Big Pulpit

5 Unbelievable But True Miracles

. . .in common speech, one may call the improbable or newly discovered a miracle, but as Catholics, we know a miracle to be an extraordinary divine act of God. . .

by Billy Ryan,

of uCatholic

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
When You are Tempted to Commit a Sin, Pray This Prayer – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Myths & Facts about the Offertory: Part I – Notkerus Balbulus, Canticum Salomonis
The Expressive Art of St. Teresa of Avila – Molly McKenna, Our Favorite Catholic Things
Gregorian Chant: the Cultural Front Line of the New Evangelization – J. Shaw, C. Herald
The Cathedral of St. Lawrence in Trogir, Croatia – G. DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
What is Contemplative Prayer? – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
The Biblical Bethesda Pool: Myth or Reality? – Vittoria Traverso, Aleteia
The Power of Contemplative Prayer – Anthony Lilles, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Why Every Catholic Mother Needs Bilocation! – Laura Hensley, epicPew
Working Alongside Migrant Laborers Prepares Seminarians for the Priesthood – Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Paul VI & the Canonization of Vatican II

. . .on October 14, 2018, Pope Francis will canonize Pope Paul VI as the 82nd saint among the 266 popes.  Paul VI will become only the 8th papal saint since A.D. 1000, but the 4th of the 20th century, joining Pius X, John XXIII, & John Paul II.  What are we to make of this fact? . . .

by Jake Neu,

of First Things

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Cardinal Wuerl is Gone or is He? – Christopher R. Altieri, Catholic Herald
What Are Ghosts? – Douglas M. Beaumont, Catholic Answers Magazine
Capitulating to Bullies: Brown Univ. & the Transgender Lobby vs. Science – Julian Vigo
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
The Character Gap: Understanding Our Moral Mediocrity – Nathan Pinkoski, Public Dscrs
The Chinese Social Monitoring System & Why Americans Should Take Note – P.R. Brian
Acceptance of Wuerl Resignation Puts Governance Front & Center – Ch. R. Altieri
In Pakistan, It Takes Courage to be a Christian – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Oz: Ruddock Report Constrains, Not Expands, Federal Religious Exemptions – M-net
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Where There Are No Children, There Are No Grown-Ups

. . .it is a truism that children need adults to help them grow up.  It is, however, less known but equally true that adults need children to help them grow into the fullness of maturity. . .

by Joseph Pearce

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Spiritual Warfare Campaign in Lead Up to November 6 Elections – Fr. Ric. Heilman
Pope Accepts Wuerl’s Resignation as Archbishop of Washington – Catholic Herald
Tips for When Your Husband’s Not on Board with NFP – Lindsay Schlegel
Quæritur: Official Latin of Fatima Rosary Prayer – Fr. Z’s Blog
Politics as Substitute Religion on the Left – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
The Film Tells the Story of Irish Chaplain on Frontlines of World War I – The CWR
Supreme Court Rejects Appeal in Tennessee Death Row Case – CNA via The CWR
P.Z. Meyers & “Jesus Agnosticism” – Tim O’Neill, History for Atheists
How Do I Live Forever? 28th Sun. of OT Readings Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D.
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
The Missionary Zeal of Christopher Columbus – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

5 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Are Catholic

. . .it might surprise you, but Catholicism in Hollywood is not as rare as you think. . .

by Billy Ryan,

of uCatholic

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
If You’re Bored at Mass, It Means Your Brain isn’t Working – Dav. L. Gray, DavidLGray.info
Quæritur: Liturgical Loons – Fr. Z’s Blog
Here is St. Faustina’s Description of Her Guardian Angel – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Churches Worth Driving To – California Catholic Daily
Why Does the Priest Kiss the Altar? & More Altar Facts You Need to Know! – Cthlc Link
An Exorcist Explains Demonic Possession & Vexation – Fr. Gab. Amorth, Cthlc Exchange
The Danger of the “Common Good” – Eric Sammons, Catholic Vote
What is a “Black Mass”? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
10 Wise Words from the Saints about the Benefits of Order & Tidiness – Aleteia
What Does the Old Testament Say about Mary? – Marge Fenelon
St. Paul on Respect for Authority – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
The Only Store to Shop at this Fall – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
The Beatitudes as Nursery Rhymes – Sean Fitzpatrick, Catholic Exchange
To Pray, Protect, & Promote: Bishop’s Role in Church Liturgical – Msgr. Rob. J. Dempsey
What is Biblical Typology? Show with Steve Ray on EWTN’s “Journey Home” – Steve Ray
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Moral & Biblical Investing, Making a Difference with Your Wallets – Robert Knight
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Certain Sins Bring Infestation of Demons: Horrid Sodomite “Parties” Close to the Most Important Places in the Vatican

. . .a pro-life news site reports a close collaborator of Pope Francis, formerly head of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, Francesco Cardinal Coccopalmerio, was presiding over the drug & sodomy party in an apartment of the Palazzo Sant’Uffizio (where the CDF & Ecclesia Dei are also housed) where one of the partakers had an overdose.  When the Vatican gendarmes or police were called, they had Cocco skedaddle before they got officially to work. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Six Oldest Images of Jesus – Vittoria Traverso, Aleteia
Another Abortionist Attacks Pro-Life Lady, Hitting Her With Metal Clamp – Mic. Bilger
Catholic Writers You Might Not Know – Ray Cavanaugh, Aleteia
Put Not Thy Trust in Princes (of the Church) – John Garvey, The Catholic Thing
Bishop’s Failure to Enforce Canon Law Doesn’t Excuse Laity f/Following It – Peters JCD
Rome to Build World’s Largest Bus to Throw Chinese Catholics Under (Satire) – EOTT
“No One Dies Alone” Program Comforts the Lonely in Their Last Moments – Aleteia
Church Tax Battle in San Rafael, California – California Catholic Daily
Iraqi Christianity Would Not Survive One More Wave of Persecution – S. Caldwell, Crux
Christian Bakers Win ‘Gay Cake’ Case at UK Supreme Court – National Catholic Register
How to Prepare for Bad News? Good Literature & Art – Matthew Mehan, Mercatornet
From the Hell of Daesh to the Nobel Peace Prize via the Vatican – P de Dinechin, Aleteia
Canadian Hospital Unveils Physician-Assisted Suicide Plan for ‘Sick Kids’ – Monica Burke
Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Sign of the Great Mystery of Salvation: Rite of the Consecration of Virgins – Adoremus
Nuance of Abortion Laws without Roe v. Wade – Fr. M. Schneider L.C., Thru Cthlc Lenses
Watch Samuel Gregg’s 10 Minute Defense of Religion & Freedom – J. Carter, Acton Inst.
Catholic Relief Services Caring for Victims of Haiti Earthquake – ACI Prensa via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Misplaced Priorities of Youth Synod Organizers

. . .reading through the Instrumentum Laboris (IL), the working document for the Youth Synod, one gets the impression that the biggest challenge young people face in life is discovering their sexuality.  Fortunately, the Synod Fathers stand ready to “accompany” youth on their journey of self-discovery wherever it may lead.  The bishops have a particular solicitude for LGBT youth who “face inequality & discrimination” because of “sexual orientation” (48). . .

by William Kilpatrick, J.D.,

of Crisis Magazine

Church’s Youngest Cardinal Points Synod to God’s Word – J.D. Flynn J.C.L., Cthlc Herald
Commission Members Elected to Draft Youth Synod Final Document – E. Pentin, NCRgstr
Is Watered-down Faith of Synod 2018 “Worth Dying For. . . ?” – Fr. Z’s Blog
Synod Report Displays Ignorance About Homeschooling – Patrick Reilly, NC Register
Papal Allies & Friends Tapped to Shape Synod’s Conclusions – Elise Harris, Crux
Synod’s Instrumentum Laboris, a Disaster at First Glance – Restore-DC-Catholicism
Letters from the Synod: #VI – Xavier Rynne II, First Things
Did Communist Chinese Appoint Two Synod Bishops? – Fr. R.J. de Souza, Catholic Herald
First Synod Reports Focus on Abuse & Sexuality – Cindy Wooden, CNS via Catholic Herald
Bishops at Synod Ponder Ambivalence of the Digital Realm – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
Vatican II & the Synod on Youth – Eduardo J. Echeverria, The Catholic Thing
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

The Catholic Crisis, in Perspective

. . .“In spite of everything the newspapers say,” says the German theologian (& Baroness) Nina-Sophie Heereman, “the future of the [Latin-rite] Church belongs to the U.S.!” . . .

by George Weigel,

of The Dispatch

via The Catholic World Report

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Divisions are Growing – Fr. Z’s Blog
Watch: Dean Cain, Gosnell Movie Star, Calls Out Twitter Mob – J. Shepherd, The Stream
The Cult of Beto – Matthew Walther, The Week
Tarot Cards: The Dark Truth Behind the Popular Trend – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
L.A. Times Manufactures Anti-Christian Misunderstanding – Rod Dreher
The Only Store to Shop at this Fall – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Quæritur: Referring to God as Both “Genders” – Fr. Tim Ferguson, Fr. Z’s Blog
October 10, 732: Battle of Tours – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Thomist Method of Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Gosnell Kept Jars Containing Feet of Aborted Babies & It Gets Worse – John Stonestreet
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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