Big Pulpit

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. . .
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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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

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TVESDAY EDITION

Kneeling & Receiving Holy Communion on the Tongue (Credit: Fr. Dwight Longenecker)

Should You Receive Communion on the Tongue?

. . .the problem, of course, is that receiving communion standing & in the hand is actually permitted, so it remains a matter of choice, but. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Francis’ Fifth: A Pontificate of Footnotes – Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, Natl Cthlc Register
Catholic School Principal Shamefully Abandoned by Hierarchy – Fr. Ric. Cipolla, RCæli
A Catholic Take on the Famous Jordan Peterson’s Struggle with Christianity – ChrchPp
Whither The Reform? – Amid a Move to Korea, Aftershocks in Rome – Rocco Palmo
Before a Parting of the Ways – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
The Two Sides of the Lenten Fast Argument – Shaun McAfee O.P., Natl Catholic Register
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
National Call in Day for Dreamers but Not the Unborn? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
As Supreme Court Decides Fate of Unions, Bishops Speak Up – Kevin J. Jones, CNA
Papal Foundation Divided Over Massive Grant to Troubled Italian Hospital – J. Roberts
Catholic Adoption Agency Targeted by ACLU – Gerald J. Russello, Natl Catholic Register
Parental Rights: A Casualty of the Transgender Revolution – Andrew T. Walker, Pub. Dis.
The Transformative Power of Memory – Sarah Greydanus, Catholic Stand
Pope Francis Appoints New Bishop for Tandag, Philippines – Sister B.M. Reis F.S.P., VN
Vancouver Archbishop Critiques Euthanasia Provision in Hospice Care – CNA via CWR
This Couple Gave Up Everything to Help Sudanese Refugees in Uganda – E. Harris, CNA
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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MONDAY EXTRA

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Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Logo (Credit: txcatholic.org)

Texas Bishops Interdicts Texas Right to Life

. . .there has long existed a marked division among the Texas pro-life movement, the uncompromising, total ban on abortion & other forms of murder position represented by Texas Right to Life, & the much more accommodating stand taken by Texas Alliance for Life. . .

by Donald R. McClarey, J.D.,

of The American Catholic

How to Increase Vocations to the Priesthood – Brian Williams, Liturgy Guy
A Compassionate & Honest Account of Church Teaching on Same-Sex Attraction – CH
Three Crises – & Three Opportunities – Robert Royal Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Not Right to Shame Poor Women’s Fertility to Privilege Rich People’s Comfort – Burke
Pensees – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Paramount’s ‘Waco’ Finally Gives The Branch Davidians Their Due – Lucy Steigerwald
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
Images of Rome Covered in Rare Blanket of Thick Snow – Edward Pentin, NC Register
Yazidis & Their Faith: There’s More To It Than Just a Quick Paragraph – Julia Duin, GR
Spanish Nun Named Undersecretary of Vatican Congregation – Carol Glatz, Cthlc Hrld
Want Greater Protection for Your Child? Consider Marian Consecration – C. Gress Ph.D.
Say Hello to “The Catholic Podcast”! – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
The True Path of Reparation – Susan Skinner, Catholic Stand
Janus v. AFSCME and Catholic Social Teaching – Michael Moreland, Mirror of Justice
Comment: Poverty & Liturgical Art – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Embracing the Broken-Hearted in Our Lenten Journey – Dan L. Edmunds Ph.D., CS
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SVNDAY LATE EDITION (25 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (26 February, AD 2018) click here.

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SVNDAY LATE EDITION

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Above, a statue of St. Benedict in Italy (Credit: Pixabay via the National Catholic Register)

Learn Benedictine Humility by Reading This Book

. . .Although St. Benedict retreated into seclusion to escape the lures of wealth & immorality, following in his footsteps does not necessarily require the total rejection of the world. In his book entitled Humility Rules, Benedictine Father J. Augustine Wetta suggests another way of life inspired by St. Benedict, one that is compatible with modernity. . .

by Hannah Kubiak,

of the National Catholic Register

4 Rules for Discernment Every Catholic Should Know! – ChurchPop
The Devil Hates Lent – Here’s How to Beat Him – Laura Ricketts, epicPew
A Marian Pilgrimage to St. Kateri Tekakwitha’s Shrine – Marge Fenelon, NC Register
Is Tardiness a Vice? – Joannie Watson, Integrated Catholic Life™
When Your Children Act Up In Church – Steffani Jacobs, Catholic Stand
How Granda Brought About Twin Pugin-Inspired Chalices – Kinga U. Lipinska, LAJ
A View of the Sacraments in the Age of Enlightenment – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
The Astounding Humility in Jesus’ Human Nature – Cameron Edman, Catholic Stand
What is a Sacristan? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
What Does the Word “Amen” Mean? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
A Courtly French Prayer Book – Rev. Allan Barton Ph.D., Liturgical Arts Journal
Lent as a Moving Experience – Gabriel Garnica, Catholic Stand
Journal Your Way to Spiritual Growth – Katie Warner, National Catholic Register
Lent: A Time for Transformation – Wendy McMahon, Catholic Stand
Ashes to Ashes: A Lenten Reflection – Paul Oakes, Catholic Stand
Lent: A Holy Pause that Shakes the Soul – Mark C. McCann, Catholic Stand
Note I: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
Note II: The editor apologizes for the late edition, he was busy upgrading the website
For the MONDAY EDITION (26 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (26 February, AD 2018) click here.

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SATVRDAY EXTRA

12 Angelic Facts (Credit: ChurchPop)

12 Angelic Facts Every Christian Should Know, In One Infographic

from ChurchPop

Exorcists Explain Ireland’s Rise in Demonic Activity – Patti Maguire Armstrong, NCRgstr
The Freaks are Us – Austin Ruse, Crisis Magazine
Quæritur: Priest Tells People to Stand Around Altar During Eucharistic Prayer – Fr. Z
Catholic Univ. Lists ‘Husband’ & ‘Wife’ as Words Students Should Avoid – Fr. M. Hodges
Quæritur: Can a Bishop Forbid Kneeling for Communion? – Fr. Z’s Blog
What, Indeed, Is the Quran? – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Crisis Magazine
An Important Week for Eucharistic Discipline–or Lack Thereof – E.N. Peters J.C.D. J.D.
What’s Wrong with German Bishops’ Statement on Intercommunion – Ed Condon J.C.D.
The Suddenness of Grace – Fr. Hugh Barbour O. Præm., Catholic Answers Magazine
The Theology of Water – Bob Kurland Ph.D., Magis Center
Former Pres. of Franciscan Univ. Posthumously Receives Poverello Medal – CNA/CWR
A Missal Fragment – Allan Barton, Liturgical Arts Journal
New Zealand Fertility Rate at Record Low – Shannon Roberts, Mercatornet
Papal Foundation Divided Over Massive Grant to Troubled Italian Hospital – Jd. Roberts
Pope Makes Statement by Meeting Victims of Anti-Christian Persecution – J Allen, Crux
Who was Janus, the Roman god of Beginnings & Endings? – Caillan Davenport, Mrctrnt
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SVNDAY LATE EDITION (25 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (26 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (26 February, AD 2018) click here.

SATVRDAY EXTRA Read More »

SATVRDAY EDITION

Robert Cardinal Sarah (Credit: Angel for Israel blog)

Robert Cardinal Sarah: Return to Holy Communion Directly on the Tongue While Kneeling

. . .a combination of factors has to lead to erosion of an understanding of the Eucharist & reverence for the Eucharist.  Included in these factors is a near-universal insistence that everyone goes to Holy Communion at every Mass &, of course, lay ministers of the Holy Communion because numbers of people going are up, &, above all, Holy Communion in the hand. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Three Short (& Hilarious) Catholic Jokes – Daniel Esparza, Aleteia
G.K. Chesterton’s Guide to Reality – Carl E. Olson, Catholic Answers Magazine
What’s the Difference Between an Ambo & a Pulpit? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Who Was the Last of the Church Fathers? – Stephen Beale, National Catholic Register
10 Books That Every Boy Should Hazard – Sean Fitzpatrick, The Civilized Reader
Meet the French Farmer Who Found Happiness in an Ancestral Way of Life – BBC News
New Book on Catholic Fundraising: Pray, Pray, Pray, Ask – Brice Sokolowski
Solemnity, Feast, or Memorial? How to Tell the Difference – Chloe Langr, epicPew
8 Quick & Fascinating Facts About Icons – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Faith & Culture – Joseph Pearce, The Imaginative. . .
Hippocrates on Social Justice – J. Bolton, Augustine’s Alley
Bermuda Law Again Respects Reality – Edward N. Peters J.C.D. J.D., The CWR
Hallowed Ground: A Wintry Visit to a Fresh Grave – Rick Becker, God-Haunted Lunatic
Plutarch: Ancient Heroes & Their Virtues – J. Bolton, Augustine’s Alley
Competition Isn’t Unchristian—But Motive Matters – Hugh Whelchel, IfFW&E
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time
For the SVNDAY LATE EDITION (25 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (26 February, AD 2018) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (26 February, AD 2018) click here.

SATVRDAY EDITION Read More »