Big Pulpit

TVESDAY EXTRA

Holy Communion in a Stained Glass Church Window (Credit: Fr. Z’s Blog)

. . .years ago, I was – for my sins – sent by the pastor of the parish to attend a Thanksgiving Day “ecumenical” breakfast. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

The History of Prinknash Abbey Incense & How It is Made – Shawn R. Tribe, Lit Arts Jrnl

Please Don’t Ban Pro-Life Vigils, They Saved My Baby’s Life – Abby Smith, Cthlc Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

God in Heaven (Credit: by Ig0rzh from iStock via The Stream)

Do “Good” Atheists Go to Heaven?

. . .what do you say to a grieving boy, who asks you if his father, a recently dead atheist, is in heaven?  A little boy asked Pope Francis that question.  It’s a tough one — especially coming from that little boy.  But, assuming the report is accurate, I don’t think the pope answered it quite correctly. . .

by John Zmirak, Ph.D.

Surprising Results Reveal “Most Catholic Cities in America” – John Burger, Aleteia
New AP U.S. History Textbook Implies Christians are Bigots – Joy Pullmann, The Fdrlst
Heresy at Holy Cross College in Worcester – Charlotte Allen, First Things
How to Help Evangelicals Understand Catholicism – Dwight Longenecker
These 7 Saints Have the Weirdest Names We Could Find – Theresa Williams, epicPew
Is Islam A Christian Heresy? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
You Can’t Argue Against Socialism’s 100% Record of Failure – Kristian Niemietz, CapX
Suggestions for Those New to the Traditional Latin Mass – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Bearing Witness to the Faith in a Secular Society & Living to Tell the Tale – Dv. Clayton
Biblical Arguments in Support of Mary’s Assumption – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
God’s Teaching is Clear But Society is Still Confused – Gene Van Son, Catholic Stand
Imagine (There’s No Causality) – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Beyond Christian vs. Muslim Politics – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Unpracticed Faith is Functional Atheism – Regis Nicoll, Crisis Magazine
The Catholic Guide to Business Integrity – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
The Essential Bookshelf for a Religious Artist, Part I: the Golden Legend – Daniel Mitsui
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY MORNING EDITION

Homeschool Boy Discerning Priesthood (Credit: Screenshot via Fr. Z’s Blog)

The Connection of Home-Schooling & Entering Seminary

. . .a study shows that men who are home-schooled enter the seminary at a higher rate than those who were in Catholic schools. . .

by Father John Zuhsldorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

9 Extraordinary Facts About Ghosts That Catholics Need to Know – Laura Hensley, eP
Why the West is Suicidal – Daniel McCarthy, Modern Age
Chappaquiddick: A Review – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
New Catholic App For Kids Is A Game-Changer For Parents – uCatholic
Papal Fallibility? – Inés San Martín, Crux
The Kids Aren’t Alright: Millenials Don’t Know How to Date – Brad Miner, The Cth Thng
The Dispute on “Faith Alone” – Dan Byron, Catholic Stand
Ukrainian Archbishop of Philadelphia Retires for Health Reasons – Rocco Palmo
A Calif. Bill Threatens Free Speech & Truth on Same-Sex Attraction – R. Gagnon Ph.D.
Rendering to Caesar – Michael Pakaluk Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Hard-Won Homeschooling Freedoms Under Threat & Must Be Defended – K. McDonald
The New States’ Rights: Is Parenthood Defined by Biology or Govt? – A. MacLeod Ph.D.
US Strike on Syria Renews Just-War Debate – Brian Fraga, National Catholic Register
Hawaii Law Prescribes Death in Paradise – Peter Jesserer Smith, Natl Catholic Register
How to Transition Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring – Meghan Ashley
The 10 Free Technologies Every Catholic Charity Must Use – Brice Sokolowski
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EDITION

Pro-Lifers from Norma McCorvey, Lila Rose, & Bryan Kemper (Credit: Wikipedia)

Yet Another Pro-Life Leader Converts to Catholicism; What’s Going On?

. . .it happened again. . .

from ChurchPop

The Collapse of SNAP – David F. Pierre Jr., TheMediaReport.com
Fr. Murray & Prof. Royal Opine on Card. Schonborn’s Female Ordination Comments – Z
A Curious Absence in “Gaudete et Exsultate” – Alan L. Anderson, The Catholic Thing
Pro-Lifers Hit Back After City Bans Them from Praying in Front of Abortuories – Lf Nws
Jordan Peterson: The Problem With Atheism – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
How to Transition Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring – Meghan Ashley
The 10 Free Technologies Every Catholic Charity Must Use – Brice Sokolowski
A Technique from the Desert Fathers to Control Our Negative Thoughts – M. De Robien
The Lost Verses of “O Salutaris Hostia” – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
Evangelizing the Secular Mind – Gavin F. Hurley, Crisis Magazine
Companions Aid Relig. Coms.: Lay Assocs. Promote Orders’ Charisms – J. Donohue
The Glorious Return of the Boy Choir – The Modern Medievalist, Modern Medievalism
Family Dinners Through The Lens of Pope Francis – Mark C. McCann, Catholic Stand
Syrian Christian Leaders Denounce US Air Raid as Brutal Aggression – Inés San Martín
An Indian Among 8 New Venerable Servants of God – Vatican News
Schmemann & “Liturgy Outside Liturgy” – Adam A.J. DeVille Ph.D., The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SVNDAY EDITION

Beautiful Mass with Incense (Credit: Flickr)

Worship Animating Culture

by Dan Burke,

of Catholic Spiritual Direction

The Most Beautiful Painting in the World has been Restored – Jesús Colina, Aleteia
Biblical Evidence for the Perpetual Virginity of Mary – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
Do People in Heaven Suffer if They Have Loved Ones in Hell? – Gelsomino Del Guercio
5 Little-Known Facts about Guardian Angels – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Ten Catholic Questions about Sola Scriptura – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
How Does Your Temperament Affect Your Marriage? – Dan Burke, Cthlc Spiritual Drctn
Where in the World is Carmel? – Catholic Spiritual Direction
A Mystery Vestment — & a Beautiful One – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Touched By G.K. Chesterton? Here’s How You Can Help His Canonization! – ChurchPop
3 Saintly Teenagers Who can Inspire Young People Today – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Forgiveness: The Condition of All Relationship – Sam Guzman, The Catholic Gentleman
The Patience of the Saints – Fr. Joseph M. Esper, Catholic Exchange
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SATVRDAY EXTRA

Fr. James Martin Salt and Light Interview (Credit: Crisis Magazine)

James Martin S.J. vs James Martin S.J.

. . .Donald Trump might refer to James Martin S.J. as “Slippery Jim.”  He is certainly slippery.  His latest act of slipperiness is a column he published this week at America Magazine wherein he claims to support the teaching of the Church on homosexuality. . .

by Austin Ruse,

of Crisis Magazine

Catholic Church Disaffiliates “Catholic” Coll. Hosting Planned Parenthood – M. Bilger
What Would Jesus Do. . .About Priestesses? – Ben Butera, The American Catholic
After Pope’s Incredible Apology for Chilean Abuse, What Comes Next? – Fr. de Souza
Evening Came, & Morning Followed – Fr. George W. Rutler S.T.D. Th.D., NC Register
Dawkins is Wrong! The Fastest Growing Religion is Atheism – Anthony DeStefano, NCRg
Policeman Saves Lives of 3 Women & Credits the Virgin Mary – Cynthia Dermody, Alet.
San Francisco’s Secular Utopia Brings Homelessness, Drugs, & Crime Into City – Fdrlst
Islam & Secularism in France – Michael Curtis, American Thinker
In the Eyes of the Church, You Are So Much More than Just ‘Gay’ – Ste. Herreid, CV
Don’t Delay in Having Your Child Baptized, Pope Francis Says – Junno A. Esteves, CH
On Doing Things – David Warren, Essays in Idleness
Marxism, the Classless Society, & History – Lester Dekoster, Acton Commentary
Catholics & Today’s Thought – James Kalb J.D., The Catholic World Report
Diversity & Meritocracy, Together – R.R. Reno, First Things
Subsidiarity, Federalism, & the Role of the State – Mark Pulliam, Library of Law and. . .
The Need for a Philosophy of Data – Ryan Khurana, Jacobite Magazine
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SATVRDAY EDITION

Emmanuel Macro, President of France (Credit: argia.eus)

Macron has Exposed the Bigotry of French Anti-Catholics

. . .French secularists got all they could have wanted years ago.  So why are they still angry? . . .

by Father Alexander Lucie-Smith, Ph.D.,

of Catholic Herald

BBC Scotland Video Says Holy Communion ‘Smells Like Hate’ – Nick Hallett, Cthlc Hrld
Jim Carrey Painted the Crucifixion for Good Friday, & It’s Actually Pretty Good – ChPp
How To Tell If Your Baby Is Trans – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Francis Effect? Gallup Offers Sobering Numbers, Media Silent – Terry Mattingly, Get Rel
What are Catholics to Make of the Royal Wedding? – Joanna Bogle, The CWR
How to Transition Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring – Meghan Ashley
The 10 Free Technologies Every Catholic Charity Must Use – Brice Sokolowski
Paul Uses Typology to Reveal Warnings From Exodus – Allison Low, Catholic Stand
The Last Papal Martyr – Steve Weidenkopf, Catholic Answers Magazine
How to Respond with Reason & Compassion to Transgender Bullies – Nathanael Blake
Hell is Real, & People Really Go There – Patti Maguire Armstrong, Natl Catholic Register
When Rome Roamed to the Prosperous Bosporus – Kevin Di Camillo, Natl Cthlc Register
The Reason Why So Many Hospitals Have ‘Saint’ in the Name – Angelo Stagnaro, NC Reg
Killer Robots Will Make War Even More Inhumane, Vatican Official Says – Car. Glatz, CH
7 Simple Tips to Stay on Your Homeschool Budget – Abby Sasscer, Seton Magazine
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY LATE EVENING EDITION

Chick-Fil-A Meal (Credit: Fr. Dwight Longenecker)

New Yorkers Are Nervous About Chick-Fil-A

. . .if you want a good laugh read this ridiculously self-righteous & stuck up article from New Yorker magazine. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Mark Zuckerberg Answers to Deletion of Franciscan Univ. Ad – Theresa Williams, eP
Gallup Poll Points to Future Demographic Catholic Disaster, Wherein Fr. Z Rants – Fr. Z
‘We Love Each Other So Much, We’re Getting Divorced’ – Jennifer Hartline, The Strm
Dwayne Johnson, Putting a Ring on It, for the Children’s Sake – Car. Moynihan, M-net
Cory Booker Grills Mike Pompeo Over ‘Gay Marriage’ – Matthew Archbold, CMR
Where is the Francis Effect? – Dave Griffey, Daffey Thoughts
L.A. County’s Latest Homeless Initiative: A Failure in Charity – Caryl Hoilman, CV
8 Truths That Destroy John Oliver’s Bad Rant Against Pro-Life Centers – Abby Johnson
AZ ‘c’atholic Rep. Isela Blanc Distorts Pope, Church on Abortion, Contraception – Z
Govts & Courts are Turning Parenting Into an Orwellian Nightmare – Ed Condon J.C.D.
The Hidden Years, Common Sense, & Renewal Rooted in Prayer – David Torkington, CS
2 Trans Bills Escalate California’s Preference for Feelings Over Facts – Denise Schick
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FRIDAY MORNING EDITION

Fr. Javier Olivera & Sister Marie de la Sagasse (Credit: Fr. Javier Olivera via Catholic News Agency)

They Were Going to Get Married; Now He’s a Priest & She’s a Sister

. . .before discovering their vocations, Fr. Javier Olivera & Sister Marie de la Sagesse were engaged & planning their wedding.  God had other plans. . .

from ACI Prensa

via Catholic News Agency

Jesuits to Host Homosexual “Pride Prom” at Marquette University – Fr. Z’s Blog
Gallup: ‘Spirit of Vatican II/Francis Effect’ Program Has Failed – David Warren, TCT
Pope Francis Says: ‘Convert, So You Don’t End Up in Hell’ – John Clark, NC Register
And the Horses the Progressives Rode in On – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Appointee to Iowa Board of Med. Rejected ’cause of Her Comments at CWR – C. Olson
What is a Man? What is a Woman? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
True Love: Elderly Man Tenderly Combs Wife’s Hair After Entering Hospital – N. Flory
Is it Realistic to Think We Will Ever End Abortion? Yes. Here’s Why – Brad Mattes, LN
Police Stop Alfie Evans’ Parents from Saving Him – Steven Ertelt, Life News
The Swiss Guard Uniform was Not Designed by Michelangelo – John Burger, Aleteia
Resurrection & Liturgy in A Tale of Two Cities – Brian K. Miller J.D., Law, Literature. . .
ACLU Tries to Drag Catholic Charities Into Illegal Immigrant Abortions – Mar. Cleveland
The 10 Free Technologies Every Catholic Charity Must Use – Brice Sokolowski
How to Transition Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring – Meghan Ashley
The Future of the Pro-Life Movement Is in Africa – Stefano Gennarini J.D., Public Dscrs
Pontifical Comm. for Latin America Proposes Synod on Women – Junno A. Esteves, CH
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY EXTRA

John Krasinski (Credit: Word on Fire)

The Most Unexpectedly Religious Film of the Year

. . .I went to see A Quiet Place, John Krasinski’s new thriller, with absolutely no anticipation of finding theological or spiritual themes.  I just wanted a fun evening at the movies.  How wonderful when a film surprises you! . . .

by Bishop Robert E. Barron, S.T.D.,

of Word on Fire

Singer Cardi B Rejects Having Abortion to Save Career: That Disgusts Me – Katie Yoder
Facebook CEO Apologizes for ‘Mistake’ of Blocking Catholic Content – CNA/The CWR
Beautiful Video about the Traditional Latin Mass; Wherein Fr. Z Rants – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Deficits of the iPhone Generation – Christopher O. Tollefsen Ph.D., Mercatornet
How (& How Not) to Read Gaudete et Exsultate – Melissa Guerrero, epicPew
An Ambiguous Exhortation – Dan Hitchens, First Things
The Progressive Indoctrination in Our Schools – Patti Smith, National Catholic Register
How Many of Us Would Truly Resist an Evil Regime? – Francis Phillips, Catholic Herald
Do Christians & Muslims Worship the Same God? – Francis Phillips, Catholic Herald
There’s Nothing New Under the Sun – Fionn Shiner, Catholic Stand
Neil Gorsuch Has Been a Breath of Fresh Air for Pro-Lifers – Tony Perkins, Life News
A Vulnerable Church Can Not Afford to Forget Its Enemies – Bob Sullivan J.D., Crisis
What’s the Use of Catholic Art? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Catholic Register
President of France Calls on Catholics to Engage Politically – Courtney Grogan, CNA
Dr. King’s Radical Biblical Vision – Cornel West Ph.D. & Robert P. George Ph.D., WSJ
Ambrosian Chants for Eastertide – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Annals Tacitus (Credit: Aleteia)

Here’s the Historical Evidence from Non-Christian Sources that Jesus Lived & Died

. . .a wealth of written evidence exists to prove Christianity is not based on a fairy tale. . .

by Zelda Caldwell,

of Aleteia

So Much For The ‘Francis Effect’ – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
The Sovereign Merciless Order of Malta – Another Step Toward Creepy – Fr. Z’s Blog
Paul Ryan Thinks He Won – Matthew Walther, The Week
The Big Catholic Showdown? Liberalism vs. Integralism at Harvard – N. Peters Ph.D.
What Would Have Stopped Martin Luther – Michael D. Breidenbach Ph.D., First Things
How to Transition Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring – Meghan Ashley
The 10 Free Technologies Every Catholic Charity Must Use – Brice Sokolowski
German Bishops at War – Jon Anderson, Catholic Herald

Secular Humanism’s Awful Inhumanity – Tom Gilson, The Stream
Islam, Immigration, & the Decaying Christian West – Derya Little, Crisis Magazine
Why the Social Engineers of the 60’s Failed to Make a “Great Society” – R Ebeling, FEE
Casting Aspersions – Randall B. Smith Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
What Makes Jesus Different from Other Religious “Founders?” – Sean Mitchell, CE
Good Intentions/Dangerous Intentions – Alyssa Morrisroe, Catholic Stand
This is How the Vatican Should Deal with China – David Mulroney, Catholic Herald
Why Having a Philosopher at the Office is a Good Business Choice – S. Hendricks, BTh
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

Amid Abuse Probe’s Hearing of “Many Crucified Lives,” Pope Summons Chile to Rome

. . .in but the latest striking turn of a home-turf debacle which has colored the broad perception of his pontificate, in a letter released on two continents, the Pope told the Chilean bishops that “I have committed grave errors of judgment & perception” in a long-simmering abuse scandal which has rocked the country’s church, specifically citing his lack “of true & balanced information” on it. . .

by Rocco Palmo,

of Whispers in the Loggia

A Catholic Univ. Will Host Former Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards – M. Bilger
Gaudete et Exsultate: Pope Schools Those Who Shy from Spiritual Combat Imagery – Z
Gaudete et Exsultate: Pope Blasts “Punctilious Concern for the Church’s Liturgy” – Z
Meet Those Who Don’t Conform to Diversity – Patti Maguire Armstrong, NC Register
Youth Ministries Aren’t Working – Here’s What You Can Do About It – Laura Hensley, eP
Analysis: Who is the Pope’s New Canon Law Expert? – Andrea Gagliarducci, CNA/CWR
Adoption & the Firing of Kevin Williamson – Dale M. Coulter, First Things
Op-Ed: Providence College & Others Must Return to the Church – Stephen Herreid, CV
London Council Just Banned Pro-Lifers for Having the Wrong Views – Ed Condon J.C.D.
Best Media Literacy Books for Catholics – Sister Helena Burns F.S.P., Hell Burns
3 Surprisingly Simple Steps to Finish the School Year Strong – Kara Milinovich, Seton
Pope’s Apology to Chilean Abuse Survivors; Why Did They Have to Suffer – Chr. Altieri
Popes’ Hopes for Greater Equality in Distribution of Wealth – Sister Ber. Ma. Reis F.S.P.
In Defense of the Death Penalty – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
Blessed Beer from the Monks in Nursia, Italy – Carrie Gress Ph.D., my favorite catho. . .
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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