Big Pulpit

Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report: Tvesday Late Edition

Bill Donohue, President of the Catholic League (Pic Credit: Irish Central)

Bill Donohue: “Grand Jury Report Debunked“

. . .“Unlike most commentators & reporters, I have read most of the Pennsylvania grand jury report.  The purpose of this statement is to debunk many of the myths, & indeed lies, that mar the report. . .
by Steve Ray,
of Defenders of the Catholic Faith

⊳  Swimming against the tide of promises to crack down on abuse and cover-up led by Pope Francis, a newly created Mexican cardinal said that some accusers should be “ashamed” to point their finger at clerics because many of them have skeletons in their own closets.

Fire the Catholic Church – Matthew Walther, The Week
Why Card. Wuerl Has to Resign – Bob Luddy & R. Emmett Tyrrell Jr., Amrcn Spectator
Bishops Who Hid Abuse Should Resign Says Pennsylvania Prelate – Rh. Guidos, C. Hrld
The Laity’s Response to the Clergy Sex Scandals – Cristina Montes, Ignitum Today
Bishop: Church Today ‘Not the Church’ of Grand Jury Report – AP via Crux
Abuse Victims say They Felt Hurt by Ordinary Catholics’ Lack of Compassion – Crux
Catholics Consider Withholding Donations Amid Scandals – Ivan Moreno & Jeff Karoub
Philadelphia Archdiocese ‘Looking Into Sexual Harassment Claims’ – CNA via CH
How to Stay Faithful as We Endure & Confront the Crisis – Fr. R. Landry, NC Register
Accountability for Abuse Cover-ups May be Acid Test for Pope’s Irish Trip – Jn. Allen
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY EDITION

People in the Pews (Pic Credit: Screen Shot from CNS via Catholic Herald)

The Abuse Crisis Casts Doubt on the Whole Post-Vatican II Settlement

. . .since 1968, Church leaders have tried to preserve a fragile truce.  But repeated compromises have fostered a culture of deceit. . .

by Matthew Schmitz,

of Catholic Herald

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Fr. James Martin Downplays McCarrick Abuse of Seminarians – Dorothy C. McLean
Liturgical “Vestments” for the World Meeting of Families – Fr. Z’s Blog
This Scandal is about Homosexuality – Fr. Z’s Blog
About Withholding Donations from the Church – Edward N. Peters J.C.D. J.D., The CWR
Erie Bishop Models What a Real Apology to Victims Looks Like – Peter Jesserer Smith
Richard Sipe Tried to Warn Us, But No One Was Listening – Kathy Schiffer, NC Register
Would Mass Resignation of Bishops Hurt the Church in America? No – Fr. W. Daley CSC
You Won’t Believe What Kids Find on ‘Transgender’ at the Public Library – M Mullarkey
The Catholic Reaction to Bishops & PA Sex Scandal – J.D. Flynn, CNA via NC Register
Vatican Breaks Silence: PA Sex Scandal: Criminal & Morally Reprehensible – uCatholic
Bishop Trautman Responds to Release of PA Grand Jury Report – Carl Bunderson, CNA
How the Church Could Reach Out to the Children of Priests – CNA via Crux
How to Fundraise in the Face of a Church Scandal – Brice Sokolowski
Bishop Grahmann Dies at 87; headed Dallas Diocese from 1990 to 2007 – Crux
Here’s Why an LBD is the Latest Travel Go-To Dress – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
USCCB Invite Vatican Investigation Into PA Sex Scandal – C. Grogan, CNA via NCRegister
Note: Beginning today until 23 August, posting will be spartan, Big additions looming

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McCarrick Watch: Friday Edition

Archbishop Emeritus Theodore McCarrick & Donald Cardinal Wuerl (Pic Credit: Paul Haring of CNS via The CWR)

Some Home Truths about the McCarrick Case

. . .it is significant that public revelation of the two payouts was only made after he had been accused by a former minor seminarian of the Archdiocese of New York of having sexually molested him in the sacristy & the men’s room at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. . .

by Father Gerald E. Murray, J.C.D.,

of The Catholic Thing

The Devil has Declared Open War Against Celibacy, Here’s Why – Pt. Kwasniewski Ph.D.
Janet Smith to Bishops: Save the Church, Tell Everything – Peter Jesserer Smith, NCReg
In the Midst of Clerical Misdeeds, a Crucial Moment for the Laity – Msgr. Charles Pope
Sexual Scandals Reveal A Problem of Belief – Robert B. Greving, Crisis Magazine
The Current Crisis: Lack of Collegial Correction Among Bishops – G. Weigel, The CWR
Consequences of the Catholic Church’s Sex Scandal Corruption – Dustin Siggins
Denver Archbishop Reflects on McCarrick Abuse Crisis – Cth. News Agency/EWTN News
The Abuse of Secrecy & the Secrecy of Abuse – Russell Shaw, The Catholic World Report
Houston Lawyer: Church Should Follow Basic Corporate Compliance Procedures – Crux
Roundup: Bishops React to Sexual Abuse Scandal – National Catholic Register
No Matter How Bad You Think the Corruption Is, It’s Worse – Pet. A. Kwasniewski Ph.D.
Note: Beginning today until 23 August, posting will be spartan, Big additions looming

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THVRSDAY EDITION

Cross (Pic Credit: First Things)

A Failing Episcopal Establishment

. . .the episcopal establishment has been failing for a long time & in many phases.  It failed to secure the theological loyalty of Catholic colleges & universities.  No diocese has systematically implemented the reforms of the liturgy encouraged by Pope Benedict.  The American episcopacy oversees parochial school systems in decline, & sponsors social justice ministries run by people who reject the Church’s teaching on many moral matters.  In recent decades, the bishops’ conference has made feeble efforts to recover the electoral influence it had when archbishops & cardinals were part of the Democratic party’s urban machines. . .

by R.R. Reno,

of First Things

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Sham That is the (LGBT) World Meeting of Families – Rod Dreher, The American. . .
The Acceptance & Promotion of Homosexuality Is the Root of the Problem – D Almeter
Fr. Zed Calls for Solidarity – Fr. Z’s Blog
Current Indiana Bishop Named in Grand Jury Sex Abuse Report – AP via Crux
What Did Card. Wuerl Know About an Alleged Abuser, How Did He Respond? – NC Rgstr
Former Erie Bishop Responds to Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report – CNA via NC Register
Persecution of Jack Phillips is Why Evangelicals Voted for Trump – Rod Dreher
Here’s Why an LBD is the Latest Travel Go-To Dress – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Chinese Sacrificial Hat (Chinese Biretta), Inculturation in China – New Liturgical Mvmnt
The Power of Perseverance in Catholic Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski
President Duterte Threatens Violence Towards Bishops of Philippines – Crux
Note: Beginning today until 23 August, posting will be spartan, Big additions looming

THVRSDAY EDITION Read More »

VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Bishops (Pic Credit: Roman Catholic Man)

The Depth of My Anger of Decades of Effete Bishops

. . .unlike the mighty bishops who came before you, you are the ones who never believed our people were capable of growing; of living a superior life in God’s good graces.  Do you believe in grace at all?  For you, living a life of virtue is an unrealistic goal; certainly not anything anyone is capable of living.  Your weak, effete “leadership” has made “us” the enemy because we actually believe we are capable of living as our ancestors once did . . . lives totally dedicated to God & His way, not just the way of the world.  You blame us for dividing the Church when all the while we are trying to live in union with the Church as it was for 1965 years. . .

by Father Richard Heilmann,

of Roman Catholic Man

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
“Gay” Priests? An Open Letter to Fr. James Martin – Jim Russell, Crisis Magazine
Onetime Owner of Catholic Online Website Headed to Prison – California Catholic Daily
This is Not Satire, An Open Pedophile is Running for Congress – Michael Brown Ph.D.
Cardinal O’Malley Will Not Attend the World Meeting of Families – Rocco Palmo
Fr. Malachi Martin Thinks Murder of Fr. Alfred Kunz Was Satanic Evil – The CWR
A Saintly Priest May Emerge from the Sinking of the Titanic – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
American Catholic Kings? Freemasons & Catholic Integralism – Taylor Marshall Ph.D.
The Popeye Generation – Kevin Clark, Crisis Magazine
75 Clergy, Scholars Ask Cardinals: Urge Pope to Pul Death Penalty Teaching – C. Herald
Purity is Power – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Christian Baker Again Under Fire for Refusing Transgender Cake – Kevin Daley
3 Books to Read as the School Year Begins – Katie Prejean, epicPew
Marriage, Holy Eucharist & the Communion of Persons – J. Grondelski Ph.D., NC Rgstr
Anti-Christian ‘Humanist’ Leader Wins the Bigotry Game – Tom Gilson, The Stream
Pope Names New Deputy Secretary of State – Elise Harris, Crux
To Prevent Gossip, Think Before Speaking – Jeannie Ewing, Catholic Exchange
Why John Paul II Created the World Meeting of Families – Mt. E. Bunson, NC Register
Central Africa: Cathedral Shelters Muslims Amid Sectarian Violence – Rlgn News Srvc
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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Solemnity of The Assumption A.D. 2018 Edition

The Assumption of Mary (Pic Credit: NC Register)

Biblical Arguments in Support of Mary’s Assumption

. . .Jesus ascended by His own power, but Our Lady was assumed by the power of her Son’s victory over death. . .

by Dave Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

David Brought Up the Ark: The Assumption of Mary – Brother J. Joseph, Ignitum Today
How St. Michael the Archangel Led the Mary to Heaven – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Did Mary Die Before Being Assumed Into Heaven? Saints Weigh In – N. Senz, Aleteia
The Assumption of Mary: 12 Things to Know & Share – Jimmy Akin, NC Register
Celebrating the Assumption of Mary – Deacon Michael Bickerstaff, Integrated Cth. Life™
The Assumption Dogma, What We Need to Know – Joseph Pronechen, NC Register
3 Reasons to Introduce Your Kids to Marian Consecration – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Pope Pius XII & Mary’s August Mysteries – Stephanie Mann, National Catholic Register
Mary’s Innocence is the Help of Sinners – Charlie McKinney, Catholic Spiritual Direction
The Assumption of Mary: Development of Doctrine – D.R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report: VVednesday Edition

Sad Young Man (Pic Credit: Pixabay/CC0 via NC Register)

Will Pennsylvania be the Wake-Up Call We Finally Heed?

. . .having read 357 pages of the report so far, my heart howls to heaven & at the walls of my church.  I want to cry, “Mountains, fall on us” for such systemic failures to protect the innocent & stop people from perpetuating evil.  How pervasive is this problem, if these are only the ones we know about in New Jersey, in Pennsylvania, in Chile, in Washington, D.C., in Boston?  What about the ones we don’t know about?  How deep is the filth?  What about all the dioceses where a grand jury hasn’t done this sort of work. . .

by Sherry Antonetti,

of the National Catholic Register

Quæritur: Your Questions Weigh Heavily – Fr. Z’s Blog
My Heart is Broken – Joan Lewis, Joan’s Rome
An Open Letter to Our Priests – Steve Skojec, One Peter 5
Priests Oriented Toward Males & The New Crisis – William M. Briggs Ph.D., SttS!
On Necks that Need Millstones Around Them – Alan Jacobs, Snakes and Ladders
McCarrick, Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report & Freedom of the Church – R. Garnett J.D.
Catholics Express Despair, Disbelief, Anger at New Abuse Revelations – CNS via Crux
‘The Murder of Souls’ – Julia Duin, Get Religion
A Reminder of the Toll of Failure – Matthew E. Bunson, National Catholic Register
For a Catholic Church in Crisis: Mary, Undoer of Knots – Fr. Gordon J. MacRae, ThSW
Prayer is Always an Opportunity to Rising to the Occasion – G. Garnica, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

The Mistreatment of the Eucharist (Pic Credit: Joshua Davis from Facebook via ChurchPOP)

The Hard Truth About Mistreatment of the Eucharist in Our Parishes

. . .The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus is really, truly, & substantially present in the Eucharist (both the bread & the wine).  Which means that if even a small part of a host falls to the ground during communion, that small bit is Jesus himself on the floor, maybe being walked on. . .

from ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Abp. Jerome Listecki: Retreat for Gay Clerics Not Approved, Catholic – D. Mainwaring
Abp. Gregory Names Pro-Gay Priest as ‘Spiritual Guide’ for Sex Abuse Victims – Lf Site
Disney: First-Ever Open Same-Sex Attracted Character in New “Family” Film – Lf Site
The History Channel’s ‘The Last Pope’ is Junk History – Tho. L. McDonald, NC Register
Fr. Rosica Says Pope Above Scripture & Tradition, Contradicts Jesus – Jn. Zmirak Ph.D.
God is More Powerful than Satan & Other Demonological Points – Msgr. Ch. Pope, CiM
‘Global Family Eucharistic Holy Hour’ is Coming to TV – Joseph Pronechen, NC Register
Hardly Anyone Wants to Admit America is Beating Poverty – B.D. Meyer & J.X. Sullivan
Hungary Bans Gender Studies Courses from State Universities – The College Fix
The Amazing Pro-Life Story Behind the Life of Apple Founder Steve Jobs – Star Parker
Study: 40% of Patients Supposedly in “Vegetative State” Actually Fully Aware – Lf Nws
House Arrest for Australian Archbishop Convicted of Not Reporting Abuse – CNA
A Short History of the Order of Carmelites – Joan Lewis, Joan’s Rome
Here’s Why an LBD is the latest Travel Go-To Dress – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Dear Pope: Now That Death Penalty is Inadmissible, Play Hardball with China – J Jones
When Science & Technology Ignore a Deeper Truth – Patti M. Armstrong, NC Register
The Power of Perseverance in Catholic Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski
A Woman of Science: Maria Gaetana Agnesi – Fr. George W. Rutler Th.D. Ph.D., Crisis
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

Donald Cardinal Wuerl (Pic Credit: Catholic News Agency)

Cardinal Wuerl Named in Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, Responds to Criticism

. . .of the 19 cases which arose during Wuerl’s time as bishop, 18 were removed from ministry immediately.  The other cases Wuerl addressed in Pittsburgh principally concerned actions & allegations that arose during the reign of his predecessor, Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua. . .

by Edward Condon, J.C.L.,

of Catholic News Agency,

via the National Catholic Register

Over 300 Perps, Over 1000 Kids – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Pennsylvania Bishops Respond – Christine Rousselle, CNA via National Catholic Register
Details Rape of Children, Culture of Secrecy That Fanned It – Rh. Guidos, C. News Srvc
Bishops ‘Shamed’ by ‘Sins, Omissions’ of Priests, Bishops Leading to Abuse – CNS
Four Ways to Harness Your Holy Anger – Derya Little, National Catholic Register
Statements from Bishops of Dioceses Named in Report – Catholic News Service
Report Shows Blistering Record of Abuse in Six Dioceses – Elise Harris, Crux
Wuerl: In Pittsburgh, He Established Strong Policies on Abuse Claims – C. News Srvc
Grand Jury Report Exposes Decades of Church Cover-Up – Claire Chretien, Life Site
Details of Decades of Clerical Abuse Allegations – Ch. Rousselle, CNA via NC Register
A Harrowing Record of Abuse in Six Dioceses – Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY MORNING EDITION

Catholic Martyrs (Pic Credit: Taylor Marshall)

Dr. Marshall Speaks Out Against Catholic Homosexual-Scandal:  Does the Mega-Diocese Foster Sexual Scandals & Bad Priests?  Yes

. . .evolution of the Mega-Diocese.  Since 1900, the concept of the Catholic diocese has morphed into something that would not be recognized by Christians of the medieval period, & certainly not by the Church Fathers. . .

by Taylor Marshall, Ph.D.

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Fr. Thomas Rosica Implies Scripture & Tradition are “Disordered Attachments” – R.C.
Time to Hold Prelates Accountable at the Vatican, Too – Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
Bishop Conley Gives Update on Diocesan Allegations, Review Policies – NC Register
Robert Spencer Exposes Islam’s Phony Peace; Book Review – Andrew E. Harrod
The Cancer Of The Cover-Up Mentality – Rod Dreher, The American. . .
Court Stops State That Tried to Tax Christians for Feeding Poor Children – Jer. Galus
Univ. of Iowa Reinstates Religious Gps. After Lawsuit by Christian Student Gp. – T.C.F.
Pittsburgh Bishop Says Not All Grand Jury Accusations are ‘Substantiated’ – The CWR
Apatheism Is More Harmful to Christianity Than Atheism & Antitheism – Brian/Sixsmith
Card. Wuerl Lays Out Plan for Lay Involvement in Bishops’ Accountability – The CWR
Pagan Piety; Book Review – Kyle Harper, First Things
Catholic Church Doesn’t Claim Superiority Over the Bible – D. Armstrong, NC Register
Actor Chris Pratt Tells Teens: “I Love God, You Should Too” – Katie Yoder, Life News
Here’s Why an LBD is the latest Travel Go-To Dress – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Are Turkey’s Christians as ‘Fine’ as They Say? – Fehim Tastekin, Al-Monitor
How Tradition Fosters Priestly Humility – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
The Power of Perseverance in Catholic Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski
Caritas Project Seeks to End Hunger in South Asia – Catholic News Service via Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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McCarrick Watch: Tvesday Edition

A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing (Pic Credit: Shameless Popery)

A Priest & a Former Seminarian Talk About the McCarrick Scandal

. . .I interviewed Fr. Andrew Strobl, pastor of John Paul II Catholic Church in Olathe, Kansas, on the McCarrick Homosexual Predation Scandal.  The scandal surrounding McCarrick is particularly bad for several reasons. . .

by Joe Heschmeyer,

of Shameless Popery

Why Some Think There’s a Connection between Gay Priests & Abuse – Leon J. Podles
Money Talks: Should Catholics Cease Tithing in Wake of Scandal? – J. Roberts, NC Rgstr
Tolerance of Sexual Immorality Among Clergy Returns to Haunt Us – Michael Warsaw
Seven Lessons from the McCarrick Case – Jeffrey Tranzillo S.T.D., Crisis Magazine
We Must Stop Church’s Gay Networks to Fight Sex Abuse: Moral Theologian – L. Bourne
For Catholics, A Clarifying Scandal – Jennifer Hartline, The Stream
Abuse Accusations Bring Scrutiny for McCarrick’s Charity Fund – CNA via NC Register
Greater Lay Role Needed in Choosing Bishops? – Russell Shaw, OSV Newsweekly
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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