Big Pulpit

TVESDAY MORNING EDITION

Beautiful Catholic Mass (Credit: Church Militant)

Two Encouraging Stories Involving Bishops! Yes, You Read That Right! Bishop Michael Olson & Bishop Mark Davies

. . .remember, dear readers, that no initiative we undertake in the Church will succeed & bear real fruit unless it is rooted in & returned to our sacred liturgical worship of God.  This is why a revitalization of our worship is absolutely necessary. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Major Protestant YouTube Star Enters Catholic Church at Easter Vigil, Pics! – ChurchPop
The Big Bang & the Shroud of Turin – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Dr. Peter Kreeft Has 40 Good Reasons Why He’s Catholic – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Secularists Finds Underage Sex Bad for Christians, Beautiful for Gays – Chad F. Greene
Experiments with Gender, Marriage, et al., have Wreaked Havoc; Worse to Come – WK
Give Me a Hand: Let’s Return to the Reverence Our Lord Deserves – James Hooper, CS
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Hell & Pope Francis – Mark Brumley, The Dispatch via The Catholic World Report
Iraqi Nun Displaced by Islamic State Denied UK Visa – David V. Barrett, Catholic Herald
Taking Sunday Seriously — Poland Leads the Way – Nicholas Wolfram Smith, NC Register
New Book!: Liturgy Outside Liturgy: The Liturgical Theology – P.A. Kwasniewski Ph.D.
Abortions are the Leading Killer of Black Americans, Not Gun Violence – R. Bomberger
Domestic Challenges to Religious Liberty From Left & Right – Daniel Mark Ph.D., PD
Turks Use NATO Weapons & al Qaeda Allies for Genocide in Syria – L. Homer, The Strm
Euthanasia Aloha: Death Laws Come to Hawaii – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
Easter Gift: Supplement to the Kyriale – Notkerus Balbulus, Canticum Salomonis
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY MORNING EDITION Read More »

EASTER MONDAY EDITION

Liturgical Dancing (Credit: Screengrab via unamsanctamcatholicam.blogspot.com)

Synod on Young People: It Almost Seems That Their Presence is Limited to the Need to Justify a Change of Direction for the Church

. . .Synod on young people, what will it look like. . .

by Andrea Gagliarducci,

of Monday Vatican

Ten Reasons Why Liberal Catholicism Will Fade Away – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
‘We Regret to Inform You That Christ Is Risen’ – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
Convert Burnout, Revert Exhaustion – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Facebook v. The Lord – Fr. Z’s Blog
Brown M&Ms & Religious Illiteracy – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Will the ‘Catholic Spring’ Blow Up in Democrats’ Faces in 2018? – Amber Athey, CV
Local Church Leaves United Methodist Over Its Support for Abortion – Micaiah Bilger
Pope Believes in Hell & He Needs to Stop Talking to Eugenio Scalfari – Chr. R. Altieri
Erdogan: “Europe will be Muslim if it is the Will of Allah” – Roberto de Mattei, RCæli
Why On Earth Does Pope Francis Still Trust Eugenio Scalfari? – Christopher R. Altieri
The Man Mistaken for a Gardener – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
AP Hails Mary Magdalene as a Biblical ‘#MeToo’ Poster Child; Nonsense – Joshua Gill
An Alternative to Common Core & College Board Testing – Mo Woltering, Crisis Mgzn
Pope Francis’ 2018 Easter Message & Urbi et Orbi Blessing – Edward Pentin, NCRegister
Threats to International Religious Freedom – Daniel Mark Ph.D., Public Discourse
Catholics Are Easter People; We Don’t Stop At the Cross – Melanie Jean Juneau, CS
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

EASTER MONDAY EDITION Read More »

EASTER SVNDAY EDITION

The Confession by Giuseppe Molteni c. A.D. 1838 (Credit: CatholicVote.org)

Can a Priest Refuse to Hear Your Confession if He Knows You?

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L.,

of Canon Law Made Easy

Marcus Grodi Reflects on Trends in Conversions, & the Mystery of Grace – Jea. Flood
Does Your Temperament Affect Your Spiritual Life? – Dan Burke, Cthlc Spiritual Drctn
Pope Francis’ Homily at Easter Vigil Mass – Edward Pentin, NC Register
Intellectual Conversion is Proof of the Existence of God – Sophia Feingold, NC Register
Happy Easter! Here’s Our Best Easter Content to Celebrate the Day – ChurchPop
Easter Morning – Fr. David Vincent Meconi S.J., Homiletic & Pastoral Review
Jesus’ Mysterious Resurrection Appearances (& More! Live Stream) – Jimmy Akin
Easter Sunday Readings Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D., The Sacred Page
Emmaus Iconography – David, Icons & Their Interpretation
What is the Act of Contrition? – Fr. Michael Kerper, Catholic Exchange
Ex Oriente Lux — Happy Easter! – New Catholic, Rorate Cæli
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

EASTER SVNDAY EDITION Read More »

HOLY SATVRDAY EDITION

Super Blue Blood Moon (Credit: Roman Catholic Man)

God Seems to be Pointing to March 31, Why?

. . .well known is St. John Bosco’s “dream of the two columns” where he foresaw the future difficulties of the Church, envisioned as a ship on stormy seas. Several popes strive to moor the Church & anchor it between two columns which arose amid the dangerous waters. . .

by Father Richard Heilman,

of Roman Catholic Man

See The Film – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Scary Truth about Young Europeans & the Church – Stephen Bullivant, Cthlc Herald
Secret Identities in the Gospel of Mark! – Jimmy Akin
The Pope Who Fired the Papal Jester – Shaun McAfee O.P., National Catholic Register
Stephen Hawking Developed Doomsday Fearmongering Late in Life – Berezow & Siegel
Will Mike Pompeo’s Christian Convictions Translate Into Policy Shifts? – Brian Fraga, Rg
The New-Old Secret to Spiritual ‘Productivity’ – Shaun McAfee O.P., Catholic Answers
The Answer – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
What We Can Still Learn From Father Neuhaus – C.C. Pecknold, Natl Catholic Register
Conor Lamb Toes the ‘Cuomo Line’ in Pennsylvania – Paul G. Kengor Ph.D., NC Register
Thomas More & the Politics of Conscience – L. Joseph Hebert, Crisis Magazine
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

HOLY SATVRDAY EDITION Read More »

HOLY SATVRDAY SPECIAL

Christ Preaching to Dead by Duccio (Credit: Community in Mission)

Where Is Jesus Between His Death & Resurrection?

. . .where is Christ after He dies on Friday afternoon & before He rises on Easter Sunday? Both Scripture & Tradition answer this question. . .

by Monsignor Charles Pope,

of Community in Mission

Jesus Miraculously Appears, Tells Man to Convert from Islam to Catholicism – ChrchPop
St. Joseph’s Apparition in the United States – Joseph Pronechen, NC Register
Why ‘Quo Vadis’ is the Epic Easter Film You Need to See – Matthew Becklo, Aleteia
An Overlooked Chapter in the Life of Blessed Paul VI – Joanna Bogle, The CWR
The Mystery of the Three Crosses – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Holy Triduum – Edward Feser Ph.D.
How American Seminarians in Rome Celebrate Holy Week – CNA via The CWR
Spend a Little Time with Your Patron Saint This Holy Saturday – Michael Davis, CH
Easter Vigil Readings Explained – John Bergsma Ph.D., The Sacred Page
The Sacrament of Union – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Decorating with the Glorious Easter Lily – Carrie Gress Ph.D., my favorite cthlc things
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

HOLY SATVRDAY SPECIAL Read More »

GOOD FRIDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Deanna Falchook (Credit: The Stream via Screengrab from Facebook)

Planned Parenthood Gets Slammed by Former Princess Who Had an Abortion

. . .a Planned Parenthood branch in Pennsylvania caused a stir when it posted its now-deleted tweet calling on Disney to make a princess “who’s had an abortion”. . .

by Nancy Flory

of The Stream

From Confusion to Heresy: How Papal Statements are Exploited – Phil Lawler, Cath C
Professor Ratzinger on Hell – Ben Butera, The American Catholic
On Liturgy & Orthodoxy, the Youth-Synod Document Forgot Our Voices – John Monaco
The Sexual Revolution Conquers US Churches – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Scott Peterson & Arnaud Beltrame Appear to David Hogg in a Dream – J. Zmirak Ph.D.
God’s Not Dead—but the Franchise Is – Nick Olszyk, The Dispatch via The CWR
Yes, Ancient Romans Really Did Practice Crucifixion – G.W. Thielman, The Federalist
New Film Shows How Dying for Christ Isn’t So Simple – Monica Migliorino Miller, Crisis
Why It is Appropriate that Stephen Hawking’s Funeral is on Holy Saturday – de Souza
Pew Research: 3 Significant Religious Shifts in U.S. Politics Since 1994 – Ric. Ostling
The Often-Overlooked Saints of Good Friday – Thomas Craughwell, Natl Cthlc Register
The Passion’s Jim Caviezel Reveals God’s ‘Call’ to Share ‘Truth’ in Acting – Katie Yoder
Arnaud Beltrame, Cardinal Sarah & Learning to Die in Lagrasse – Fr. Ray. J. de Souza
73 per cent of US Catholics Plan To Go To Church for Easter – Cthlc News Serv. via CH
The “Medical Conscience” Civil Rights Movement – Wesley J. Smith J.D., First Things
Can Economics Advance the Common Good? – Andrei Rogobete, Transatlantic Blog
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

GOOD FRIDAY AFTERNOON EDITION Read More »

GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL

Christ Crucified by Diego Velázquez c. A.D. 1632 (Credit: NCRegister.com)

13 Myths of the Crucifixion

. . .when we see Christ on his Cross, we see him exercising his priesthood. . .

by Thomas McGovern, M.D.,

of the National Catholic Register

Was There Really Darkness & an Earthquake at the Crucifixion? – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
The Papal Chapel of Good Friday in 1936 – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Good Friday & the Hidden Meanings of Golgotha: Who’s Skull Was It? – Scott Smith J.D.
Another Doctor at Calvary – Thomas McGovern M.D., National Catholic Register
9 Things You Need to Know About Good Friday – Jimmy Akin, National Catholic Register
This is the Dark Night, the Dance of Heaven, Our Redemption – Dan Burke, NC Register
Triduum Traditions – Sister Christina M. Neumann, Catholic Lane
God Is Dead – David Warren, The Catholic Thing
Report to the Emperor-First Draft – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
What Can We Learn From Thieves on Crosses? – John Clark, National Catholic Register
Good Friday: The Start of a New Beginning – Fr. John A. Perricone, Crisis Magazine
Sins & Forgiveness – A Reflection on the Passion – Dom Cingoranelli, Catholic Stand
The Perfect Sacrifice, The Eucharist – Fr. Ian Van Heusen, uCatholic
Passiontide Chronology: Good Friday – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
Through the Eyes of Faith: A Passion Play, Parts I, & II – Mark C. McCann, Catholic Stand
Human Brotherhood – Erin Cain, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

GOOD FRIDAY SPECIAL Read More »

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING EDITION

Savage Chickens Cartoon Strip (Credit: Fr. Z’s Blog)

Popes’ Alleged Remarks on Hell; Fr. Z Says, “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”

. . .His Holiness Pope Francis inexplicably met once again with Eugenio Scalfari, the 90+ year old atheist Communist of the Italian daily La Repubblica. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Woman Miraculously Healed After Visit to Marian Shrine in Wisconsin – ChurchPop
Confusion, Now about Hell, is the Hallmark of This Pontificate – Phil Lawler, Cthlc C.
Holy Moses! Big Religion Correction, from The Wall Street Journal – Bobby Ross Jr.
Two SCOTUS Cases May Well Reveal “the Demon in Democracy” – Rus. Shaw, The CWR
Mongolia, Sweden, & Algeria: the Unlikely Centers of Catholic Conversion – Mic. Davis
Quotes Suitable for Framing: Iowahawk – Don. R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
A Neutral Account of Easter? – Randal B. Smith Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Twitter Suspends Pro-Life Grp. Then Reverses Decision After Media Inquiry – P. Hasson
The Heroism of Arnaud Beltrame – Fr. Jean-Baptiste C.R.M.D., First Things
Has China Converted the Vatican? – Nicholas Frankovich
Why Texas Ban on Brutal Dismemberment Is Central to US Abortion Debate – K. Paxton
Knights of Columbus Announce Easter Pledge to Aid Persecuted Christians – CNA/CWR
The Vatican Denies That China Deal is ‘Imminent’ – Catholic Herald
China’s Communist Party Overhaul Includes Religious Affairs Control – CNS via Crux
Seized Chinese Catholic Bishop Freed – Catholic News Agency/EWTN News
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING EDITION Read More »

MAVNDY THVRSDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Eugenio Scalfari & Pope Francis (Credit: EdwardPentin.co.uk via the National Catholic Register)

Pope Allegedly Says Hell Doesn’t Exist in Latest Scalfari ‘Interview’

. . .nonagenarian atheist philosopher also claims Pope is honored to be called a revolutionary, but the Vatican stresses that although the two men met, no interview was given & the comments are not a “faithful” rendering of what was said. . .

by Edward Pentin

of the National Catholic Register

Morale at the Secretariat for Communications is at an All-Time Low – Chr. R. Altieri
Vatican: Interview in Which Pope Doubts Hell Not a Faithful Transcript – J.L. Allen Jr.
Youth Leaders in Rome Struck by ‘Polarized’ American Climate – Claire Giangravè
France Honors a Catholic Soldier Murdered by a Terrorist – Marie Meaney, Crisis Mgzn
Why Feminists Want to Twist the Story of St. Mary Magdalene – Francis Phillips
The Golden Ratio to a Seamless Closet – Meghan Ashley Sabo, Meghan Ashley
4 Unconventional Lessons from St. John about Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski
Do We Need Women Deacons? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, NC Register
How Pope Francis Encouraged a Generational Battle – Matthew Schmitz, CH
The Youth Synod: The Next Step in the Francis Papacy – Thomas R. Ascik, The CWR
What the Arrest of a Vatican-Backed Bishop Tells Us about the China Deal – M. Davis
Those Seeking Freedom from Unwanted Sexual Attractions be Denied Therapy? – Rg
‘Paul: Apostle of the Christ’ Touches Hearts, Both On and Off the Set – Kathy Schiffer
It’s Time To Teach The Bible In Public Schools – David Marcus, The Federalist
Commentary: What Will Be Gained from a Deal with Beijing? – Ed Condon J.C.D.
French Bishops Join Tributes to Slain Gendarme Arnaud Beltrame – Philippa Hitchen
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

MAVNDY THVRSDAY AFTERNOON EDITION Read More »

MAVNDY THVRSDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (Credit: by Dan Burke, Screengrab via NCRegister.com)

Christ’s Deepest Desire, as Revealed by a French Mystic

. . .“Jesus desire is for us to be with him in Communion. This is what he aches for”. . .

by  Patti Maguire Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

What is Easter? – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Crisis Magazine
10 Things You Need to Know About Holy Thursday – Jimmy Akin, NC Register
Benedict XVI’s Brief Guide to the Paschal Triduum – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Three Indulgences You Can Receive During the Easter Triduum – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Some Anglo-Saxon Easter Customs – A Clerk of Oxford
Judas Explains It All – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Betrayal at the Last Supper – Fr. Ralph Gorman, Catholic Exchange
Saint Peter & the Last Supper – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Pilate: The King’s Friend? – Kevin Aldrich, Catholic Stand
Pre-Pius-XII-Reform Dominican Rite Easter Vigil – Fr. Augustine Thompson O.P., NLM
Herod & Pilate—on Trial – Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic Answers Magazine
The Ambrosian Mass of Holy Thursday – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Pilgrims Keep Watch with Christ in Venerable Holy Thursday Tradition – CNA/The CWR
Pope’s Prison Visit on Holy Thursday Recalls Iconic John XXIII Moment – John Allen
Let Your Blood Pour Out – Julie Machado, Catholic Stand
Crossing the Threshold of Holy Week – Sister Tim. Marie O.C.D., Intgrtd Catholic Life™
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

MAVNDY THVRSDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL Read More »

MAVNDY THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

Fr. Brian J. Shanley O.P., S.T.L., Ph.D., President of Providence College (Credit: Life Site)

Student Threatened With Rape for Promoting Marriage at Providence College

. . .critics say the Title IX investigation now underway at the Catholic university is linked to the administration’s failures to make a clear stand for Catholic teaching. . .

by Peter Jesserer Smith,

of the National Catholic Register

Jesuits, the College of the Holy Cross, Cowardice, & Blasphemy – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Coming Collapse Of Christian Colleges – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Pakistani Christian Beaten to Death by Hospital Staff – J.P. Mauro, Aleteia
Obama Mandate Defeated, Can’t Force Catholic Employers to Fund Abortions – S Ertelt
Police Started Cardinal Pell Taskforce ‘a Year before Any Crime was Reported’ – CH
Alfie Evans’ Dad Writes “He’s About to be Murdered” by the Government – S. Ertelt
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Peter Hünermann’s Errors about Marriage & Their Influence Today – Fr. Z’s Blog
Planned Parenthood Deletes Pro-Choice Disney Princess Tweet – Chloe Langr, epicPew
(School) Choice for Me, But Not for Thee – Alex Entz, City Journal
Students Organize Nationwide Pro-Life Walkout – Micaiah Bilger, Life News
Secular France Mourns Loss of Arnaud Beltrame, Press Silent on His Faith – T Mattingly
Who Do You Think You Are? Identity in the Twenty-First Century – Joshua Bowman
Amnesia Nostalgia – Jacob Phillips Ph.D., Jacobite Magazine
Catholic Social Teaching & Tax Justice – Robert G. Kennedy, Acton Institute
Memory & Redemption – Gabriel Garnica, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

MAVNDY THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION Read More »

MAVNDY THVRSDAY MORNING SPECIAL

Father Robert F. Christian, O.P., S.T.L., S.T.D. (Credit: Order of Preachers)

New San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop ‘Delighted’ by Appointment

. . .the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has named Fr. Robert F. Christian, O.P., a Dominican friar & a native of San Francisco, as the next auxiliary bishop for his home diocese in California. . .

from the Catholic News Agency

via The Catholic World Report

Coming Into the Church? 50 Notable Converts You Should Know – Matthew E. Bunson
How to Gain a Plenary Indulgence this Holy Week, In One Infographic – ChurchPop
This Statue of the Virgin Mary is Taller Than the Statue of Liberty – Vittoria Traverso
Powerful Prayer for Spiritual Protection – Patti Maguire Armstrong, Catholic Lane
Jacob Rees-Mogg: I Try to Say the Rosary Every Day – Catholic Herald
Passiontide Chronology: Holy Thursday – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
4 Shrines for Saints’ Relics in the U.S. – Jim Graves, National Catholic Register
Music for the Maundy – Notkerus Balbulus, Canticum Salomonis
Traps & Tips for Spiritual Workouts – Joannie Watson, Integrated Catholic Life™
The 10 Most Important Marian Feasts You Should Add to Your Calendar – ChurchPop
How the Apostleship of the Sea Brings the Gospel to Seafarers – K.V. Turley, NCRegister
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

MAVNDY THVRSDAY MORNING SPECIAL Read More »