Big Pulpit

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

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