Big Pulpit

50 Years of Effete & Infertile Liturgical Culture Is Enough

. . .the inside of the church resembled the lobby of a 3-star hotel trying to be 4.  It was a flattened ellipse, with entry on the broad side, so that there was more room from left to right than from back to front.  There was no sacristy.  Instead, there was a large teardrop-shaped peninsula, like the Peloponnese, extending from the back & far into where people would be seated.  This Peloponnese was raised a few feet from the level of the front pews, & in the middle of the teardrop, sort of near Sparta, stood the altar, with the priest’s chair stationed 10 feet behind it.  At Athens to the right stood a lectern which served as the pulpit, facing neither the people in front nor the priest, but maybe something beyond them in the distance, like Sicily. . .

by Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D.,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
5 More Good Catholic Novels That I Recommend – Fr. John P. Cush S.T.D., NC Register
“The Mouth That Roared”: Rocco Palmo’s Spot-On Tribute to Bishop Morlino – Fr. R. Heilman
Why I Asked Mom to Burn the Statues of the Saints & the 3 Things I Realized – Ignitum Today
Cafod, Catholic In Name Only – Mark Lambert, De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.
No, I Won’t Encourage Catholic Anger – Anthony S. Layne, Catholic Stand
When Was the Holy Gospel of Saint Mark Written? – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
The Holy Mass in the First World War: A Photo Collection – New Liturgical Movement
“The Bible Comes Alive”: Why This YouTube Star Loves Praying the Rosary – ChurchPOP
Advent Resources – Amy Welborn, Charlotte Was Both
Advent & Holy Saturday: The King Sleeps – Stephen Beale, Catholic Exchange
Jesus is Before All, & By Him, All Things Consist  – Fr. Geo. W. Rutler Th.D. Ph.D., NC Register
The Continual Spectre of False Antiquarianism – P. Kwasniewski Ph.D., New Liturgical Mvmnt
Moral & Practical Problems with the 1st Gene-Edited Babies – Fr. Mat. P. Schneider L.C., ThCL
What is It Like To Be an Underground Chinese Seminarian? – The Catholic World Report
Catholic TV: The Gist Interview with Danielle Bean – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
Exhibition on Catholic Arts Competition at St. Vincent Col. Gallery in Pennsylvania – Nw Lt Mv
Friendship is Rooted in Charity – Brother Cornelius Avaritt O.P., Catholic Exchange
The Catholic Resistance to the Pontificate – Tito Edwards, The American Catholic
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Man Martyred; Facebook Erupts in Anti-Christian Hatred

. . .a sad picture of the world we live in, especially online. . .

by Tom Gilson,

of The Stream

New Population Research Shows Half the World’s Countries are Disappearing – Tom Hoopes
The Death of Europe: Two Classic Films & the Great War – Mark Malvasi Ph.D., The Imagina. . .
Why America Desperately Needs Another Baby Boom – Steven W. Mosher, The New York Post
Classical Education & the Future of Civilization – Joseph Pearce, The Imaginative. . .
To Sustain the Anglo-American Tradition, Conversation Is Not Enough – Brian A. Smith, LaL
Mythology As History – Daniel J. Flynn, City Journal
The Last Brazilian Emperor – Daryl Worthington, New Historian
The Debate Over Nationalism Is A Debate Over The West’s Future – Sumantra Maitra, The F. . .
Cut Federal Funding from Colleges That Don’t Require Western Civ Courses – Cole Levin, TCF
Trade, Nations, & War in an Enlightened Age – Samuel Gregg D.Phil., Law and Liberty
Conflict & Resolution: Charles de Gaulle’s Understanding of ‘Nation’ – A. Wierenga, Acton Inst
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

New Political Party Says Its Roots are in Catholic Social Teaching

. . .the American Solidarity Party, which draws its influence from European Christian democracy. . .

by Charles C. Camosy,

of Crux

PBS Carries an Anti-Socialist Documentary. . .from Sweden (Video) – Acton Institute
A Pact with a Thief: The Vatican’s Agreement with Communist China – Chen Guangcheng, PD
Media Bias 101: CNN’s Coverage of Abortion – Dustin Siggins, The Dispatch via The CWR
Is Integralism the Answer? – Soren Hansen, The Irish Rover
Can Private Charity Replace the Social Safety Net? – Joe Carter, Acton Institute
Aristotle & the Seriousness of Politics – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Law and Liberty
Australians Should Be Wary of Amending Religious Discrimination Laws – Mercatornet
Why Isn’t Religious Freedom ‘the Defining Issue of Our Time’? – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
Christians in Ukraine Ask for Prayer as Tensions with Russia Escalate – CNA via The CWR
Open Border Advocates Downplay Human Trafficking – Robert F. Gorman, Crisis Magazine
Shandong Authorities Target Christian Students at Universities – Jiang Tao, Bitter Winter
ACN: Almost 300 Million Christians Persecuted in 21 Countries – Robin Gomes, Vatican News
Cambodia, Genocide, & the Beijing Connection – Marco Respinti, Bitter Winter
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The New York Times Reveals Painful Truths about Transgender Lives

. . .why should a doctor perform surgery when it won’t make the patient happy, it won’t accomplish its intended goal, it won’t improve the underlying condition, it might make the underlying condition worse, & it might increase the likelihood of suicide?  Sound medicine isn’t about desire, it’s about healing. . .

by Ryan T. Anderson, Ph.D.

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Requiescat In Pace – Christine Rousselle, NC Register
Unplanned, the Fresh Air Comes – Anthony M. Esoelen Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Books You’ll Never Read – Fr. Michael Rennier, Dappled Things
Monsignor Bux: Pope Francis Must Urgently Issue Profession of Faith – Edward Pentin
Debate Over Rod Dreher Orthodox Conversion or Catholic Triumphalism I & Part II – R. Dreher
Sweden has Started “Chipping” Its Residents – Fr. Z’s Blog
When Was the Gospel of Luke Written? – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
The Demise of Mystical Theology – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
A Minute-by-Minute Guide for a Holy Hour of Adoration – Tom Hoopes, Aleteia
How Deeper Underground Can Underground Catholics Go? – Feng Gang, Bitter Winter
Are Smartphones An Occasion of Sin? – Sofia Abasolo, Catholic Stand
Mystery Bones Found at Vatican Embassy to Italy, Not from Missing Girls – C. Giangravè, Crux
St. Columba & the Loch Ness Monster – Angelo Stagnaro, National Catholic Register
Catherine of Siena, Pious Paladin for Today’s Current Clergy Corruption – Catholic Stand
Confusion of Tongues: Language of Sin vs. Bureaucracy – Maureen Mullarkey, Studio Matters
Deus Caritas Est; The Attributes of Love – Robert Kurland Ph.D., Catholic Stand
Pope Francis: Sacred Music Points to the Beauty of Paradise – The Catholic World Report
Pause, Pray, Plan: Your 3-Step Advent Appeal – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

True Repentance Doesn’t Mean Tormenting Yourself; Padre Pio has a Better Idea

. . .we should despise our shortcomings, but if we’re getting anxious about it, we need a different route. . .

by Anna O’Neil,

of Aleteia

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Leaving the Seminary – Nicholas Lye, Ignitum Today
A Beautiful Homemade Painted Chapel – Kendra Tierney, Catholic All Year
The Horrible History of the Biblical Assyrians Comes to Life – Lucien de Guise, Aleteia
Who – or What – Rules Me? – Joannie Watson, Integrated Catholic Life™
Pulling Back the Veil, An Overview of the Book of Revelation – Msgr. Charles Pope, CiM
Lord of the Absurd – Editor, Ignitum Today
4 Bishops Share Their Thoughts About Vocations – Jim Graves, National Catholic Register
The Last Words of 11 Saints Before They Died – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Rosary is the Weapon for These Times – Matthew Bosnick, Those Catholic Men
Against All Odds: Restoring Beauty for a Rochester Gem – Liturgical Arts Journal
Chasuble of the First Bishop of Cincinnati – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Some Advent Resources – Kendra Tierney, Catholic All Year
Gratitude Will Get You Even More Than You Thought – Paul E. Cator, Aleteia
National Geographic’s New Photo Campaign Highlights People with Down Syndrome – Aleteia
Catholics in California Join in Effort to Consecrate State to Mary – Denis Grasska, Crux
True Worship: Forget Self – Betty Parquette, Catholic Stand
Give & Watch Miracles Happen – Gabriel Garnica, Catholic Stand
A Special Novena Prayer in Honor of Blessed Miguel Pro – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Being Part of the Family of God – Paul Oakes, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

15 Inspiring Facts About Saint Giuseppe Moscati That Will Leave You in Awe

. . .St. Giuseppe Moscati’s is one saint that isn’t widely known by a majority of Catholics.  Since his feast day falls on the same day as two other dynamic saints (St. Gertrude & St. Margaret of Scotland), he is often overlooked. . .

by Melissa Guerrero,

of epicPew

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Jim Gaffigan’s “Barely Catholic” Shares The Hard Truth – Becky Roach, Catholic Link
Is There Such a Thing as Episcopally Sanctioned Adultery? – J. Tranzillo, Homiletic Pstrl Rev.
Jason Evert Weighs In On How Far Is Too Far During The Kiss Of Peace (Satire) – EOTT
St. Kolbe’s Vestments & Mass Items Offer Glimpse of Roman Beauty – Liturgical Arts Journal
The Rise & Fall (& Rise) of the New Evangelization – Deacon P. Trahan, Homiletic & Pstrl Rev.
Quæritur: Parish Records & Confidentiality – Fr. Z’s Blog
LA Cathedral Dedicates Chapel to Young Saint Martyred in Cristero War – Calif. C. Daily
Why Monks & Nuns Make So Many Beloved Foods – Margarita Gokun Silver, Atlas Obscura
Careers, Capitalism, & Catholicism – Kate Lederer, The Irish Rover
10 Tips To Shop For Your Man – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic Fashion)
Shrine to Vietnamese Lady of La Vang Rises in Southern California – Caitlin Y. Kandil, RNS
Beard Balm & Daily Devotion – Max Milan, Those Catholic Men
5 Saints Making Their Comic Book Debut – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Pope Appoints a Bishop in Ilagan, Philippines – Vatican News
Video Looks at Religion’s Redemptive Role on Imprisoned Gang Members – Rhi. Guidos, Crux
Charles Cardinal Bo of Myanmar New President of FABC – Robin Gomes, Vatican News
Itinerary for Pope’s Visit to Panama Released – Vatican News
Romanian Prelates Says Pope Francis Will Visit in 2019 – Andrea Gagliarducci, CNA via Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

5 Catholic Novels That I Love

. . .classics from Flannery O’Connor, Walker Percy, Morris West, Graham Greene, & Georges Bernanos. . .

by Father John P. Cush, S.T.D.,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
6 Shocking Ways Pornography Affects the Brain, In One Infographic – ChurchPOP
St. Thomas Aquinas on the Signs of the End Times – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Absolution from a Heretical Priest & Then Going to Communion – Fr. Z’s Blog
New Ascension Press “Great Disappointment Catholic Bible” w/Timeline of Failures – (Satire)
The Orthodox Interpretation of Genesis & the Serpent – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
How We Know the Human Soul is Immortal – Dennis Bonnette Ph.D., Strange Notions
We’re Not a ‘Religion of the Book’ – Fr. Hugh Barbour O. Praem., Catholic Answers Magazine
Catholic Apologetics: A How-To Guide To Defending The Faith – Will Wright, Catholic Links
10 Tips To Shop For Your Man – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
How Studying Islam can Deepen & Strengthen Your Christian Faith – Derya M. Little, The CWR
God Under Another Name? – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
On the ‘O’ Antiphons & the Nativity (GA 3.5-7) – Aelredus Rievallensis, Canticum Salomonis
A Visual Meditation on the Unbleached Beeswax of the Requiem – Liturgical Arts Journal
What Is the Purpose of the Church? – Cecily Lowe, Catholic Stand
The Radical Ideal of Marriage – Mark & Ursula Boyd, Ignitum Today
The Dangerous Effects of Surrogacy: How Big Fertility Exploits Poor Women – Mercatornet
#IGiveCatholic – The Digital Wave That’s Raising Millions – Brice Sokolowski, Cthlc Fundraiser
Did You Know? The Bible Was the First Ever Printed Book – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Remedy of Silence

. . .silence.  This is the real remedy to modernity.  I can think of no better antidote to the cult of unlimited choice than this.  Silence teaches patience, & patience gives birth to prayer.  Silence quells our restlessness & puts us in touch with eternal values. . .

by Sam Guzman,

of The Catholic Gentleman

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Coming Out for the Holidays – Anna Carter, Truth & Love
The Trans-Industrial Complex – Mary Hasson, Humanum
Possibly Lying in Confession? Help for the Scrupulous – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
The End of Identity: Charles Williams, Sex Robots, & Hell – Jane Clark Scharl, Crisis Magazine
“As God as My Witness, I Thought Turkeys Could Fly!” – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
What Role Did Franciscan Monks Have In The First Thanksgiving? – Becky Roach, Cthlc Link
Thanksgiving & the Eucharist – Marcellino D’Ambrosio Ph.D., Integrated Catholic Life™
Dating Outside the Church – Paul Kniaz, Catholic Stand
Ted & The New Evangelization – Al Lumnus, Cream City Catholic
Taking the Wedding Outside – Anna Abbott, National Catholic Register
The Origin of Thanksgiving as a National Holiday – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
5 Reasons to Go See the Pro-Adoption Movie “Instant Family” – Virginia Allen, Life News
I Planted, Apollos Watered – Noel Ethan Tran, Ignitum Today
Mass: The Perfect Thanksgiving – Mary Reed Newland, Catholic Exchange
Thanksgiving Proclamation A.D. 1918 – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
#IGiveCatholic – The Digital Wave That’s Raising Millions – Brice Sokolowski, Cthlc Fundraiser
Thanksgiving, Traditions, Gratitude, & Grace – Mark C. McCann, Catholic Stand
Thanksgiving Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln – Pat Cross, PatCrossCartoons.com
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Exorcist Warns About Celine Dione’s Occult Children’s Clothing

. . .“I’m convinced that the way this gender thing has spread is demonic”. . .

by Patti Maguire Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Explaining the Angry Tone of Today’s Catholic News Coverage – Philip Lawler, Catholic Culture
Vatican Autocracy & the U.S. Bishops – George Weigel, First Things
Stunning Artwork Will Adorn Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange – California Cthlc Daily
Six Students Charged with Sexual Assault at Iconic Canadian High School – CNA via Crux
St. John Vianney’s Incorrupt Heart Begins U.S. Tour – J. Pronechen, National Catholic Register
“And Do Not Abandon Us To Temptation”, A Critical Commentary – Sandro Magister, SC
This is the Story of Mary’s Presentation in the Temple – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Exorcism Requests on the Rise – Mike Mariani, The Atlantic
St. Rufus, a Son of Simon of Cyrene? Perhaps! – Th. Doyle-Nelson, National Catholic Register
New Tests Allow “Screening” of Low-IQ Babies – Fr. Mat. P. Schneider L.C., Thru Cthlc Lenses
The Xennial-Millennial Modern Traditionalist – Susanna Spencer, National Catholic Register
Gunman Kills One at Catholic Store in Missouri – Chr. Rousselle, National Catholic Register
If Diocese of Jackson Knew about Cancer Scam, Why Not Come Forward – MS Clarion-Ledger
Liturgical Notes on the Presentation of the Virgin Mary – G. DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Continuity or Rupture: Consilium’s (Ab)use of the Constitution on the Liturgy – Mat. Hazell
Praying for the Souls in Purgatory in the Last Days of November – Kev. DiCamillo, NC Register
What Mary’s Presentation Teaches Us About Parenting – Michele Chronister, Cthlc Exchange
Three Ways to Have a Meaningful “Prodigal Son” Advent – John Horvat II, Crisis Magazine
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Michelle Obama’s View of Girls is Boxed in by Feminism

. . .It’s boys who are disadvantaged in the ways that really count. . .

by Chris McGovern,

of Mercatornet

This Man Could Face a Year in Prison Just for Speaking Out Against Abortion – Micaiah Bilger
Some Tough-Minded Questions for Tenderhearted Seamless Garment Pro-Lifers – Jn. Zmirak
The Struggle Ahead – Michael H. Uhlmann Ph.D., The American Mind
Pro-Life Gp. Urges Shoppers to Boycott Amazon, Which Funds a Pro-Abort Org. – S. Ertelt
Bob Hope & the Mayflower Compact – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Latest on Catholicism & Capital Punishment – Edward Feser Ph.D.
A Country Banned International Organization from Providing Abortions, Here’s Why – G. Carr
UK-Berkeley Student Chow Blends Conviction, Compassion in Principled Stance – A. Chediak
Underground Catholics Forced to Become “Official” – Shen Xiang, Bitter Winter
The Turkey Pardon – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
New Skepticism Targets Right to Religious Freedom, Expert Says – Elise Harris, CNS via Crux
No, Legislatures Cannot Abolish Marriage – Adam J. MacLeod J.D., Public Discourse
The Religious Roots of the United States of America – Ray Sullivan, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time