Big Pulpit

Does This Ancient Prayer Release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory? Here’s the Astonishing Truth

. . .St. Gertrude the Great, a German mystic, theologian, & nun, said that Jesus told her that the following prayer releases “a vast number of souls from purgatory” each time it is said. . .

from ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Jesuits Against Focolarini, Beatification of Chiara Lubich in Doubt – Sandro Magister, Settimo. . .
Are You a Schismatic If You Disagree with the Pope (e.g., Cardinal Burke)? – Steve Ray, DofCF
Asia Bibi: Pakistan’s Test Case – John Pontifex, Catholic Herald
Is Celibacy Really Superior to Marriage? – J.P. Nunez, Catholic Exchange
The Prodigal Daughter – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
Red China: Nothing Changes, 4 Catholic Priests Arrested – Marco Respinti, Bitter Winter
Who’s In Charge of a Diocese When There’s No Bishop? – Cathy Caridi J.C.L., Canon Law Made. . .
In Red China, the Price for Faith: Beaten, Homeless, & Penniless – Jiang Tao, Bitter Winter
Difficult Moral Questions: May I Invest in Cannabis? – E. Christian Brugger Ph.D., NC Register
Catholic Mother Asia Bibi Moved From Prison to Islamabad Amid Death Threats – NC Register
What Are Gregorian Masses for the Dead? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Everyday Costs of Discipleship – Constance T. Hull, Catholic Exchange
The Thanksgiving Turkey Theory of Education – Edvard Lorkovic, Crisis Magazine
2018 Midterms: Catholic Vote Split, Pro-Life Amendments Adopted – Ch. Rousselle, NC Register
Promises Worth Sharing; A Book Review – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
White House Announces New Conscience Exemptions for Contraceptive Mandate – Cthlc Herald
How to Fundraise, Without the Heavy Lifting – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Know Thyself Part IV: Love One Another – Christian Daru, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Are the Wheels Falling Off the Transgender Juggernaut?

. . .in a surprising move, ‘The Economist’ expresses grave reservations. . .

by Michael Cook,

of Mercatornet

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
A Note on the Other Kind of Schism – Edward N. Peters J.C.D. J.D., In the Light of the Law
Two Kinds of Jesuits – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Every Red State Democratic Who Voted Against Justice Kavanaugh Was Defeated – Chris White
Against Moralistic Therapeutic Totalitarianism – Rod Dreher
The Lourdes Miracle That Brought a Nobel Prize-winning Doctor to Faith – Lin. Rudegeair, Aleteia
The Bishop Who Reaped a Hundred-Fold – Catholic News Agency via The Catholic World Report
A Reaction to a First Traditional Latin Mass – Fr. Z’s Blog
Mitre & Gloves of Bishop Karol Józef Wojtyła – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
6 Practical Steps Every Catholic Can Take for Spiritual Perfection – Laura Hensley, epicPew
What is an Annulment, Really? – María Álvarez de las Asturias, Aleteia
What Mary Can Teach Us About Death – Jeannie Ewing, Catholic Exchange
Food, Sex, God, & Nature – Marty Dybicz, Catholic Stand
My Resurrection: Coming Forward as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse – Maria Sage, Catholic Link
African Fertility is Right Where It Should Be – Lyman Stone, Mercatornet
What Good Is It? – Carol Monaco, Catholic Stand
The Truth of What It Is to Be Human – Sofia Abasolo, Catholic Stand
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Human Rights Advocates: The U.N. Must Address Chinese Internment Camps – CNA via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Why Did Padre Pio Say This “Secret Weapon” Prayer Every Day?

. . .the legendary mystic & stigmatic Padre Pio was distinctly known for his devout prayer life, calling it the best weapon we possess, the key that opens the heart of God.  Why did Padre Pio say this “secret weapon” prayer every day? . . .

by Billy Ryan,

of uCatholic

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
More Bones Found at the Vatican Embassy – Chloe Langr, epicPew
These 4 Catholic Charities Made the Top 100 Largest in the U.S. – Melissa Guerrero, epicPew
FSSP Sees Growth 10 Years After Summorum Pontificum – S. Beale, National Catholic Register
Italy to Help Asia Bibi Leave Pakistan as Pressure Mounts to Grant Her Asylum – Edward Pentin
Clear Creek Abbey Chant Weekend – Janet Gorbitz, New Liturgical Movement
A Valuable New Book Sets Forth the Gift of the Priestly Blessing – Msgr. Charles Pope, CiM
Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil: ‘I Have Witnessed the Power of Prayer’ – CNA via Catholic Herald
Holy Communion Prepares You for Heaven – St. Peter Julian Eymard, Catholic Exchange
Cardinal O’Malley Elected Chairman of Papal Foundation – Han. Brockhaus, CNA via NC Register
The Quantum Catholic: Do Quantum & Religious Mysteries Intersect? – R. Kurland Ph.D., C. Stand
Carmelite Spirituality: Solitude & Prayer – Sister Laus Gloriae O.C.D., The Integrated Catholic Life™
Why the Holy Land is the ‘Fifth Gospel’ of Christianity – CNA via The Catholic World Report
Acting on Faith: Readings for 32nd Sun. O.T. Readings Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D., TSP
People Unable to Give have become Slaves to Possessions, Pope Francis Says – Carol Glatz, CNS
Love & Time – Noel Ethan Tan, Ignitum Today
The Prodigal Son: Learning Our Father’s Scandalous Love – Dan Byron, Catholic Stand
Pope Francis Says Entrepreneurship is Needed in the Face of Scandalous Poverty – The CWR
The Artist is Prophet & Poet – Vatican News
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

A Deeper Look at the Final Synod Document Raises Questions about Sources, Analysis, Emphasis

. . .why so few references to the writings of St. Pope John Paul II?  Why no consideration of liturgical abuses?  How prevalent is “paternalism”?  What does it mean to say young people are “theological fonts”? . . .

by Father Nicholas Gregoris, Ma.L. Ma.D.,

of The Catholic World Report

The Vatican Faces Gaggle of Bitter Women – One Mad Mom
“I’ll Take ‘25,000 Words of Blah Blah & Landmines’, for 200, Please, Alex!” – Fr. Z’s Blog
Clerical Machiavellians with Magical Beliefs – William Kilpatrick, Crisis Magazine
Contrasts of Projected Visions of the Church – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Wanderer: A Synod (“Walking Together”) of Clichés – Fr. Z’s Blog
A Failure to Communicate? Definitely! – One Mad Mom
Youth Synod Final Document: Five Areas of Concern – Edward Pentin, National Catholic Register
Video: Analysis of Synod 2018 by Robert Royal & Fr. Gerald Murray – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Synod Final Document: A Rush to Judgment – Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, Ntnl Cthlc Register
Brian Holdsworth on “Keeping Youth in the Church” – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Brave New Church: Can Catholicism be Decentralized? – Fr. Mark Drew, Catholic Herald
Pandering to Young People Does Not Win Them Over to the Church – ChurchPOP
Synodality & Sexuality: What the Synod Document Said & Didn’t Say – Ed Condon J.C.L., Cth. Hrld
The Synod Final Report Released, Addresses Gender, Sexuality – Hannah Brockhaus, NC Register
Despite Pope Francis’s Best Efforts, Synod Lacked Any Sense of Urgency – Fr. de Souza, C. Herald
Young People Want the Authentic Faith – Nicholas LaBanca, Catholic Stand
Reflections from Down Under: Interview with Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney – Edw. Pentin
What Our Kids Really Want – Cynthia Millen, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Divide That Runs Through America Is Religious

. . .although somewhat overshadowed by the allegory of the Cave, the myth of the ring of Gyges, & other powerful images found in Plato’s Republic, the account of the ship of fools is still memorable & compelling.  While Socrates—the Athenian philosopher & mentor of Plato—is discussing with his young friends the nature of justice & the ideal political community, he finds it necessary to describe one of the perennial dilemmas of mankind—corrupt, ignorant leadership. . .

by Jerry D. Slayer,

of Crisis Magazine

No Blue Wave Yet Troubles Are Ahead – Bruce Frohnen, Crisis Magazine
Pro-Lifers Claim Election Night Victories – John Burger, Aleteia
Will Kavanaugh’s Court Turn a New Chapter on Roe v. Wade? – Peter Jesserer Smith, NC Register
Oregon Votes to Force Residents to Fund Abortions Up to Birth – Steven Ertelt & Mic. Bilger, LN
While Americans Pretend To Be Oppressed, The Chinese Run Concentration Camps – Dv. Marcus
What Is Classical Liberalism? – Ralph Raico, Mises Wire
Alabama Decision Urges SCOTUS to Revisit Roe v. Wade – Rachel Alexander, The Stream
2018 Midterms Reflect a Nation Divided – Matthew E. Bunson, National Catholic Register
Alabama Approves Amendment Saying Unborn Babies Have a “Right to Life” – Steven Ertelt, LN
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Ten Ways to Prepare for a Holy Death

. . .the most important moment in our life is the very moment that we die. . .

by Father Edward Broom, O.M.V.,

of Catholic Exchange

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville to Defy the U.S. Govt. – Sister Bernadette Mary Reis F.S.P.
Against Inevitable Adultery – Dan Hitchens, First Things
Fr. Ripperger on “Levels of Spiritual Warfare” – Fr. Richard Heilman, Roman Catholic Man
Two California Bishops Nominated to Lead USCCB Committees – California Catholic Daily
The Vision at Knock & the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Fr. Seán Connolly, The Catholic World Report
Young Americans Aren’t Too Poor To Have Kids. They’re Just Chicken – Jessica Burke, The Fdrlst
A Mission to Change San Francisco – California Catholic Daily
10 Timeless Names for Your Baby Boy Inspired by Historical Popes – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
In Wealthy San Francisco, Treatment of Homeless Draws U.N. Condemnation – CNA via The CWR
On Retribution – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic Thing
Why Muslim Media She Away from Covering Uighur Persecution Story – Ira Rifkin, Get Religion
Resisting “Transgenderism”, with Truth & Love – Joanna Bogle, The Catholic World Report
Catholic Traditions & Treasures – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Asia Bibi’s Husband Begs U.S. to Offer Asylum – CNA/EWTN News via National Catholic Register
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Pope Francis Appoints a New Archbishop for Cotabato in the Philippines – Vatican News
Red China: Over 200 Church Members Arrested Since the Summer – Lin Yijiang, Bitter Winter
White House Declares National Adoption Month, Says Every Child is Wanted – CNA via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Book Review: Black Bottle Man

. . .what do you do when your two childless aunts sell their souls to become pregnant?  According to Black Bottle Man, you cut a deal with the devil & spend the next eighty years trying to find a champion who can beat him at his own game. . .

a guest post by Karen Ullo,

of Dappled Things

via Ignitum Today

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
On Election Day, The Pope’s U.S. “Midterms” – Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia
How I Went From Typical College Party Girl To Catholic Missionary – Abby Haarmann, Cthlc Link
When the Church is Silent, We Support Sexual Immorality – W. Ross Blackburn Ph.D., the HLR
Why Doesn’t God Give Everyone Faith? – Brother Dominic Koester O.P., Dominicana
Why the Rosary is Not “Vain Repetition” – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Catholic Register
God is in Control: Responding to the Present Evils – Mark C. McCann, Catholic Stand
Seven Aspects of Mary’s Sanctity – Peter Kreeft Ph.D., The Integrated Catholic Life™
Expert, Progressive Opinion on Children & Sexual Revisionism: Wrong & Highly Unethical – TS
A New Adoration Chapel Inspired by the Portiuncula in Assisi – D. Clayton, New Liturgical Mvmnt
Asia Bibi’s Family: ‘We No Longer have Anything to Eat’ – Jn. Newton & M. Petrosillo, Cthlc Herald
The Hell of Drug Addiction – Sebastian James, Mercatornet
St. Joseph, Our Patron of a Happy Death – Fr. Maurice Meschler, Catholic Exchange
How You Can Offer a Plenary Indulgence for the Souls in Purgatory This Week – ChurchPOP
Why You Should Visit a Cemetery November 1-8 – Melissa Guerrero, epicPew
Press On: The Virtuous Power of Endurance – Pat Archer, The Catholic Gentleman
For Many Franciscans, “Advent” Begins After All Saints Day – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Asia Bibi’s Acquittal Challenged in Pakistan Supreme Court – Simon Caldwell, Catholic Herald
Communist China: The List of the Xie Jiao, the Main Tool of Religious Persecution – M. Introvigne
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Seán Cardinal O’Malley Cop-Out on Transgender Bathroom Bill

. . .Here it is, one day before election day, & Cardinal O’Malley, Boston Auxiliary Bishops Robert Reed & Mark O’Connell, & all of the Massachusetts bishops have completely caved & copped-out on voicing even a word of opposition to the transgender bathroom bill.  Not a peep!  A good friend of the Boston Catholic Insider (BCI) said yesterday that’s exactly what they would have expected, but BCI & other faithful Catholics are still mad. . .

from the Boston Catholic Insider

What If We Listened to the ‘Progressive’ Christians? – Michael Brown Ph.D., The Stream
More Than Just Another Election, This is a Fight for the Soul of America – Fr. Richard Heilman
Are Pro-Trump Christians Putting Country Before Christ? – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
These Pro-Life Senate Candidates Aren’t Ashamed to Say They’re Pro-Life – Micaiah Bilger, LN
Supreme Court to Consider Whether War Memorial ‘Endorses Religion’ – C. Zimmerman, C. Herald
Election Night Open Thread – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
5 Facts About Midterm Elections – Joe Carter, Acton Institute
Placing Politics in a Larger Spiritual Context – Stephen Fitzpatrick, Crisis Magazine
The Mid-Term Election: Deep at the Heart of Texas – Al Perrotta, The Stream
4 Ways St. Faustina Shows Us How to Pray for Our Country – Carrie Gress Ph.D., NC Register
An Elections Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary – Peter Darcy, Catholic Stand
Care about Life, Family, Our Country. . .? – Steve Ray, Catholic Defenders of the Faith
Austin City Council Give a 20-Year Lease to Planned Parenthood – Christina Vazquez, Life News
Unconditional Love In The Voting Booth – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
Why We Should be Grateful to Religious Groups at Election Time – John O. McGinnis J.D., Law. . .
America, Defend Life – Lauren Enriquez, The Stream
Adoration for Election at St. Mary of Pine Bluff – Fr. Richard Heilman, Roman Catholic Man
Martin Luther King Jr. Niece Alveda King Urges Americans to Vote Pro-Life – Steven Ertelt, Lf Nws
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Against Catchphrase Theology

by Nicholas Senz,

of The Catholic Thing

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
9 Years Into Common Core, Test Scores Are Down, Indoctrination Up – Joy Pullman, The Fdrlst
Is the Didache the Key to Understanding Paul’s Judaizers Issue? – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
A Northern Italian Romanesque Monastery – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Communists Act Like Communists – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
“With the Help of the State” – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Crisis Magazine
Racism, the Flint Water Crises, & the Midterm Elections – Gene M. Van Son, Catholic Stand
The Funerary Rites of James II – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Jesuit Plantation Among Sites Discovered on Navy Lands in Maryland – John Burger, Aleteia
The White House to Revise Exemptions to Contraception Mandate – National Catholic Register
Late Medieval English Vestments – Allan Barton, Liturgical Arts Journal
The Cross of Absences – Paul Kniaz, Catholic Stand
Red China Has the Most Massive Population Surveillance System in the World – Helen Raleigh, TF
Praying for Those Who Have Died Is a Work of Mercy – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
Do Transhumanists Need a Bill of Rights? – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
Customs of Martinmas – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Abortion Still at Issue in Several Midterm Races – Cthlc News Agency via National Cthlc Register
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Pain & Prayer – Nathalie Fernandez, Ignitum Today
Scandals, Saints, Vatican II, & Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person – Cathy G. Knipper, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Belligerent Man Charges Altar During EWTN Live Mass, CEO Michael Warsaw Issues Statement

. . .looking completely startled & somewhat scared, Fr. Menezes still managed to keep his composure during the incident.  What a brave man! . . .

from ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
A Cry of the Heart to Our Bishops: Please Restore Order to the Church! – National Cthlc Register
The Secret To Sparking A Catholic Renewal – Caitlin Bootsma, uCatholic
Birettas & Berettas – Fr. Z’s Blog
About that Migrant Caravan & Welcoming Immigrants – Gene M. Van Son, Catholic Stand
How Contrary Orientations Signify Contradictory Theologies – Peter A. Kwasniewski Ph.D., NLM
Spiritual Tips on How to Foster Humility & Be Less Prideful – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Norbertines Open Door to the Abbey with a New Digital Platform – Claire Giangravè, Crux
Troubadour for the Lord, Off the Shelf with John Michael Talbot – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
How Many Migrants Can a Nation Absorb? – John Paul Meenan, Crisis Magazine
Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Swayed To Vote For Pro-Abortion Democratics – Amanda Sherzer
North Korea: A Hotbed of . . . Christianity? – Ray Kavanaugh, Aleteia
Beauty & Crucial Role of Monastic Liturgies – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
Gender Ideologues Threaten Alberta’s Christian Schools – Joseph Woodward, Crisis Magazine
Govt Hostility to Religious Foster Parents Deprives Children of Love – Kathryn J. Lopez, The Strm
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Indian Christians to Celebrate Dalit Liberation Sunday on November 11 – R. Gomes, Vatican News
Scandals, Saints, Vatican II, & Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
The Harvest is Plentiful – Nicholas Lye, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time