Big Pulpit – Page 231

FRIDAY EDITION

25 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament via Adorecast

☩ Team Catholify

Choir Dress of the Rouen Chapter

The choir boys wear red under their albs and also wear a zucchetto and a red square biretta, and are clean-shaven. ☩ Aelredus Rievallensis of Canticum Salomonis

Three Questions for Euthanasia Fans

Many people share Allen’s view, believing that humans in persistent vegetative states are not persons anymore—and so they can be deprived of basic necessities like food or water in order to end their lives. ☩ Trent Horn of Catholic Answers Magazine

Saint Ananias—A Saint Who Eased Paul’s Conversion

January 25 marks the Memorial of Saint Ananias & the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul ☩ Theresa Doyle-Nelson of National Catholic Register

How the Pro-Life Movement Made Me Catholic

Near the end of my freshman year, my sister invited me to attend a meeting of the campus pro-life group. ☩ Eric Sammons of Catholic Answers Magazine

Disgraced Cardinal Must Not Address Catholic Conference

What message is sent to victims of priest sex abuse that Roger Cardinal Mahoney will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Los Angeles Archdiocesan Education Conference? ☩ Austin Ruse of Crisis Magazine

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: “I Don’t Care If Anglicans Convert to Catholicism”

☩ Deborah Gypaong of The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society

A Light Toward the Darkness

☩ Todd Aglialoro of Catholic Answers Magazine

Mozart's Famed Requiem Properly Seen & Understood: Liturgically

☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

Christians in the Cultural Crosshairs

☩ Joan Frawley Desmond of National Catholic Register

5 Facts You Need to Know About the Veil of Manoppello

On January 13, 1915, a series of four terrible earthquakes struck central Italy. In the midst of tragedy, the quake also brought forth from the local church’s rubble one of Christendom’s long-lost & precious relics. The earthquakes helped bring awareness to the small cloth that lay over Jesus’ face when he lay in the tomb. ☩ Chloe Langr of epicPew

Babies Born Alive After Abortion Can be Left to Die Under New York Law Legalizing Abortions Up to Birth

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo this week signed into law a bill that legalizes abortions up to birth. While that has been the main focus of the legislation, the new law also revokes medical care for babies who are born alive after botched abortions. ☩ Steven Ertelt of Life News

Double Vision

When Vincent Nichols moved to Westminster, pretty well immediately a major change happened in the Cathedral Sanctuary. The 1970s mobile, now-you-see-it-now-you-don't, altar was taken out of use. ☩ Fr. John Hunwick of Fr Hunwicke's Mutual Enrichment

Pope Francis warns against ‘spirals of hatred’ on social media

Online discussion is 'too often based on opposition to the other', the Pope said ☩ Courtney Grogan of Catholic News Agency via Catholic Herald

Will Bishops Coodle, Foodle, & Noodle Address the Crisis?

Living in a small town, my clerical acquaintance is limited; yet I’ve known three parish priests—orthodox, kind, courageous—who would make admirable bishops. In all likelihood, they will remain in the boonies when Father Chuckles moves to the chancery. ☩ Peter Maurice of Crisis Magazine

Mary, a Queen of Another Kind

What could have been? It is likely this question came to the mind of the forty-four-year-old Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots and the rightful queen of England, on the morning of February 8, 1587, as she awaited her execution at the hands of English Protestants. ☩ Steve Weidenkopf of Catholic Answers

Venezuelan Army besieged hundreds of protesters in Maturin cathedral

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans marched in support of the opposition, & security forces met some of the protesters with tear gas. ☩ Catholic News Agency

Ordaining female deacons would gravely damage the Church

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. ☩ Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith, Ph.D., of Catholic Herald

Poor & Rich: The Pope’s Vision Compared With the Real Figures

When Pope Francis left en route to Panama, for world youth day, the who’s who of world finance were meeting in Davos, Switzerland. . . ☩ Sandro Magister of Settimo Cielo via L'Espresso

Thoughts on ecclesiastical consequences for Gov. Cuomo’s pro-abortion acts

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

Christian politician completes two-year sentence for blasphemy in Indonesia

☩ Catholic News Agency

The Miraculous Medal: A Catholic’s Ultimate Fashion Accessory

☩ Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)

Did You Know? The Catholic Origin of the Original “American” Cheese

☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholic

How Twitter Lets The Mainstream Media Get Away With Constant Slander

☩

Two-thirds of US bishops do not believe women should be ordained deacons

☩ Catholic News Agency

Not to Beat an Annoying Drum but. . .

☩ One Mad Mom

FRIDAY EDITION Read More »

TVESDAY EDITION

22 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Dive into the Old Testament – Off the Shelf 108 with John Bergsma

If you are one who loves studying Scripture than this episode is for you. Dr. John Bergsma joins me to talk about the excellent new volume on the Old Testament he co-wrote with Brant Pitre called A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament. ☩ Pete Socks of Catholic Stand

Pope Francis: Sins of the flesh are the lightest sins & the more serious sins are elsewhere

. . .in the book-length interview with Wolton it is explained why Pope Francis sees sexual abuse committed by churchmen not so much a problem of morality and sex, but of power, and of clerical power in particular, which he condenses in the word “clericalism.” ☩ Sandro Magister 0f Settimo Cielo at L'Espresso

Inside The Cave-Shrine Where Saint Michael The Archangel Appeared

It is one of the most important sites of pilgrimage since the early Middle Ages, visited by emperors, kings, princes, and the holiest of saints throughout history. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the destination site for over 2 million pilgrims a year. ☩ Billy Ryan of uCatholiC

What’s known, & unknown, about pope’s abuse summit in February

The Vatican has sought to downplay expectations, with newly minted editorial director of the Vatican’s dicastery for Communications Andrea Tornielli labeling the hype of it as “excessive.” ☩ Inés San Martín & Christopher White of Crux

The University of Notre Dame Will Cover Christopher Columbus Murals after Complaints

Fr. John Jenkins, the president of the University of Notre Dame, has decided to cover a series of murals of Christopher Columbus on campus. ☩ Alexandra Desanctis of National Review

Should a Priest Introduce the Usus Antiquior to a Congregation That Doesn’t Request It?

Yes. There are two basic reasons to do so. ☩ Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D., New Liturgical Movement

Hospitals trace their origins to early Christianity

☩ John Burger of Aleteia

Before & After: Monte Cassino Shrine at St. Meinrad Archabbey

☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

Fr. Daniel Horan Trashes March for Life as a "Repulsive & Futile Event"

☩ Micaiah Bilger of Life News

A question of identity for Catholics of Anglican Tradition

☩ Deborah Gyapong of The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society

False Feminism

From Sexual Liberation to #MeToo ☩ Katherine Kersten, J.D., of First Things

Wicca as a Religion Substitute; or, Care What You Share

It’s hard for me to take Wicca seriously as a spirituality or way of life, let alone as a religion. ☩ Tony Layne of Catholic Stand

Pope’s app ‘Click to Pray’ connects Catholics to a smartphone prayer network

Pope Francis encouraged young Catholics to download the app to pray the 'Rosary of Peace' ahead of World Youth Day ☩ Courtney Grogan of CNA via Catholic Herald

Confronting the Decline of Moral Sensibilities

. . .The fact that most students had no qualms about receiving money at the expense of life was astonishing. . . ☩ Christian Daru of Catholic Stand

The Problem Isn’t Technological: Rebuilding Women’s Reproductive Health

We have the scientific data we need to understand the relationship that a woman’s ovulation has to her overall health, & that healthy ovulatory patterns are a prerequisite to being fertile. . . Why Don't We? ☩ Weronika Janczuk of Public Discourse

Human Composting: The Ultimate Denial of the Soul

Recomposition: An Eco-Religious Act ☩ John Horvat II of Crisis Magazine

The Desecration of God’s Temple

☩ Regis Nicoll of Crisis Magazine

Only You, Lord

☩ Noel Ethan Tan of Ignitum Today

Mass in Harmony With Scripture: The Real Presence

☩ David Hogg of Catholic Stand

TVESDAY EDITION Read More »

MONDAY EDITION

21 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Pope Francis continues curial shakeup: suppresses Ecclesia Dei commission, moves Sistine Chapel Choir

The main issues facing the Vatican and the SSPX are doctrinal in nature, so it makes sense to have the principal organ for dialogue with the SSPX directly under the purview of the curial dicastery responsible for doctrine. ☩ Christopher Altieri of The Dispatch at The Catholic World Report

A Sermon of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Refuting Atheistic Materialism

Among his recorded sermons is one in which Dr. King addressed the problem of unbelief, of materialism and atheism. ☩ Msgr. Charles Pope of Community in Mission

Leah Libresco Builds the ‘Benedict Option’

New book encourages faith & fellowship. ☩ Patti Maguire Armstrong of National Catholic Register

Former vicar: the Vatican already knew about sexual abuse allegations against Argentine bishop

Rev. Juan Jose Manzano’s statement contradicts the Vatican’s recent claim that they had only gained knowledge of sexual abuse allegations against Zanchetta a few months ago. ☩ Catholic News Agency/EWTN News via The Catholic World Report

Abortion Affects Men, Too

The Abortion Haunts Me ☩ Jeffrey Stevens of Catholic Stand

INVOcell: A Catholic-friendly treatment for infertility?

A new fertility treatment has been described as more morally acceptable than IVF. But is it really? ☩ Sister Renée Mirkes of Catholic World Report

How this Episcopalian’s own book convinced him to become Catholic

☩ Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report

Fake News: The Covington Catholic Episode

☩ Donald R. McClarey, J.D., of The American Catholic

Why the Royal College of Physicians will go ‘neutral’ on assisted suicide and why that matters

☩ Philippa Taylor of Mercatornet

Here’s the Incredible Meaning Behind World Youth Day’s 2019 Logo

☩ ChurchPOP

Confronting the Bullies

The culture war drags on and Christians are in the crosshairs. Defending the faith and our right to present our case in the marketplace of ideas requires a sober analysis of our opponents’ strategies. ☩ Dale O'Leary of Crisis Magazine

Stigmaticus perfuga

Some readers are unfamiliar with this phrase. It was used by S Edmund Campion in his Rationes Decem, printed surreptitiously at Stonor House near here and as surreptitiously put on all the seats to be picked up by the University as it gathered for the Act in June 1581. . . ☩ Fr. John Hunwicke of Fr Hunwicke's Mutual Enrichment

Former Catholics at the Dinner Table

The family celebrations are over. The guests are gone, and we are getting back to the daily routines of life. Among Catholics celebrating Christmas or Easter with family, a fair number share it with former Catholics each year. ☩ Dom Cingoranelli of Catholic Stand

Rumors of the death of detente with traditionalists may be exaggerated

As expected, Pope Francis on Saturday formally abolished the “Ecclesia Dei” commission, ending its over thirty-year run as the Vatican’s primary forum for relations with the Society of St. Pius X, founded by the late French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, and the broader traditionalist galaxy in the Church. ☩ John L. Allen, Jr., of Crux

Civilization in Crisis

As future Pope Karol Wojtyla prophesied when visiting the United States in 1976, “We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, between the Gospel and the anti-Gospel, between Christ and the anti-Christ.” ☩ Marcus Allen Steele

New book addresses key questions about Church’s teaching authority

“The impact of the Magisterium is powerfully felt today,” says apologist Jimmy Akin, author of Teaching With Authority, “as illustrated by stories constantly appearing in the media about what popes & bishops have said.“ ☩ Paul Senz of The Catholic World Report

Church & State

A question was recently put to me about the complicated issue of the separation of Church and State in America. What is a Catholic supposed to do when the government decrees laws that are utterly contrary to Church teaching? ☩ Dale Ahlquist of Faith & Culture

NFP: Hard Truths & Good Fruits

☩ Sophie Caldecott of Humanum

Can Catholics Enjoy Alcohol?

☩ Kathy Schiffer of National Catholic Register

We Belong to Each Other

☩ Erin Cain of Ignitum Today

Homeschooling a parent’s choice, not the state’s

☩ Fr. Robert Sirico of Powerblog

When Sex Becomes Cheap

☩ Fr. D. Paul Sullins, Ph.D., of Humanum

MONDAY EDITION Read More »

SVNDAY EDITION

20 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

The Lebanese saint who unites Christians & Muslims

Fr. Louis Mater said the shrine, which encompasses the monastery where the Maronite Catholic priest, monk, and hermit lived for nearly 20 years, receives around 4 million visitors a year, including both Christians and Muslims. ☩ Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report

How the Virgin Mary Converts Sinners

. . .It was a series of apparitions in Beauraing, Belgium, received by five children from the Voisin and Degeimbre families. . . ☩ Fr. Edward Looney of Catholic Exchange

Literary Converts

I realize that the Roman Catholic Church is the only genuine form of Christianity. Also that Christianity is the essential and formative constituent of western culture… - Evelyn Waugh ☩ Joseph Pearce of Faith & Culture

8 Beautiful & historic Catholic churches in the Caribbean

The culture of the Caribbean has been heavily influenced by the introduction of Catholicism by its first European colonists. The names of the islands themselves have their origin in the Catholic saint names & names for the Blessed Virgin Mary that the Spanish & French gave. ☩ Zelda Caldwell of Aleteia

Why Catholic Millennials Need These Four Urgent Life Skills

Are Adulting Classes the Solution? Adulting classes claim to help millennials develop those skills left behind, and ease them into full adulthood. The ☩ John Horvat II of Crisis Magazine

Introduction to the Theology of the Catholic Mass

. . .In this clip . . . I talk about the theology, meaning, and mystery of The Sign of Peace, which is one of the most abused rituals during the liturgy. ☩ David L. Gray of DavidLGray.info

Sts. Adam & Eve, St. Abraham, St. Moses – Did you know some Old Testament people are Saints?

☩ Steve Ray of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

Pope advances sainthood causes of 17 women

☩ Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report

Giving Children Back to Christ Through Mary

☩ Stacy A. Trasancos, Ph.D., of Catholic East Texas

Are Catholic Statues Graven Images?

☩ Dan Byron of Catholic Stand

A Short Catechesis Course for Overcoming Anxiety in 2019

. . .while it is okay to feel stressed, apparently it’s no longer okay to say ‘I’m feeling anxious.’ And it’s really not okay to say ‘I’m experiencing some anxiety.’ This is because stress is considered a short-term reaction to something, whereas anxiety is now considered a sustained mental health disorder. ☩ Gene Van Son of Catholic Stand

Shew Thyself a Man: Inheritance & Manliness in the Bible

It is difficult, even with the Bible in hand, to sketch an image of that special excellence we call manliness. . . ☩ Brother Isaiah Beiter, O.P., of Dominicana

New technology suggests women were involved in medieval manuscript making

The discovery challenges previous assumptions that medieval bookmaking was the work of monks alone. ☩ J.P. Mauro of Aleteia

The Riches of the Pontifical Mass of the Rite of Lyon

Over the years I have shared various writings and bits of information on the pontifical form of the rite of Lyon -- the Missale Romano-Lugdunense. ☩ Shawn R. Tribe of Liturgical Arts Journal

A new interactive illustrated digital companion to Dante’s Inferno is now available online

And it’s the stuff nerds’ dreams (and maybe sinners' nightmares) are made of. ☩ Daniel Esparza of Aleteia

Youngest Black Legislator in America is 19 & Pro-Life

The West Virginia House of Delegates convened Wednesday with a record-setter in its midst — freshman Del. Caleb L. Hanna. . . ☩ Evie Fordham of Life News

Sorrow & Coming to Terms With Darkness

☩ Janet Meyer of Catholic Stand

She is one of the founders of Montreal, and a saint

☩ Alicia Ambrosio of Aleteia

Holiness & the Art of Catholic Dodgeball

☩ Matthew Archbold of National Catholic Register

Amazing! Watch the March for Life from Beginning to End in a One-Minute Time Lapse!

☩ ChurchPOP

SVNDAY EDITION Read More »

SATVRDAY EDITION

19 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

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

SATVRDAY EDITION Read More »

FRIDAY EDITION

18 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

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

FRIDAY EDITION Read More »

THVRSDAY EDITION

17 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

☩ 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

THVRSDAY EDITION Read More »

VVEDNESDAY EDITION

16 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

☩ 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

VVEDNESDAY EDITION Read More »

TVESDAY EDITION

15 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

☩ 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

TVESDAY EDITION Read More »

MONDAY EDITION

14 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

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

MONDAY EDITION Read More »

SVNDAY EDITION

13 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

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

SVNDAY EDITION Read More »

SATVRDAY EDITION

12 January AD 2019

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

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