Robert Edwards

8 Simple (But Not Easy) Steps to Happiness

. . .the reason the beatitudes will make us happy is because they will make us more like Christ.  Being unified with God through Jesus is the ultimate happiness human beings could possibly hope for.  The beatitudes describe what kind of person we should be by describing what kind of person Jesus Christ is.  Pope Benedict calls the beatitudes, “a sort of veiled interior biography of Jesus, a kind of portrait of his figure”. . .

by Luke Heintschel,

of Catholic East Texas

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Making Pedophilia Respectable – Rod Dreher, The American Conservative
Praying the Breviary from Electronic Devices ≥ Traditional Books? – Msgr. Charles Pope
Quæritur: Can We Cook with or Drink Holy Water? – Fr. Z’s Blog
Avoiding Another Roman Fiasco in February – George Weigel, The Catholic World Report
Talking to Kids about Tough Topics, with Grace & Confidence – Leslie Fain, The CWR
The Rise & Rise of Wicca – Massimo Introvigne, Mercatornet
New Art from Daniel Mitsui, Great Gift Idea – Fr. Z’s Blog
Median Age for Leaving the Church is 13 – California Catholic Daily
Why God Can Tell You What Will Happen, but Your Astrological Sign Cannot – The CWR
CRISPR Technology Poses Hopes — & Threats – E. Christian Brugger, NC Register
‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’, Winter Fashion Tips – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
Catholic Entrepreneurship Strives to Follow Church Teaching on Business – NC Register
A Grand Betrayal of Chinese Catholics – Catherine Lafferty, First Things
Communist China Unleashes New Round of Religious Persecution – Jiang Tao, Bitter Winter
Music & the Education of the Christian Soul – L. Joseph Hebert, Crisis Magazine
The Laws of Love – Randall B. Smith Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Our Striving for Holiness in Advent – Fr. Nnamdi Moneme O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
Advent, Penance, & the Renewal of Charity in Social Media – Justin McClain, NC Register
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Archaeologists Discover Ring of Pontius Pilate Near Bethlehem

. . .with the help of a special camera from the Israel Antiquities Authority, a team of archaeologists lead by Professor Danny Schwartz from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered a ring that bears the Greek inscription of Pilatus.  The letters are inscribed around an engraving of a krater, a wine vessel common to the era. . .

by Billy Ryan,

of uCatholic

Europe Is Dying – Rod Dreher, The American Conservative
Islamic Call to Prayer Replacing Advent in Linz, Bishop of Linz Silent – The Eponymous. . .
The New French Right — C’est Catho! – Rod Dreher, The American Conservative
In Praise of the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) – Brendan O’Neill, The Spectator
A French Revolution? – Guillaume De Thieuloy, Law and Liberty
The Devil Behind Population Decline – Patti Maguire Armstrong, National Catholic Register
A New Book that Addresses the Core Belief of Western Civilization – New Liturgical Mvmnt
‘What Can We Say?’ French Bishops Cautious in Response to Yellow Vest Protests – The CWR
Nationalism Yes, Globalist Imperialism No! – Jason Jones & John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
Ukraine has “Sacred Duty” to Defend Against Russia – CNS via the Toronto Catholic Register
Tracking China’s Muslim Gulag – Philip Wen & Olzhas Auyezov, Reuters Investigates
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Peterson & Solzhenitsyn Speak Truth to Power

. . .It is not hard to see why Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, whose 100th birthday will be celebrated on December 11, would be such a compelling figure for Jordan Peterson, the Jungian psychologist who has become an international cause célèbre for defying Orwellian speech codes added to Canada’s Human Rights Act.  In addition to advocating an ethic of individual responsibility for directionless & emasculated youths, Peterson has devoted much of his scholarship to the ways in which modern totalitarian systems manipulate language & concepts.  Just as Solzhenitsyn in his day warned that “socialism of any type & shade leads to a total destruction of the human spirit & to a leveling of mankind into death,” so, too, does Peterson now condemn political-correctness as the spawn of Marxism—which is, in turn, “a murderous ideology” built upon “vicious, untenable & anti-human ideas”. . .

by Jerry D. Slayer,

of Crisis Magazine

The Calm Before the Storm: George H. W. Bush – Charles F. McElwee, City Journal
Red China: Catholics Worship Outside a Locked-Up Pilgrimage Site – Feng Gang, Bitter Winter
Red China: Faculty & Staff at Universities Fired for Religious Belief – Lin Yijiang, Bitter Winter
The PC Police Come For ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ Song – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
AAUP Defends Sham Scholarship in the Interest of Ideology – S.M. Krason, Crisis Magazine
How “Right-Wing Populism” Succeeded in Austria  – James Baresel, Crisis Magazine
Fact-Check: Yes, Politico, Abortion is Funded by the Federal Govt – Dustin Siggins, The CWR
Nicaragua’s Bishops Brave Gunfire, Stand Tall in Advent Message – Inés San Martín, Crux
EWTN Wins Lawsuit Over HHS Contraception Mandate – Ed Condon J.C.L., NC Register
Starbucks & Tumblr to Block Pornography – Perry West, CNA via National Catholic Register
Gratitude: The Heart of Capitalism – Rev. Ben Johnson, Transatlantic Blog
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Boring Traditions? Check Out What the Real Von Trapp Family Did

. . .while known best for the movie, The Sound of Music, Georg, Maria von Trapp & her 10 kids (7 were from Georg & his previous wife who died of Scarlet fever, & 3 were their own), disciplined & focused her traditions upon the liturgical year. . .

by Laura Hensley,

of epicPew

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Card. Napier Attacks Raymond Arroyo of EWTN – Mark Lambert, De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.
What the Cupich Moment Can Teach Ambitious Seminarians – Jon. B. Coe, Crisis Magazine
What the Bible Really Says on Homosexuality in 5 Quotes – Steve Ray, Defenders of the. . .
Jim Martin’s New Rosary-Meditate on LBGT “Couples” & Mother Earth – Connecticut. . .
Vatican Places Traditional Society Under Commissar – The Eponymous Flower
Gay Nativity Scenes? 12 Things This Priest Hates about the Christmas Season – ChurchPOP
God & Hell: The “Limits” of God’s Power – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
Cardinal Burke On The Dangers Of Synodality – Restore-DC-Catholicism
‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’, Winter Fashion Tips – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
Children: The Trans Money-Maker – Ann Farmer, Mercatornet
New Book Clarifies Beliefs & Corrects Misunderstandings about the Papacy – The CWR
A Priest Who Served Thousands in Peruvian Highlands Dies at 94 – ACI Prensa via The CWR
The Church Wants You to Get Into an Advent Rush – John Grondelski, NC Register
Bishop Rob. C. Morlino Remembered as a Lion in the Public Square – J. Hanneman, The CWR
Advent & the Liturgical Year – Marty Dybicz, Catholic Stand
Private Equity: How it Serves the Common Good – Matthew Brach, Public Discourse
Three Smart & Easy Steps to a Better Advent Appeal – Brice Sokolowski, Catholic Fundraiser
Asia Bibi Remains in Hiding from Islamists; No Asylum Plan in Sight – Edward Pentin, NC Reg
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Pope Francis’ ‘Paradigm Shift’: What it Means & How to Respond to It

. . . “The evolution in the Church’s understanding of the Gospel over the centuries is not a question of a paradigm shift, but of the development of doctrine, organic & in continuity with the faith”. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
When a Baptized Child Perishes Before the Age of Reason – Peter A. Kwasniewski Ph.D., NLM
Bringing Liturgical Practices Home, Off the Shelf 101 with Kendra Tierney – Pete Socks, C. Std
More 18th Century Varieties of Violacea – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Archbishop Viganò Addresses Dispute With Brother Over Family Inheritance – Edward Pentin
The Joy of Advent Is in Our Journey with Mary – Stephen Beale, Catholic Exchange
E.U. Recognizes Financial System of Vatican City State – Andrea Gagliarducci, NC Register
Mysterious Details of Unknown Secrets – Jim Dougherty, Catholic Stand
Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Myths & Truths – Dave Armstrong, National Catholic Register
Authority to Heal – Brother Nicholas Lye, Ignitum Today
An Education to Restore Wonder – K.E. Colombini, Crisis Magazine
Actuating Schism Part V: The Hammer Drop – Patrick Archbold, Creative Minority Report
The Reason for the Season of Advent – Sarah Greydanus, Catholic Stand
Cardinal Müller Seeks to Thread the Needle, But Misses the Canonical Mark – The CWR
A Special Advent Prayer to Maintain a Spirit of Silence & Peace – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Three Smart & Easy Steps to a Better Advent Appeal – Brice Sokolowski, Catholic Fundraiser
How a ‘Messy Family’ can be a Holy Family – CNA via The Catholic World Report
‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’, Winter Fashion Tips – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
Expert Sees Cyberspace Full of Risk, from Addictions to Child Abuse – Elise Harris, Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Pope Francis: Homosexuals “Should Not Be Accepted Into the Ministry Or Consecrated Life”

. . .we find that [Pope] Francis says that pastoral care must be given to homosexuals, but that they should not be admitted to formation as religious or as priests. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
When Young People Aren’t Having Sex, Something’s Wrong – Josh Herring, Public Discourse
Drive Demons Crazy: 6 Tips For Spiritually Protecting Your Home or Dorm Room – ChurchPOP
Pope Francis & the Devil: Misreading the Signs of the Times – William Kilpatrick, Crisis Mgzn
Eucharistic Procession for Hollywood Homeless Draws Hundreds – CNA via The CWR
The Spirit of Moloch & The New American Religion – Charlie Johnson, Catholic Stand
St. Thomas Aquinas on Mohammad & Islam – Steve Ray, Defenders of the Catholic Faith
Why Catholic Men Need a Boot Camp – Joe Stopulos, Those Catholic Men
Millennials Spur Liturgical Restoration in Western Canada – Joseph Woodard, Crisis Magazine
Advent & Anti-Christ, Part I – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Baptize in the Name of . . . Who? – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Pope Francis Calls for Unity with Orthodox Churches – CNA via National Catholic Register
In New Book, Pope Francis Addresses Homosexuality & the Clergy – CNA via NC Register
God, Why? Why Wasn’t I Immaculately Conceived? – Guy McClung Ph.D. J.D., TACatholic
The True Season of Advent – Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, The Catholic Thing
Blessed is She Who Believed – Richard Van Kirk, Catholic Stand
Pp. Francis Praises Witness of Pakistani Servant of God, Shahbaz Bhatti, RIP 2011 – NC Rgstr
Focus on the Lord this Advent – Deacon Michael Bickerstaff, Integrated Catholic Life™
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Happy Traddies at Clear Creek

. . .it was a joy to spend a week at Clear Creek Monastery in Oklahoma.  It was a joy because I spent my week with a gang of guys who show us the positive & powerful face of traditionalist Catholicism. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Catholic Church: “Don’t Read the Bible!” – Steve Ray, Defending the Catholic Faith
In Images: The Fascinating Symbolism of the Miraculous Medal – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Requiescat In Pace: George H. W. Bush – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
What Does “Atonement” Mean & How Did Jesus Do It? – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
2 Minute Audios: Steve’s 6 Rules for Dealing with Non-Catholic Family & Friends – Steve Ray
Hymns for Advent: It’s Not Christmas Yet – Stephanie Mann, National Catholic Register
The Catholic Family Celebrates Advent – Sandra McDevitt, National Catholic Register
Messianic Prophecies: Genesis 49: 8-11 – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Significance of Things – Joy Joseph, Catholic Stand
“No One Knows”: Daily Life & The Final Hour – Deacon Greg Lambert, Catholic Stand
‘The 177 Project’ Brings Adoration to the Masses – Jim Graves, National Catholic Register
Eight Advent Resources for Your Family – Susanna Spencer, National Catholic Register
Does Hell Play a Role in Evangelization? – Deacon John Beagan, Crisis Magazine
A Liturgical Look at Holy Communion as The Sacrament of the Dying – Fr. R. Rojo, Adoremus
The Life & Work of Msgr. Li Jingfeng, Bishop of Fengxiang (Part I) – New Liturgical Movement
The Life & Work of Msgr. Li Jingfeng, Bishop of Fengxiang (Part II) – Canticum Salomonis
The Vast Cloud of Witnesses: Lofty Saints & Saints A Little Like Me – T. Irvine, Catholic Stand
Steve Talley: Tonalism & Nocturnes in the American Landscape Tradition – David Clayton
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

15 Moments All Catholic Theology Majors Will Understand

by Amy O’Connell,

of epicPew

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Cardinal Cupich to the Kids’ Table – Matthew Archbold, Creative Minority Report
The Missing Key Piece from Youth Catechesis? It’s Philosophy – National Catholic Register
Melania Trump Reveals White House Christmas Decorations (Photos) – Cyn. Dermody, Aleteia
Did You Know? Why Every Catholic Altar Contains Relics of Saints – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Saint Pope John Paul II & the Eucharist – Thomas Griffin, Catholic Exchange
Watch Jim Gaffigan Portray a Lazy Catholic in Funny Chat with Jesus Statue – ChurchPOP
Pope Francis Appoints New Bishop in Monterey, California – Vatican News
St. Francis de Sales Doesn’t Dance – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Mary Said Yes, Twice – Guy McClung Ph.D. J.D., Catholic Stand
New Regular Traditional Latin Masses in Rome – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Memento Mori: It’s to Die For – Angelo Stagnaro, National Catholic Register
Repatriated 6th-Century Mosaic to Help Reconstitute Apse – Associated Press via Crux
The Rose – Cathy G. Knipper, Catholic Stand
People with Down Syndrome are Applying To Be on the Endangered List – Catholic Link
Catholic TV: The Gist Interview with Danielle Bean – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
A Transit of Common Sense – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
Three Smart & Easy Steps to a Better Advent Appeal – Brice Sokolowski, Catholic Fundraiser
New Traditional Latin Mass in Vero Beach, Florida – Gre. DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Where’s Fr. James Martin SJ?

. . .Out @ St. Paul is one of James Martin, SJ’s favorite clubs.  He re-tweets his pride for them quite often.  He portrays them as just a benign, loving support group for those who are so oppressed by the Church simply for trying to be faithful Catholics that She needs to change for them.  The reality is they completely support engaging in sodomy, entering into “gay marriages,” & engaging in the slander & detraction of Bishop Morlino, all while continuing to receive the Body & Blood of Christ. . .

by One Mad Mom

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Heaven’s Messages Foretold the Current Crisis & Scandal in the Church – Signs & Wonders
7 Weird Things That Only Make Sense to Catholics – Chloe Langr, epicPew
On the Loss of Faith as a Cause of Our Current Crisis – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in. . .
The Nativity of Christ: Its Historic Reality – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Catholic Exchange
Five Traits for a Contemplative Life – Fr. Nicholas Blackwell O. Carm., Catholic Stand
Asia Bibi Worried about Her Daughters’ Safety – Robin Gomes, Vatican News
A Transitioning Culture – Jenny Uebbing, Mama Needs Coffee
Unlike Moderns, Our Ancestors Understood Love – Paul Krause, Crisis Magazine
St. Joseph & Advent: Lessons on Catholic Fatherhood from St. Joseph – Scott Smith J.D.
Introducing the Hubble–Lemaître Law – Michael Baruzzini, The Catholic Thing
Is It Time a Mother Christmas Graced the Annual Parade? – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
Analysis: What is Next for Curial Reform? – CNA via The Catholic World Report
If Every American Had to Watch an Abortion, Support Would Plummet – M. Bilger, Life News
Soberly Awaiting the Second Coming: Readings for 1st Sunday of Advent – Jn. Bergsma Ph.D.
Catholic TV: The Gist Interview with Danielle Bean – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
Holy One of God – Noel Ethan Tan, Ignitum Today
Three Smart & Easy Steps to a Better Advent Appeal – Brice Sokolowski, Catholic Fundraiser
New Islamist Violence in Mozambique Worries Country’s Catholic Bishops – The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Tattoos & Catholic Morality

. . .Difficult Moral Questions: How the craze for tattoos seems to be ‘sinptomatic’ in the post-Christian West. . .

by E. Christian Brugger,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
This Catholic University is Targeting Pro-Life Students for Their Beliefs – A. Lord, Life News
Actuating Schism, Part I – Patrick Archbold, Creative Minority Report
Actuating Schism, Part II: No Quarter – Patrick Archbold, Creative Minority Report
Mr. Homecoming Queen: A Tutorial – Rod Dreher, The American Conservative
Card. Zen Says He Will Resign If Pp. Francis Appoints More Communist Bishops – The Epo. . .
Hardened Sinners? Perhaps More Than You Think – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., Catholic Culture
Do You Really Know What The “Serenity Prayer” Means? – Becky Roach, Catholic Link
Must We Have an Economy That Forces Both Parents Into Paid Work? – O. Cass, Mercatornet
Discerning When Enough Really is Too Much – Dom Cingoranelli, Catholic Stand
How Graham Greene’s “The Power & the Glory” Changed My Life – Fr. Michael Rennier, Aleteia
Ordo, Ordo – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual Enrichment
Statue of St. Junipero Serra Stolen – California Catholic Daily
6 New Year’s Resolutions for the Catholic New Year – Chloe Langr, epicPew
This Is Me – Nicholas Lye, Ignitum Today
Catholic TV: The Gist Interview with Danielle Bean – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
Charles Tournemire’s L’Orgue Mystique & the Ordinary Form of the Mass – New Liturgical. . .
Pause, Pray, Plan: Your 3-Step Advent Appeal – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Church in the Netherlands to Allow Digital Payments in Collection Basket – Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

6 Amazing Facts About Catherine of Aragon That Will Blow You Away

. . .did you know she was an incredible, strong, Catholic woman who supported the arts & defended the faith? . . .

by Chloe Langr,

of epicPew

Anglican Groups Merge with Warning the ‘Church of England is in a Crisis’ – Virtue Online
San Francisco Episcopal Cathedral Hosted “Requiem Mass: A Queer Divine Rite” – CA C. Daily
With Second Miracle, Will Newman Be Canonized Soon? – Patrick Reilly, NC Register
Westminster Abbey – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual Enrichment
The Widespread Myth About English Language or All Things Weird – A Clerk of Oxford
The Vatican to Loan St. Thomas Becket’s Bloody Tunic to Britain – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Déjà Vu All Over Again? – Fr. Dennis Garrou, The Catholic Thing
EWTN Great Britain Interview All 3 Ordinariate Ordinaries – The Anglicanorum Coetibus. . .
Oxford’s Catholic Revival – Anthony E. Clark Ph.D., The Catholic World Report
C of E Raises Serious Concerns about Christian Freemasons – Harriet Sherwood
First Anglican Use Pew Missal for the Laity Published – The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society
Christian Life In Exile Outside the Church of England – Rod Dreher, The American. . .
A Thriving & Diverse Ordinariate-Run Parish in London – Joanna Bogle, The CWR
The Anglican Cult of the Beevy Emm – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual Enrichment
First Impressions of the Anglican Use – Chr. Mahon, The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society
Preserving Christian History in the English Countryside – K.V. Turley, NC Register
A New English Gradual for the Ordinariate – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Univ. of Vienna Announces New Research on Anglican Liturgy in Catholic Church – The A.C.S.
Saint Mary MacKillop – Dr. Foster Lerner, The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time