Big Pulpit

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

Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia Responds to Fr. James Martin Regarding “LGBTQ” Catholics & Discusses the Synod

. . .the Church needs to be very careful to avoid fracturing human identity according to our sexual appetites.  “LGBTQ” Catholics imply a special moral category in a determinist way that “African” Catholics does not. . .

from the CWR Staff

of The Catholic World Report

Division, Division, & More Satanic Division – Fr. Z’s Blog
On Paul VI & Whether the Synod Could Pull an ‘October Surprise’ – John Allen, Crux
Synod Goes Forward, Seemingly Headed on a Wide & Dangerous Path – Newman Society
The McCarrick Case is Haunting the Youth Synod – Christopher Altieri, Catholic Herald
Same-Sex-Attracted Youth: Don’t Change Church Teaching ‘In Any Way’ – NC Register
Chaput: Wealthy, Developed Nations are Frozen in a Moral Adolescence – The CWR
Letters from the Synod A.D. 2018: Report III – Xavier Rynne II, First Things
U.S. Youth Synod Participant Wants Diocesan-level Change – CNA via The CWR
Chaput Tells Synod to Announce Christ Not ‘Ideologies & Social Sciences’ – The CWR
Bishop Caggiano of Bridgeport: Bishops Must Address Sexual Abuse Crisis – The CWR
A Cloud of Sex Abuse Scandal Hangs Over Synod – Nicole Winfield, Houston Chronicle
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Bishops Who’ve Never Seen Their Dioceses

. . .for centuries, the Vatican has relied on the legal fiction of titular sees.  Their history is more fraught than you might expect. . .

by Ned Donovan,

of Catholic Herald

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Demonic Activity Online – Jay Toups, Hope in the Storm
Theological Deplorables – John Waters, First Things
LGBT Ideology Abolishes Man – Rod Dreher
Card. Ortega Pillories Pro-abortion Presentation at Jesuit Univ. in Mexico – Cthlc Herald
Living Eucharistically in Everyday Life – Sam Guzman, The Catholic Gentleman
Abortionist Jordan Hunt Assaulted Another Pro-Life Woman Previously – Micaiah Bilger
Little Sisters Still Begging in L.A. – California Catholic Daily
Princess Alexandra’s Conversion Shows the Injustice in British Law – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith
Why Self-identification Should Not Legally Make You a Woman – Kat. Stock, Mercatornet
Why Jesus’ Miracles Aren’t Legends – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Prayer to St. Michael Makes a Resurgence in Response to Abuse Crisis – Catholic Herald
Spooky, Scary, Saintly? How Catholics can See Halloween at Its Best – The CWR
The Authenticity of St. Ambrose’s Relics Confirmed – G. DiPippo, New Liturgical Mvmnt
Don’t be Fooled by China – Tim Stanley, Catholic Herald
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
How Faith-Based Groups are Helping After Hurricane Florence – M. Burke & G. McNalis
For That Cocktail Dress You Never Wear. . . – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Catholic Charities Worldwide Join Indonesia Tsunami Relief Efforts – CNA via The CWR
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

The Prelates of Sodom

. . .of Dante & Our Current Crisis. . .

by Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D.,

of The Catholic Thing

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Father Spadaro’s Latest Conspiracy Theory – Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
Ex-Gay Catholic at the Folsom Street Fair – Joseph Sciambra
They Were Planning Their Wedding Until God Called them to Religious Life – Aleteia
FBI: No Evidence Kavanaugh Allegations are True, Senate to Vote Saturday – Life News
Vatican To Allow Trump To Choose American Bishops (Warning: Satire) – EOTT
Why St. Francis of Assisi Never Became a Priest – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Francis, They Hardly Know Ye – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Real St. Francis? – Trent Horn, Catholic Answers Magazine
Defining Sins by Name – Mark Brumley, National Catholic Register
US Catholics’ Confidence in Pope Francis Shaken – CNA via The CWR
Doctors at Children’s Hospital Planning for Child Euthanasia in Canada – Catholic Herald
Ember Days: Recovering the Tradition of Reparation – Nicholas LaBanca, Catholic Stand
Wanted: Deputy Online Editor for Catholic Herald – Luke Coppen, Catholic Herald
Holy Hubbub: Lessons from Squabbling Saints – Rick Becker, National Catholic Register
Australian State May Criminalize Priests for Upholding Seal of Confession – Cthlc Herald
Synergy in the Liturgical Arts – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Pope Francis Donates for Indonesia Earthquake Recovery – CNA via The CWR
Caritas Indonesia Faces Big Challenge in Reaching Disaster Survivors – Vatican News
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

Archbishop Chaput Tells Synod: ‘LGBTQ’ Should Not Be Used in Church Documents

. . .the archbishop argued that the Church does not ‘categorize people’ by their ‘sexual appetites’. . .

by a Staff Reporter

from Catholic Herald

The Power of Silence? Cardinal Sarah Declines Role on the Synod Cmte. – Fr. Z’s Blog
What In the Wide Wide World of Liturgical Dancing is the Pope Carrying? – Fr. Z’s Blog
Interpreting Pope Francis & the Synod – Robert Royal, The Catholic Thing
Pope Does What He Chooses & Recognizes No Limits on What He Can Do – Crisis Mgzn
Groups Feeling Excluded Tell Bishops to ‘Close Shop or Get Real’ – C. Giangravè, Crux
Five Bishops Who Could Move the Youth Synod – Ed Condon J.C.L., CNA via The CWR
7 Key Things Lacking in Youth Synod – CNS Staff, Newman Society
An Update from the Synod: #2 – Xavier Rynne II, First Things
The Youth Synod: Hermeneutic of Conspiracy – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
Baldisseri Reproves Chaput, Says Abuse Crisis Won’t Stop Synod Success – The CWR
Silence Surrounds Abuse Crisis on Day One of Synod of Bishops – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
Young Scottish Catholics Praise Clergy Who Proclaim Orthodox Teaching – Cthlc Herald
How the Synod Works: Cardinal Shares Statistics, Working Rules – Catholic News Service
As the New Synod Opens – Robert Royal, The Catholic Thing
The 2018 Synod: Key Themes, Deep Tensions, & Many Questions – T.R. Ascik, The CWR
Concerns Generated by Lack of Clarity on Synod Voting Procedures – E. Pentin, NC Rgstr
Tweeting the Synod – Mark de Vries, In Caelo et in Terra
Informal Agenda Likely to Weigh Heavily at Synod on Youth – Inés San Martín, Crux
What Youth Really Need Today – Fr. Nicholas Gregoris, The Dispatch via The CWR
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

‘Renegade’ Priests Plant Bad Seeds

. . .clergy without valid faculties are operating in some locales, but Churchmen warn of their errors. . .

by Patti Maguire Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Ralph Martin’s Critique of Karl Rahner – Michael Barber Ph.D., The Sacred Page
Why Does My Journey of Faith Seem So Lonely? – Sister L. Gloriae O.C.D., Intg. C. Life™
Science Fiction was Around in Medieval Times, Here’s What It Looked Like – Mrctrnt
Sacramental & Civil Marriage – Patrick Malone, Catholic Stand
Spiritual Combat: Weapons in Your Arsenal – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
Transubstantiation is No More Inscrutable Than Many Doctrines – D. Armstrong, NC Rgstr
The Origin of Satan: How Does the Devil Get His Name? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Ten Tips to Conquer the Sin of Envy – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
A Case for the Sacrament of Marriage – Fr. K.M. Dos Santos M.I.C., Homiletic & Pstrl Rvw
The Gift of a Father’s Blessing – Sam Guzman, The Catholic Gentleman
Temperance – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
5 Saints Who Received the Stigmata of Jesus Christ – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Why Did God Give Us the Power of Free Will? – Brenton Cordeiro, Catholic Link
5 Saints Who Lived a “Luminous Life” Despite Their Painful Childhoods – Aleteia
4 Saints Who had Miraculous Conversions – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Intensive or Extensive Religious Education? – M. Brummond S.T.D., Homiletic & Pstrl Rvw
Work & Rest, a Short Devotional – Brandon Schild, Catholic Stand
Attracting Your Angel Donors – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
How Studying Abroad Aids Students’ Intellectual & Spiritual Growth – NC Register
For That Cocktail Dress You Never Wear. . . – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Seeing Heaven Through the Eyes of People with Special Needs – Catholic Exchange
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Princess Alexandra of Hanover Removed from British Line of Succession for Converting to Catholicism –

. . .the 19-year-old princess is the daughter of Prince Ernst August of Hanover & Princess Caroline of Monaco.  The Princess has recently become a member of the Catholic Church & this the reason why she has been removed from the British line of succession.  However, she remains the 12th in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne. . .

by Oskar Aanmoen,

of Royal Central

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
This is Seen in Exorcisms & Haunted Houses, But What Is It? – P. Armstrong, NC Register
Papal Humiliations, Part III: The Cock of the Lateran – Canticum Salomonis
Does a Rainbow Flag Belong in a Catholic Church? – Hudson Byblow, Crisis Magazine
Jordan Peterson On Catholicism, Suffering, Evil & the Origin of “Bucko” – Patrick Coffin
Europe’s Oldest Intact Book Was Found in a St. Cuthbert’s Coffin – Fr. Z’s Blog
No Obedience, No Heaven – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Catholic Register
Why Do You Want to Hide Away Your Cross? – Fr. John P. Cush, NC Register
The Case for Attending a Faithful Catholic College – Elizabeth Anderson, NC Register
News Cycle Making You Anxious? I’ve Found an Antidote – T. Tighe, Catholic Herald
Pope Calls for a ‘Permanent Catechumenate’ for Married Couples – E. Condon, NC Rgstr
10 Reasons It’s Still Great to be Catholic – Patti Maguire Armstrong, NC Register
Court Case, Seal of Confession, & Requiring Priests to Break the Seal – Fr. Z’s Blog
Is Transgenderism in Teens Contagious? – Marcia Segelstein, National Catholic Register
Whatever Happened To Chivalry? – John Clark, National Catholic Register
For That Cocktail Dress You Never Wear. . . – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
How One Catholic Charity is Helping the Most Marginalized of Prisoners – Cthlc Herald
Attracting Your Angel Donors – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Vatican Diplomacy has Failed in Syria – Fr. Ale. Lucie-Smith Ph.D., Catholic Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Former Speed Skating Olympian-Turned Franciscan Sister Reveals Secret to Inner Peace in Compelling Vocation Story

. . .in a recent interview with NBC News,  Kirstin Holum, Former Speed Skater & Olympic competitor-turned Franciscan Sister of the Renewal, said that “everyone desires greatness,” & that God’s plan for you will give you the peace you’re looking for. . .

from ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Farewell, Zippy Catholic. Godspeed. – Austin Ruse, Crisis Magazine
Story Behind Mary, Undoer of Knots Will Give You Faith Through the Impossible – ChPOP
What is a General Confession? – Fr. John Bartunek L.C., Catholic Spiritual Direction
Does Your Mind Wander At Mass? 6 Tips to Help You – Fr. Paul Michael Piega, ChurchPOP
6 Incredible Saints Whose Bodies Are Incorrupt & Where to Find Them – ChurchPOP
How to Use the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Weapon – Fr. Dw. Longenecker, NC Register
Dominican Vocation Film from 1960 – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Healing Miracles of Jesus Happening Today: Part I & Part II – P. Mandela, Catholic Stand
Life in a Closed Convent: ‘There is a Sense of Peace’ – Olivia Kelleher, The Irish Times
The Long Read: Patrick Leigh Fermor & the Monks of the West – M. Duggan, Cth. Herald
6 Prayers to Help Unite Your Suffering to Jesus Christ – Susanna Spencer, NC Register
Modeling Manhood: From Homer to Paul – Regis Nicoll, Crisis Magazine
One Priest’s Spiritual Work of Mercy – Susan Klemond, NC Register
In Thanksgiving for Diabetes – Kat Larson, Ignitum Today
Dying to Self – Ignitum Today
Historical Vestments from an Exhibition in Vilnius, Lithuania – G. DiPippo, New Lit Mov
Tasting – Editor, Ignitum Today
Thy Kingdom Come! – Carol Monaco, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

St. Michael the Archangel, Protect Us From Satan’s Ruses

. . .the Prince of Lies exposes nothing.  He has long been the cover-up artist.  It is the Holy Spirit who does the revealing. . .

by Father George W. Rutler, Th.D. Ph.D.,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Catholic Left Never Fails to Disappoint – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
What Did Benedict XVI’s Leaked Letters Tell Us? – Fr. Ray. J. de Souza, Catholic Herald
The Catholic Rejection of American Liberalism – Joshua Tait, Arc
For That Cocktail Dress You Never Wear. . . – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
How Roe v. Wade Has Shaped Kavanaugh’s Confirmation Battle – J. Desmond, NCRegister
Of Vice & Medicine: A Catholic Perspective on Marijuana Legalization in U.S. – Cth. Link
Chaput: Youth Synod Depends on Faith, Not Sentimentality – CNA via The CWR
What is the Work of the Angels? – Fr. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, The Catholic World Report
Just War & the Bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki – E. Ch. Brugger D.Phil., NC Register
Understanding the Heavenly Role of the Angels Among Us – P.M. Armstrong, NC Register
Where is the Archangel Raphael in the Bible? – Kathy Schiffer, National Catholic Register
St. Michael & the Archangels: The Mighty Ones of God – Georgette Bechara, uCatholic
Liturgical Notes on the Feast of St. Michael & All Angels – G. DiPippo, New Ltrgcl Mvmnt
Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, & Raphael, Archangels – L. Estler, Cthlc Spiritual Direction
Feast of the Archangels – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Political Life & the Church – James Kalb, The Catholic World Report
Holy See, China Continue to Negotiate Situation of Underground Bishops – The CWR
Pro-life Momentum? 40 Days for Life Campaign Begins in Over 400 Cities – The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time