Robert Edwards

Consecrated Virgins: ‘I Got Married to Christ’

. . .Jessica Hayes bought herself a wedding gown, a veil, & a ring.  But when she stood at the altar facing the bishop during a solemn religious ceremony, there was no groom by her side. . .

by Valeria Perasso,

of the BBC

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
5 Works of Classic Fiction That You Should Know – Fr. John P. Cush S.T.D., NC Register
Probability Of Abiogenesis? There Isn’t One – William M. Briggs Ph.D., Statistician to the. . .
Creator of Nutella Says Secret Ingredient of Success Was the Virgin Mary – uCatholic
The Cave – Erin Cain, Ignitum Today
Small-Town Parish Evangelizes with Full Of Grace Cafe – Mary Rezac, NC Register
The Difference Between Rhetoric & Logic – Angelo Stagnaro, National Catholic Register
Peace, Anxiety, & the Kingdom of God – Deacon Greg Lambert, Catholic Stand
What It’s Like to Assist at Mass with the Pope – CNA via The Catholic World Report
Biblical Hebrew – the Gift of the Sublime Parole, Part II – E. Belaga Ph.D., Catholic Stand
Walk on Water – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

When Padre Pio celebrated Christmas the Baby Jesus Would Miraculously Appear

by Philip Kosloski,

. . .witnesses attest to seeing a vision of the Baby Jesus in the arms of Padre Pio. . .

of Aleteia

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
This Vision of St. Faustina’s Should Bring Warmth to Our Hearts on Christmas Day – Aleteia
How Large is the New Jerusalem Mentioned in Revelation – Steve Ray, Defenders of the. . .
A Vision of Loveliness & a Paradigm for Marian Altarpiece – Liturgical Arts Journal
Pavarotti’s “Adeste Fideles” Still Stops Us in Our Tracks – J.P. Mauro, Aleteia
Christmas Day – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Power to Be Human – Stacy A. Trasancos Ph.D., Catholic East Texas
Jesus the Carpenter – Howard Kainz Ph.D., Catholic Stand
Newly Wood-Carved Statue of Bl. Idelfonso Cardinal Schuster – Liturgical Arts Journal
Uniting Photographs with Prayers: A Christmastime Tradition – Catholic Exchange
The Christmas Tree, Icon of Wisdom – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

4 Ways Evangelical Protestants Curiously Turn Catholic Every Christmas

. . .for some Protestants, these points won’t apply because they share these devotional practices with Catholics all year round. . .

. . .but for other Protestants, mostly evangelicals and fundamentalists, who are normally very critical of Catholic devotional practices, here is some friendly food for thought. . .

from ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Why Was Jesus Born When & Where He Was? – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
Sheep Steals Baby Jesus. . .Mary’s Having None of That! – Connecticut Catholic Corner
The Beautiful Polish Tradition of Breaking Bread on Christmas Eve – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Most Important Things at Christmas – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
An Uilleann Christmas Wish – Cream City Catholic
The Invasion of Time by Eternity: The Birth of Christ – Melanie Jean Juneau, Catholic Stand
Entering Into the True Christmas Joy –  Fr. Nnamdi Moneme O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
On Christmas Matins – Aelredus Rievallensis, Canticum Salomonis
Christmas & Its Octave (GA 3. 11 – 15) – Aelredus Rievallensis, Canticum Salomonis
Evergreens & Their Christian Symbolism – Margaret R. Realy Obl. O.S.B., The Cthlc Gardener
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Miraculous True Story of Saint Michael Saving a United States Marine in the Korean War

. . .one account of Saint Michael’s protection is that of a young United States Marine, who prayed to him every morning.  Separated from his unit after a blizzard during the Korean War, he was caught face to face with seven enemy soldiers who had guns drawn ready to fire.  Only thanks to the Archangel did he miraculously survive the ensuing shootout. . .

by Billy Ryan,

of uCatholic

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Six Laymen Installed as Acolytes in Spokane – CNA via The Catholic World Report
Tiffany Rivers is Expecting Child No. 9: Married to That NFL quarterback – Terry Mattingly
How My Parents Raised 4 Adult Catholics Who Still Love Jesus & The Church – Evangelista
The Fatima Visionaries & the Eucharist – Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, Catholic Exchange
5 Bishops Share Their Personal Vocation Stories – Jim Graves, National Catholic Register
What is the Apostles’ Creed, Anyway? A CNA Explainer – CNA via The Catholic World Report
Messianic Prophesies: Ezekiel 44: 1-4 – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Light Amidst The Darkness – Charlie McKinney, Catholic Spiritual Direction
The Gothic Organ at Rysum – Christopher Holman, Vox Humana
Christian Couple Adopts 5 Siblings to Keep Them Together – Micaiah Bilger, Life News
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Was Christ Actually Born December 25?

. . .a closer look at the historical evidence. . .

by Dave Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Christmas Movie You Know & One You Probably Don’t – Paul McCusker, Faith & Culture
Werner Klemperer & John Banner Singing Silent Night – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Star Trek Christmas – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Why Is There an Ugly Christmas Sweater Day? – John Horvat II, Crisis Magazine
“Getting Along with Family & Friends over Christmas – Steve Ray, Defenders of the. . .
The Catholic Origins of the Christmas Tree – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Kicking Off the Dust – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
Baking Christmas Eve Bread: A Recipe for Soothing Souls – Joseph Mussomeli
Boston Manor in London: Harmonious Proportion Exemplified – David Clayton, New Lit Mov
Christmas Poems: Jesus’ Carol/Carol of the Angels – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

A New & Necessary Book by Jason Craig, Editor of Those Catholic Men

. . .Craig focuses on the essential need for males (boys & unfinished, empty, or despairing men) to leave behind the immaturity of sin & selfishness in order to grow up in virtue & brotherhood. . .

by James Baxter

of Those Catholic Men

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Small Irish Community Seeks Help to Save a Saint’s Iconic Cross – CNA via Crux
A Shocking Loss of Faith: Reflecting on the Closing of So Many Churches – Msgr. Ch. Pope
Towards a Sexual Counter-Revolution – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
Communist Chinese Police Force Pregnant Christian Woman to Have Abortion – Piao Junying
The New Evangelization Needs a New Hellenization – Mo Waltering, Faith & Culture
Underground Priest: “Catholicism in Communist China is Facing Calamity” – Feng Gang, BW
Robert Spaemann, the Last Great Catholic Philosopher – Sandro Magister, Settimo Cielo
New Chant Schola Launching in London for the Traditional Mass – J. Shaw, LMS Chairman
Vatican Museums to Launch Full Virtual Tour to Increase Accessibility – A. Condodina, Crux
Vatican Foreign Minister Says Intolerance of Christians ‘Last Acceptable Prejudice’ – Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Haven’t Been to Confession in Years? This Priest Provides 3 Great Ways to Prepare Your Heart This Advent

. . .John the Baptist calls us to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord & to be ready for Christ’s arrival, not only in a general way into the world, but also in a particular way into each one of our hearts. . .

from ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
11 Amazing Facts I Just Learned About Benedict XVI’s Childhood – Sh. McAfee O.P., NC Rgstr
Astronauts Who Read Genesis on Christmas Eve & Got Sued For It – M. Archbold, NC Register
Every Christmas for 7 Years Mary Wagner Jailed for Stopping Abortion, Not This Year – LN
The Friendly Atheist is Factually Wrong about Catholicism & Contraception – Fr Schneider LC
Mass in Extraordinary Form Draws Refugees From Church Turmoil – J. Roberts, NC Register
Bodies as Commodities in Netflixes Altered Carbon – Patrick Malone, Catholic Stand
Miracle in the Classroom – Susan Skinner, Catholic Stand
Reasons for Church Closings Need to Be Fully Examined, Says Lawyer – E. Pentin, NC Rgstr
Christmas 1776: Washington Refuses to be Beaten – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Vatican Conference Grapples With Issue of Decommissioning Churches – E. Pentin, NC Rgstr
Loving Our Neighbors for the Common Good: Subsidiarity, Responsibility, & Change – Acton
Pennsylvania Diocese Opening Faith-Based Addiction Recovery High School – The CWR
How this Classical Catholic School Welcomes Children with Down Syndrome – C Grogan, CNA
Such Faith – Noel Ethan Tan, Ignitum Today
New Threats & Intimidation Against Iraqi Christians – Edward Pentin, National Catholic RegisterXXX
Spiritual Approaches Critical to Veterans Dealing With PTSD – Stephen Beale, NC Register
5 Secrets Of Fundraising We Can Learn From The Saints – Becky Roach, Catholic Link
Into the Deep of Advent – Mary Jo Gerd, We’re Late For Church
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Armenian Apostolic Church Appoints First-Ever Representative in Rome

. . .The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of six in the Oriental Orthodox communion, will have a fixed representative in Rome, similar to the Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, & Methodists. . .

from the Catholic News Agency

via The Catholic World Report

Shifting Tectonic Plates in Eastern Christianity – George Weigel, The Catholic World Report
Evangelical Ethiopian Helps End Oriental Orthodox Schism – Jay. Casper, Christianity Today
Saudi Crown Prince Shocks Islamists, Visits Coptic Pope – Thomas Lifson, The Amrcn Thinker
The Americanization of an Ancient Faith: The Copts – Shira Telushkin, The Atlantic
Desiccated Ancient Biblical Manuscript Revealed by X-Ray Scan – J.P. Mauro, Aleteia
Ethiopia’s Rock-Hewn Churches are an Ancient Wonder of the World – Zelda Caldwell, Aleteia
Who are the Coptic Christians? – Paul Rowe Ph.D., The Conversation
Egypt’s “Christian-Free” Soccer Traditions – Mai Shams El-Din, Mada Masr via WorldCrunch
The Hard Work of Re-Establishing an Artistic Tradition – David Clayton, New Liturgical Mvmnt
Meet an Ethiopian Priest Who Has to Scale a Cliff to Reach His Church – BBC
In Cairo, Blood Flows Again at Coptic Church – Zenit
Killed for Being (Coptic) Christian – Courtney Grogan, Catholic News Agency
Coptic Orthodox Bishop Found Dead in Suspected Murder – The Catholic World Report
The Return Home: Syriac Christians Celebrate Eucharistic Liturgy in Ravaged Church – CNA
“We Are Copts, & We Are Ready For Anything” – Paul de Dinechin, Aleteia
Coptic Orthodox to Dedicate Church to New Martyrs of Libya – The Catholic World Report
Egypt Court Sentences 17 to Death for Attacking Christians – Samy Magdy, A.P. via Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Why It’s Not Discrimination For Christian Agencies To Only Recruit Christian Foster & Adoptive Parents

. . .the Anti-Defamation League has joined the American left’s ongoing crusade to eradicate faith from our nation’s foster care & adoption agencies. . .

by Jocelyn Davis,

of The Federalist

Fast Train to Failure – Connor Harris, City Journal
Coming Soon: a Religious Struggle for Control of the Internet? – Philip Lawler, Catholic Culture
Can Americans Today Afford to Have Kids? – CNA via The Catholic World Report
Comprehensive Sex Education Undermines Students’ Moral Development – T Puolimatka PhD
Why Puberty Blockers Are A Clear Danger To Children’s Health – Jane Robbins, The Federalist
Doctors in Canada are Euthanizing Patients & Doing Nothing to Treat Them First – W Smith JD
How Can Pro-Lifers Engage in Constructive Criticism? – Fr. Frank Pavone, Life News
How Caring for the Poor Led to the Beginnings of Capitalism – Glenn Sunshine, IfFWaE
Bridging the Ideological Divides Over Ecology & Environment – W. Patenaude, The CWR
NIH Director’s Support for Fetal Tissue Research Draws Pro-life Concern – NC Register
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Twelve Things to Remember about Confession

. . .Catholics are expected to go to confession at least once a year.  Advent is a penitential season, & in the midst of the Christmas rush it’s a good idea to also get to confession. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Untold Story of When the Vatican Was Bombed During World War II – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
New Jesuit Provincial is “Worst of the Worst” – Translation via The Eponymous Flower
Some Men Are Born Eunuchs . . . – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Fishwrap’s MSW vs. EWTN – a Paragon of Self-Parody – Fr. Z’s Blog
Pope Doesn’t Back Down from Skepticism about Gays in the Priesthood – I. San Martín, Crux
Same-Sex Attraction & Unnecessary Shame – Cynthia Millen, Catholic Stand
Other Modern in Fontgombault – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
SSPX: “Rome Doesn’t See Us as Schismatic” – Translation via The Eponymous Flower
Not Magic – California Catholic Daily
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” & the Postmodern Puritans – Anthony S. Layne, Catholic Stand
Losing Our Identity – Regis Nicoll, Crisis Magazine
Catholic Pastor Challenges Delaware City’s Decision to Bar Nativity from Town – NC Register
Five Tips from Fr. Braun for Youth Ministry – Fr. Justin Braun, Catholic East Texas
Here’s Why Advent Is the Perfect Time to Think About the 4 Last Things – Chl. Langr, epicPew
Relief For Your Gift Buying Stress – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
What Was the Mary Thinking the Week Prior to Giving Birth to Jesus? – Tom Perna, epicPew
3 Ways Catholics Can Better Fundraise in 2019 – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
The End & the Eucharist: Advent Wisdom from Newman & Knox – Fr. Charles Fox, The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Why Did I Choose Catholicism Instead of Another Religion?

. . .my first choice was between religion & no religion.  Religion means a “yoke” or a “binding-back relationship.”  Religion is a relationship with God.  (God here is taken in the broadest sense as at least some higher power, something greater than us.)  So, an atheist is one who believes that there is no God at all, & therefore there ought to be no religion at all. . .

by Peter Kreeft, Ph.D.,

of Catholic Exchange

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
This Cardinal’s 5 Secrets to Sanctifying Your Work – Theresa Zoe Williams, epicPew
Pope Francis Approves Church of England Bishops. . . – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Second Thoughts on Suicide & Catholic Funerals – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
Parents Are Being Groomed – Jennifer Hartline, The Stream
Popes’ New Comments on Death Penalty: Incoherent & Dangerous – Fr. G. Rutler Th.D. Ph.D.
Are You A Woke Catholic? – Shane Schaetzel, Complete Christianity
Gay Apologist Thomas Reese to Address 2019 LA REC on Clergy Sex Abuse – Jos. Sciambra
News from Rome Concerning Communications – Fr. Z’s Blog
Confusion in Germany Over Holy Communion for Protestant Spouses – E. Pentin, NC Register
How Taiwan’s ‘Silent Majority’ Blocked Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ Momentum – V. Gaetan, NC Rgstr
Poetic Traditional Hymns Put Alternatives to Shame – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Mgzn
Ten Blessings of Spiritual Reading – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
The Anglo-Saxon O Antiphons: O Beautiful Trinity – A Clerk of Oxford
Advent Embertide – Regina Magazine
Advent & Suffering: Finding God in the Cave – Charlie Johnson, Catholic Stand
Canon Law Should Be Changed to Make Catholic Bishops Accountable – Stephen Bainbridge
Dynamic Equivalence, with Some Polyphony: Google’s Translation Issue – New Ltrgcl Mvmnt
Living Advent & Celebrating Christmas in a Secularized, Materialistic Society – Fr. Stravinskas
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time