Big Pulpit

TVESDAY EDITION

Walter Cardinal Kasper Smiling & Waving (Credit: Fr. Z’s Blog)

Wherein Walter Cardinal Kasper Tells Us What We Can & Can’t Say

. . .Walter Cardinal Kasper: Quit throwing around the word ‘heretic’ [Hmmm. . .]

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

To Change the Church: Ross Douthat Tackles the 21st Century – Maicke Hickson, 1P5
A Letter to a Seminarian Thinking of Leaving the Seminary – Fr. Ric. G. Cipolla, RCæli
Jordan Peterson: Bible is Foundation for Western Civilization – F. Phillips, Cthlc Herald
CBS Launches New Sitcom, ‘Living Biblically’ – Kathy Schiffer, Natl Catholic Register
Why Public Discussion Has Become Increasingly Irrational – James Kalb J.D., The CWR
The Truth About Pius XI & His Much-Maligned Successor – Roseanne T. Sullivan, H&PR
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
If You Can Choose Your Own Gender, Why Not Race? – Barbara Key, Mercatornet
Why Millenial Catholics are Re-Adopting the Traditional Chapel Veil – Whitney Bauck
Sex Change: Physically Impossible, Psychosocially Unhelpful, &. . . – R. Anderson Ph.D.
How to Help Teens Learn Their Faith – Jennifer Fitz, National Catholic Register
Sometimes God’s Not Fair – Christie Peters, uCatholic
Take This Free Online Course on Ancient Rome – Zelda Caldwell, Aleteia
My Irish Uncle Was a Simple, Just Man Like St. Joseph – Kevin Aldrich, Catholic Stand
Prepare Your Garden – Carol Monaco, Catholic Stand
Why Mary Is the Best Promoter of Culture – Carrie Gress Ph.D., my favorite catholic. . .
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EXTRA

Anton von Werner’s Proclamation of the German Empire 18 January AD 1871 (Credit: Wikipedia)

Discernment Über Alles

. . .the German bishops have announced that they will soon publish new guidelines for reception of the Holy Eucharist. In the future, non-Catholics married to Catholic spouses & attending Mass with their families could, in certain cases, be admitted to communion if they profess the Catholic faith in that sacrament. . .

by Monsignor Hans Feichtinger, Ph.D.,

of First Things

A Demur on Washington Archd. Doc. Implementing Amoris. . . – E. Peters J.C.D. J.D.
Fatherless Shooters. . .as Secularists Push for Fatherless Families – P.G. Kengor Ph.D.
Blessed are the “Pure” for They Shall See Oscar – K.V. Turley, Crisis Magazine
Placuit Deo? – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mutual Enrichment
On Joyce Kilmer’s “Trees” – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., The Civilized Reader
The Atheist Confusion About a Universe Made for Us – Angelo Stagnaro, NC Register
Juan Perón’s Toxic Legacy Is Still Poisoning Argentina – James Roberts, The Federalist
Why Does the Beast have a Number, & Not a Name? – Daniel Esparza, Aleteia
Fall of Troy: the Legend & the Facts – Mariacarmela Montesanto, Mercatornet
How to Bear Faults of Others, According to the ‘The Imitation of Christ’ – Phi. Kosloski
The Age of Travesties – Lance Morrow, City Journal
Pro-Lifers Fight Back Against Censorship from Facebook, Google, & Twitter – M. Bilger
Dreaming Can Leave You Feeling Unfulfilled in Life – Michael Cretaro, Catholic Stand
Where is God’s Will? – Julie Machado, Catholic Stand
Cardinal Zen: China Deal is ‘Shameless Surrender’ – Catholic Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EDITION

Homily being given (Credit: uCatholic)

Priest in Diocese Rocked by Scandal Delivers Powerful Homily

. . .after a recent scandal in his diocese, a priest delivered a powerful homily on seeking justice & why a Catholic should go directly to legal authorities when crimes such as sexual abuse are suspected. . .

from uCatholic

Pope, Does the New CDF Doc. Signal a Shift in the Discussion? – Andrea Gagliarducci
Christian, Pro-life Alternative to Starbucks– Scott Smith J.D., All Roads Lead to Rome
Using the “Laudate” Catholic App to Enhance Your Faith-Life – A. DeSantis, Cthlc Stnd
What is a Catholic to Make of Jordan Peterson? – Brandon McGinley, Catholic Herald
Has the Pope Boxed Himself in Over Bishop Barros? – Fr. Ray. de Souza, Catholic Herald
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
How the TLM Mass Saved My Life, Joseph Sciambra – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Video Interview with Phil Lawler about Book on the Pope: Lost Shepherd – Fr. Z’s Blog
Former Seminarians Allege Sexual Misconduct by Honduran Bishop Pineda – E. Pentin
World Premiere of New “Footprints of God” Film on March 9th in Michigan – The CWR
The Patriarch Joseph in the Liturgy of Lent – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Mvmnt
US Catholics Wonder what Bishops are Doing for Persecuted Christians – J. Allen, Crux
Will the Fight to Save the 8th Amend. Awaken Catholic Ireland? – Mary Pesarchick
Does Gordon Giampietro Need a Defense? – Hadley P. Arkes Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
In Præclara Summorum: In Praise of the Great Poet Dante – D. McClarey J.D., TACthlc
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SVNDAY EDITION

Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph on the Mountain (Credit: Marcus Allen Steele)

The Remarkable Growth of a Community of Norbertine Canonesses

. . .the vibrant & growing community of the Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph are running out of room. Their current twice-expanded chapel is still located in the property’s original early 1900’s ranch house, not a dwelling place intended for the worship & majesty of God. They need capital to grow for the construction of a chapel & additional wing to house the ever-expanding corps of Sisters. . .

by Marcus Allen Steele

3 Ex-Satanists Come Home to the Catholic Church – Jim Graves, Natl Catholic Register
The Other Side of a Vocation Story – Trish Irvine, Catholic Stand
Geriatric Spirituality – Cornelius F. Murphy Esq., Homiletic & Pastoral Review
A Shattering Prognosis: Cancer – Colin Brazier, Catholic Herald
New Vestment Work: A Gothic Chasuble from Altarworthy – Sha. R. Tribe, Lit Arts Jrnl
How Romano Guardini Helps to Shape the ‘Spirit of the Papacy’ – Jn. L. Allen Jr., Crux
“The Fingers that Hold God”: The Priestly Benefits of Liturgical Digits – Kwasniewski
An Online Source for Ceramic Images & Hand-Carved Shrines – David Clayton, Nw Lt Mv
Contemporary Trad’l European Sculpture from Atelier Wilfried Senoner – Sha. R. Tribe
The Sacramental Ecclesiology of St. Ignatius of Antioch & Jos. Ratzinger – Ver. A. Arntz
Spiritual Reading for Children – Vicki Burbach, Pelican’s Breast
Fr. Maurice Zundel on Prayer – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
The Orchestral Mass: The Case of Saint Agnes – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
Damask Patterns of Sir Ninian Comper – Richard Hawker, Liturgical Arts Journal
Portuguese & Spanish Ceramic Religious Images, & Resources for Today – David Clayton
Liturgical Music in the Age of Digital Humanities – Aaron James, Liturgical Arts Journal
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SATVRDAY EDITION

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire (Credit: uCatholic)

The Largest Catholic Church In The World Is Not Where You’d Expect. . .

. . .if you were to ask the average Catholic what the largest church in the world is, they might say Saint Peter’s in Rome, or some other famous basilica in Spain, France, or Italy. But there’s a surprising answer to the actual location of the world’s largest church. . .

from uCatholic

The Chaos of “Consent” Morality – Mary Cuff, Crisis Magazine
Ryan Anderson Responds to the Transgender Movement – Jn. M. Grondelski Ph.D., Reg
50 Wise & Wonderful Insights from Padre Pio – Jos. Pronechen, Natl Catholic Register
How to Pray Your Children into Heaven – Susanna Spencer, National Catholic Register
Mary in the Quran – Ali ibn Hassan, Catholic Answers Magazine
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Post-Nominals? – Kevin Di Camillo, NC Register
How to Fundraise with Facebook – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Who is the “One Loaf” in Mark 8? – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
Do Democratic Presidents Cause Fewer Abortions to Occur? – Dave Armstrong, NC Rgstr
The Unveiling of Jesus Christ – Peter J. Leithart, First Things
Why Young Readers Need New Books – Maura Roan McKeegan, The Imaginative. . .
Card. Mafi: Mormonism is Growing Dramatically in Tonga – J. Grantham, Cthlc Outlook
The West Must Grasp Religion if It is to Fight ISIS – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith Ph.D., Cthlc Hrld
Why are Oxen Perched on the Cathedral of Laon? – Caroline Becker, Aleteia
Jilted by US, Facing Risk Back Home, Iranian Christians Fear Worst – M. Jordan, NYTms
Hawaii House Cmtes. Passes Bill Legalizing Assisted Suicide – Alex Schadenberg, Lf Nws
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY EXTRA

Laetitia Amoris Conference (Credit: Boston College via the National Catholic Register)

Meet the Theologians of the ‘New Paradigm’

. . .conferences on Amoris Lætitia Highlight Dissenting Scholars. . .

by Matthew E. Bunson

of the National Catholic Register

How US Cardinals Faced a Donor Uprising at the Papal Foundation – C. Altieri, Cth Hrld
Abortion Activist Maria Shriver Will Headline Archbishop Gomez Event – Mic. Bilger, LN
Dromore Bishop was Right to Resign, Others Should Take Note – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith PhD
Take This 10-Point Gossip Test & Never Gossip Again – Patti Maguire Armstrong, NCRgstr
5 Similarities Between Ancient Rome’s Decline & Today’s US – Joy Pullman, The Fdrlst
New Vatican Doc. on Salvation: Top 10 Things to Know – Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers
He Noticed – Marissa Standage, Ignitum Today
The Time the Pope Was Elected by Accident – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
The Benedictine Arrangement – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Why Does Anybody Watch the Oscars? – Matthew Walther, The Week
Reasons for Relativism – J. Budziszewski Ph.D., Mercatornet
Copying Mozart: Did Beethoven Steal Melodies for His Own Music? – S. Klugewicz Ph.D.
The Florida School Shooting & Govt Competence – Stephen M. Krason Ph.D., Crisis Mgzn
Your Mind Uploaded In a Computer Wouldn’t Be You – Wesley J. Smith J.D., First Things
Vatican Confirms Pope to Visit World Council of Churches Milestone – J. Allen Jr., Crux
How Can Catholics Be Good Art Appreciators? – Patrick Malone, Catholic Stand
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FRIDAY EDITION

Mother Teresa (Credit: Screenshot from churchofsaintagustineprov.com)

Humility & The Host

. . .Pp. Pius XII cautioned against the “historicist” mentality which is inclined to measure the merit of things against an imagined practice of the distant past. This mentality distorts historical fact. Historicism is to history as racism is to race & scientism is to science. It recreates a “fly in amber” early Church, something like colonial Williamsburg. It misunderstands the nature of sacred tradition, which is an organic development applicable to changing times but never abrogating the essential core of truth. . .

by Father George W. Rutler, S.T.D., Th.D.,

of First Things

New CDF Document is Clear & Succinct, But Why Was It Needed? – Chr. R. Altieri, CWR
Is America Running Out of Patience with LGBT Activism? – Gle. T. Stanton, Mercatornet
Just Too Cool! Holy League Battle Flag of Lepanto Reproduction! – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Priest Killed by Klan for Performing Interracial Marriage – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Is It Wrong for Women Religious to Serve Priests & Bishops? – Jef. A. Mirus Ph.D., CC
Catholics for Dreamers: A Painful Exercise in 1960s Nostalgia – Mic. Davis, Cthlc Hrld
How to Fundraise with Facebook – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
What? Transfering Catholic Schools Away from Pastors’ Control – E. Peters J.C.D. J.D.
My Conversion Story: Surprised by Faith, My Moroccan Odyssey – Bra. J. Birzer Ph.D.
SCOTUS Cases Raise Big Questions on Religious Freedom, 1st Amend. Rights – R. Shaw
Card. Müller: Interference in Clergy Abuse Cases Causes Great Harm – E. Pentin, NCRg
A Key to Understanding the Pope, His Approach to Judgment – M. O’Loughlin, America
A Brief Video of Mass in the Rite of Lyon – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Mercy, a Fictional Storytelling – Guy McClung Ph.D. J.D., The American Catholic
Beyond Feminism: Engaging the Feminine Genius – Sarah Carey, Catholic Stand
Jesus, the Law of God: Readings for 3rd Sun. of Lent – J. Bergsma Ph.D., The Scrd Page
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY EXTRA

Archbishop Luis Ladaria & Greg Burke (Credit: Daniel Ibáñez of CNA via the National Catholic Register)

The Vatican’s New Document Placuit Deo: Reaffirms Teaching on Salvation in Response to ‘Cultural Changes’

. . .in a Letter to bishops, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith tackles two modern tendencies which it argues make the true salvation offered by the Catholic Church ‘difficult to understand’. . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

Abp. Chaput: “The Best Book on the ‘Post-Liberal’ Moment” – C.C. Camosy Ph.D., Crux
The Netherlands Shows Us the True Horror of ‘Assisted Dying’ – Sm. Caldwell, Cth Hrld
How Social Media is Leading Millennials to Rome – Dan Hitchens, Catholic Herald
When a Non-Believer Wants to Argue – David Mills, Catholic Exchange
Confraternity of Clergy Sound Alarm Over Gender Ideology – Edward Pentin, NC Rgstr
The Faithlessness of Public Education – Anthony M. Esolen Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
How to Fundraise with Facebook – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
3 Distinctions When Catholics Are Accused of “Discrimination” – Fr. Mt. Schneider L.C.
Bp. Paprocki Discusses Background, Decision Regarding Sen. Durbin – Jim Graves, CWR
Easter Prep: Stunning Eggs – Carrie Gress Ph.D., my favorite catholic things
YouTube Quietly Relies on Pro-Abortion Organization to Censor Content – J. Stepman
Jeanne Ives for Governor of Illinois – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Should Catholics Back Public-Sector Unions? – Joan Frawley Desmond, NC Register
Native American Liturgical Uses: Plainchant in Caughnawaga – S.R. Tribe, Lit Arts Jrnl
What Is Mortification? – Fr. John Bartunek L.C. S.Th.D., Catholic Spiritual Direction
How can You Separate Freedom of Conscience from Freedom of Religion? – D Gend MD
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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THVRSDAY EDITION

Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship & the Sacraments (Credit: Catholic News Service via Catholic Herald)

Cardinal Sarah: High-Ranking Prelates are Trying to Change Christian Morality

. . .the cardinal also said the West was ‘committing suicide’ by losing its Christian faith. . .

from the Catholic Herald

Commonweal Howls Over Cardinal Sarah for Advocating Communion on the Tongue – Z
Trans Tweens & Social Contagion (NSFW) – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Benedict XVI Shared Motives for Resignation in 2016 Interview – Edward Pentin, NCReg
Pope Francis & Reform: Clergy Sexual Abuse – Edward Pentin, Natl Catholic Register
The Affair Must Go On – Sean Fitzpatrick, The Civilized Reader
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
How to Know When A Cardinal Gets to Heaven – T.J. Burdick
What is a Censure in the Church? (Spadaro & Arroyo) – Matthew Bunson, NC Register
Evangelii Gaudium, a Key to Understanding Francis’ Papacy – Edward Pentin, NCRgstr
Canon Law Exists to Magnify Christ, Not Mute Critics (Spadaro & Arroyo) – J.D. Flynn
Secrets of the Mysterious Stigmata: 6 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know – ChurchPop
St. Peter: Rock or Stumbling-Stone? – Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic Answers Magazine
Marriage & Family Life Cannot be Privatized – Scott Yenor Ph.D., Public Discourse
Elsewhere: A Blog on Saintly Cadavers – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Pope Francis’ Advice for Mass? “Put Your Phone Away” – uCatholic
Why Human Flourishing Happens Best in a Free Market – Alan Dowd, Inst. for Faith. . .
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VVEDNESDAY EXTRA

Pope Francis on His Papal Throne (Credit: Adweek)

Pope Francis & the Deconstruction of the ‘Imperial Papacy’

. . .it’s becoming steadily clearer that a core aspect of his legacy may be a deconstruction of the strong “imperial papacy” many observers believe has taken shape over the last century or so. . .

by John L. Allen, Jr.,

of Crux

The Francis Reformation – Douglas Farrow Ph.D., The Catholic World Report
Invite Children of Divorce to Cupich’s Amoris Laetitia Seminars – Jen. R. Morse, Crisis
3 Powerful Sacramentals to Have in Your Car – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Rethinking “Mission Territory” – George Weigel, First Things
Manufacturing Trans Reality – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
For Vegas, The Pope’s Payout: Helena’s Thomas Hits The Strip – Rocco Palmo, Whis. . .
The Man Who Was “Ante-Pope” – Julia Meloni, Crisis Magazine
Chris Pratt & James Gunn ‘Defend’ the Right to Pray – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Whittaker Chambers, Communism & the Mindset of Hell – Tod Worner, Aleteia
Celibate Love & the Cycle of Tenderness – Cynthia Millen, Catholic Stand
The Joy of Being Catholic – Marty Dybicz, Catholic Stand
The New Evangelization & the Catholic School – Ste. J. Rummelsburg, Intgrtd Cth Life™
How & What Secularists Misunderstand Faith & Reason – Carlos Caso-Rosendi
Jewish Americans Deserve Better Than The ADL – David Harsanyi, The Federalist
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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VVEDNESDAY EDITION

Fr. Antonio Spadaro (Credit: Life Site)

What We Seem To Have in Fr. Spadaro & Tony Annett is a Visceral Dislike of Anyone or Any Entity That Disagrees With or Questions or Criticizes Pope Francis

. . on tweets & retweets, crises & opportunities. . .

by Joan Lewis,

of Joan’s Rome blog

The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon – Bishop Robert Barron, National Catholic Register
The Pope & the Vatican’s Top Power Broker – Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
The Saint Who Reformed Priestly Purity – Steve Weidenkopf, Catholic Answers Magazine
What do Google, Navy SEALs, & Catholic Church Have in Common? – C. Gress Ph.D., Rg
Forming Scholars of Native American Liturgical ‘Uses’ – Claudio Salvucci, Lit Arts Jrnl
Why Does God Allow Natural Disasters? – Stephen Edwards, Strange Notions
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
Christianity & Freemasonry: An Impossible Equation? – Agnès Pinard Legry, Aleteia
Here’s What’s Wrong with Saying “Fetus” – John Ferrer, Life News
Christianity: The Last Hope for Europe – Viktor Orbán, The Imaginative. . .
The Hidden Costs of IVF: Heartbreak, Health Risks, & Helplessness – Nao. Whittaker
Do You Know the Saints Mentioned in the Roman Canon? – Chloe Langr, epicPew
How 600 Nuns are Helping to Cure Alzheimer’s – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
Why the Poor Need More Than Free Markets – Elise Daniel, Institute for Faith, Work. . .
Ancient Roman Boxing Gloves Unearthed by Vindolanda Dig – BBC News
Vatican Can’t Ignore China’s Religious Persecution, Human Rights Abuses – G.T. Mundy
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY EXTRA

The Pill(s) (Credit: Pixabay via the National Catholic Register/CC0)

A New Assault on ‘Humanae Vitae’ Begins

. . .the age-old use of proportionalism came to the fore at a recent Vatican conference on Pope Paul VI’s 50-year-old encyclical & the apostolic exhortation ‘Amoris Lætitia’. . .

by E. Christian Brugger, D.Phil.,

of the National Catholic Register

Quotes Suitable For Framing: Fr. George Rutler – Don. R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Holy Cross (MA) Succumbs to Political Correctness – William Kilpatrick Ph.D., Crisis
Holy Cross College (IN) Thrives After Reaffirming Its Catholic Identity – S. Beale, NCReg
Movie Review: Mary Magdalene (2018); Feminism & Revisionism – J.E. Seah, Igntm Tdy
If the NRA is to Blame for Gun Violence is Hollywood to Blame for AIDS? – Dave Griffey
The Curse Stops Here: Allowing God to Release Blessings – Suellen Brewster, Cthlc Stnd
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
Against Christian Cultural Accommodation – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Honest: Arming Teachers Means, We Expect Them to Kill Students – Matthew Walther
Addressing Pornography in Marriage Prep Programs – Pet. C. Kleponis Ph.D., Cth Exchng
Is Fasting Bad for You? No. Here’s Why – Jay Richards Ph.D., The Stream
Off the Shelf with Tommy Tighe – The Catholic Hipster – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
A Fresh Take on New Evangelization – Sancta Familia Media – Melissa Guerrero, epcPw
Jesus’ Restaurant Serves Chicken (of the Sea) for Lent – Sarah Burns, epicPew
Durandus on the Liturgical Customs of Lent – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Mvmnt
Is the World Medical Association Going to Change on Euthanasia? – Mic. Cook, Mrctrnt
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY EXTRA Read More »