Big Pulpit

THVRSDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Statue of an Angel (Credit: Catholic Stand)

To the People of Ireland & the World

. . .on May 25, A.D. 2018, a referendum will be held in Ireland on whether to repeal or retain the constitutional ban on abortion.  How the Irish decide to vote is of unutterable importance to all of us because the results of Friday’s election will have a ripple effect all over the world. . .

by Brian McShane,

of Catholic Stand

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Incredible Photos: The Pro-Life Movement You’ve Never Seen – Jeffrey Bruno, Aleteia
7 Unforgettable Movie Priests – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
Protestant Americans See Sharp Decline, Survey Reports – John Burger, Aleteia
Why Catholics Should Take Cryptocurrencies Seriously – Philip Booth, Catholic Herald
Brazil’s Surprise Vocations Boom – Miguel Cullen, Catholic Herald
6 Ways To Help Women When Abortion Is Finally Outlawed – Geo. Boorman, The Fdrlst
How Europeans are Fighting Back Against Sunday Trading – Matthew Schmitz, Cath Hrld
After Cecile Richards, What’s Next for Planned Parenthood? – Peter Jesserer Smith, Rg
8 Essential Religious Sister Twitter Accounts You Need to Follow – Theresa Williams, eP
Are We Really Any More Civilized than the World of King Lear? – Fr. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
Learning the Lessons of Chile – Fr. Gerald E. Murray J.C.D., The Catholic Thing
Voucher Programs: Problems & Promises for Catholic Schools – Brett Bertucio, ChLJ
After Latest Christian Deaths, Nigeria’s Bishops Warn ‘Clock Ticking’ – Inés San Martín
Plenary Indulgence for Participating in World Meeting of Families – Cindy Wooden, CH
Will China End Its 2-Child Forced Abortion Policy? Don’t Celebrate Yet – Reg. Littlejohn
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

Pope Francis (Credit: Screen Shot from middleeastmonitor.com)

Pope Francis on Same-Sex Attracted Seminarians to Italian Bishops Conference: This Bridge is Closed!

. . .Pope Francis: “if you have also the slightest doubt it’s better not to let them (same-sex attracted seminarians) enter” — translated by Fr. Zed from Italian. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
How to Respond When Someone Says ‘God Made Me Gay’ – Fr. Ph. Bochanski, NCRgstr
Newborns Die While Mother Pleads for Help, Hospital Refuse to Assist – M. Bilger, LN
Student Banned from Providence Col. After Defending Natural Marriage – C. Chretien
Canadian Jesuit Abp. Prendergast Comments on Crazy German Bishops’ Scheme – Z
How to View Your Work Day as a Catholic – Laura Hensley, epicPew
Behind the Chilean Bishops’ Resignations: a Very Hopeful Sign? – Phil Lawler, Cthlc Cltr
Two Charcoal Fires – Noel Tran, Ignitum Today
These Catholic Women Select the Best Content for You Every Day – S. Swinford, Alet.
Cardinals in the Spotlight as Chile’s Crisis Continues to Reverberate – Inés San Martín
Artificial Intelligence & the Vatican; The Vision of Science-Fiction* – Bob Kurland Ph.D.
How to Know if a Trend is “For You” – Meghan Ashley, Meghan Ashley Styling
How Will Pope’s Focus on Chile Affect Other Abuse Cases in Latin America? – E. Pentin
Irving Berlin’s ‘God Bless America’ Turns 100 – Kathy Schiffer, Natl Catholic Register
Catholicism, Fundraising, Book Launches, & Overcoming Struggles – Brice Sokolowski
Love – For If the Heart Doesn’t Pray, The Tongue Labours in Vain – David Torkington, CS
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Jacob Rees-Mogg (Credit: Screen Shot from BBC via Catholic Herald)

Bishops Accuse BBC of Bigotry After the Rees-Mogg Interview

. . .they condemned an interview where the Catholic politician was repeatedly questioned on his faith. . .

by Nick Hallett,

of Catholic Herald

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Mob Justice at Providence College – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
What Happens in Germany – Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap., First Things
Hell: Some Thoughts for the Scrupulous – Cecily Lowe, Catholic Stand
Good News: God Didn’t Make This Mess – Fr. Timothy V. Vaverek, The Catholic Thing
Jordan Peterson: Political Correctness Debate – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Justin Trudeau & the Dictatorship of Relativism – George Weigel, First Things
Ireland & the ‘Ensoulment’ Myth – Catherine Laffey, First Things
The New Divide in American Politics – Mark Movsesian, First Things
How to Know if a Trend is “For You” – Meghan Ashley, Meghan Ashley Styling
Craft Beer & Catholic Teaching: Drink Up, Gents – Max Milan, Catholic Exchange
Wim Wenders Presents Pope Francis Superstar! – Nick Olszyk, The Cthlc World Report
Why Catholics Honor Mary – Charle McKinney, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Abp. Wilson to Stand Aside After Conviction for Concealing Abuse – Catholic Herald
The Catholic History of the Graduate’s Cap & Gown – Zelda Caldwell, Aleteia
New Hope for Those Struggling with Infertility – Grace Emily Stark, Aleteia
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Pope Francis Waving

Pope’s Words about God Making Someone “Gay”

. . .I am not going to accept the claim that that is what the Holy Father actually said.  Gratis asseritur. . . &, were he to have said that, that would do nothing in any official way to change or to redirect the Church’s teachings about homosexual persons. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
An American Lawyer’s Peculiar Theory on the Pell Trial – Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
Ambassador’s Wife Speaks of Card. Maradiaga’s Alleged Role in Bad Fund – Edw. Pentin
Ex-Vatican Doctrine Czar Calls Homophobia a ‘Hoax’, ‘Psycho-Terrorism’ – John Allen
Little-Known Facts About 6 U.S. Bishops – Jim Graves, National Catholic Register
Moral Order, the Current Mess, & a Theological Reading of History – Carl E. Olson, CWR
Card. Brandmüller: Those Who Call for Priestesses are Heretics – Nick Hallett, Cth Hrld
A Closer Look at Justice Kennedy Retirement Rumors – Joan Frawley Desmond, NC Reg
Why Is Mexico the Deadliest Place to Be a Priest? – Kathleen Naab, Natl Cthlc Register
The Chilean Bishops & the Pope’s Self-Censorship on Venezuela – Sandro Magister, SC
Pontifical High Mass Video Exceeds 26K Views – Kenneth J. Wolfe, Rorate Cæli
Biographical Sketches of 14 Cardinals-Designate – Joan Lewis, Joan’s Rome
Save the Little People, Protect the 8th – Pat Cross, Pat Cross Cartoons
Ireland at a Crossroads – Michael Kirke, Garvan Hill
Pope to Meet More Survivors of Chile’s Most Infamous Abuser Priest – Inés San Martín
Bishops’ Fates In the Balance, Pope To Consult Chile Victims, Again – Rocco Palmo
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Pope Francis Thinking (Credit: Paul-Haringweb of CNS)

Pope Laments Vocations ‘Hemorrhage,’ Wants ‘Clear Rules’ on Money

. . .Francis told the bishops he wasn’t sharing these concerns to “beat you up,” but rather as points for further “dialogue & reflection.”  He also said he wanted to hear their questions, even their criticisms, because “it’s not bad to criticize the pope, it’s useful”. . .

by John L. Allen, Jr.,

of Crux

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Why Theologians Trained in Catholic Grad. Schools Can’t Find Work – J. Grondelski PhD
Australian Archbishop Convicted of Concealing Child Sexual Abuse – Nick Hallett, CH
Are Evangelicals Now Dwindling Like Mainline Liberals? – Gene Veith, Cranach
Prelate Calls on Brother Bishops to Celebrate Traditional Pontifical Mass, TLM – Fr. Z
Who are the 14 New Cardinals? – Catholic News Service via Catholic Herald
Put Your Chips Down, Bet The House, & Trust in God – Rob Marco, Catholic Stand
On Who Celebrates the Liturgy – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic Thing
German Bishops Employ Lutheran Subjectivism for Marriage Agenda – Jf. Tranzillo PhD
Breaking the Stereotype: Comfort Shoes – Meghan Ashley Sabo, Meghan Ashley
Phila. Bars Catholic Social Services from Serving Foster Children – John D. Davidson
Facebook Reveals Troubling Takedown Rules for Hate Speech & More – Rac. Alexander
An Employment Triduo to St. Joseph – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
New Zero Tolerance Policy on Illegal Immigration Raises Objections – P. Jesserer Smith
Catholicism, Fundraising, Book Launches, & Overcoming Struggles – Brice Sokolowski
A Bitter Winter in Store for Religion in China – Massimo Introvigne, Mercatornet
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY MORNING EDITION

Pope Francis (Credit: Daniel Ibanez of CNA via NCRegister.com Screen Shot)

‘Gay Doesn’t Matter’ Remark Continues ‘Shadow Magisterium’

. . .it would be better if comments reportedly made by the Pope in private remained in private, not splashed around the world by news media. . .

by Father Raymond J. de Souza,

of the National Catholic Register

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Failing in Formation: Other Options Than Matthew Kelly – John Thomas Goerke, FTh
Card. Sarah: Ordination of Viri Probati is Break with Apostolic Tradition – M. Hickson
God Made You Like That, & I Do Not Care – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., Catholic Culture
Did You Know? The Reason Why Chief Sitting Bull Wore a Crucifix – Billy Ryan, uCthlc
What Pope Francis’ Choices for Cardinals Mean for The Church – E. Pentin, NC Register
Fr. Jms Martin: Pope Told Sex Abuse Victim, ‘God Made You Gay’ – Jos. Sciambra, Strm
One-Man Army Fighting for the Resuscitation of the Latin Language – P. Mankowski
Keeping Catholic Schools Catholic in a “Love is Love” Culture – E. Anderson, The CWR
A Brief History of Papal Infallibility – Dave Armstrong, National Catholic Register
Married Priests & Synod of the Amazon – Edward N. Peters J.C.D. J.D., In the Light. . .
The Grace of the Catholic Church While Grieving Suicide – Lorelei Savaryn, Cthlc Stand
Chastity & Abortion: Interview with Jason Evert – Kathy Clubb, Ignitum Today
3.5 Million Argentines Rally Against a Bill to Liberalize Abortion – Inés San Martín, Crux
Physician-Assisted Suicide & Personal Action: Responding to the Law – C. Tollefsen PhD
Our Pro-Life Future: A Plan for Building on Anti-Abortion Successes – Ra. MacNair, FTh
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Priest with Collar

Innocent Priests Also Suffered in the Abuse Crisis

. . .Fr. Barry O’Sullivan speaks to six priests about the crushing blow the scandal had on them. . .

by Francis Phillips,

of Catholic Herald

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Fascinating & Sad: ’76 Transcript of Paul VI & Abp. Lefebvre – Fr. Z’s Blog
Pope Now Faces a Terrible Dilemma Over Chile – Christopher R. Altieri, Catholic Herald
Vatican Archives Show Truth of Inquisition Doesn’t Match “Black Legend” – Aleteia
The Courage to Endure to the End – Janet Meyer, Catholic Stand
Repealing Article 8 Would Destroy the Foundation of Human Rights – Bruce Arnold, TB
Breaking the Stereotype: Comfort Shoes – Meghan Ashley Sabo, Meghan Ashley
LA Religious Education Congress Draws Kudos, Criticism – Judy Roberts, NC Register
Catholics Celebrate the Inaugural Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church – J. McAfee
The Feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem – Canticum Salomonis
Mary’s Titles, New & Old – Tim Staples, Catholic Answers Magazine
Of Facebook, Transparency, & Pentecost – Richard Becker, Crisis Magazine
Pentecost: The Church Is Born – Mike Aquilina, Catholic Exchange
Catholicism, Fundraising, Book Launches, & Overcoming Struggles – Brice Sokolowski
Despite Talk of a Thaw, China is Persecuting the Catholic Church – Fr. Ber. Cervellera
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY MORNING EDITION

St. Peter’s Square (Credit: Screen Shot from russellskitchen.wordpress.com)

Seven Quick Takeaways on the Creation of 14 New Cardinals

. . .arguably, no single thing any pope ever does is more consequential than choosing the cardinals who will elect his successor.  When a pontiff reveals his picks for new members of the Church’s most exclusive club, therefore, it always delivers a powerful statement not only about where the Church is today, but where it may be going in the future. . .

by John L. Allen, Jr.,

of Crux

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Report: Pope Francis Says God Makes People Gay – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Reverse the Curse in the USA: Undoing What Erupted in San Francisco – Fr. R. Heilman
Three Gone, The Pope’s “C9” Keeps Falling To Pieces – Sandro Magister, Settimo Cielo
Open Letter to Mr. George Clooney on Southern Poverty Law Ctr – Chuck Donovan, PD
Apostasy – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual Enrichment
A New Marian Feast. . . Another “Montini Moment” – Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the. . .
‘Trans Women’ – the Finer Points – Chiara Bertoglio, Mercatornet
The Church Permits Criticism of Popes Under Certain Circumstances – E. Feser Ph.D.
Why Youth Leave The Church – Brian Holdsworth, uCatholic
Attacks on Places of Worship Rise, Thanks to Socialism – Ángel Manuel García Carmona
Name Your Baby. . . the Catholic Way – Katie Warner, National Catholic Register
Ireland, Abortion & the Eighth Amendment – The Editors, National Catholic Register
Might New Vatican Document on the Economy Help Humanæ Vitæ? – A. Gagliarducci
Church-State Distance, If Not Separation, Finally Hits Il Bel Paese – John Allen, Crux
Capitalism vs. Tradition in Italy – Alessandra Bocchi, First Things
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SVNDAY EDITION

The Man of Sorrows in the arms of the Virgin by Hans Memling, A.D. 1475; (Credit: Wikimedia via Church Life Journal)

The Mysterious Miriam of Nazareth

. . .the seismic shift in the orientation of creation, this cataclysmic re-location of the logos into the corruptible world of mortality took place not in a hermetically-sealed scientific laboratory or in the archetypes of myth, but in the flesh-and-blood of a human person.  And the person’s name was Mary. . .

by Renée D. Roden,

of Church Life Journal

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Check Out These Photos of Carmelite Mystic St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Phi. Kosloski
Introducing the Patriarchal Tiara of Lisbon, a Mitre with 3 Crowns – J.P. Sonnen, LAJ
Laugh & Grow Strong – Fr. George W. Rutler Th.D. S.T.D., National Catholic Register
Our Lady of Fatima & Eucharistic Devotion – Joseph Pronechen, National Catholic Register
God’s Plan For Your Life is Better Than Your Plan – Sherry Antonetti, NC Register
Fra Angelico Exhibit Offers Colorful Masterpieces – Joseph Pronechen, NC Register
Hand Illuminated Altar Cards of Nina Somerset– Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Catholic ‘Band of Brothers’: Fathers & Sons, Faith, Camaraderie at Camp – J. Davidson
The Elements of Style in the Sacred Liturgy – Michon Matthiesen S.T.L. Ph.D.
Antique Chasuble by G.F. Bodley  – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
A Peek at the Childhood Homes of 13 Well-Loved Saints – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
The Threefold Maternity of Mary – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
St. Willibrord, Utrecht  – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Gemma Animæ (130-136): Stained Glass, Tapestries, & Painting – Canticum Salomonis
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SATVRDAY EDITION

Ruins of Elgin Cathedral by David Roberts (Credit: Crissi Magazine)

The Suicide of the West: A Tale of Two Miracles

. . .“There is no God in this book.”  Thus reads the provocative first sentence of Jonah Goldberg’s latest release, The Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, & Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy. . .

by John Horvat, II,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Why are Conservatives Forcing Mothers from Their Kids? – Matthew Walther, The Week
Angels Having Relations with Humans, Jude & 2 Peter & 1 Enoch – Tay. Marshall Ph.D.
Breaking the Stereotype: Comfort Shoes – Meghan Ashley Sabo, Meghan Ashley
Eucharistic Miracles & the Divine Blood Type – Rick Becker, National Catholic Register
London’s Anti-Catholic Riots Were the Bloodiest in British History – Antonia Fraser, CH
Books Received: Peter Kreeft & 2018 Ignatius Pew Missal – Fr. Z’s Blog
One-of-a-Kind Book on Adoration & St. Faustina Hits Shelves – Joseph Pronechen, NCRg
Little-Known Story of How St. Thomas the Apostle brought Christianity to India – Alet.
Defending the Catholic Church with Scripture – Ray Sullivan, Catholic Stand
Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to the Ancient Pentecost Vigil – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Best Vatican Document on Economics for Some Time – Philip Booth, Catholic Hrld
Lay Evangelization & the “Smell of the Sheep” – Peter D. Beaulieu, The Cthlc Wrld Rprt
The Impermanence of Place – K.E. Colombini, First Things
Catholicism, Fundraising, Book Launches, & Overcoming Struggles – Brice Sokolowski
New Vatican Doc. Affirms Economy Must be People-Centred – Ed Condon J.C.L., CH
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY LATE EDITION

Dimissioni (Credit: Settimo Cielo via L’Espresso)

Pope Says He is Ready for Resignation; But on the Condition That. . .

. . .in an odd conjunction of coincidences, the words “testament” & “resignation” have recurred several times in recent days, on the lips & from the pen of Pope Francis, to some extent applied to himself as well. . .

by Sandro Magister

of Settimo Cielo

via L’Espresso

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Pope Francis Indirectly Corrects Fr. James Martin on “Animals” – Fr. Z’s Blog
Chile’s Bishops have Offered to Resign, That’s Still Not Enough – Ed Condon J.C.L., CH
Left-Wing Anti-Catholic Bigotry In Philly – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Support for Legalizing Abortion in Ireland Collapses, Less Than Half For – M. Bilger, LN
Henry Kissinger is a Boring Old Fraud – Matthew Walther, The Week
Rival Visions of the Catholic Future – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Memo to Catholic World: Have Eyes on What Pope Does in Chile – Jn. L. Allen Jr., Crux
Pope Says Removing Chile’s Bishops is ‘Needed’ But Not Enough – Inés San Martín, Crux
Ecclesial or Fundamentalist Catholic; Austen Ivereigh & Mike Lewis – Deborah Gyapong
White House to Deny Federal Funds to Planned Parenthood – Zelda Caldwell, Aleteia
Cardinal Hoyos, Former Pres. of the Pont. Comm. “Ecclesia Dei” – RIP – Fr. Z’s Blog
Will Tech Giants Sway Ireland’s Abortion Referendum? – Jon Anderson, Catholic Herald
Irish Pro-lifers Campaign to Keep Abortion Illegal – John P. McCarthy Ph.D., Crisis Mgzn
Vatican Walking Into a Trap If It Does a Deal with Red China – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
Pope Says Change Coming for Chile, But So Far No Specifics – Inés San Martín, Crux
On Finance, the Vatican can Still Do Better – Samuel Gregg D.Phil., The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

Austen Ivereigh (Credit: Fr. Dwight Longenecker)

Austen (Ivereigh) Has Lost His Powers

. . .English journalist, academic, & papal biographer Austen Ivereigh seems to have become somewhat of a loose cannon–rolling about on a leering ship, firing shots every which way, but while the cannonballs are flying they rarely hit their target but can do extraordinary damage to innocent victims. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Live Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Understanding the Mysterious Sword of St. Michael – R. Jared Staudt, Cthlc Exchange
Why Vatican Won’t Be Joining U.S. on Jerusalem’s Embassy Row – Jn. L. Allen Jr., Crux
In Praise of Brooks Brothers – Matthew Walther, The Week
Patrick Deneen, The Little Sisters of the Poor, & Libertas Idiotica – A.M. Esolen Ph.D.
YouTube Star Explains What Convinced Her Church is Right on Contraception – ChPop
Pope: I’ve Thought About When It Might Be Time to “Take Leave” – Billy Ryan, uCthlc
On Christian Liberty, Lockean Liberty: Response to S. Gregg, Esolen – P. Deneen Ph.D.
The Best Monastic Documentaries – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
New Data: Calif. Math Achievement Took Nosedive after Common Core – J. Pullmann
Court Staffer Fired After a Security Breach at Cardinal Pell Trial – Catholic Herald
New Liturgical Provisions from Archbishop Sample – Gregory DiPippo, New Lit Mov
‘Cor Orans’ Requires Contemplative Orders to Join Federations – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Jen. Fulwiler on Big Families, Mommy Wars, & Wholeness of Vision – Cat. Harmon
Prosecutors Want Media Blackout for Cardinal Pell Trial – Nick Hallett, Catholic Herald
The Holy See, China, & Evangelization – George Weigel, The Dispatch via The CWR
Judge Overturns California Assisted Suicide Law, For Now – Liberty McArtor, The Strm
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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