Big Pulpit

The Great Schism That Could Pull the European Union Apart

. . .Europe is once again divided – this time between liberalism’s defenders in the west & north, & states in the south & east who increasingly reject it. . .

by Timothy Less,

of the NewStatesman

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Church Restoration in Rochester, New York – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
The Seams of Civilization are Tearing – Matthew Archbold, National Catholic Register
Robert Spencer & the Religion of Terror – Jeffrey Rubin, Crisis Magazine
10 More Good Basic Books for Theology – Fr. John P. Cush, National Catholic Register
Time to Rediscover the Idea of the Soldier of Christ – Deacon James H. Toner, Crisis Magazine
Arlington Bishop to Homeschooling Families: “Thank You” – Patrick Kelly, National Cthlc Register
What “Forgive & Forget” Really Means – Sophia Feingold, National Catholic Register
How the Beauty of Catholic Art Helped to Rescue the Church from Confusion – E. Lev, Cthlc Hrld
Apologist Matthew Arnold on Virgin Most Powerful Radio – Jim Graves, National Catholic Register
The Great News about Pregnancy Centers – Maria M. Maffucci, the Human Life Review
This Charity is Rebuilding the Catholic Cathedrals of Aleppo, Syria – Maria Lozano, Aleteia
Confidence: Building Hope, Raising Donations – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Boldness & Passion – Shane Dwyer, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Wigan Teacher Who Bore the Stigmata

. . .her Cause is currently stalled, but bishops are taking a renewed interest in Teresa Higginson. . .

by Simon Caldwell,

of Catholic Herald

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
7 Hidden Secrets of the Rosary You Might Not Know – Mike Panlilio, epicPew
Before & After: St. Stanislaus Oratory, Milwaukee – Sh. R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Armies Collapse & Empires Crumble at the Feet of the Saints – Fr. G. Rutler Th.D. Ph.D.
The Feast of St. Raphael the Archangel – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Advent Customs: St. Barbara’s Branches (Barbarazweige) – Liturgical Arts Journal
Symbols of the Four Evangelists – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
The Unique Language of Liturgical Prayer or What is a Venti Frappuccino – Adoremus
The Legend of Saint Ursula – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Patron Saint Spotlight: St. Padre Pio – Laurel Whitworth, Catholic Stand
Prayer with Scripture Is Not Just for Monks – Dom Cingoranelli, Catholic Stand
A Lesson on Generosity – Nathalie Fernandez, Ignitum Today
1600: An Ambrosian Gift to the Holy Land – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Crisis of the Catholic Church Under Pope Francis

A Symposium Conducted by Michael Brendan Dougherty

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
52 Catholic Puns & Dad Jokes That Will Make You Laugh Hysterically – epicPew
Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth & Two Kinds of American Catholicism – Catholic Herald
A Priest is Just a Man, Imprinted with a Sacramental Character – S. Spencer, NC Register
Fatima Visionaries’ Terrifying Vision of Hell – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
What “Coming Out” Really Means – Jim Russell, Crisis Magazine
An Exorcist Explains Demonic Possession & Vexation –  Catholic Spiritual Direction
On Gallicanism & Ultramontanism – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
“A Bloody Habit” Artfully Combines Humor, Horror & the Truth about Evil – The CWR
7 Exorcism Prayers to Cast Out a Demonic Presence – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Reflections of a Plant Mom – Liesl Bee, Ignitum Today
Confidence: Building Hope, Raising Donations – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Change of Address – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Tradition & the Liturgy of the Hours

. . .the reform of the Divine Office in the Roman rite ordered by the Second Vatican Council, & which took place between 1964 & 1971, was just as drastic & thoroughgoing as the reform of the Mass that resulted in the 1970 Roman Missal under Pope St. Paul VI, commonly referred to as the “ordinary form” of the Roman Rite today. . .

by Tom B.,

of tom’s digest

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Cardinal’s Home Attacked, Security Guard Shot Dead – David Agren, Catholic Herald
Why are They Leaving Honduras, Cardinal Maradiaga? – Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
Oscott Seminary Rejects ‘Gay Subculture’ Claims – Catholic Herald
Making Reparations: Tradition of a So-Called Bygone Era Needs to Come Back – S Jacobs
Theresa May is Wrong, Transgenderism is a Mental Health Issue – Rick Thomas, Mrctrnt
Bishop Mic. A. Smith, Obl.S.B., of North Dakota to Retire – J.B. Pauley, St. Benet Oblates
Catechism of the Catholic Church Presented in Video Form – Aleteia
Pro-Lifer Now Leads Pro-Abort Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill – Molly Prince, Life Nws
On the Crackdown on China’s Underground Priests – Lin Yijiang, Bitter Winter
Back in Print: Classic Liturgical Commentaries, Bestselling Vocations Pamphlet – NLM
Gosnell Producer Asks Pro-Lifers to Watch Film & Beat Hollywood – D. Andruzko, Lf Nws
Humility in the Apostolate – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Confidence: Building Hope, Raising Donations – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
From Vermeule to Newman – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Catholic Herald is Launching in America

. . .will celebrate the riches of Catholicism & promote accountability in the Church. . .

by William Cash,

of Catholic Herald

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Boston Parish Pushes Transgender “Rights” & Men Using Women’s Bathrooms – BCI
The Collapse of Dutch Mass Attendance – Fr. Z’s Blog
The “Devil’s Chord”: A Forbidden Medieval Musical Sequence – Daniel Esparza, Aleteia
The Muddled Thinking of the Liberal Christian – Regis Nicol, Crisis Magazine
Police Arrest Girls Who Plotted Satanic Killing at Florida School – Jn. Burger, Aleteia
This Day is Called the Feast of Crispian. . . – Fr. Z’s Blog
Proposed IRS Rule Change Might Hit Donations for Catholic School Tuition – CNS via Crux
Looking for a Holy Spouse? This Prayer May Help! – ChurchPOP
Rome-China Deal is a Step to End of the Real Church in China – Cardinal Zen, NYTimes
This App is Like Pokemon Go! Meets the Saints, We Tried It Out – Jes. McAfee, epicPew
The Holy Nails: Relics of the Crucifixion? – Tho. L. McDonald, National Catholic Register
Joe Manchin Won’t Help Amendment Defunding Taxpayer-Funded Abortions – Life News
20/20 Vision: The Readings for the 30th Sun. in OT Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D.
God Is Neither Republican Nor Democrat – Michael Brown, The Stream
Why Christians Believe in Resurrection, Not Reincarnation – CNA via Catholic Herald
For a Season Or For a Lifetime – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
Confidence: Building Hope, Raising Donations – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Is it Possible for Doctors to be Neutral on Physician-Assisted Suicide? – M. Cook, Mrctrnt
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Why Catholic Teaching Is ‘Increasingly Embarrassing’ to Church Leaders, Part I

. . .philosophy professor Thomas Pink explains why forgetting that we live in a fallen, unconverted world of largely unbaptized people has led many Church leaders to falsely believe the Church can peacefully dialogue with it. . .

by Edward Pentin

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Case of the Missing Veil – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
What Happens to Babies Who Die Before Baptism? – Birgit Jones
On “Why?” – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic Thing
It’s Scientific! – Pat Cross, PatCrossCartoons.com
Modern Polish Chasuble, Mid-Twentieth Century – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
Is Gender Equality a Self-Defeating Goal? – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
In this Cemetery, After Dark, Students Pray for the Dead – Perry West, Catholic Herald
Modern Design Principles: Cacophony & Monotony. . . What About Harmony? – NLM
Does Turning the Other Cheek Equate to Weakness? – Jason Craig, Those Catholic Men
Biblical Evidence for Veneration of Saints & Images – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
Is It Morally Acceptable to Celebrate Halloween? – Birgit Jones
C.S. Lewis & Aristotle on Civic Friendship – Micah Watson, Public Discourse
FSSP Anniversary Celebrations in Rome & Mexico – G. DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Prosaic Relics – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Journaling the Faith, Off the Shelf with Allison Gingras – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Pro-Life with a Purpose – Todd Nolan, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Pope Francis Removes Bishop Holley as Head of Memphis Diocese

. . .Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisvile, Kentucky, was appointed the temporary administrator. . .

by Hannah Brockhaus

of the Catholic News Agency & EWTN News

via the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
McCarrick, Viganò, & the Next Archbishop of Washington – Joan F. Desmond, NC Register
Priest & Key Witness in the Nun Rape Case Found Dead – The Catholic World Report
The Vatican Laying the Groundwork for Married Priest Debate – Nicole Winfield
San Francisco Jesuit Church to Host ‘Gay Men’s Chorus’ – California Catholic Daily
Why Didn’t Press Spot Royal ‘Fetus Bump’? – Terry Mattingly, Get Religion
Why Fundamentalist Protestants are Wrong on Dispensationalism – Steve Ray
Pennsylvania Nuns Ask Supreme Court to Uphold Their Religious Rights – CNS via Crux
A Public Church, Not a Partisan Church – George Weigel, First Things
Preparing for Advent: The Custom of the Advent Wreath – Liturgical Arts Journal
The Season of the Dead: The Origins & Practice of Allhallowtide – T. McDonald, The CWR
5 Ways to Start Thinking Like St. Thomas Aquinas – Chloe Langr, epicPew
“Town Hall” Meeting with Bishop O’Connell, Oct 25 in Wakefield – Boston Cthlc Insider
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Supreme Court May Hear Another Wedding Cake Case – CNA via Catholic Herald
HHS Considers Defining Sex Based on Birth, Genetics – National Catholic Register
Science & Catholic Teaching: Human Life, Sacred from Conception to Birth – Cth. Stand
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
El Salvador: Arrest Warrant Issued for Murder Suspect of St. Oscar Romero – N. Renteria
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Stare of Medusa & the Return Gaze of Christ

. . .it is just one of Nietzsche’s many bon mots that if one stares at evil long enough it looks back.  As is usual with Nietzsche there is an implied boast.  We divide into the strong & the weak depending on whether we can or are willing to endure this look or looking back.  Nietzsche leaves us in no doubt as to which camp he belongs in, even if with all the bravado about amor fati we sometimes get the impression in reading him that he is expecting as much our pity as our admiration.  Still, the aphorism is powerful, & it is powerful not only because it is scintillating in its expression, but because it is experientially apt. . .

by Cyril O’Regan, Ph.D.,

of Church Life Journal

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Church Is Not a Denomination – R. Jared Staudt Ph.D., Those Catholic Men
The Bookish Life: How to Read & Why – Joseph Epstein, First Things
Cardinal Gibbons’ Nod To Bishop Challoner – Kevin Di Camillo, National Catholic Register
What Our Church Buildings Say About Us – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
The Nicene Creed: Explained! – Will Wright, Catholic Link
Anti-Catholicism in Early America & the Burning of a Convent – Bradley J. Birzer Ph.D.
Why Do Franciscan Friars Wear Brown? – J.P. Mauro, Aleteia
Understanding Law with Thomas Aquinas – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Law and Liberty
Time for a ‘Year of Truth & Transparency’ – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
Mary is Ever Virgin – Carlos Caso-Rosendi
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
On Sacred Time – Aelredus Rievallensis, Canticum Salomonis
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Knights of Columbus Teams with U.S. Government to Assist Christians in Iraq – J. Burger
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Contemporary Life Is Not Just Unreal—It’s Irreal

. . .you look over your fence and see your neighbor in his backyard, with a big pot over a roaring fire.  Clouds of steam are rising from it, & they bring to you the sharp sweet smell of something cooking, something you know very well, but somehow it doesn’t fit the scene. . .

by Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D.,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Have You Heard These Lies? You Can Set the Record Straight – Cthlc Spiritual Direction
Historical-Critical Qur’an – Fr. Paul V. Mankowski S.J., First Things
Don’t Name Your Guardian Angel – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
A Catholic Problem: The Teaching of Logic – Jay Toups, Hope in the Storm
A False Paradigm: Against the De-Hellenization of Christianity – Michael Hanby Ph.D.
When Exactly Did The Church Begin? – David La Mar, Those Catholic Men
The Lay Vocation & Subordination to the Clergy – Joseph Shaw, LMS Chairman
The Cost of Kids – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., National Catholic Register
Corporate Progressivism – Patrick J. Deneen Ph.D., First Things
Recovering the Gospel from the Notion of Merely “Happy” or “Good” News – Msgr. Pope
“These Vulnerable Creatures”: a Review of “Gosnell” – Brad Miner, The Catholic Thing
Reclaiming Social Justice – Philip Booth, Transatlantic Blog
Data Mining Gets Religion as Campaigns Target Voters of Faith – Menachem Wecker, RNS
Social Media for Catholics Why Facebook is Still Relevant – Birgit Jones
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Video: An Organic Farmer Talks About Christian Stewardship – Elise Daniel
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Markets, Not Morality, Will Lower Drug Prices – Tim Rice, City Journal
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Diabolical Tweets of Father Martin on Penance

. . .no, I assume, despite some language to the contrary in a follow-up tweet, that Fr. Martin does not mean to impugn penance by an innocent person on behalf of another in general.  Rather, since he is careful to limit his opinion to “this case,” he seems to hold that, given the widespread & grave nature of these particular sins of the clergy (& he seems to be thinking of more than the sexual sins that I chiefly have in mind here), penance by the innocent laity is, based on these facts, “simply wrong” because it would “victimize people all over again,” as he added in the follow-up to the tweet already quoted.  It is this opinion with which I take issue. . .

by Justin Bradford Smith,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
When Priests & Prelates Dance Around the Golden Calf – Jonathan B. Coe, Crisis Mgzn
Questions Arise About Vatican Official Mentioned in Viganò Report – NC Register
Cupich Discusses Sex Abuse Crisis, Same-Sex Attraction at Youth Synod – NC Register
The Disorder of “Differently Ordered” – Hudson Byblow, Crisis Magazine
Vigano Responds to Ouellet – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
US Bishops to Consider New Hymn Translations for Liturgy of the Hours – Cthlc Herald
Cardinal Sarah’s September Message to the Association Pro Liturgia – New Lit Mov
McCarrick Scandal Spotlights Bishops’ Appointment Process – J.F. Desmond, NC Register
What Kind of Archbishop is Needed in Washington? – Ed Condon J.C.L., Catholic Herald
Hurricane Michael Spurs Catholics to Action – Lauretta Brown, National Catholic Register
Anjem Choudary is Free to Speak, but. . . – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
30th Anniversary of the FSSP – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Young People™ (2018) – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Should Catholics Observe Halloween? – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
The ‘Gay Cake’ Verdict is a Victory, but for What? – Dennis Sewell, Catholic Herald
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Pope Says He is Open to Visiting North Korea – Junno A. Esteves, Catholic Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Hell Is Real, Stop Pretending It Isn’t

. . .moral relativism has replaced a belief in sin within our culture, which is something that needs to be reversed if we ever hope to achieve a more loving, generous, & merciful society. . .

by Tim Bennett,

of Those Catholic Men

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
What is Spiritual Gluttony? – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Saint Augustine’s “Confessions”: An Introduction – Joseph Pearce
Practical Steps to Love Jesus More Deeply – Deacon M. Bickerstaff, Integrated Cth. Life™
Do Church Fathers Teach the Eucharist is a Symbol & Not the Real Presence? – S. Ray
Unanswered Prayers? – Brother Bartholomew Calvano O.P., Dominicana
You’re Never Too Holy to Fall – Sean Mitchell, Those Catholic Men
Humility Allows You to See All That God Has Given You – Fr. Ph. Dion, Cthlc Exchange
Key to Discernment: Realizing Beauty of Eucharistic Devotion & Seminary – ChurchPOP
What’s It Like to have a Saint in the Family? – Sister B. Ma. Reis F.S.P., Vatican News
Some Noble Gothic Revival Vestments – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Of God & Mammoths – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
What a Catholic Father Can Do to Help Raise Heroic Priests – G. Somarriba, NC Register
Out of Persecution Rise the Greatest Saints – Georgette Bechara, uCatholic
The Mystery of Redemption in Work – Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski, Catholic Exchange
Various Forms of the Apostolate – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Why Do Religious Make Vows of Poverty, Chastity, & Obedience? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Pro-Family Message of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Stephen Henley, Legatus Magazine
The Lifelong Benefits of Teaching Your Kids to Pray – Caryn, Rivadeneira, Aleteia
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

All are Welcome. . .to What Exactly?

. . .this kind of feel good, fuzzy-wuzzy Christianity has virtually wiped out Catholicism in America, so the obvious remedy is “We clearly didn’t have Enough feel good, fuzzy-wuzzy Christianity.  So let’s destroy more old churches, write more banal hymns, put up more felt banners, hire more social workers & do more left-wing posturing”. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
SSPX Statement On Canonization of Paul VI – The Eponymous Flower
Baptist Admits Rosary Is “More Powerful Than I Thought” – ChurchPOP
How to Break a Bad Habit & Retrain Your Brain – Bruno Boksic, Lifehack
The Rabbit Hole of Unchastity – Cynthia Millen, Catholic Stand
14 Famous People Who Converted to Catholicism – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
A Case for Daily Mass in Catholic Schools – Mary Jo Gerd, We’re Late For Church
Dutch School Replaces Easter Tradition with Celebration of Islamic Holiday – VoE
Should We Be Teaching 21st-Century Literature? – Joseph Pearce
3 Hierarchies of Angels & What They Do for Humanity – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Founding of the Dead Theologians Society – Meghan Ferrara, Regina Magazine
Europe’s Spiritual Hunger – Ellie Gardey, The Irish Rover
London Council Apologizes to Pro-life Charity – Catholic Herald
Christianity & the Radical Transformation of Culture – Paul Krause
Catholic Schools Promote Kindness as an Antidote to Bullying, Anxiety – Crux
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Who Will Protect Canadian Doctors if Forced to Refer for Euthanasia? – Mercatornet
Meet Your New Best Friend: The Fundraising Pyramid – Brice Sokolowski
Chinese Catholics Outside Mainland Divided Over Sino-Vatican Agreement – Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time