Big Pulpit

VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Damian Thompson (Pic Credit: Eccles & Bosco Blog)

America Magazine Has a Provocative Ad on Their Website (Warning: Graphic Content)

by Damian Thompson

of Holy Smoke

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Indy Archbishop Issues Letter on Suspended Counselor in Same-sex Marriage – Crux
James Atkinson-Wake: Who Wears the Mitre of Satan – The Anglicanorum Coetibus Society
Backlash to Vestments for World Meeting of Families on Social Media – ChurchPOP
Slovak Teen to be Beatified as a Martyr to Purity – Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic Herald
Well Done to Bishop Vasa for Banning ‘Communion Services’ – Damian Thompson, C. Hrld
‘Mormon’ No More? – Trent Horn, Catholic Answers Magazine
New Study on Holy Shroud Confirms: It’s the Blood of a Tortured Man – L Massaro, Aleteia
Increase in Vocations Presents a Challenge for San Jose Diocese – California Cthlc Daily
What Is Contributing to California’s Homelessness? – Nicholas Wolfram Smith, NC Register
Modernism & the Strangling of the Arts – Edward P. Shikles, One Peter 5
My Takeaway From London Fashion – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Detectives Hope Trail Won’t Go Cold in Priest’s Murder Probe – J.M. Hanneman, The CWR
Our Queen & Mother is Light in Darkness, Consolation in Sorrow – J. Pronechen, NC Rgstr
How Dorothy Day Came to Choose the Hard Path – Charles Lewis, National Cthlc Register
Baby Gianna, Kissed by Pope Francis, Beats Brain Tumor – Chloe Langr, epicPew
How to Fundraise in the Face of a Church Scandal – Brice Sokolowski
Bishop Who Ministered to Indigenous Peruvians Dies at 84 – ACI Prensa via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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McCarrick Watch: VVednesday Edition

Church Building (Pic Credit: iStock via The Stream)

Parish Rot, Acceptance of Homosexuality Runs Deep in the Church in America

. . .As has been obvious to many Catholics for many years, broad swathes of the American Church have been very cavalier & accepting of homosexual behavior, despite the fact that the Church is crystal clear that such behavior is gravely sinful. . .

by Joshua Charles

Gay Men Are Different, Says Gay Male Reader – Rod Dreher, The American. . .
Honors Galore for Notorious, Fr. James Martin ‘Hero’ – Paul Likoudis, The Wanderer
Cardinal Burke Interviewed by Raymond Arroyo, The Cardinal’s Advice – Fr. Z’s Blog
A Crisis of Infidelity – Robert P. George Ph.D., First Things
Pope Francis’s Failed Abuse Letter – Rod Dreher, The American. . .
Enough: It’s time to disband the US Bishops’ Conference – Jason Scott Jones, Life Site
For Millennial Conservatives, The Enemy Is Us – Rod Dreher, The American. . .
Bp. Morlino: Time to Root Out Homosexual Subculture in Church Hierarchy – NCRegister
Roundup: Bishops React to Sexual Abuse Scandal – Staff, National Catholic Register
Portland Archbishop Calls for Time for Saints in Response to Scandal – Ch. White, Crux
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

Sean Cardinal O’Malley (Pic Credit: These Stone Walls)

Catholic Media Join the Sex Abuse Pile-On

. . .in an exclusive for These Stone Walls, Catholic author David F. Pierre, Jr takes a soul-searching measure of the Catholic media at this time of crisis in the Church. . .

by Father Gordon J. MacRae,

of These Stone Walls

Egypt’s River & a Predictably “Gay” Attack on a Forthright Bishop – Fr. Z’s Blog
Abuse Accusation Against Priest Is Wrong, See For Yourself – TheMediaReport.com
Bishop Thomas Tobin Says Abuse was Outside His Responsibility – Providence Journal
What the Bishops Should Do. . . – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Standing in the Cesspool: The Complicity of the Commentariat – A. Layne, Catholic Stand
Two Legionaries Discuss How They Dealt With the Maciel Case – Fr. Mat. P. Schneider L.C.
Fackenheim’s Law & the Current Crisis – George Weigel, The Catholic World Report
Judas in Our Midst, Would We Leave the Church? – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
CUA President Sees Laity as Key to Renewal in Scandal – Catholic News Service
Victims’ Advocate Says Info. & Who Controls It Key to abuse Crisis – Ch. White, Crux
Pp. Francis’s Letter on Abuse was Not Enough, We Need Action – Ch. Altieri, Cthlc Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Father James Martin’s Homosexual Agenda

In his 2017 book, Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the L.G.B.T Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity, Fr. Martin says of homosexuality that “some bishops have already called for the church to set aside the phrase ‘objectively disordered’” in the Catechism.

by Thomas R. Ascik,

of The Catholic World Report

Live Adoration of Jesus

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, hosted by Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Adore Jesus anytime during your day for relief, rest, relaxation, or just to re-energize your day. ​

The "Shroud of Padre Pio"

The saint wiped his face with a handkerchief, & later a mysterious image appeared on it.  A Shroud of Turin expert says the image is acheropita – not made by human hands. . .

Tide Pod Vestments, Child Abuse

Tacky religious vestments. In the external symbolism of religious vestments, a dark world of meaning lies hid. There’s a difference between presenting a woman with a bouquet of long-stem roses, & draping her in a horseshoe wreath as if she’d won the Kentucky Derby.


Tide Pod Vestments & Child Abuse – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
The Coming Catholic Renewal & the Tree of Gondor – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Can Sexual Orientation Change? Yes, According to a New Study – M. Cook, Mrctrnt
Texas Priest Disappears Amid Molestation Allegations – Associated Press via Crux
An Improvement to the “Ratio” Governing the Formation of Priests in Seminaries – Fr. Z
The Wild Churches of Kerala, Southern India – Niall Patrick Walsh, arch daily
Answering Objections to Christianity – Peter Kreeft Ph.D., Integrated Catholic Life™
Safe Spaces for Catholic Donations – Regina Magazine
Sex Dolls & Pandemic Loneliness – Jason Morgan, the Human Life Review
Terrific Movement of Prayer for Priests: Seven Sisters Apostolate – Fr. Z’s Blog
Critics of Christianity Aren’t So Clever – Regis Nicoll, Crisis Magazine
The Practical Beauty of Confession – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, NC Register
Supporting Our Parishes is an Act of Love – Constance T. Hull, Catholic Exchange 
Turkey’s Christians are Facing Increasing Persecution – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith Ph.D., CH
Irish Abuse Survivor Wants an Action Plan from the Pope, Not an Apology – Crux
Restaurant’s Culinary Program Helps Former Inmates achieve Success – CNS via Crux
Eucharist, Parenthood, Communion of Persons – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., NC Register
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION Read More »

TVESDAY LATE EVENING EDITION

Fr James Martin Looking Confused (Pic Credit: Fr Dwight Longenecker)

Celibacy? Gay? Fr. James Martin? Whazzat?

. . .just what exactly does this “good celibate gay priest” look like?  Undoubtedly there are a good number of Catholic priests who experience same-sex attraction.  I believe many of them are holy, hard-working well-adjusted men.  Their sexuality has been accepted & integrated & by God’s grace they have mastered their lusts & sublimated their sexuality into their priestly vocation.  However, they do not describe themselves as “gay”. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Unwelcome Memories of Cardinal Mahoney – California Catholic Daily
Africa’s Priests are ‘Disappearing’ into Europe – Jonathan Luxmoore, Catholic Herald
Urgent: Hideous Symbol on Pastel Vestments for World Meeting of Families – Fr. Z’s Blog
Where is the St. Pope Pius X of Today? – Fr. John A. Perricone, Crisis Magazine
No “Proportionate Reasons” Justify Voting for Any Democrat – Guy McClung Ph.D. J.D.
Mass “Facing the People” as Counter-Catechesis & Irreligion – Pt. Kwasniewski Ph.D., NLM
The Forgotten Purpose of the Eucharist – Fr. Nnamdi Moneme O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
Robert Hugh Benson’s Stories Illuminate the Nature of Prayer – K. Franklin PhD, The CWR
Does The Catholic Church Have Too Many Rules? – uCatholic
The Joyful Service for Identical Twin Dominicans – Mark Zimmerman, CNS via Crux
My Takeaway From London Fashion – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Florida Schools Now Display the State Motto ‘In God We Trust’ – Nancy Flory, The Stream
Secular Protests of the Papal Visit to Ireland – John P. McCarthy, Crisis Magazine
Finding a True Vocation: What I Want To Be When I Grow Up – D. Cerdeira, Those C. Men
Ignatius Press at 40 Years: An Interview with Fr. Joseph Fessio – J. McClain, NC Register
Pope Francis Sends a Video Message to Ireland Ahead of His Visit – Vatican News
How to Fundraise in the Face of a Church Scandal – Brice Sokolowski
7 Steps for Making a Holy Hour Holy – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY LATE EVENING EDITION Read More »

McCarrick Watch: Tvesday Late Edition

Sean Cardinal O’Malley (Pic Credit: Daniel Ibanez of Catholic News Agency via the National Catholic Register)

Seán Cardinal O’Malley Takes Personal Responsibility for Failure

. . .the Cardinal’s apology emerges as the McCarrick cover-up scandal & the Pennsylvania grand jury report places bishops & chanceries under the spotlight. . .

by Peter Jesserer Smith,

of the National Catholic Register

Who Knew About “Uncle Ted”? – ComplicitClergy.com
Bishop Robert McElroy Issues a Statement on the Death of Richard Sipe – Calif. C. Daily
Card. Jos. Tobin Tells Priests Not to Speak to Press after Gay Sub-Culture Claims – C Hrld
Why Men Like Me Should Not be Priests – Daniel Mattson, First Things
The Text of Letter Sent to Card. O’Malley Warning about McCarrick – The Boston Pilot
Homosexual Predators, Not Pedophile Priests, are Church’s Cancer – Fr. Gomes B.D. PhD
Pro-Homosexual Card. Joseph Tobin Proclaims Ignorance of ‘Gay Subculture’ – NC Rgstr
Active Homosexuality in the Priesthood Helped Cause This Crisis – Msgr. C. Pope, NCRgstr
There’s No Hell Like a Priest’s Hell, So Pray for Guilty Prelates – John Clark, NC Register
The Roots of Abuse – Mark Lambert, De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.
Safeguarding Commission Member: Bishops’ Role in Crisis Must be Acknowledged – NCRg
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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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

FRIDAY EDITION Read More »

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

McCarrick Watch: Friday Edition Read More »

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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