizers Know a Thing or Two About Evangelizing

If you’ve ever felt the Holy Spirit urging you to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, you might want to get in touch with the people at St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE). The SPSE evangelizers know a lot about evangelizing. ☩ Gene Van Son of Catholic Stand

Do You Know These 9 Obscure Saints with January Feast Days?

. . .what about the unknown saints, those who slip by unnoticed? Here are nine saints who you may not recognize. Get to know them during the month of January! ☩ Chloe Langr of epicPew

Why the Catholic Church's anti-populist crusade is doomed

. . .what can the Catholic Church now teach us about a global populist movement that may rewrite the direction of political thought in the West? ☩ Edward Morrissey of The Week

The Spiritual Life Is a Constant Beginning & Beginning Again

The spiritual life is not a straight line up the mountain. It is a jagged line, with many ups and downs. Some of those downs are particularly deep valleys, but the ups show us what we are called to do whenever we fall: get back up. ☩ Constance T. Hull of Catholic Exchange

Bloody Religion Versus Bloody Secularism

Invariably when discussing religion and politics, separationists invoke the specter of “religious war” as their argumentative coup de grâce. They’re usually already turning away looking for worthier interlocutors when I respond I’ll accept their measure. . . ☩ James R. Rogers, Ph.D., of Law and Liberty

1973: The APA and the Normalization of Homosexuality

☩ Joseph Sciambra of JosephSciambra.com

Saints Every Catholic Hipster Needs to Know About

☩ Theresa Zoe Williams of epicPew

10 Different kinds of crosses (and their meanings)

☩ Maria Paola Daud of Aleteia

What the Bible Says About Contraception

☩ J.P. Nunez of Catholic Exchange

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☩ Team Catholify

13 Ways to Help Bring God into the World

“I sense that the moment has come to commit all of the Church's energies to a new evangelization & to the mission ad gentes (to the nations).” —Pope John Paul II ☩ Angelo Stagnaro of National Catholic Register

Bishop McElroy denies gay subculture among San Diego priests & a response

Despite voiced parishioner concerns, San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy denies that a gay subculture exists among diocesean priests or seminarians — men studying to be Roman Catholic priests. ☩ California Catholic Daily

How to Evangelize (& Have Meaningful Conversations)

 ☩ Joe Heschmeyer of Shameless Popery

Then Sings My Soul: The Power Of Beautiful Worship

The last note of the organ lingered like the cloud incense in the air. I knelt for a quick thanksgiving as parishioners gathered their things & began to leave the pews after Mass. ☩ Claire Dwyer of Catholic Spiritual Direction

Pro-Life Living: How Families Instill Affirming Values

How do pro-life parents nurture their families to value and defend life in all of its stages? ☩ Patti Maguire Armstrong of National Catholic Register

Pope Francis: What to expect in 2019

The finalization of a Curial reform process, a reshuffle in some Vatican positions, & an eventual consistory to “refill” the College of Cardinals. . . ☩ Catholic News Agency on The Dispatch via The Catholic World Report

The Church Can Change the World Again

☩ Mike Aquilina & James L. Papandrea, Ph.D., of Catholic Exchange

To Fast Well, Understand Hunger

☩ Suzan Sammons of Crisis Magazine

Leaked Document Exposes How Google Manipulates YouTube Search Results to Censor Pro-Life Videos

☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

China’s Crackdown on Christians Continues

☩ CNA/EWTN News via National Catholic Register

Papal advisers say Francis will know the right moment to act on women deacons

Members of Pope Francis’s study commission on women deacons spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday, saying the pope has their report and expressing confidence that when the moment comes, he’ll make the right call. ☩ Christopher White of Crux

U.S. Help Crucial for Iraqi Christians as New Threat Emerges

The founder of a charity for persecuted Christians says the beleaguered populace needs more political representation and aid as a Shiite group try to force them out of their ancient lands. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

What is it like to be a missionary in Mongolia?

When Francisco Javier Olivera was born, his mother offered him to the Virgin Mary, praying that he would become a missionary in Asia. ☩ Catholic News Agency/ACI Prensa via The Catholic World Report

Vatican Sets Course for February Abuse Summit

The meeting’s goal is to ensure bishops ‘clearly understand what they need to do to prevent and combat the worldwide problem of the sexual abuse of minors,’ a Vatican statement communicated. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

Prayer: The Answer to the Most Heinous Sin of All

There are of course many other forms of sexual abuse in the Church that have been going on for years that have been swept under the carpet where they remain. ☩ David Torkington of Catholic Stand

On the Dangers of Some Private Revelations

Many times in the past month I have met people who are putting the private revelations of many seers on the same plain as Revelation, that is the Bible, & Tradition. . . ☩ Supertradmum of Hope in the Storm

Jesus’s Healing Miracles: Diminished by Modern Medicine?

The question then is, “Was Jesus’ message to us only a spiritual one?” Is it possible that in performing His miracles Jesus was daring and inspiring us to emulate Him scientifically? ☩ Daniel Demers of Catholic Stand

What is the Ultimate End of Our Prayer?

☩ Mark Danis of Integrated Catholic Life™

Senator to AG Nominee William Barr: Does Being Catholic ‘Disqualify You?’

☩ Katie Yoder of Catholic Vote

Praying Through Food

☩ Nicholas Lye of Ignitum Today

The Church & basic income proposals

☩ Don Clemmer of OSV Newsweekly

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☩ Team Catholify

Why Didn’t Cardinal Wuerl Come Clean?

Last week, U.S. Catholics learned that Cardinal Wuerl knew that his disgraced predecessor, Theodore McCarrick, had faced allegations of sexual misconduct with seminarians back in 2004. Four possible explanations for Cardinal Wuerl’s puzzling & shocking behavior. ☩ Joan Frawley Desmond of National Catholic Register

8 Nonpartisan Reasons To Defund Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood engages in taxpayer waste, covering up sex abuse scandals, and hypocritical lobbying on issues of speech. Plus, it's not needed. ☩ Dustin Siggins of The Federalist

After Epiphany: The Transfiguration Icon & What It Tells Us About Christian Culture

Here is a painting of the Transfiguration. It is a 16th-century Russian icon from the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery in Yaroslavl, which is to the northeast of Moscow. ☩ David Clayton of New Liturgical Movement

Norbertine nuns work the Poverty Program in Wilmington

Sister Ana Paula was on the “other side of the gate"  ☩ California Catholic Daily

Lawmakers Set Sights on Parental Rights

A new bill in Colorado is yet another example of the erosion of parental rights. ☩ Brianna Heldt of National Catholic Register

Lay Ministers: Extraordinary For A Reason

Eucharistic Ministers, a term commonly ascribed to those who participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist by assisting the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion, is a misnomer. ☩ Birgit Jones of Catholic Stand

Men on a Mission: ‘Exodus 90’ Encourages Spiritual Growth in Contrast to Culture

Initiative also offers concrete campaign of prayer and sacrifice for the Church amid crisis. ☩ Judy Roberts of National Catholic Register

The Legacy of John Senior

☩ Joseph Pearce of Faith & Culture

Two Abuse Victims Who Came Back to the Church

☩ Patti Maguire Armstrong of National Catholic Register

Pro-choice & pro-life majorities want more abortion restrictions, a poll shows

☩ Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report

Settlement Considers: Should Catholic Health Plans Cover Transgender Surgeries?

☩ Kevin Jones of Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register

Who Would Have Known. . .?

A few days ago, the Nashua Public Library hosted a Drag Queen Teen Time starring the soi-disant Monique Toosoon, a gay man whom the once-conservative Manchester Union Leader—in a short puff-piece—denominated as “she.” Over 130 people attended, mostly women & teenagers. . . ☩ Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D., of Crisis Magazine

Should Catholics Be More Involved In Politics?

Is a lack of Catholic political involvement really the problem? ☩ John Clark of National Catholic Register

Fallen Angels & the Suffering of Humanity

For as long as I can remember, growing up as a Catholic Christian, I have always wondered why one-third of the angelic hosts decided to rebel against God. I often wondered how sin came into existence. Further, I even asked myself, if God was perfect, how could he create sinful angels. ☩ Osita Onyejekwe, Ph.D., of Catholic Stand

Catholic College Presidents March Against Abortion

The witness of these presidents to the sacredness of human life extends all year long. ☩ Kelly Salomon of National Catholic Register

How the Knights of Columbus save lives: 1,000 ultrasound machine donations

A program to donate ultrasound machines to U.S. pregnancy centers has passed the 1,000 mark. ☩ Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report

Please, bishops: act now; you’re running out of time!

☩ Philip Lawler of Catholic Culture

On Use of the Word “Anglican” in Reference to the Ordinariates

☩ Shane Schaetzel of Complete Christianity

Rock Towers

☩ Nicholas Lye of Ignitum Today

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☩ Team Catholify

Wuerl Denies His Prior Denials Denied Knowing McCarrick Seminarian Abuse

The D.C. cardinal is now saying his previous denials about knowing Archbishop McCarrick’s sexual predations were only about minors, not adult seminarians & priests. ☩ J.D. Flynn of Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register

YouTube Deletes Pro-Life Video Exposing Planned Parenthood, Calls it “Hate Speech”

The streaming service took down a video exposing Planned Parenthood’s medical malpractices, citing it as “hate speech.” The video included someone posing as a pimp, asking a Planned Parenthood official if they reported minors who came in for abortions.  ☩ Corinne Weaver of Life News

The Lost Art of Catholic Preaching

. . .The homily was atrocious in both delivery & content, but not nearly as atrocious as the celebration of the Eucharist that followed which involved the priest inviting a 16 or 17 year old kid to pull the Sacrament out of the tabernacle for him & then distribute it to the faithful while dressed in shorts, flip flops, & a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” t-shirt. ☩ Fr. Jonathan Mitchican of Dappled Things

Interview with Dr. Kwasniewski on “Beauty—God’s Messenger”

NLM readers may wish to know about a new magazine, Calx Mariae, published four times a year by Voice of the Family in the U.K. The editor, Maria Madise, invited me to do an interview on the theme of “Beauty—God’s Messenger,” for the third issue, which recently appeared in print.  ☩ Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D., of New Liturgical Movement

Which Cardinals Will Be Ageing Out of the Conclave in 2019

10 cardinals will celebrate their 80th birthday & lose their right to participate in a conclave for the election of a new pope, as well as any duties they may have in the curia. ☩ Mark de Vries of In Caelo et in Terra

Approaching Sex with Reverence

The book is in fact an exploration of purity in married love and in consecrated virginity. This pairing is not accidental, for the inner key to both is the radical gift of self. ☩ John Henry Crosby of Humanum

Rouen: Public Penance in 18th Century France

There is perhaps no church in France where public penance is observed with more exactitude & ceremony than in the church of Rouen. The remains of this ancient discipline are too beautiful to overlook here. ☩ Aelredus Rievallensis of Canticum Salomonis

Francis & Sexual Abuse; The Pope Who Knew Too Much

Pope Francis has already made it clear how he judges & intends to address the question of sexual abuse.  ☩ Sandro Magister of Settimo Cielo via L'Espresso

Hitched Vs. Hooking Up

Young adults approach relationships differently than their counterparts did 15 years ago. ☩ Michael Roesch of Humanum

How to get “unclouded” & objective when it comes to spiritual discernment

☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

This “Miraculous” Staircase Is Said to Have Been Built by St. Joseph Himself

☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholic

DC Comics set to release comic about the ‘Second Coming’ of Christ

☩ J.P. Mauro of Aleteia

The “3×5 Examen”: 3 Simple Ways to Examen Your Conscience in 5 Minutes

☩ ChurchPOP

Texas Pro-Life Advocate Brutally Assaulted for Telling Man “Jesus Loves You”

☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

In New Letter, Archbishop Viganò Calls on McCarrick to Publicly Repent

☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

A man gives up a high-paying job to dedicate his life to the elderly (Video)

When 32-year-old Mike Niles was assessing his career in the city he realized his job, although well-paid, just “wasn’t ticking all the boxes.” He was looking for something more, so he became friendly with an elderly neighbor, which spurred him to eventually make the life-changing decision to leave London and return home and set up a charity. His friends thought he was crazy. ☩ Cerith Gardiner of Aleteia

Filthy Lucre: The UK’s Abortion Industry

The latest statistics for abortions in the United Kingdom have been made public by the Department of Health. The revised abortion figures released just days prior to Christmas show that in 2017 the numbers of UK abortions were at a ten-year high. ☩ K.V. Turley of Crisis Magazine

Trailer Released for New Roe v. Wade Movie with Jon Voight: The Story of What Really Happened

The movie, which will tell the true story of the lies and manipulations used to push abortion on America, is a project of actor/producer Nick Loeb and Cathy Allyn. It stars Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight, Joey Lawrence, Corbin Berensen, Stacey Dash and Greer Grammer. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., also is an executive producer and has a cameo in the film. ☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

Forbidden Translations? A Brief History of How the Mass Came to Be Rendered in the Vernacular

How did it come about that the Holy See restricted literal translations of the Ordinary & the Canon of the Mass. ☩ Jeremy J. Priest of Adoremus

Lay Collaboration & Episcopal Authority

☩ George Weigel of National Catholic Register

Looking Inward

☩ Noel Ethan Tan of Ignitum Today

The Cleansing of the Temple: Casting Pornography Out of Marriage

☩ Michelle Curran & Luca Marelli of Humanum

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And Persecution of Underground Catholics Continues

The Chinese government further uses the tentative agreement with the Vatican to force all underground churches to join state-approved ones. ☩ Lin Yijiang of Bitter Winter

Schall at 91—an Interim Report

Let me first acknowledge the many prayers and greetings that have been sent to me by so many people. I am deeply touched and grateful. Though I expected to be in the great beyond by now, Schall is not calling the shots. The colon operation was successful and the patient lives, though not so comfortably as before. ☩ Fr. James V. Schall, S.J., of The Catholic Thing

St. Teresa of Avila’s Terrifying Vision of Hell: “On Fire, & Torn to Pieces”

The Church’s teaching is clear – Hell is a very real place where souls suffer in eternal fire. Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of Church and renowned mystic, affirmed this truth with her experience of a terrifying vision of hell. ☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholic

New book details Iranian-American’s journey to the Catholic Church

Sohrab Ahmari is an Iranian-American author who serves as the op-ed editor of the New York Post. In 2016, Ahmari was received into the Catholic Church, a conversion he recounts in his upcoming memoir, From Fire, By Water: My Journey to the Catholic Faith. He spoke to Charles Camosy about his life and the reasons he joined the Catholic Church. ☩ Charles C. Camosy of Crux

Author Takes on Church Critics by Detailing Catholicism’s Big Picture

It’s been said anti-Catholicism remains the last socially acceptable prejudice in America. Once upon a time, it may have been driven by fundamentalist Protestants, but not anymore. ☩ John M. Grondelski, Ph.D., of National Catholic Register

Inside the Persecuted Life of Bishop Pei Ronggui

Now retired, the 85-year-old Chinese underground Catholic bishop has endured years of harassment at the hands of the Communist Party. ☩ Feng Gang of Bitter Winter

More Pieces Added to Puzzle of Holy See Press Office Resignations

The appointments of four new staff at the Holy See Press Office follow months of unheeded requests for help. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

San Antonio archdiocese prepares for new parishes

San Antonio Archdiocese has collected over half of the funds for a campaign to construct new parish buildings in preparation for an expected population boom. ☩ Catholic News Agency

Do changes for Ukraine’s Orthodox Church mean unity with Catholics is on the horizon?

☩ John Burger of Aleteia

How and why will your New Testaments be changing in the computer era?

☩ Richard Ostling of Get Religion

Episcopal Resignation

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

If Jesus "Grew" in Knowledge, Was He at Times Ignorant (Holy Gospel of Saint Luke 2:52)

☩ Fr. Regis Scanlon, O.F.M. Cap., of Commentary on Catholic Issues

A Monastic Approach to Catholic Fundraising

☩ Brice Sokolowski of CatholicFundraiser.net

Science for Catholic Home Schoolers: a Historical Approach

. . .Not many parents have a background broad enough to act as tutors in all required subjects. . . ☩ Robert Kurland, Ph.D., of Catholic Stand

Vatican abuse summit will underline the need to end cover-ups, official says

The aim of Pope Francis’s February meeting on abuse and safeguarding is to clarify and underline what must and must not be done with allegations and make sure no more cases are ever covered up, said Andrea Tornielli, editorial director for the Vatican Dicastery for Communication. ☩ Carol Glatz of Catholic News Service via Crux

The biblical reason why Catholics baptize infants

Infant baptism has been practiced by the Catholic Church from the very beginning. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

The Classics & Christianity

An inheritance that runs through Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome and comes together in Christianity. It is true that the Greeks & Romans were not Christians, but the cheap attacks against the pagans for not being Christians is a modern phenomenon & a tacitly anti-Catholic one at that. ☩ Paul Krause of The Imaginative Conservative

What Does the Christian Tradition Mean by the Word “Mystery”?

Mystery refers to the fact that there are hidden dimensions in things, people, & situations that extend beyond their visible, physical dimensions. ☩ Msgr. Charles Pope of Community in Mission

New Week’s Resolutions — A better idea

☩ Peter Darcy of Catholic Stand

Your 2019 Fashion Roadmap

☩ Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)

Hartford Archbishop Blair Elected to Chair USCCB Committee on Divine Worship

☩ The Editors of Adoremus

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How To Achieve Constant Prayer

Did you know that every part of our life is meant to be powered by prayer…everything! Is that even possible? ☩ Matthew Leonard of Catholic Exchange

4 Remarkable miracles of St. Mungo, founder of Glasgow

The legacy of this Scottish saint endures to this day. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

Historic Organ Restorations in Cortona, Tuscany

Gian Carlo Ristori, Chairman of Organi Storici Cortona, discusses cataloguing, preserving, and organizing restorations of historic organs in Tuscany, Italy with Vox Humana Editor Christopher Holman. ☩ Gian Carlo Ristori of Vox Humana

Basics of Christian Anthropology

Anthropology is, most simply, the science or study of human beings through time and space. . . ☩ Msgr. Charles Pope of Community in Mission

How & Why to Listen to the Liturgical Sense of Scripture

Yet, for many Catholics, the ‘Liturgy of the Word’ where the Biblical readings are read and heard oftentimes seems very disjointed from the rhythm of the rest of the Mass. ☩ David L. Gray of DavidLGray.info

Separated at birth, twin sisters end up in the same convent!

Elizabeth and Gabriela both found themselves in the convent of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth: "We think that our mother worked from heaven for our vocation." ☩ Dominika Cicha & Marzena Devoud of Aleteia

St. André Bessette cured over 10,000 people in his lifetime, according to estimates

The Canadian saint may be one of the greatest healers the Church has ever seen. ☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

The Only Doge Who Became a Saint

St. Peter Orseolo, pray for us!. . .Peter was born of distinguished Venetian parents around 928. While the history is hazy on this point, he seems to have been appointed the master and commander of the navy of Venice when he was only 20 to repel the onslaught of pirates of Dalmatia. In this regard he seems to have been wildly successful. . . ☩ Kevin DiCamillo of National Catholic Register

Continuity in Purpose: Warsaw after World War II

Most of Warsaw’s historic places of worship are post-war renovations & reconstructions. The reconstruction of Warsaw, once described by the historian Robert Harbison as the “largest war memorial,” is the most comprehensive attempt to rebuild a past reality. ☩ Marcus van der Meulen of The Institute of Sacred Architecture

A Counted People

Times of Israel reported that archaeologists had uncovered a “miniscule biblical stone weight” from excavations of the foundations of the Western Wall of the Second Jewish Temple.☩ Marc Barnes of First Things

Natural Beauty

Very often, we marvel at mother earth’s natural beauty, whether it be her spectacular waterfalls or astounding landscapes. . . ☩ Nicholas Lye of Ignitum Today

Discovering New Theologians: Jacques Maritain

Jacques Maritain’s thought, based on the perennial wisdom on Saint Thomas Aquinas, can be a guide in helping the Church to instruct the world in the way of truth.  ☩ Father John P. Cush, S.T.D., of National Catholic Register

1980 Approved Marian Apparition Echoes Fatima

☩ Joseph Pronechen of National Catholic Register

A prayer to protect your family from the devil

☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

How Our Lady of Pompeii Converted a Satanist, a City & Gave Us the Miraculous 54-Day Rosary Novena

☩ Georgette Bechara of ChurchPOP

Follow-Up on a Recent Restoration in Chattanooga, Tennessee

☩ Gregory DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement

Making a Case for Humanae Vitae

☩ William R. Hamant, Ph.D., of Humanum

God, Evil, & the Book of Job

☩ J.P. Nunez of Catholic Stand

So Cool! Watch How This NCAA Football Player Thanks God in the End Zone

☩ ChurchPOP

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A Liturgical Curiosity

Yesterday I had the good fortune of receiving a set of what appear to be altar chimes, ostensibly to be used in lieu of altar bells. ☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

The History of Christianity in India

India is generally known as the land of Hinduism and Buddhism, and rightly so. But it is also home to a unique branch of Christianity, the Thomas Christians. . . ☩ William Hamblin & Daniel Peterson of Deseret News

“Call No Man Your Father”

In Matthew 23:9 Jesus says: ” And call no man your father upon earth: for one is your Father which is in Heaven”. . . ☩ Steve Ray of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

Freedom of Religion & the Establishment Clause: The American Legion Cross Supreme Court Case

The First Amendment's Establishment Clause has been misused to take away so many vital parts of American society. ☩ Scott Smith, J.D., of All Roads Lead to Rome

A documentary tells of the change in the lives of those who pray the rosary

The Polish documentary "Stories of the Rosary: Now and at the Hour of Death" gathers testimonies from various parts of the world, to see if praying the rosary makes a difference. ☩ Rome Reports

This year marks 190 years of religious freedom for Catholics in Britain

The year 2019 marks 190 years since Britain’s Parliament passed the Catholic Relief Act of 1829, commonly described as Catholic Emancipation. It removed the last traces of anti-Catholic laws which had been variously enforced since the reign of Elizabeth I. ☩ Joanna Bogle of The Catholic World Report

Abortion Was the Leading Cause of Death Worldwide in 2018, Killing 42 Million People

More human beings died in abortions than any other cause of death in 2018, a new report indicates. ☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

Do We Need Sacramental Preparation for Parenthood?

Catholic parents need to understand clearly what it means to be a Catholic parent. ☩ John M. Grondelski of National Catholic Register

Fox & Birds

The book of Amos teaches a most pure monotheism. Throughout his book, there isn’t a single reference to other deities besides the God of Israel. ☩ Noel Ethan Tan of Ignitum Today

History by a hair: The tonsure controversy

There was a third tonsure, which disappeared during the Middle Ages. ☩ J.P. Mauro of Aleteia

Assessing Karl Keating’s ‘The Francis Feud’

E-book examines three recently published books about the Pope. ☩ Nicholas Senz of National Catholic Register

A Beautiful Restoration in Chattanooga

☩ Gregory DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement

On the Conversion of Pagans to Christianity

 ☩ Shane Schaetzel of Complete Christianity

Here are 7 Businesses You Can Patronize That Support the Pro-Life Cause

☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

Student With Perfect ACT Score Attends Faithful Catholic College

☩ Kelly Salomon of The Cardinal Newman Society

After 100 Years, Will Ireland Remain Catholic?

☩ John P. McCarthy, Ph.D., of Crisis Magazine

Report: God Cares More About Your Team Winning Than Anything Else In The World

☩ Eye of the Tiber

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FRIDAY EDITION

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

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

What do these Catholic abbreviations and acronyms mean?

☩

‘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

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THVRSDAY EDITION

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

How the Saints Overcame Distraction During Prayer

St. Bernard was traveling with a poor, uneducated farmer, who noticed that the abbot kept his eyes cast downward. When the farmer asked why the saint wasn’t looking at the beautiful countryside, Bernard explained that he wanted to avoid distractions while praying. ☩ Fr. Joseph M. Esper of Catholic Exchange

The “Gotcha Game” Played by Fr. Martin

The main reason I’m writing about this is because of responses like our good ol’ friend James Martin, LGBTSJ. I mean, the guy seems positively giddy. Can you just imagine him pumping his fist and saying, “They caught a conservative, heterosexual abuser! Woot!”? ☩ One Mad Mom

Except the Lord Build the House: Restoring a Sense of Beauty

The men who built the cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres did not have diesel engines, or lightweight metals like soft aluminum or firm titanium, or steel girders. . . ☩ Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D., of The Institute for Sacred Architecture

Explaining to Family Why He Left the Denominations for the Catholic Church

“I converted because I lost all the discussions I had with a Catholic workmate – if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. . . ☩ Steve Ray of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

Pope Francis. . .Bad News From His Argentina

Latest 'episode' is in danger of smashing to smithereens the strategy that Francis has adopted for addressing the question of sexual abuse committed by sacred ministers. ☩ Sandro Magister of Settimo Cielo via L'Espresso

Answering the 'Ecological' Argument for Contraception

Some people argue that the Church’s teaching on contraception isn’t just wrong, it’s a threat to the planet. They view contraception as a benefit to society. . . ☩ Todd Aglialoro of Catholic Answers Magazine

Where to begin in the spiritual life, according to St. Catherine of Siena

☩ Philip Kosloski of Aleteia

A First Look at the New Brébeuf Hymnal

☩ Gregory DiPippo of New Liturgical Movement

Is There a Catholic View on the Border Wall?

☩ Msgr. Charles Pope of National Catholic Register

Mexican President Obrador Calls For Border Wall To Help Keep Out Drunk College Students From Entering Country During Spring Break

☩ Eye of the Tiber (Warning: Satire)

What is Opus Dei? A CNA Explainer

Founded in A.D. 1928 by Fr. Josemaria Escriva, a vision to help layity understand the baptismal calling of holiness & evangelization. . .“work of God,”- or, in Latin, “Opus Dei.” ☩ CNA via The Catholic World Report

Sword and Spade: A New Magazine for Catholic Men for a New Year

If there were ever a time for a magazine for Catholic men, the time is now. ☩ Jason Craig of Those Catholic Men

God & Caesar

Liberalism Against the Church

Liberalism, says Helena Rosenblatt, has grown ineffective as it has forgotten the role that public morality, virtue, and conceptions of the common good played in its development. ☩ Gladden J. Pappin, Ph.D., of First Things

Anglican Ordinariate

Making your support real & not theoretical

I have had some conversations with some people involved in Ordinariate life about those who tacitly support the Ordinariates, or the Anglicanorum Coetibus Society but tacit support is as far as it goes. ☩ Deborah Gyapong of The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society

She Was Getting Treatment for Depression But Otherwise in Good Health, Doctors Euthanized Her

Europe’s top human rights court has agreed to hear a case being brought against Belgium by a man whose mother was euthanized in 2012 for depression. ☩ SPUC via Life News

Beijing’s “New” Cathedral: Renewal of a Classical Monument

“When we build, let it not be for present delights nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for. . . ☩ Anthony E. Clark, Ph.D., of The Institute for Sacred Architecture

American Psychological Association Says Traditional Masculinity Is Pathological

According to the APA, ‘components of traditional masculinity’ include ‘emotional stoicism, homophobia, not showing vulnerability, self-reliance, and competitiveness.’ ☩ D.C. McAllister of the Federalist

God & Caesar

Democratic Congresswoman Calls Out Fellow Democrats for ‘Religious Bigotry’

Representative Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat from Hawaii, published an op-ed in The Hill, implicitly criticizing two of her fellow Democratic congresswomen for subjecting a judicial nominee to a religious test as a result of his Catholic faith & his long-time membership in the Knights of Columbus. ☩ Alessandra De Sanctis of National Review

Protestant Nationalism & Catholic Empire? A Comment on Yoram Hazony

Leading Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin recognized the Ten Commandments as natural law. . . ☩ James R. Rogers, Ph.D. J.D., of Law and Liberty

What Modesty Is & Isn’t. . .& Why It Matters

 ☩ John Paul Meenan of Crisis Magazine

Unique From Day One: 76 Marches for Life Scheduled Across the U.S.

☩ Patty Knap of National Catholic Register

Yes, there's a Jesus angle — & a Chick-fil-A one — in Clemson's football national title

☩ Bobby Ross, Jr., of Get Religion

Books

These Are Four of the Best Catholic Children’s Books Available

☩ Jessica McAfee of epicPew

From Giotto to Rubens: The Baptism of the Lord in Painting

☩ Kinga Lipinska of Liturgical Arts Journal

THVRSDAY EDITION Read More »

VVEDNESDAY EDITION

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

What a U.S. Troop Pullout Means for Syria’s Christians

U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the partisan divide accused the president of quitting the fight to vanquish ISIS before it had been won. ☩ Joan Frawley Desmond of National Catholic Register

Springs in the Desert: Infertility, Accompaniment & Fruitfulness

In a world that simultaneously prizes an autonomy that embraces a “child-free by choice” lifestyle and indulges celebrations of baby bumps and clever “gender reveals,” it is the childless couple, longing to conceive, that often experiences “how difficult it is to live.” ☩ Kimberly Henkel, Ph.D., & Ann Koshute of Humanum

A Three-day Meeting in Rome to Do What?

(the) suggestions seem to be aimed at fixing problems and damage control after the abuse is done. They do not get to the cause of the sexual abuse itself. ☩ Fr. Regis Scanlon, O.F.M. Cap., of Crisis Magazine

Who Chose the Books of the Bible? Are the Books “Self-authenticating”?

. . .or was the Catholic Church Necessary to Define the Canon of Scripture? ☩ Steve Ray of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

Why Are There Sex Hormones in the Water?

Perhaps our society is not ready for the message that various estrogen products, not least the artificial estrogens used in hormonal birth control, are not filtered from the water we drink. . . ☩ Mary Shivanandan, S.T.L. S.T.D., of Humanum

A new year of challenges for the Church in Africa

2018 was a difficult year for the Church in Africa, and 2019—the 50th anniversary of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar—will almost certainly be another. ☩ Allen Ottaro of The Dispatch at The Catholic World Report

Those Empty Pews: Thoughts on Mass Attendance

“Once we have grasped what the Mass is, there is an exhilaration in thinking about it.” ☩ Rick Becker of National Catholic Register

Pope Francis & Mirages of Fraternity

Pope Francis’ Christmas message, clotted with the word fraternity, was such a brew of pernicious banality that it is hard to know where to start. ☩ Maureen Mullarkey of Studio Matters

Seven Spirit-Building Exercises for 2019

☩ Richard Van Kirk of Catholic Stand

Written in our chromosomes; anchored in our bodies

☩ Celia Wolf-Devine, Ph.D., of Mercatornet

Analysis: Their retreat accomplished, the U.S. bishops remain under siege

☩ J.D. Flynn, J.C.L., of CNA via Catholic Herald

A Failing Papacy

☩ R.R. Reno, Ph.D., of First Things

Why You Should Go to Rome This Winter

☩ Lyndsey Matthews of AFAR

Confession in America

In the 2013 Joseph Gordon-­Levitt romantic comedy Don Jon, the porn-obsessed title character hits the confessional, reels off his ­usual list of sins against chastity, and then cheerfully heads to the gym to pray his Hail Marys while doing pull-ups. ☩ Eve Tushnet of First Things

Sex Scandal & Cover-Up

U.S. Head of Opus Dei Confirms Misconduct Settlement Against Popular DC Priest

Opus Dei announced Monday that it had paid a settlement following accusations of misconduct against a priest of the society made in 2002. ☩ Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register

Books

Review of The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity, by Dr Carrie Gress

Anyone seeking to understand just how powerful and detrimental to modern society the feminist movement has been, and the reasons. for this should read this book. ☩ David Clayton of New Liturgical Movement

God & Caesar

Lawsuit Claims SPLC Abetted Theft, Spread Lies to Destroy Lawyer for ‘Thought Crime’

In December 2018, a Baltimore lawyer filed a devastating lawsuit against the Southern Poverty Law Center & 2 of its employees. SPLC targeted Glen Keith Allen over his former ties to the National Alliance, a white nationalist group. . . ☩ Tyler O'Neil of PJ Media

Sorry HuffPo, The Pro-Life Movement is Not “Devious”

☩ Matthew Archbold of National Catholic Register

Dozens of Catholic Members of Congress are Abortion Activists, Here’s a List

☩ Bill Donohue of Life News

Hawaii’s assisted suicide law comes into effect, but few physicians cooperate

☩ The Catholic World Report

VVEDNESDAY EDITION Read More »

TVESDAY EDITION

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

What is the best edition of the Bible for Catholics?

According to scripture experts, the answer depends on the reader, but there are certain guidelines. ☩ John Burger of Aleteia

Promises of Jesus – Off the Shelf 106 with Marge Fenelon

Occasionally a book makes it’s way to me that gives me pause. A book that looks at the faith in a manner that addresses the current divided culture we live in and it brings hope. Join Marge Fenelon & I as we discuss her book 10 Promises of Jesus: Stories & Scripture Reflections about Suffering & Joy. ☩ Pete Socks of Catholic Stand

8 Everyday words and phrases with divine origins

Did you know that the things you say everyday have religious meaning behind them? ☩ Fr. Michael Rennier of Aleteia

Were the Early Church Fathers Really the First Catholics?

“It was the Church Fathers ... that convinced me to be a Catholic.” ☩ Kathy Schiffer of National Catholic Register

Is Unity Among Bishops the Most Important Good?

Commentary: A question to ponder as the U.S. bishops conclude their retreat in advance of the February summit at the Vatican. ☩ Fr. Raymond J. de Souza of National Catholic Register

The Time Has Come for A New Counter-Reformation

One that learns from the first Counter-Reformation of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries how to make a creative and serious response to the iconoclasm, functionalism, egalitarianism, and “quotidianism” of our time. ☩ Duncan G. Stroik of Crisis Magazine

The death of Hong Kong bishop a potential crisis for Church in China

It’s commonly asserted in the West that the Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is a combination of the characters for ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity.’ This comes to mind after the sudden death of the Bishop Michael Yeung Ming-cheung of Hong Kong on Jan. 3 of cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 73, leaving the diocese vacant for the first time since it transferred to China in 1997. ☩ Charles Collins of Crux

Courage International: A Lifeline for Catholics Living With Same-Sex Attraction

☩ Richard G. Evans of Catholic Stand

95% of Doctors in Ireland are Refusing to Kill Babies in Abortions

☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

Abuse allegations at famed monastery rock pope’s native Argentina

☩ Inés San Martín of Crux

New Analysis of 20 Studies Finds 151% Increased Breast Cancer Risk After Abortion

☩ Angela Lanfranchi, M.D., of Life News

We Could Do Better

Of course, we could do better, but we usually don’t. We need a savior. St. Paul notes our predicament and then identifies the solution and it is not us. ☩ Jim Dougherty of Catholic Stand

Sex Scandal & Cover-Up

Analysis: The non-trial of Theodore McCarrick

Vatican City, Jan 7, 2019 / 12:30 pm - While recent media reports suggest that a trial of Archbishop Theodore McCarrick is underway, Vatican sources have told CNA that his case is not being handled by a full judicial process. ☩ Ed Condon, J.C.L., of CNA via The Dispatch of The Catholic World Report

The revival of 1920's Designer Fabrics

Finally we are beginning to see the revival of some more interesting (and truly artistic) fabrics from yesteryear. This prime example - originally from circa 1920's Belgium - has been revived and made available again courtesy of the Leaflet Missal Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. ☩ J.P. Sonnen of Liturgical Arts Journal

Cardinal Brandmüller: Society ‘Hypocritical’ to Condemn Sexual Abuse by Priests

In a new interview, the German cardinal says the “real scandal” is that the Church hasn’t distinguished herself from a society characterized by growing sexualization. ☩ Edward Pentin of National Catholic Register

The Pope’s Elephant: The Story of the Papal Elephant Buried Underneath the Vatican

Diggers found a large tooth, and four pieces comprising a rather giant jaw bone. The workers unearthed something peculiar: elephant bones. ☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholic

What Catholic Social Teaching Tells Us About Affirmative Action

☩ Stephen M. Krason, J.D. Ph.D., of Crisis Magazine

Twelve Reasons Not to Prefer the Novus Ordo: A Reply to Fr. Longenecker

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

Conversations on Christian Humanism

☩ Bradley J. Birzer, Ph.D., of The Imaginative Conservative

TVESDAY EDITION Read More »