Big Pulpit

A Powerful Prayer to Saint Joseph for the Conversion of a Family Member

. . .when someone we love has lost their way & needs a little spiritual help. . .

by Philip Kosloski,

of Aleteia

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
What Jesus Would Tell Clerics About the Scandals, According to This Brave Priest – ChPOP
Pro-Gay Diocese of Lexington: Jesus Taught Us How to Love Not Who to Love – Js. Sciambra
The Advent Traditions of the Von Trapp Family – Maria Augusta Von Trapp, Catholic Exchange
Truly Pathetic Musings at the Fishwrap on Priesthood & Those Halcyon Days of Vatican II – Z
Norcia Basilica to Be Restored to ‘Exactly How it Was Before Earthquake’ – Edward Pentin
Deliver Thy Church, O Lord, from a Flawed Liturgy – Rorate Cæli
Excommunicated Catholics are Still Catholic – Edward N. Peters J.C.D. J.D., In the Light of. . .
The Effect of the Extraordinary Form on Vocations to the Priesthood – Fr. Z’s Blog
Young Man Healed by Padre Pio Recounts Story of Miraculous Cure – CNA via Catholic Herald
Thank You to Our American Readers – Robert Wargas, Catholic Herald
Prodigal Sons (& Daughters) Return: 9 Atheist Converts Share Their Stories – epicPew
4 Perspectives on How to Respond to Catholic Scandals – Patti M. Armstrong, NC Register
A Charming Film About Icon Painter Aidan Hart & His Work – New Liturgical Movement
At Least 42 Dead in Cathedral Attack in the Central African Republic – CNA via NC Register
Is It a Sin to Disobey Your Conscience? – Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic Answers Magazine
Engaging the Culture This Time of Year – Jessica Archuleta, Catholic Exchange
USAID Representative Details New Approach to Help Iraq’s Christians – L. Brown, NC Register
Newman Society Announces Third Annual Essay Scholarship Contest – Newman Society
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Catholic Governor John Kasich of Ohio Threatens to Veto Bill to Ban Abortions After Unborn Baby’s Heartbeat Begins

. . .the controversial legislation, which passed the Ohio House last week, would ban most abortions in Ohio.  An unborn baby’s heartbeat is detectable around six weeks of pregnancy, though new research suggests the heartbeat may begin as early as 18 days after conception.  The bill also would allow abortion practitioners to be charged with a felony for aborting unborn babies whose hearts are beating. . .

by Micaiah Bilger,

of Life News

Google Is Watching You – K.V. Turley, Crisis Magazine
To Help Educate Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez – D.R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Transgender Totalitarians – William Kilpatrick, Crisis Magazine
Reliable Catholic & Pro-Life Causes – Fr. Z’s Blog
Couple Wins Lawsuit After Hospital Turns Off Newborn’s Life Support w/o Consent – M. Cook
Lessons in “Patriotism” for Disobedient Underground Catholics – Feng Gang, Bitter Winter
Poll Proves Media Has Liberal Bias: “Pretty Much All of Journalism Leans Left” – Tim Graham
Death to the Death Penalty? René Girard’s Challenge to Thomas Aquinas – Tyler Graham
Amazing Bronze Sculptures Depict Unborn Baby’s “Miraculous Journey” to Birth – S. Ertelt, LN
Petition Calls on Catholic Georgetown to Ban Pro-Choice Group – The College Fix
Natural Law & Democracy: The Philosophy of James Wilson – Roberta Bayer, Law and Liberty
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Diocese of Brentwood Abandons the Catechism, Endorses Sin –

by Mark Lambert,

of De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Archdiocese of San Francisco Promotes Pro-LGBT Propaganda – Joseph Sciambra
Dinosaur Media Attack on Catholics Who Uphold Faith & Morals – Fr. Z’s Blog
‘Dictator Pope’ Author Expelled from Order of Malta – Dan Hitchens, Catholic Herald
Gay Activists Sink an Australian Bridal Magazine – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
“Islam, What Every Infidel Should Know”, My Talk Given at Steubenville – Steve Ray, CDtF
Pope Francis, 3 Signs of How the Curial Reform is Taking Shape – A. Gagliarducci, Mndy Vtcn
More Jesuit Antics in That ‘Caput Malorum Omnium’ the Church in Germany – Fr. Z’s Blog
Watchdogs & Wolves – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Quæritur: Could Latin be Suppressed? Wherein Fr. Z Rants – Fr. Z’s Blog
Making Sense of the USCCB Fall Assembly & Its Aftermath – Christopher R. Altieri, The CWR
What’s Behind the Dramatic Rise in 3-Generation Households? – N. Pilkauskas, Mercatornet
Catholic Dating in a Throw Away Culture – Brianna Arambula, Catholic Exchange
Some Curious Results In World Poverty Rates; With Update – William M. Briggs Ph.D.
Bronze Age Smarties – Carlos Caso-Rosendi
Rejoice This Advent: Off the Shelf with Fr. Mark Toups – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
NLM Exclusive: Interview with Early Music Composer Elam Rotem – Pet. A. Kwasniewski Ph.D.
Once Homeless, Woman Now Part of Edmonton Parish’s Outreach to the Poor – Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Abortion Will End When It Loses Its Cool

. . .suddenly, abortion was what the cool girls were doing.  Almost overnight, even in the midst of the Vietnam War, the casualties shifted from strangers killing strangers, to mothers killing their own children.  In the U.S. alone, 60 million mothers have made that awful choice to kill their own children, 10 times the number of Jews killed in Hilter’s Holocaust.  What changed?  The mass media message targeting women. . .

by Carrie Gress, Ph.D.,

of Off The Cuff
via Helena Daily

An Abomination Of Desolation – Rod Dreher
Finally: A Decent Mainstream News Article about the Southern Poverty Law Center – Jul. Duin
Transgender Totalitarianism – Rod Dreher
Why Michelle Obama is Wrong about IVF – Dustin Siggins, The Catholic World Report
Transphobia: Word Created by Fascists Used by Cowards to Manipulate Morons – FrHunwicke
The Horrifying Story Of America’s Opioid Crisis & The Cartels Behind It – The Federalist
I Am a Single Issue Voter, You Should Be Too – Rob Schwarzwalder, The Stream
How We are Turning Politics Into Religion, Again – David Quinn, Mercatornet
Hamilton: The Problem Child Founding Father – Don. R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Gettysburg Addresses – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Why We Need a Better Way to Measure Poverty – Joe Carter, Acton Institute
Bondage: The Red/Blue Divide in State Borrowing – Steven Malanga, City Journal Magazine
T.S. Eliot, Populist – Robert C. Koons, First Things
How Al Smith & FDR Countered the KKK & Anti-Catholic Prejudice in Politics – Aleteia
4 Ways Protestants Approach the Government (Video) – Fr. Ben Johnson, Transatlantic Blog
Why Teen Suicide Is Lower in States That Have More School Choice – Kerry McDonald, FEE
Podcast: How Religion Sustains The West’s Democratic Ideals – The Federalist
Religious Liberty Seen as Key to Societal Advancement Around the World – Kurt Jensen, Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Top 9 Most Prestigious Catholic Universities/Colleges in the U.S.

. . .If you grew up in a Catholic household or attended a Catholic secondary school, then a Catholic university will feel familiar.  Besides familiarity, Catholic universities offer many other advantages for the young faithful student.  Many emphasize service to others, Mass, & a structured environment, as well as traditional scholarly pursuits. . .

by Laurel Whitworth,

of Catholic Lane

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Newest Seminarians for San Bernardino Diocese – California Catholic Daily
4 Incredible Pieces of Catholic Restoration Art to Remind You of the Eucharist – epicPew
This Powerful Prayer by St. Faustina is Perfect for the Church in Crisis – ChurchPOP
Weaving the Liturgical Year Into the Fabric of Family Life – Catherine Harmon, The CWR
Churches Worth Driving To – California Catholic Daily
The Saints On Purgatory & Hope in the Afterlife – Fr. Joseph M. Esper, Catholic Exchange
Does God Care How We Worship? – Brian Holdsworth, uCatholic
Heroic Priests: Lest We Forget – Tom Collingwood, Catholic Stand
Why This Princess Chose the Poor, Service & Charity Over Wealth & Her Crown – ChurchPOP
Can My Care, Be Considered a Prayer? – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
The Final Judgment: Readings for the 33rd Sunday of OT Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D.
Beautiful Newly-Made Vestments at the Catholic Arts Exhibition – New Liturgical Movement
Tradition is for the Young: A New Regular TLM in Mississippi – New Liturgical Movement
Sudan Christians Released after Arrest, Torture for Converting from Islam – The C. World Rprt
Sacristy Tips: Constructing a Catafalque for the Requiem Mass – Liturgical Arts Journal
Only Religion Could have Inspired the Beauties of Venice – Francis Phillips, Catholic Herald
St. Giuseppe Moscati: A Holy Doctor – Louis Merrie, Catholic Exchange
What Makes a “Holiday”? A Theory of Festivity – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Why Homosexualists Hate Papa Ratzinger So Much

. . .Fr. John Hunwicke has at his place a thoughtful piece about why some people hate Papa Ratzinger so very much.  I think he has it right.  He reposted some items which still hold up. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Fr. C. Martins: I’m Not Expressing Political Opinions, I’m Expressing Moral Opinions – RCM
Five Biblical Lists of Mortal Sins – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
No One Lives on a Bridge: How to Accompany Those With Same-Sex Attraction – Fr Bochanski
The Future of American Sexuality & Family: Five Key Trends – Mark Regnerus Ph.D., Pub Dis
We Need to Take the Dangers of Pornography Seriously – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Ph.D., CH
Eastern Prelate Urges ‘Prudence’ on Married Priests – John L. Allen Jr. & Ines San Martin, Crux
Britain Rediscovers the Rosary – Simon Caldwell, Catholic Herald
Were the Bereans “Bible Alone”? – Steve Ray, Defenders of the Catholic Faith
The Chinese Social Monitoring System & Why Americans Should Take Note – Mercatornet
Russell Kirk: Convert & Catholic – Bradley J. Birzer, The Catholic World Report
A Decade of Acceleration & Resentment: Cultural Impact of Ideology of Equality – R.J. Snell
The Attacks on Nigeria’s Christians Continue – Jeremy Weber, Christianity Today
#IGiveCatholic – The Digital Wave That’s Raising Millions – Brice Sokolowski, Cthlc Fundraiser
What are the Symbols of the Four Evangelists? – Fr. William Saunders, Catholic Exchange
6 Ways to Wear Heels Without Biting the Dust – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Theology of the Body & Digital Media – Sister Helena Burns, Hell Burns
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

That Time a Demon Invaded the Confessional, & a Porn Addict was Released

. . .a couple days later after the incident in the confessional, Rob went to see him.  Turns out he was the diocesan exorcist.  “I sensed something strange was going on in there,” the priest told him.  “I prayed a minor exorcism over you”. . .

by Stephen Mirarchi,

of epicPew

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Something Happened in Baltimore Today, It Was Heroic, Watch! – Fr. Richard Heilman, RCM
A Catholic Bishop Not Recognized by the Gov’t of Communist China Arrested – Mar. Respinti
Elder Resisted Euthanasia, Family Held Her Down; Now Dr. Under Investigation – X. Symons
The Error That “Funerals Are for the Living, Not the Dead” – J.M. Grondelski Ph.D., NC Register
NFL’s Philip Rivers Inspires All With Latin Phrase – J.P. Mauro, Aleteia
I Would Rather Be Cleaned – Janet Meyer, Catholic Stand
Queering Science – Mark Regenerus Ph.D., First Things
Where Angels Fear to Tread: The Fraud of Transgenderism – Babette Francis & Jn. Ballantyne
How to Refute Moral Relativism – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Introduction to the Theology of the Mass (Essence & Delivery) – David L. Gray, DavidLGray.info
Is the Church in Spain in Danger of Losing Part of Its Real Estate? – Francesco Paloni, Crux
Why the U.S. Bishops Strongly Backed an Anti-Racism Pastoral Letter – CNA via The CWR
Harvard Students Hold Catholic Sex Week to Explain Church Teaching – CNA via The CWR
Getting Formation Right – Fr. Thomas V. Berg, First Things
The Church in Northeastern India Has Grown in Surprising Ways – John Burger, Aleteia
On Subsidiarity – Pope Pius XI, The Catholic Thing
Kendra Tierney Interview, Author of The Catholic All Year Compendium – Favorite Cthlc Things
Pakistani Christians, an Embattled Minority – Associated Press via Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Jim Martin’s Favorite Catholic LGBT Ministry Reading Book about Two Abused Boys Who Begin a Homosexual Relationship

. . .the book tells the story of two very different 16-year old boys, Jim & Doyler.  With the backdrop of political & social upheaval in early 20th century Ireland, these two wayward & abused young men begin a friendship that eventually results in intimate relations.  While Jim is naive & shy, Doyler is more outgoing.  Jim attends a Catholic school where one of his teachers is a religious named “Brother Polycarp.” According to one reviewer, “Jim is too innocent to realise how he is being groomed by Brother Polycarp.”  In the meantime, the more streetwise Doyler meets an older gay man who pays the teenage boy for. . .

by Joseph Sciambra

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Heads Will Roll! A New “You Won’t Believe Your Eyes Ugly” Altar – Fr. Z’s Blog
Incredible Painting Depicting Face of Jesus Found in Ruins of Ancient Israeli Church – uCthlc
Millennials, Authenticity, & the Latin Mass – Jake Neu, Crisis Magazine
St. Louis Ballerina Raffaella Stroik’s Body Found in Mark Twain Lake – Doyle Murphy, RFT
Fr. Zed Muses on Millennials, Authenticity, & the Latin Mass – Fr. Z’s Blog
Synodality Up in Smoke, Exercises of Pontifical Monarchy in the U.S. & China – San. Magister
Bishop Richard Malone of Buffalo Criticized for $200,000 House Renovation – The CWR
We Need to Think More Like Jesus; Dr. Ray Guarendi Book Review – Pt. Socks, Catholic Stand
Albertus Magnus – Amy Welborn, Charlotte Was Both
Powerful Pieta – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
The Value of Black as a Liturgical Colour – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
The United Nations Seeks to Define Abortion & Assisted Suicide as a ‘Human Right’ – Crux
Cause of Fr. Pedro Arrupe ‘to Open in February’ – Cindy Wooden, Catholic Herald
How Does a Saint become “the Great”? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Perhaps No One Shows Better the Faith-Science Alliance Than St. Albert the Great – Aleteia
Despite Asia Bibi’s Historic Acquittal, Pakistan’s Catholic Leaders Remain Silent – NCRegister
Rembrandt’s Biblical Works on Display in Denver – John Burger, Aleteia
Don’t Let Fear & Scandal Kill Charity – Constance T. Hull, Catholic Exchange
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Standing Athwart History: Can We Stop the Decline of the West?

. . .that Western culture is in an advanced state of decay is, but a consciousness of this decay goes back further than many people are probably aware.  In his 1997 book The Idea of Decline in Western History, historian Arthur Herman reveals the many phases of declinism in Western thought dating all the way back to the aftermath of the French Revolution.  (Around that time, the German writer Friedrich Schlegel went so far as to suggest that the atrocities of the Reign of Terror signaled that the “drama of human history” was drawing to a close.)  The thrust of Mr. Herman’s book is that declinism & decline theory poisoned Western thought, & decline became a self-fulfilling prophecy.  He treats the history of cultural pessimism from a variety of angles: industrialization, racial pessimism, & eco-pessimism are among them.  One motif that struck a chord with me is the idea that “material comfort & opulence have drained away all creativity & life” from the West—a theme that emerged with the onset of the Industrial Revolution & the Romantic movement & that still resonates today. . .

by Michael De Sapio

How Islamist Immigration Changes Britain: Asia Bibi Denied Entry – Douglas Murray
Islamicized Britain – Rod Dreher
Mothers Against Macron – Joy Pullman, First Things
Revisiting Harvey Milk, Jim Jones, & San Francisco’s 10 Days of Violence – Kyle Sammin, TF
Half the World’s Countries are Not Reproducing Themselves – Marcus Roberts, Mercatornet
Sweden’s Ambivalence on Immigration – Fredrik Sixtensson & Tom Gunnarsson, Amrcn Affairs
British Muslim Leaders Call for the U.K. To Give Asia Bibi Asylum – Zelda Caldwell, Aleteia
Everyone in the West Should Be Concerned About Asia Bibi – Charlotte Gill, Telegraph
Appeasing Islamists Will Only Make Europe More Dangerous – Helen Raleigh, The Federalist
Camps for Uyghurs, “Schools” Or Jails? Exclusive Report, Photos, & Footage – Li Zaili, BW
Will China’s Neighbors Speak Out on Its Uyghur Issues? – Sarah Brooks, The Diplomat
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time