Big Pulpit

“When God Says No”: 10 Ways to Make Petitionary Prayers More Effective

. . .the holiday season is an especially tempting time to liken God to Santa Claus. . .

. . .but God is not Santa Claus. . .

. . .neither is he a system to be manipulated with just the right formula.  God is personal, & prayer is about cultivating a relationship with Him. . .

. . .however, all relationships require some practical advice, including our relationship with God! . . .

by Simone Rizkallah,

of ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Church Needs Saint Joseph’s Intercession – John Clark, National Catholic Register
Roger Mahony to Speak at 2019 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress – Jos. Sciambra
Why Clerical Corruption Does Not Justify Apostasy – Casey Chalk, Crisis Magazine
Advice for Transgender ‘Free Spirits’ – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
Science in the Unmaking – David Warren, The Catholic Thing
On Being Catholic Modern – James Matthew Wilson, The Catholic Thing
How a Faulty Organ Brought About a Beloved Christmas Carol – ChurchPOP
Stars in the Sunset – Nicholas Lye, Ignitum Today
When the Church is Silent, We Support the Killing of the Vulnerable – the Human Life Review
A Makeup (& Makeup Artist) for Catholic Women – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Overwhelming Joy & the New Ark of the Covenant – Mark C. McCann, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Modern Science Offers Evidence for Christmas Story

. . .the pilgrimage was based on the historical detective work that Fr. Dwight Longenecker produced in his book Mystery of the Magi: The Quest to Identify the Three Wise Men.  One of the main points of this intriguing book is to demythologize the story of the Magi & root them in history.  Why does this story need demythologizing? . . .

by Brian Kranick,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
A Mall Banned a Crib & the ‘Holy Family’ Turned Up – K.V. Turley, National Catholic Register
Monastery Visit in France – Cream City Catholic
Bishop Sheen on the True Meaning of Christmas – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Britain is Great Because of Christianity, Bishop Says in Christmas Homily – Catholic Herald
Mary, Mother of God – Noel Ethan Tan, Ignitum Today
Be Kind – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
The Challenges & Rewards of Gold & Silver Vestments – Sha. R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Happy 200th Birthday Silent Night & Why Singing Carols Is So Important – P Kwasniewski PhD
The Theology of Christmas – Fr. John Catoir, Catholic Stand
From Bethlehem to Greccio with St. Francis of Assisi – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

“The Best Books I Read in 2018”

. . .“The first use of good literature” wrote G.K. Chesterton in his essay “On Reading is that it prevents a man from being merely modern.  To be merely modern is to condemn oneself to an ultimate narrowness”. . .

by The CWR Contributors,

of The Catholic World Report

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Remote Indian Village in Arunachal Pradesh Gets Region’s Biggest Church – Vatican News
The Home of Anti-Catholic Bigots – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The University of Notre Dame Enables Pornography Usage – Ellie Gardey, The Irish Rover
Ecclesia Dei Commission for the Latin Mass to be Extinguished? – New Catholic, Rorate Cæli
Pope Francis Appoints a New Bishop to the Diocese of Clogher, Ireland – Vatican News
Iranians are Converting to Evangelical Christianity in Turkey – Fariba Nawa, NPR
The Catholic Card Game, Review – Alex R. Hey, epicPew
A Time to Cast Away – Janet Meyer, Catholic Stand
A Makeup (& Makeup Artist) for Catholic Women – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
The Process of Salvation: Past, Present, & Future – Dan Byron, Catholic Stand
Everything Is Grace – Noel Ethan Tan, Ignitum Today
Pope Francis Appoints New Archbishop in Indonesia – Robin Gomes, Vatican News
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

A Resolution Worth Making

. . .many of us begin a list shortly after Christmas of possible resolutions we will embark upon come January 1.  How many have considered incorporating the rhythm of the Church into their lives? . . .

by Pete Socks,

of Catholic Stand

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
5 Medieval Christmas Traditions You Haven’t Heard Of – Stephen Beale, Aleteia
Catholic Senior Living Center Bans Residents From Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ – Bre Peyton
Is the Church Crisis Driving the Faithful to the Traditional Latin Mass? – P. Kwasniewski Ph.D.
The Lemon Drop Kid – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Weird History of Santa Claus – Trent Horn, Catholic Answers Magazine
5 Saints to Help You Survive The Holiday & Winter Blues – Melissa Guerrero, epicPew
Traditional Craftsmanship & The Nativity – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
The Humility of God – Cecily Lowe, Catholic Stand
Faith vs. Magical Thinking: What it Means for Your Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski
Sacred Art is the Triumph of Beauty & Truth – K.V. Turley, Catholic Exchange
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Details from Monreale Cathedral, Sicily: The Bible in Stone & Mosaic

. . .one of my favorite endeavors is to show the lesser seen details of famed locales.  Few churches rise to the level of iconographic recognizability as that of the Cathedral of Monreale in Sicily, with its Italo-Byzantine masterworks.  The most famous view of this remarkable architecture of Christendom is, of course, of the famed apse mosaic of Christ. . .

by Shawn R. Tribe,

of the Liturgical Arts Journal

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
American Bishop in Nicaragua Creates Oasis of Peace in a Nation of Turmoil – Crux
13 Major Differences between Catholics & Protestants – Steve Ray, Defenders of the. . .
The Death of Clear Thinking – Carl R. Trueman, First Things
Witch-Hunters & the Hunted – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
The I’d Rather Syndrome – Paul Kniaz, Catholic Stand
Answering the Rapture Challenge – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Are the Gospels a Myth? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Catholic Register
Dark Knight of the Soul – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
God Under Another Name? – Jimmy Akin, National Catholic Register
Discernment Without Labels – Nicholas Lye, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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