Big Pulpit

SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Pope Francis (Credit: Giulio Napolitano from Shutterstock via TACon)

Ross Douthat Peers Into the Papal Murk

. . .his new book says Francis’s pontificate is a revolutionary moment, one that’s left the Church in dark & uncharted waters. . .

by Rod Dreher

The Coming Trans Medical Backlash – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Toys “Я” Us Contributes to Its Corporate Death Wish – Jay W. Richards Ph.D., NCRgstr
Hünermann’s “Way Forward” is a Dead End – E. Christian Brugger D.Phil., Crisis Mgzn
The Poison of Private Interpretation – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Youth Leaders Insist ‘No Conspiracy’ to Silence Fans of Trad. Liturgy – Inés San Martín
You Know Sister Jean of Loyola-Chicago, Meet Fr. Rob of Villanova – Z. Schonbrun, NYT
Planned Parenthood Tweets Need a Disney Princess Who Aborts Child – Ryan Scheel
Movie Review: Paul, Apostle of Christ – Cristina Montes, Ignitum Today
Why I’m Not at All Worried about Facebook Using My Data – Fr. Ale. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
Rare Medieval Liturgica: The Exsultet Roll – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Repealing the Bill of Rights – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Pope Francis’ Tough Talk about Media Spin Rings Hollow – Chr. R. Altieri, The CWR
The Mission Goes On: Norbertines Break Ground on New Abbey – Eli. Deffner, NCRgstr
Gov. Report Finds Cens. & Discrim. Against Pro-Life Students on Coll. Campuses – LN
The Legal & Moral Genius of St. Thomas More; New Book – Gre. J. Sullivan, The CWR
Taiwan Fears Vatican Will Cut Diplomatic Ties if China Deal Goes Through – D. Hitchens
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.

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SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL

Statue of Christ from Shroud of Turin (Credit: Aleteia)

This 3D Carbon Copy of Jesus was Created Using the Shroud of Turin

. . .”We believe that we have the precise image of what Jesus looked like on this earth,” said Professor Giulio Fanti of the University of Padua. . .

by Lucandrea Massaro

of Aleteia

Why were There No Women at the Last Supper? – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Ph.D., CH
Spy Wednesday 2018 – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Here are the Plenary Indulgences Available During Holy Week – Jos. Pronechen, NC Reg
Spanish Flags to Fly at Half-Mast to Mark Death of Christ – Catholic Herald
How God’s Nature Is Known: The Three-Fold Way – D. Bonnette Ph.D., Strange Notions
St. Francis de Sales on the Passion of Christ – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
On the Relationship Between Merit & Grace – Paul Chutikorn, Homiletic & Pastoral Rev.
Shroud of Turin Unveiled for Youth in Documentary – Joseph Pronechen, NC Register
John Coates-Carter: A Little Known Arts & Crafts Architect – Allan Barton, Lit Arts Jrnl
Silver Screen Pontius Pilates: Pilou Asbæk – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
The Passion & the Beauty: Why Easter Music Will Inspire You – Thomas Breeze, Mrctrnt
Holy Week at Vienna’s Oldest Church – Michelle Gress, my favorite catholic things
Discipleship & Union with Christ:  A Carmelite Insight – Fr. Nicholas Blackwell O. Carm.
Did Jesus Really Predict His Death? – Cale Clarke, Catholic Answers Magazine
7 Prayers For Courageous Military Wives – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Passion & Grace – Carol Monaco, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.

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SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Catholic Brit Tweet (Credit: Screengrab from Fr. Z’s Blog)

What Young Catholics Want vs. What Old Catholics Want Young Catholics to Want

. . .the late Cardinal George of Chicago [of happy memory] said, “Liberal Christianity is a failed experiment.” At this time in the church there seems to be a rise in the liberal or progressive wing of Catholicism. However, those who are concerned about this should keep several big picture aspects in mind. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Exorcising Bugnini from the Roman Rite – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
Polyamory: Complicated New Identity or Primarily About Sex? – Mark Regnerus Ph.D.
The Unlikely Rise of Jacob Rees-Mogg – David Oldroyd-Bolt, Catholic Herald
Renovation of the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary Chapel – Shawn R. Tribe, Ltrgcl Arts Jrnl
Judge Boots Suit Vs. Google, Lets YouTube Censor Pro-Life Vids – S. Ertelt & M. Bilger
The Male Pill: Roe’s Ugly Grandson – Carly Hoilman, Catholic Vote
Humanae Vitae & the Catholic Church in England: Signs of Hope – Piers Shepherd
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Caught on Camera: Thief Makes Sign of the Cross Before Robbing Store – ChurchPop
Did More Than One Man Write Isaiah? – Jimmy Akin, National Catholic Register
The Problem of Evil in Graham Greene’s The Hint of an Explanation – Ste. Fitzpatrick
Not Religious? Here’s Why Religious Freedom Still Matters – Art Lindsley, tIfFW&E
Networks Cover March for Our Lives 13X More Than March for Life – Katie Yoder, LN
Selah: How Big Is Your Trust Bucket? – Suellen Brewster, Catholic Stand
Doctors With Conscience Objections Have Rights – David S. Oderberg, Mercatornet
Pro-Life Stalwart Cyril Winter Dies at the Age of 70 – Victoria Gisondi, NC Register
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.

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SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING SPECIAL

Confession by Vodnik (Credit: Catholic Spiritual Direction)

Should I Still Go to Confession If I Have Nothing to Confess?

. . .dear Father John, I recently heard someone mention the term “devotional confession.” I think this is what I need, but I am not sure what it really is. . .

by Father John Bartunek, L.C.,

of Catholic Spiritual Direction

Picasso: The Atheist Obsessed with the Crucifixion – Lucien de Guise, Catholic Herald
The Six Principles of Penance According to St. Thomas Aquinas – Veronica Arntz, RCæli
Suffering With Christ is a Biblical Teaching – Dave Armstrong, National Catholic Register
2018 Paschal Blue Moon on Vigil of Easter & More Moon Stuff – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Seven Last Words from the Cross: “I Thirst!” – Fr. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, The CWR
Passiontide Chronology: Wednesday of Holy Week – Msgr. Charles Pope, Com. in Missn.
Hail, Holy Chrism: The Chrism Mass & the Stuff That Makes Kings – Mod. Medievalism
Revisiting Principles of Tasteful Floral Arrangement for Easter  – Shawn R. Tribe, LAJ
Sacristy Tips: Making Paschal Candle Incense Grains – Richard Hawker, Ltrgcl Arts Jrnl
The Holy Face of Jesus Calls Us – Joseph Pronechen, National Catholic Register
La Semana Santa – Holy Week in Spanish-Influenced Countries – epicPew
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SPECIAL (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.
For the SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION (28 March A.D. 2018) click here.

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TVESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Pope Francis Citta’ Del Vaticano Coin (Credit: by Route 66 from Shutterstock via TACon)

Francis: Being The Change He Wants; Rod Dreher Interviews Ross Douthat on His New Book, “To Change The Church: Pope Francis And The Future of Catholicism

. . .New York Times columnist Ross Douthat’s new book, To Change The Church: Pope Francis & The Future of Catholicism, which is published today, is an urgent, compelling work of popular religious journalism. Douthat reads the signs of these anxious times with acute clarity & far-seeing vision. This book is must reading for every Christian who cares about the fate of the West & the future of global Christianity. . .

by Rod Dreher

Modesty II: What to Wear – Fr. David Nix, Courageous Priest
10 Heresies I Believed as a Protestant – Until I Became Catholic! – ChurchPop
Providence Coll. Pres. Lashes Out at Catholic Media – Stephen Herreid, Catholic Vote
Critical Look at Rod Dreher, Patrick Deneen, & “Catholic Integralists” – J. Zmirak PhD
Police Seize Chinese Bishop Who was Asked to Stand Aside by the Vatican – Cthlc Hrld
Peter Kreeft’s Conversion Story – The Coming Home Network International
The Corrosion of the British Spirit – William Kilpatrick Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
The Ever Unconvincing Gender Idealogues – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
The Gospel Truth about Mary Magdalene? – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
A Crisis of Authority: Humanae Vitae 50 Years Later – Dave McClow, Catholic Exchange
Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Holy Week – Stephanie Mann, NC Register
It’s Disgusting That the GOP Haven’t Cut Planned Parenthood’s Subsidies – Nic. Russell
Enjoy “Banking” at a Credit Union? Thank a Priest – John Burger, Aleteia

Beatitudinem Quaerens – a Joyful Album of Modern Latin Hymns – Jean Elizabeth Seah
Make the Most of Holy Week & Forgive Your Enemies – Anne DeSantis, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY MORNING EDITION

St. Clare & the Holy Eucharist A.D. 1693 by Isidoro Arredondo (Credit: Screengrab via the National Catholic Register)

From Shortage to a Wealth of Vocations Through Prayers

. . .when dioceses institute Eucharistic adoration for vocations, an increase in priests generally follows. . .

by Patti Maguire Armstrong,

of the National Catholic Register

Muslims Leaving Islam – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Making Sense of the Pope; Philip Lawler on the Patrick Coffin Show – Patrick Coffin
The Grandparent Trap – Steven Malanga, City Journal
Was the Last Supper Really on Wednesday Night? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
13 Amazing Catholic Scientists Every Catholic Needs to Know! – ChurchPop
Childhood Sex Abuse, Gender Dysphoria, & Transition Regret: Billy’s Story – W. Heyer
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Preach It! – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Here’s How to Make Holy Week Count – Patrick Coffin, National Catholic Register
The Art of Amoris Lætitia – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Why Fining Parents for Bullying Will Intensify Hostilities – Izzy Kalman, Mercatornet
Fasting for Body & Soul, Week 5: Prolonged Fast During Holy Week – J. Richards Ph.D.
As Things Change in Vatican Comm. Off., Will They Stay the Same? – And. Gagliarducci
Scientists Genetically Editing Humans in Labs With No Monitoring – Wes. J. Smith J.D.
Catholic Social Teaching Demands That We Solve Britain’s Housing Crisis – Philip Booth
After ISIS, the Christians of Mosul Still Suffer – Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, Mercatornet
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EXTRA

Doctored Photo by Aging Spirit of Vatican II Catholics (Credit: First Things)

What Young Catholics Want; Isn’t In the Pre-Synod Young People Document

. . .several French dioceses, seeking to promote their 2018 fundraising drive, had a few young Catholics take a selfie with a young priest. It was the perfect marketing image of diverse, democratic youth—but for one problem. The priest wore a cassock. This long black garment, with its thirty-three buttons, is favored by young priests who have made it the uniform of resurgent tradition. It is the symbol of what young Catholics are, and of what older Catholics don’t want them to be. . .

by Matthew Schmitz,

of First Things


The Vatican Is Wooing Silicon Valley – Sigal Samuel & Josephine Mckenna, The Atlantic
Chinese Communist Party Increases Control Over Religions – Cthlc News Service via CH
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EDITION

Spirit of Vatican II Leadership of Conference of Women Religious March for More Guitar Masses (Credit: Frank J Methe via Life Site)

Pre-Synod Youth Document Rigged Against Requests for Traditional Worship?

. . .is the Vatican listening to young people? . . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

When Bishops Don’t Fulfill Their Duties – Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture
NC Reporter Begins Campaign to Calumny Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph – Fr. Z’s Blg
9 Priests You Need to Follow on Twitter – Theresa Williams, epicPew
Deaconesses, Never Deacons, Never Priestesses – Guy McClung Ph.D. J.D., Catholic Stand
Requiescat In Pace: Arnaud Beltrame – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The 10 Commandments of Online Shopping – Megan Ashley
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Passover: Seder Meals Are Not Catholic Practice – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
A Modern Pandora’s Box: Amoris Laetitia II – Tom Collingwood, Catholic Stand
Pope Cancels Audience with Papal Foundation Donors – Catholic Herald
Another Transition Regret Story – Amy K. Hall, The Stream
Why Didn’t Pope Just Get Rid of Viganò – Christopher Altieri, Catholic Herald
The Deficits of the iPhone Generation – Christopher O. Tollefsen Ph.D., Public Discourse
Standing Up in France – Ibn Warraq, City Journal
5 Ways to Make Sure Your Holy Week Isn’t a Holy Weak – Marge Fenelon, NC Register
Truth Is a Person – Erin Cain, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SVNDAY EDITION

Eucharistic Adoration (Credit: Catholic Exchange)

How St. Faustina Can Help Us Adore the Blessed Sacrament

. . .I prayed with the St. Faustina Prayer Book for Adoration during my daily holy hours. As I progressed through the book, my mind was blown away with the beautiful prayers of St. Faustina. . .

by Father Edward Looney,

of Catholic Exchange

4 Things to Know & Share About Palm Sunday, In One Infographic – ChurchPop
You Are a Thief & a Murderer – Ben Butera, The American Catholic
Confessions of a Crusader – Stephanie Mann, National Catholic Register
Heaven on Earth: The Liturgical Theology of Pope B16 – Marcus Benedict Peter
The ‘Poison’ of Spiritual Indifference – Matt Nelson, Catholic Answers Magazine
Mythbusting Ancient Rome: Did All Roads Actually Lead There? – C. Davenport/S. Malik
Etched in Glass & Stone: The Childhood of Christopher Dawson – Bra. J. Birzer Ph.D.
Concert to be Live-Streamed from Sistine Chapel for First-Time Ever – Catholic Herald
Ever Wonder How Medieval Monks Made Illuminated Manuscripts? – J.P. Mauro, Aleteia
St. Philip Neri Was a Humorist, But Not a Comedian – Shaun McAfee O.P., NC Register
Tuning in to the Call of God – Regis Nichol, Crisis Magazine
The Passion of the Christ—Coming to a Church Near You – Christopher Carstens, NCRg
How One Org. Helps the Church Welcome Catholics with Disabilities – CNA/The CWR
Lebrun: On the Priest’s Preparation – Ælredus Riavallensis, Canticum Salomonis
DC Designers Give Away Free Sleeping Bags to Homeless – Michelle Chavez, Fox News
Our Frail Love is Surcharged with Christ’s Mystical Love – David Torkington, Cthlc Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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SATVRDAY EDITION

Fray Andresito (Credit: Diocesisdecanarias)

In Feeding the Hungry of Chile, Beloved Friar’s Legacy Lives On

. . .although he died in 1853, the legacy of Friar Andrés Garcia Acosta is as alive as ever in Santiago, Chile, through a soup kitchen bearing his name that feeds 150 people per day. . .

from the Catholic News Agency

via The Catholic World Report

Catholics are Biggest Victims of Hate Crime in Scotland – Catholic Herald
72 Years after Japanese IC, Karate Kid Teaches Importance of Fathers – Aaron Gleason
Kenneth Clark Had a Warning on the Future of Western Civilisation – Francis Phillips
Cardinal Gracias Meets Modi on Anti-Christian Violence, Papal Visit – Robin Gomes, VN
Learning Wisdom From The Simplicity of Children – Alyssa Morrisroe, Catholic Stand
Lent Is Not about What You are Doing for Lent – John McGinley, Ignitum Today
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Pro-Abort GOP Governor Bruce Rauner Defeats Pro-Life Challenger – Steven Ertelt, LN
Did Stephen Hawking Really Convert After Meeting Pope Francis? – ChurchPop
Irish Political Party Suspends M.P. After Voting Against Legalizing Abortion – M. Bilger
Former Archb. of Canterbury Joins Atheists in Attack on Catholic Educ. – K.V. Turley
Say No To Girl Scout Cookies Because of Their Ties to Planned Parenthood – Life News
Dumb Down Liturgy, Great Idea, Right? – Fr. Z’s Blog
9 Little-Known Facts About The Crucifixion of Jesus – R.J.T., The Five Beasts
Will Churches Soon Be Allowed in Saudi Arabia? Not a Chance. . . – Thomas Craughwell
How the Achilli Trial Changed John Henry Newman – Edward Short, The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY EXTRA

#MeToo Movement (Credit: First Things)

The Backlash to the 1960’s Sexual Revolution May Have Just Begun with #MeToo

. . .culture has odd ways of supplying spontaneous correctives, even when the vanguard of a cultural wave or ideology recognizes no bounds of taste or decency. . .

by John Waters,

of First Things

Reports of Christianity’s Death in Europe Have Been Overblown – John D. Martin, Ph.D.
What the New Pro-Life Movement Didn’t Do for a Pro-life Dem – Austin Ruse, Crisis
Burning Men: a Movie Review of “Paul, Apostle of Christ” – Brad Miner, The Cthlc Thing
$1.3 Trillion Monstrosity Funds Planned Parenthood – Don. R. McClarey J.D., TACthlc
Walk with Jesus to Calvary by Praying the Stations of the Cross – L. Hensley, epicPew
When We Accompany, We Need to Speak the Truth – Susanna Spencer, NC Register
Self-Help, Self-Diagnose, the Bible & the Church – Brandon Schild, Catholic Stand
Cardinal Dolan: Democrats have Abandoned Catholic Voters – Catholic Herald
March 23, A.D.1775: Liberty or Death – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Abandoned by US, Syrian Christians Seek Help from Pro-Iran Militias – Jn. Zmirak Ph.D.
Douthat’s Lament: Pope Must Have Known It Didn’t Have to be This Way – G. Russello
Posie Parker: Free Speech Warrior – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
The Suspension of Henry Sire from the Knights of Malta is Wholly Illegal – Ste. Skojec
Practical Atheism – Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture
Don’t Forget the Second Mark – Eric Sammons, Catholic Answers Magazine
Death is Not the Final Answer – Deacon Michael Bickerstaff, Integrated Catholic Life™
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY EDITION

Spanish Easter Procession

Make Christianity Weird Again

. . .in the past few decades, some parts of the church that tend to reject the trappings of religion have tried desperately to appear “normal”. But for a generation that prizes authenticity, maybe that’s just a turn-off. Rather than being just a slightly rubbish version of the rest of the world, with slightly rubbish coffee & slightly rubbish music, maybe Christianity needs to embrace its difference, its strangeness, its weirdness, its mystery. Christianity as a norm, gone for good? Maybe that’s good news for everyone (Peter Ormerod of The Guardian, slightly edited). . .

by Rod Dreher

Really Bad Idea: Sand in Holy Water Fonts During Lent – Fr. Z’s Blog
Modesty: How Women Can Regain Control in a Sex-Obsessed Culture – Fr. David Nix
Not a Tame Lion: The “Deplorable” C.S. Lewis – Jerry D. Slayer, Crisis Magazine
The War Against Africa Today: Ideological Colonialism – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., CC
Card. Sarah in Canada: Goodness, Discipline, Knowledge, & Silence – Martyn W. Jones
Follow-Up on Tuesday’s Cassock Post – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
The 3 Hacks to Successful Fundraising in the Catholic Church – Brice Sokolowski
Pontificate Takes Another Hit With ‘Lettergate’ Mess – Fr. Ray. J. de Souza, NCRegister
Students Organize Pro-Life Walkout for Babies Killed By Abortion Violence – Ste. Ertelt
Pope Replaces Brazilian Bishop Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Church $ – I. San Martín
The Canaanite Woman: Was Jesus Prejudiced? – Nicholas LaBanca, Catholic Stand
Does Faith Reduce Divorce Risk? – Glenn T. Stanton, Public Discourse
Viganò Scandal Raises Questions about Reform in the Curia – Chr. R. Altieri, The CWR
After ISIS Beaten, Islamists Stop Iraqi Christians Returning to Their Homes – R. Karash
Belgian Priest: Vatican-China Deal on Bishops Might Really Happen – Barbe Fraze, CH
Christians Must Rise Up & Defend Children with Down Syndrome –  Dave Griffey, DF
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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