Big Pulpit

An Underrated Catholic Novelist

. . .Lucy Beckett’s latest novel deals with perennial questions about the existence of God, the meaning of suffering & evil. . .

by Francis Phillips,

of Catholic Herald

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Where to Find a Traditional Mass – Shane Schaetzel, Complete Christianity
The Vast Majority of Private School Blue-ribbon Winners Catholic – CNA via The CWR
About the New Study on Transgender Suicide – Michelle Cretella at Mercatornet
The Spirit of The Spirit of the Liturgy – Robert Cardinal Sarah, Adoremus Bulletin
Pro-Gay Ministry to Hold Retreat at Chancery of Atlanta Archdiocese – Joseph Sciambra
Man Married for 64 Years Reveals Secret to a Healthy Marriage – ChurchPOP
On the “Enduring of Evil” – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic Thing
What To Do When Your Co-workers Don’t Share Your Beliefs & Values – P. Bailey, Aleteia
7 New Saints on Sunday, Amazing Miracles Attributed to Their Intercession – ChrchPOP
Director Nick Searcy: “Hollywood Would Not Go Near” New Gosnell Movie – M. Bilger
The Only Store to Shop at this Fall – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Jerusalem’s “Prison of Christ,” Once-popular Stop on Holy Sepulchre Tour – Aleteia
Sanctifying Suffering in Union with Christ – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
Cameroon: The Forgotten Conflict – Allen Ottaro, The Catholic World Report
The Holy Ghosts of Halloween: Resurrecting a Catholic Feast – M.A. Brown Ph.D., Adrms
9 Memorable Baby Girl Names Inspired by Asia’s Holy Women – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Pro-Life Leaders Oppose Broad Expansion of Abortion in Australian State – The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Gerhard Cardinal Müller: Pope Francis Is Ultra Vires

. . .“A synod of the bishops is not an Ecumenical Council.  It has no authority.  Even if the pope is speaking about authority, it is not magisterial authority.  The Pope Cannot Change the Basic Constitution of the Church.  He cannot give a new definition of the primacy of the bishop of Rome or what bishops are to do”. . .

by Father John Hunwicke,

of Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual Enrichment

Pope Lenny, Come Quickly! – Rod Dreher
Instrumentum Laboris Promotes the Ecclesial Gay Agenda – Jef. Tranzillo Th.D., Crisis
The Catholic Church’s ‘Greatest Crisis’? – Rod Dreher
Chaput to Miss Week Two at Synod for Funeral Mass in Philly – Christopher White, Crux
Measuring the Synod: Whose Seismograph? – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., Catholic Culture
A More Excellent Way – Robert Royal Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Advice for Synod 2018 about Young People & Traditional Liturgy – Fr. Z’s Blog
Letters from the Synod A.D. 2018: #IV & #V – Xavier Rynne II, First Things
Bishop Barron Gives Insight into Youth Synod Process – CNA/EWTN News via The CWR
Abp. Fisher of Sydney Highlights Main Points of Small Groups. . . – E. Pentin, NC Register
40,000 Young People in Warsaw Pray Together for Synod – CNA via Catholic Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Quæritur: I Struggle with Despair at the Future of the Church

. . .off up your suffering in reparation for sins that offend God & the Blessed Virgin. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Catholic Thought Criminal Forced Out at Oklahoma University Law – Rod Dreher
By 2050 the Traditional Latin Mass Will be the Dominant Liturgy – Liturgy Guy
Turning Prison Cells into Monastic Cells – David Clayton, New Liturgical Movement
Who Says the Mass is a Sacrifice? – Steve Ray, Defenders of the Catholic Faith
False Teachers, What is a Catholic to Do? – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
The Hidden Eucharistic Meaning of “Not by Bread Alone” – Joe Heschmeyer, Shmlss Ppry
A New Team, or Rather Two, at the Vatican, on Life & Family – Sandro Magister
St. Thaïs, the Prostitute Who Became a Nun – Angelo Stagnaro, National Cthlc Register
The Suffering of Cardinal Zen – Alejandro A. Chafuen, Acton Institute
Teaching Kids the Truth About Marriage – Leila Miller, Catholic Answers Magazine
Saint-Denis, Liturgy, & a Royal Nun – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Can Fasting Make You Feel Younger & Live Longer? – Calah Alexander, Aleteia
Are Catholics Cannibals? – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
New Traditional Latin Mass in NYC: a New Home for the TLM in Queens – Rorate Cæli
Weighty Truths on Beauty: The Seriousness of the Liturgy – Bishop Conley of Lincoln
How to Teach Human Dignity & Modesty to Kids from an Early Age – Aleteia
Kim Jong Un Invites Pope Francis to Meet in Pyongyang – Courtney Grogan, NC Register
Aid Groups, Bishop Sound Alarm Over a Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen – D. Gavlak, Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Asia Bibi Death Sentence Appeal: Pakistani Christians Call for a Day of Fasting & Prayer

. . .she was condemned after drinking water from a supply used by Muslims. . .

by David V. Barrett,

of Catholic Herald

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Abp. Mk. Coleridge of Brisbane Unsure if Jesus is King –  Abp. Coleridge via Twitter
The Route of the Magi Rediscovered – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Force Fathers to Stay at Home? A Warning from Europe – Transatlantic Blog
16 Things You Should Never Say to a Seminarian – Matt Vander Vennet, epicPew
The Rosary vs. the Sexual Revolution – Tom Hoopes, Aleteia
Exclusive Interview w/Abp Sample: Why Youth Attracted to Traditional Liturgy – NLM
The Only Store to Shop at this Fall – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
7 Odd Catholic Patron Saints You Probably Don’t Know About – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
When Having a Difficult Conversation on Faith, Try This Prayer – Aleteia
Why Don’t We Talk About Peru’s Forced Sterilizations? – Jacquelyn Kovarik
Facebook Censors Ads for New Gosnell Movie – Micaiah Bilger, Life News
Marriage is about What is Best for Children – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
Why I Remain Catholic in Spite of The Church’s Latest Scandal – David Breitenbeck
Opus Dei Celebrates 90th Anniversary with a New Book About Its Founder – John Burger
Escalating the War on Crisis Pregnancy Centers – Anne Hendershott, The CWR
Let’s Drop Common Core & Let All Families Truly Choose Their Schools – Jenni White
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Pakistani Scrutiny for Multiple NGOs Could Close Catholic Relief Services – The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Sin of Silence

. . .the Negative Power of Silence. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Venom: A Catholic Movie Review – Will Wright, Catholic Link
Meet Pelagia, a Scandalous Actress Who Gave Everything Away for Christ – Ph. Kosloski
Why Columbus is More Important Than You Realize – Joe Carter, Acton Institute
The Only Store to Shop at this Fall – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Battle of Contemplative Prayer – Anthony Lilles, Catholic Spiritual Direction
High Hopes for Asia Bibi in Her Death Sentence Appeal – Robin Gomes, Vatican News
“Columbus Is Ours” – Jerry Slayer, The Dispatch via The Catholic World Report
Christopher Columbus’ Religious Side was Key to His Accomplishments – John Burger
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Kings, Subjects, & the Divine: Politics in the Hebrew Bible – David Polansky Ph.D.
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Why Young People Leave the Church & What We Can Do About It

. . .‘since the late 16th & early 17th centuries, the Catholic retention strategy has been (a) childhood catechesis & (b) sacramental initiation.  400 years ago, CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) & the Catholic school system were cutting-edge responses to the crisis of the Protestant Reformation.  Setting out to give every Catholic child a solid catechetical background was an extraordinary vision that had never before been attempted.  The endeavor was deeply influenced by a Renaissance optimism about the power of education.  The assumption was that a carefully nurtured religious identity acquired in childhood would endure throughout life.  The Jesuit motto said it all: “Give me a child until he is 7, & I will give you the man”’. . .

by Isaac Withers,

of Catholic Link

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
A Mom Speaks at a School Board Meeting Over LGBT Indoctrination – Steve Ray
Demonic Activity Online, Part II – Jay Toups, Hope in the Storm
Famous Car Company Names for the Virgin Mary – Scott Smith, All Roads Lead to Rome
Striking Poll: Collapse of Francis’ Support in the U.S. on All Fronts – Rorate Cæli
Why are the Psalms Numbered Differently? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
People Who are “Just Christians” Don’t Have a Clue – Casey Chalk, The Catholic Thing
Doctor Euthanizes Woman With Alzheimer’s Without Her Consent – Richard Egan
Can Catholics Watch Horror Movies? – J.P. Nunez, Catholic Exchange
Pope Names Members for Vatican Office for Laity, Family, Life – Cindy Wooden, Crux
Flying Vatican Flag Could Be a Criminal Act in Scotland – Nick Hallett, Catholic Herald
Our Souls Can Grow Under Suffering – Bea Cuasay, Irish Rover
I’m Staying Catholic for the Same Reasons I Became Catholic – Rus. E. Saltzman, Aleteia
This Priest Founded the World’s First Mental Hospital – Larry Peterson, Aleteia
How a Woman with a Vision & a Kitchen is Changing Life for Immigrants – Aleteia
Cry Rooms: Solution or a Catholic Version of Kids Should Be Seen but Not Heard? – Reg
Why is St. Isidore of Seville Patron Saint of the Internet? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Catholic Charities of Lubbock Aids Homeless Youth – CNA/EWTN News via The CWR
How We Can Grow in Divine & Fraternal Charity – Constance T. Hull, Cthlc Exchange
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Last Crusade Calling Lost Christendom to War! “Lepanto” by G.K. Chesterton

. . .on Sunday, October 7th, in the year of Our Lord 1571, an outnumbered, fragile coalition of small Christian states & one small part of a big Christian state defeated an empire at sea just off the coast of Greece.  All of Europe rejoiced at the time, even the Christian states that refused help.  Now, among the shards & remnants of that civilization which is called the West & extends far beyond Europe, the doubtful heirs reflect upon this event in more diverse & more ambiguous ways.  The predominant mode is to ignore it, in the modern sense of acknowledging it on Wikipedia & then rejecting its importance, hand-waving away its unexpectedness, & belittling the idea that Our Lady of the Rosary had anything to do with it.  Another approach takes the event seriously as a landmark in the history of warfare, of economics, & of the West, but still leaves Our Lady out in their attempts at explanation. . .

by Paul Joseph Prezzia,

of The Civilized Reader

via Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Hundreds of Nuns Dance Together at Polish Concert in Viral Videos – ChurchPOP
New (Traditional) Altars & Altar Rails by Duncan G. Stroik – Liturgical Arts Journal
Before & After: St. Mary’s Church, Norwalk, Connecticut – Liturgical Arts Journal
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Beautiful Description of How God Created the World – Aleteia
How Did St. Thomas Aquinas Die: Neurosurgery & Brain Death – Taylor Marshall Ph.D.
The Swiss Guard Say They Use the Most Powerful Weapon in the World – uCatholic
America’s Oldest Work of Christian Art was Made by Aztecs in Mexico – Aleteia
21 Songs for Eucharistic Adoration & Prayer – Becky Roach, Catholic Link
Ten Reasons to Pray the Holy Rosary – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
A 17th Century Defense of Rood Screens – Zachary Thomas, Liturgical Arts Journal
Ten Reasons to Love Tradition – Genevieve Perkins, Catholic Link
Can You Eat the Word of God? – Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic Answers Magazine
What’s That Gold Container That Holds the Blessed Sacrament During Adoration? – Alet.
The Many Names of God & What They Mean – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Paraments of the Order of the Golden Fleece – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Have a Healthy, Holy Fear of the Lord – Allison Low, Catholic Stand
[Podcast] Kings, Patriarchs, & Popes – Matthew Leonard, The Art of Catholic
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Bishop Konderla Issues Memorandum on the Celebration of Halloween

. . .as the annual celebration of Halloween approaches, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining the Catholic meaning & purpose of all holy days, especially those which have been adopted & adapted by the culture around us.  Over time, popular culture has made it difficult to discern the authentic spirit of this great feast, an important time when we, God’s pilgrim church on earth, rejoice in the lives of all God’s saints whom we wish to follow into eternal life. . .

from the Diocese of Tulsa

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Some People Have No Clue What Marriage Is – Brianna Heldt, Crisis Magazine
Alice Nutter: a Witch or a Secret Catholic? – Dominic Selwood, Catholic Herald
How Naming Your Guardian Angel Can Be an Invitation for Demonic Influence – ChPOP
Changing Society’s View on “Hooking Up” – Arthur Goldberg, Public Discourse
Transgender Illusions – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
According to Prophecy: Are These Difficult Times the ‘End Times’? – J. Roberts, NCRgstr
FBI Agent Turned Hollywood Writer is Still a Warrior – Laura DeMaria, Catholic Stand
The World, The Flesh & Spiritual Warfare – Edward Monti, Catholic Stand
Studying Theology – Nathalie Fernandez, Ignitum Today
Education Should Not Be Fearful – Matthew Anderson, Crisis Magazine
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Extra Note: I have had dastardly allergies, hence the gap in posts

Fr. Martin’s Bridge to Nowhere

. . .“[W]hat the Church holds to be true about human sexuality is not a stumbling block.  It is the only real path to joy and wholeness.  There is no such thing as an ‘LGBTQ Catholic’ or a ‘transgender Catholic’ or a ‘heterosexual Catholic,’ as if our sexual appetites defined who we are; as if these designations described discrete communities of differing but equal integrity within the real ecclesial community, the body of Jesus Christ.  This has never been true in the life of the Church, & is not true now.  It follows that ‘LGBTQ’ & similar language should not be used in Church documents because using it suggests that these are real, autonomous groups, & the Church simply doesn’t categorize people that way”. . .

by Adrian J. Reimers, D.Phil.,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Parish Drops Mass So As Not to Distract from Laity’s Conversations (Satire) – EOTT
Crux Article Proved Inaccurate Regarding Better Church Governance Apostolate – Fr. Z
The Jesuit Review of Judge Kavanaugh-Splat – Scott Wiley, Catholic Stand
Man Who Beat Pro-Life Lady Identified, Fired After Video Goes Viral – Steven Ertelt
The Dead Sea Scrolls Mystery, Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World – Domenico Bettinelli
The Only Store to Shop at this Fall – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Battle of Lepanto: The Day Our Lady Saved Christendom – D. Moczar, Cthlc Exchange
Courage in the Slough of Despond – George Weigel, The Dispatch via The CWR
Rosary Coast to Coast: A Spiritual Weapon to Reform Church’s Brokenness – J. Morse
The Blessing of the Animals: Paw-inspiring Photos from Around the World – Aleteia
Australian Bishop Weighs Pros, Cons of Married Priests – The Catholic World Report
Kavanaugh Defends Himself in Op-Ed: I Will be Dedicated to the Constitution – S. Ertelt
What God Has Joined Together: 27th Sun. of OT Readings Explained – J. Bergsma Ph.D.
Collins, Manchin Voting for Kavanaugh, Making for SCOTUS Confirmation – J. Pullmann
China’s Crackdown on Christianity – Travis Wussow, Providence Magazine
Taipei’s Archbishop: Pope Told Us He Won’t Abandon Taiwan – Hernan R. Alcaide, Crux
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
The Holy See’s China Gamble – Maureen Mullarkey
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Extra Note: I have had dastardly allergies, hence the gap in posts