Big Pulpit

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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VVEDNESDAY EXTRA

The Ends of Contemporary Gnostic Thinking (Credit: Homiletic & Pastoral Review)

The Ends of Contemporary Gnostic Thinking

. . .extensive tattoos & multiple skin piercings amaze most people over 60.  Yet there seems hardly a word of critique of these body deformations in journals.  Thinking about Gnosticism, I suspect that this ancient philosophical aberration has given rise to the current exotic fashion . . . it seems that reinvented Gnosticism has racked up intensely more injurious effects.  By examining a few gnostic principles, I want to show its detrimental legacy in contemporary life.  Baby boomers are justly alarmed by the showcasing of the body, & outraged by other developments. . .

by Father Carmen Mele, O.P.,

of Homiletic & Pastoral Review

Autopsy: US Seminarian Who Died after Serving Pope’s Easter Mass – Kat. N. Hattrup
Whose Side Are They On? – William Kilpatrick Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Gender Ideology Ruined The Left – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Psychopathy: A Deeper Reality Revealed Through Catholicism – Brent Withers, H&PR
Report Finds Doctors Euthanizing Cancer Patients Without Their Consent – Life News
Misplaced Sympathies for Judas & Pilate Distort Moral Reason – Msgr. Charles Pope
Why California Can’t Be a Sanctuary State – John Horvat II, Crisis Magazine
Do Aliens Exist? Here’s What the Pope & the Vatican Astronomers Have to Say – B Ryan
Cardinal Nichols: There was Goodness in Cardinal O’Brien’s Life – Catholic Herald
Hedonism in Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” – Christine Norvell, TIC
Why the Capuchins are Entrusted with Caring for Austria’s Imperial Crypt – Z. Fletcher
Are Catholics Born-Again Christians? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, Natl Catholic Register
How Do Penance & Mortification Differ? – Fr. John Bartunek L.C., Cthlc Spiritual Drctn
How Secularists Abuse Language – Shannon Holzer, The Imaginative. . .
A Clump Of Cells – Pat Cross, PatCrossCartoons.com
Hawaii Bishop: Legalizing Assisted Suicide Hurts Those with Depression – CNA/CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

MeWe Full Logo (Credit: Fr. Dwight Longenecker)

Facebook? I’m Outta Here

. . .so I’ve switched over to a new social media platform.  MeWe is simpler to use, has no advertising, does not track you, does not share your information. Its free, but you only have a limited amount of space to post stuff, so if you want to put up lots of videos & pictures they invite you to pay a monthly fee. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Can We Take Card. Schönborn’s Remarks on Female Ordination Seriously – Peters JCD
Pope Francis Slaps Another Patch on the Moldy ‘Seamless Garment’ – Jn. Zmirak Ph.D.
Seven Spiritual Mistakes of “Good Catholic Parents” – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., Cthlc Cltr
The Last Defender of Reason & the Human Body – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Mgzn
Women Bishops: Boredom Part (II) – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual. . .
Good News for the TLM in the Archd. of Philly – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Mvmnt
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
Amoris Lætitia vs. Veritatis Splendor: You Say You Want a Revolution – E. Chr. Brugger
San Francisco’s Homeless Encampments Expose Failure of Secular Utopia – J. Davidson
Patriarch Kirill & Mr. Putin – George Weigel, First Things
Reviewing the Record of 21st Century Islam – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Mercatornet
Sympathy for Mark Zuckerberg – Matthew Walther, The Week
London Council Bans Pro-Life Vigils in Possible Test Case – Dan Hitchens, Cthlc Herald
Is the Pope Never Wrong? Papal Infallibility Explained – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Pope Insists Baptism Marks a Deep Change, Saying There’s a Before & After – Jn. Allen
Helping Our Children Find Holiness – Fr. Ed Broom O.M.V., Catholic Exchange
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VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Birgit Jones on MeWe (Credit: Catholic Life in Our Times)

Social Yet Private, Is It Time To MeWe?

. . .Stories about the corruption of social media giant, Facebook, are coming in at an increasingly faster pace.  Apparently, not only is our privacy at risk, but we are being manipulated & targeted.  There are accusations surrounding the election cycle, mind games, & total betrayal – all in the name of socializing.  It may well be time to take another path – or at least a supplemental one.  Here is where social newcomer, MeWe, enters the picture. . .

by Birgit Jones,

of Catholic Life in Our Times

Popes’ Call to Holiness: Addressing Non-Existant Issues in the Church – Rb. Royal Ph.D.
Ted Cruz Savage Mark Zuckerberg On Facebook’s Anti-Catholic Bias – Bre Payton
Fr. Joseph Ratzinger’s 1969 Prediction: What the Church Will Look Like in 2000 – RCM
I Deleted My Facebook Account – Shane Schaetzel, Catholic in the Ozarks
Ross Douthat, Pope Francis, & the Future of the Catholic Church – R.J. Snell Ph.D.
Strange Solidarity: US Bishops & AFSCME – Steven Malanga, City Journal
Intersectional Insanity – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Can There Be a Catholic “Mindfulness?” – Jeannie Ewing, Catholic Exchange
The Death of Stalin, Movie Review – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
A Year After Twin Suicide Bombings, Egyptian Churches Growing Rapidly – Nancy Flory
Self-Serving Salvation: Pelagianism & Gnosticism Revisited – Mat. B. Rose, Cthlc Exchng
U. of  Notre Dame Sandwich That’s Raised $1M For Charity – Ryan Scheel, uCatholic
Restoring Courtship in a Hook-Up Culture: The Dating Project – Ella Hadacek, NC Rgstr
Three Parables For The Sojourn Of Faith – Deacon Greg Lambert, Catholic Stand
Why Do We Need Religion in a Globalized World? – Miriam Diez Bosch, Aleteia
Alfie Evan’s Parents: Life Support Could be Yanked Today – Steven Ertelt, Life News
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TVESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Muslim Children Praying (Credit: Flickr)

There’s One Religion Losing Followers in America Faster Than Christianity

. . .what is it about American society that makes the religious faith of immigrant communities atrophy? . . .

by Michael Davis

of the Catholic Herald

Pope Francis “Takes Aim” in “Gaudete et Exsultate”—& Misses? – Carl E. Olson
Pope’s Vicar of Rome a Prelate Worth Keeping an Eye On – John L. Allen Jr., Crux
Women Bishops, Here We Go Again – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual. . .
Gaudete et Exsultate: Coming in From the Cold – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Gallup: Weekly Catholic Church Attendance in Decade-Long Decline – Mt. Archbold
Chris Stefanick’s New Prgrm Aims to Restore Authentic Masculinity – Nicholas W. Smith
Read the Eulogy That Made the Undertaker Declare, “Saint!” – Sister Theresa A. Noble
The Feminist War on Science – Paul Krause, Crisis Magazine
April 10, A.D. 1918: The Angel of the Trenches Earns His Nickname – D. McClarey J.D.
On Silence in the Liturgy  – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
How to Listen to Scriptural Readings – Christopher Carstens, Catholic Exchange
How Should Catholics Vote? – Shane Schaetzel, Catholic in the Ozarks
Veteran Lancaster Priest Installed as Bishop – Catholic Herald
Suffering on the Road to Hope – Sean Morrisroe, Catholic Stand
Salvation History as a Good Film: 3rd Sun. of Easter Readings Explained – Bergsma PhD
A Paschal Poem: Christ’s Guests – Jean Elizabeth Seah, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY MORNING EDITION

Gaudete et Exsultate (Credit: VaticanNews.va)

Solid Analysis of Gaudete et Exsultate

. . .Francis released his Apostolic Exhortation On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World.  It has been given the Latin incipit of Gaudete et Exsultate.  As much as any of Francis’s major documents, it is a snapshot of his pontificate. . .

by P.J. Smith,

of Semiduplex

Her ‘2+2=4’ Moment – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Ross Douthat on Gnosticism – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Why Didn’t Christ Stay with Disciples Continually After Resurrection? – Msgr. Ch. Pope
Fr. Michael Gaitley Comes to Northeast Catholic College – Joseph Pronechen, NCRgstr
The Battle for Europe – Ryszard Legutko, First Things
5 Virtues All Christians Need for Their Work Place – ChurchPop
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
Playing with Power, the Secret to Raising Strong Daughters – John Clark, Seton Mgzn
Mainstream Media Finally Admits Abortion Reversal Pill is Working – Patty Knap, NCReg
Catholics Should Rediscover the Meaning of Chivalry – Francis Phillips, Catholic Herald
Fenton Returns – Patrick Carey, First Things
St. Benedict the Moor on US Liturgical Calendar – Claudio Salvucci, Liturgical Arts Jour.
The Physician-Assisted Suicide Movement Is Gaining in Major Ways – G.T. Mundy Ph.D.
For Black Boys, Family Structure Still Matters – W. Bradford Wilcox, Inst for Fam Studies
Western Nations Tried to Impose Radical ‘Sexuality Education’ at UN – Elyssa Koren
Our Ultimate Hope Is Resurrection – J.P. Nunez, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EVENING EDITION

Young Businessman Throwing Away the Bible (Credit: New Liturgical Movement)

How the Liturgy May Open or Close the Door to Christ

. . .the data keep pouring in about how young people are abandoning Christianity in droves.  This cuts across all denominational lines.  Recent studies like the Shell-Jugendstudie show that church isn’t one of the places young people are likely to be found as a rule . . . What exactly is the problem? . . .

by Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D.,

of the New Liturgical Movement

I Respond to Fr. James Martin about “Official” Teaching on Homosexuality – Fr. Z’s Blg
Was Card. Burke Referring to Us? – Deborah Gyapong, The Anglicanorum Coetibus Soc.
Things the Saints Never Said – Shaun McAfee O.P., epicPew
Chappaquiddick & Us – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
How American Schools Standardized Madness – Matthew Walther, The Week
Pope Issues Lengthy Apostolic Exhortation on Universal Call to Holiness – Edw. Pentin
Do Catholics Have Legitimate Fears about Immigration? – Wil. Kilpatrick Ph.D., Crisis
Confusing the Government With God – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
The Devil is Real & Not Just a Symbol, Pope Francis Says in Exhortation – J.A. Esteves
Notes from the Sibling Society – John Waters, First Things
Inquiring into the Western Tradition: A Great Books Education – S. Rieley & J. Wysocki
Jesus Was Troubled – Edward Monti, Catholic Stand
The Annunciation – The 1st Joyful Mystery – Fr. Z’s Blog
Mainstream Journalism’s Religion Problem – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Could Christian Democracy Solve the UK & US’s Problems? – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
Rising Scion: Jacob Rees-Mogg’s Economic & Religious Formation – Mark R. Royce
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY MORNING EDITION

Gianpaolo Barra (Credit: Screengrab from NCRegsiter.com)

Conference on Confusion in the Church: Final Declaration

. . .the six-point profession of faith, titled ‘We testify & confess,’ reaffirms the Church’s unchanging teaching in key areas. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

Did You Know. . .The Serpent of Genesis Is Not a Snake? – Scott Smith J.D., ARLtR
Convert Explains Why He Chose Catholicism & Not Eastern Orthodoxy – uCatholic
Wherein Fr. Z Agrees with Fishwrap’s Michael S. Winters . . . But. . . – Fr. Z’s Blog
Is Blood Currently Leaking Miraculously in Jerusalem Church? Here’s the Truth – ChPp
Pre-Synod Doc.: Young Catholics May Want “Authentic” Modernist Church – S. Jacobs
Fear & Loathing in La La Land – David Kyle Foster, The Stream
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
Archbishop Withholds Funding from “Catholic” Grp. that Pushes Abortion – M. Pickup
The Historical Case for the Resurrection – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
The Secularist’s “War on Science” – John Tierney & John Stossel, City Journal
Permission To Kill – R.R. Reno, First Things
Can Sex Be Casual? Searching for Connection on Campus – Brittany Basile, Public Dscrs
Martin Luther & Natural Law: A Response to Dr. Korey D. Maas – Timonty J. Gordon
Cardinal Burke: Papal Authority Derives From Obedience to Christ – Edward Pentin
Abortion & the Death Penalty – Foxfier, The American Catholic
If Sanctuary Cities Can Defy Fed. Law, Pro-Life Govs. Should Ban Abortions – M. Bilger
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SVNDAY EDITION

Priest Reading in an Armchair by Eduard von Grützner A.D 1846-1925 (Credit: Screenshot via NCRegister.com)

10 More Books Every Armchair Theologian Should Read

. . .here are 10 more books to help stoke in your mind & heart the fire of love for God. . .

by Father John P. Cush, S.T.D.,

of the National Catholic Register

A Mystical Experience in St. Peter’s Basilica – Peter Darcy, Catholic Stand
10 Simple Tips to Having a Happy & Holy Marriage, in One Infographic – ChurchPop
Clergy Instruction Sheet Assisting with Distribution of Communion at EF – Kwasniewski
Time To Jubilate with the Martin Family – Sarah Burns, epicPew
Visiting the Imprisoned is a Corporal Work of Mercy – Jim Graves, Natl Catholic Register
Jesus & the Mystery of the Bronze Serpent – Jimmy Akin
Divine Mercy, The Eighth Day, & the “Combat Stupendous” – Jeremy Priest, Adoremus
The Readings for Divine Mercy Sunday Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D., The Sacred Pg
Sanctuary Furnishings from Duncan Stroik – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
The Resurrection of Our Bodies – Peter Howard, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Our Catholic Suffering Syndrome (CSS) Part II – Mike White, Catholic Stand
The Amice & the Papal Fanon – Zachary Thomas, Liturgical Arts Journal
“Liturgy, Orality, & Rubricism”: Article by Samuel Nyom – Gregory DiPippo, NLM
Faith, Love, & Obedience: Marks of the True Disciple – Carl E. Olson, The CWR
Sursum Oculos: Why the Priest Lifts His Eyes During Mass – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Growing in Faith & Family – The Blessing of Homeschooling – Cheryl Hernandez, Seton
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SATVRDAY EDITION

Crucifix (Credit: Screenshot of a Shutterstock Photo via NCRegister.com)

Worcester Bishop Rebukes ‘Blasphemous’ Writings of Holy Cross Professor

. . .Chair of New Testament studies at College of the Holy Cross wrote a book a decade ago suggesting that Christ was a ‘drag king’ who had ‘queer desires’. . .

by Christine Rousselle

of the National Catholic Register

Seminarian Who Carried the Cross at Pope’s Easter Mass Dies in Rome – Carol Glatz
California’s Shocking ‘You Must Stay Gay’ Bill – Michael Brown Ph.D., The Stream
Why Private Sexual Vice is a Public Concern – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Homosexualists to Protest Tranzformed Docu. Freedom from Homosexuality – N. Flory
The Reactionary Moralism of Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” – Tho. P. Harmon Ph.D.
We are Living in an Era of Unprecedented Teen Crisis – Brianna Heldt, NC Register
A Church In Doubt: Reviewing Ross Douthat’s Book on Pope Francis – Richard Rex, FThs
When Can Unborn Baby’s Brain Waves be Detected? A Suprise Answer – Ma. Gallagher
Leading Figure from Vietnam War Baptized . . . at Age 92 – Arthur Herlin, Aleteia
The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon – Deborah Gyapong, The Anglicanorum Cœtibus Soc.
A New ‘Apostolic Exhortation’ is Coming; What is That, Anyway? – I. San Martín, Crux
Financial Security a Distraction for Some, a Gift for Others – Dustin Siggins, NC Register
Pope Francis & the Rise of the Robots – K.V. Turley, Crisis Magazine
Blood Money – Pat Cross, PatCrossCartoons.com
6 Tips on Celebrating Your Homeschool Graduation Day – Jeffrey Minick, Seton Mgzn
Pope Appoints the New Auxiliary Bishop in Colombo, Sri Lanka – Vatican News
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Abandoned Church (Credit: Fr. Z’s Blog)

“As the Churches Come Down All Around Me”

. . .churches come & churches go.  They are means to an end.  When there is need for a church, a church is built.  When there is no need – or these days no desire – for a church, the church falls into desuetude & is usually overwhelmed by time, entropy, & other forces. . .

by Father John Zuhsldorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

The Hangman Comes for Pro-Lifers, Like Kevin Williamson – John Zmirak Ph.D.
A Tradition Unlike Any Other – Brandon McGinley, First Things
The Lion In Winter – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Why Christian Sexual Morality is Rejected – James Kalb J.D., Crisis Magazine
The Mystery of the Two Tombs – Trent Horn, Catholic Answers Magazine
Edmund Burke on the Rage & Frenzy of the French Revolution – Bra. J. Birzer Ph.D.
Jesus & the Pharisees: an Extract from Ross Douthat’s ‘To Change the Church’ – CH
Quebec Bishops Discuss Ordaining Married Men – Veronique Demers, Catholic Herald
What Will Our Bodies Look Like after We’ve Risen from the Dead? – Anthony Pagliarini
‘Amoris Lætitia’ Remains Amorphous – Matthew E. Bunson, NC Register
Del Noce & The Left’s Dead End – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Secret North Korean Missionaries Share the Gospel – Joshua Gill, The Stream
My Prayer for Divine Mercy – Jim Dougherty, Catholic Stand
Efforts Continue to Save Alfie Evans’ Life as Authorities Try to Kill Him – E. Pentin
Messenger of Divine Love – St. Gianna Molla’s Heroic Choice – Seton Magazine
Cronyism Fueled the Murder of a Slovak Journalist – Martina Bobulová, Acton
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY MORNING EDITION

Raymond Cardinal Burke at the Rome Life Forum 19 May A.D. 2017 (Credit: Screengrab of Photo by Edward Pentin via NCRegister.com)

Cardinal Burke: Scalfari Episode ‘Went Beyond What Is Tolerable’

. . .the American cardinal says the recent ‘interview’ regarding hell was a ‘profound scandal,’ & that the Holy Father is not only failing to proclaim the Church’s constant doctrine & sound discipline but also ‘increasing the confusion’ over crucial issues. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

The ‘Long Way’ of Cardinal Sarah – Rebekah Lamb, Catholic Herald
Gender Madness Alienates Democratic Insider – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Gender Dysphoria & Children: An Evaluation of I am Jazz – Michael K. Laidlaw M.D.
The Hillbilly Elegy of France – Jude Russo, First Things
Europe: Muslim Immigrants are Open to Christianity & Converting! – Deacon G. Kandra
The Slow Poison of Bad Ideas – David Carlin, The Catholic Thing
The Two Steps Jesus Took Before He Fundraised – Brice Sokolowski
Pope Francis on Holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate – Edward Pentin, NC Register
After Adhering to Papal Appeal for Life, Hospital Then Reverses Decision – S. Ertelt
Jordan Peterson on Marxism – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Our Catholic Suffering Syndrome (CSS) Part I – Mike White, Catholic Stand
Rediscovering the Riches of the Latin Mass – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Chinese Government Reinterpreting the Bible for the Masses – Joshua Gill, The Stream
Making More of the Mass for Small Children – Leigh Snead, my favorite catholic things
Iranian Ambition & The Christian Exodus – Stephen Hollingshead Ph.D. & Paul Coyer
House Speaker: Catholic Charities Should Lead Anti-Poverty Fight – Chr. White, Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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