Big Pulpit

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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SPY VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

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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

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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

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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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