Big Pulpit

CHRISTMAS EVE EDITION

Video: Does This 1944 Christmas Eve Mass Look Anything Like Yours?

by Brian Williams,

of Liturgy Guy

You Won’t Believe These Nativity Sets – Part III – Matt Vander Vennet, epicPew
What Is “The Nativity”? – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic World Report
How was Christmas Celebrated in the Middle Ages? – Daniel Esparza, Aleteia
A “Silent Night” Version Even the Grinch in You Would Love – Daniel Esparza, Aleteia
The Huron Carol: A Strange Case of Mistranslating a Saint – Peter A. Kwasniewski Ph.D.
When Celebrating Christmas was a Crime – Stephanie Mann, National Catholic Register
A Christmas Carol and Detachment – Thomas Clements, Ignitum Today
Waxing Sentimental at Christmas: Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary – Rachel Lu, NCRg
Room at the Inn – William McGurn, The Wall Street Journal
Christmas and its Consequences: A Review of Puccini’s La Bohème – Paul Joseph Prezzia, TCR
Are You a Holiday Saint or a Mean Old Grinch? – Laura Hensley, epicPew

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FRIDAY EDITION

Pope Francis’ Christmas Address to the Roman Curia

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

via Fr. Z’s Blog

Christmas & Culture: Closing Churches on Christmas? – Deacon Steven D. Greydanus, NCReg
Refuting the ‘Pagan Roots of Christmas’ Claim – Shaun McAfee O.P., Catholic Answers
Court Ruling ‘Puts Lives of Severely Disabled at Risk’ – Simon Caldwell, Catholic Herald
Rogue One: An Advent Story – Lauren Meyers, Ignitum Today
After the Cairo Bombing, the West Must Stand with the Coptic Church – Fr. Peter Farrington
Messianic Prophecies: 2 Samuel 7: 12-16 – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Pope Lays Out Guiding Principles for Reform of the Roman Curia – Elise Harris, CNA via NCRg
Prepare for Christmas: Open Yourself to God in Prayer – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
Is There an Advent/Christmastime Saint? – John M. Grondelski, National Catholic Register
Egypt’s Coptic Christians are Stuck between ISIS & an Indifferent Govt – Farid Y. Farid, Quartz

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THURSDAY EDITION

No, Junior, the Catholic Church is Not the Same as ISIS

by Brother Michael Baggot, L.C.,

of First Things

The Religious Liberty Battle Is Not Over, It’s Just Beginning – Matthew Archbold, Crt Min Rep
Protecting Middle East Christians: U.S.’s New Priority Under Trump – Joan Frawley Desmond
A Rosary That Fits Right In Your Wallet — Best Idea Ever?! – Shaun McAfee O.P., epicPew
5 Quotes from John of the Cross to Help You When the Holiday Season is Hard – Ch. Mooradian
This Moving Documentary Takes Look at Franciscan Friars – Robert Barbry II, epicPew
The Pill That Hides Abortions From the Statisticians – R. Jared Staudt, N.C. Register
Illuminating the Immaculate Conception- Part I – Mike White, Catholic Stand
The Readings for Christmas: Vigil, Midnight, Dawn, and Day – John Bergsma Ph.D., The Sc Pg
Mary Pondered All These Things in Her Heart – Ryan and Mary-Rose Verret, N.C. Register
Illuminating The Immaculate Conception; Mary’s Marriage-Part II – Mike White, Catholic Stand

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WEDNESDAY EDITION

The “Committed Catholic” Threat

by William Kilpatrick, Ph.D.,

of Crisis Magazine

How to Read Your Way to Heaven – Liz Estler, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Why Communion on the Tongue is More Suitable Than in the Hand – Christopher Carstens
Brick by Brick in Australia – Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, Fr. Z’s Blog
The Key to True Friendship? Christlike Self-Sacrifice – Francis Phillips, Catholic Herald
Going to First Confession As an Evangelical Convert – K. Albert Little, The Cordial Catholic
12 Prayers to Help You Receive All the Gifts God Has for You – Patti Maguire Armstrong, Reg
6 Last-Minute Ways To Prepare Yourself for Christmas – Rich Lamm, epicPew
Watch this Amazing Explanation of the Sacrament of Baptism – Shaun McAfee O.P., epicPew
Catholic America under Archbishop Carroll – Ann Casey, Catholic Stand
Sacramental Vision: Seeing God’s Handiwork in Everything – Jean Elizabeth Seah, Igntm Tdy
The Need for a Liturgical Conscience & Where to Get One, Part III of III – Christopher Carstens

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TUESDAY ADVENT EDITION

Reading the O Antiphons Forward

by Gregory DiPippo,

of the New Liturgical Movement

A Bishop’s Suggestions to Families for a Holy Advent and Christmastide – Fr. Z’s Blog
Quæritur: Friday Penance, Abstinence During the Octave of Christmas – Fr. Z’s Blog
Linus and Saint Luke Explain It All – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
St. Joseph: Model of a Righteous Man – Paul Oakes, Catholic Stand
A Unique Advent/Christmas Album Sets the O Antiphons to Music – Thomas Van, Cthlc Cltr
A Clean Slate For Christmas – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
The Advent That Almost Wasn’t – Vickie Burbach, Pelican’s Breast
Advent: Letting Go of our Expectations – Jeannie Ewing, Integrated Catholic Life™
Advent Sermons of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux-Part IV – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Living the Season of Advent – Todd Nolan, Catholic Stand
Advent Waiting: From Fear to Faith – Jeannie Ewing, Catholic Exchange

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TUESDAY EDITION

75 Christian Leaders Sign Charter Rejecting Coercive SOGI Laws

by Anne Hendershott,

The Dispatch

via The Catholic World Report

The Traumatic Foundation of Male Homosexuality – Joseph Nicolosi, Crisis Magazine
Can “Rome” be Trusted? S.S.P.X. Questions and Beyond – Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, Fr. Z’s Blog
Are You Christian or Catholic? – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Catholic Register
Jihadis Vs. ‘Christendom’ – Rod Dreher
Check Out These Dominican Friars Playing Hockey on a Pond – Shaun McAfee O.P., epicPew
Who’s Your Patron Saint of 2017? – Laura DeMaria, Catholic Stand
Virginity Linked to Greater Health in Teens, Says CDC – Glenn Stanton, N.C. Register
The Grand Inquisitor, the Good Samaritan & the Benedict Option – Caleb Bernacchio, Eth Plt
Benedict XVI Praises Mother Angelica, Calling Her a ‘Very Brave’ Woman – CNA via The Reg
The Nativity of the Lord: The Mystery of Christmas (The Mass Readings Explained) – Brant Pitre
The Economy of Mercy – Eric Cain, Ignitum Today

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MONDAY EDITION

Woman “Pastor”: Our Culture of Purity Celebrates the Virgin Mary, As a Rape Victim, that Hurts Me

by Matthew Archbold,

of the Creative Minority Report

How The Left Overreached In Court – Rod Dreher
It’s Time to get Into a Good Argument about the Catholic Faith – Dale Ahlquist, The CWR
Did Canadian Bishops “Sacramentalize” Direct Killing, Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide? – Fr. Z’s Blg
Vatican Doc. on Same-Sex Attracted Priests Doesn’t Mean All Barred – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
The Prophet Who Stole Christmas – William Kilpatrick Ph.D., Crisis Magazine
Can the Catholic Church Help an Addicted Generation? – Mary Rezac, Catholic News Agency
Why Moral Absolutes Matter – Samuel Gregg D.Phil., The Catholic World Report
Courage to Host Event (2017 January) on Pastoral Approach to Sexual Identity – CNA via NCRg
The Death Penalty is Christian Because It’s Biblical – Joseph D’Hippilito, The Stream
Unconscionable: Threats to Religious Freedom, Conscience in Abortion Debate – Tim Bradley
Fundraiser Planning with God in Mind – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraising.net

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SUNDAY EDITION

The Day Thomas Jefferson’s Daughter Told Him She Wanted to Be a Nun

by Thomas J. Craughwell,

of the National Catholic Register

Another Study: Why Orthodox Churches Grow, Heterodox Churches Shrink – Dallas Morn. Nws
Blessed Bartolo Longo, the Ex-Satanist Who Was Freed Through the Rosary – Angelo Stagnaro
Why (and How) of Daily Prayer & A Guide to Living the Catholic Basics – N.C. Register
“This is Impossible!” A Testimony of Healing – Bart Schuchts, Catholic Stand
‘Judge Not’ Doesn’t Mean Ignore Evil – Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers
Cardinal Baldisseri Praises Synodality But Concept is Causing Concern – Edward Pentin, NC Reg
There are Far More Disabled Saints Than You Think – Francis Phillips, Catholic Herald
The Treasury of the Holy House of Loreto – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
The Domestic Church and the Cross of Christ – Veronica Antz, Truth and Charity Forum
A Remembrance of Javier Echevarría Rodríguez (1932-2016) – Fr. Francis Hoffman, The Reg
Running to Bethlehem – Cristina Montes, Ignitum Today

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SATURDAY EDITION

Religious Freedom, Meaningless Without Truth

by Jeffrey A. Mirus, Ph.D.,

of Catholic Culture

I Was Wrong About Francis (But It’s Not What You Think) – Shaun McAfee O.P., N.C. Register
Quæritur: Baptizing with the Name “Lucifer” – Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, Fr. Z’s Blog
‘Too Many Rules’ Usually Means ‘A Rule Against What I Want’ – Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers
N.Y. Times: We Just Don’t Get (a) Religion, (b) the Alt-Right or (c) Whatever – Terry Mattingly
Juneau Bishop to Head Dallas Diocese – Hannah Brockhaus, Catholic News Agency
Letting God In: The 4th Sunday of Advent – John Bergsma Ph.D., The Sacred Page
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Granted Pontifical Recognition – Catholic News Agency
Can Small-Scale Illumination Be Adapted for Large-Scale Liturgical Art? – David Clayton, BofC
The Prayers of the Saints – Allison Low, Catholic Stand
Love, Henri: A Wonderful Collection of Letters from Henri Nouwen – Bethanie Ryan, Ign Tdy
In Indonesia, Christian Governor Rejects Blasphemy Charge – Catholic News Agency

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FRIDAY LATE EDITION

Resist This Compromise That Would Crush Catholics

by Patrick Reilly,

of the National Catholic Register

The Supreme Court Case That Could Bankrupt Religious Schools and Hospitals – Emma Green
Diminishing Two Signs of Faith: The Eucharist, the Crèche – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., Cthlc Cltr
Did Catholic Spring Groups Undermine Bishops? – Kevin Jones, Catholic News Agency
Why Pro-Lifers are Calling This Rule a Gift to Planned Parenthood – Catholic News Agency
So N.Y. Times Editor Said, We Don’t Get Religion; So What? Now What? – Terry Mattingly
New Biloxi Bishop Humbled, Joyed by Appointment – Han. Brockhaus, Catholic News Agency
Vatican: Religion in Public has Never Been More at Risk – Elise Harris, Catholic News Agency
To Be Catholic at College – Kathryn Mihaliak, National Catholic Register
The Generosity Factor: How Giving is Fastest Way to More Donors – Brice Sokolowski, CF
U.K. Pro-Life Groups Express Alarm Over Three-Parent Baby Plans – Madeleine Teahan, CH
The Crisis of Christians in Egypt – Gabriel Said Reynolds, First Things

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THURSDAY EXTRA

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The Esolen Affair: Esteemed Providence College Professor Attacked Over ‘Diversity’

by Brian Fraga,

of the National Catholic Register

Chaplains of Death: An Appalling Document by Canadian Bishops – R.R. Reno, First Things
When is a Heartbeat Not a Heartbeat? When NPR Calls It ‘Sounds from the Fetus’ – T. Mattingly
Charges Dropped Against Founder of the Franciscan of the Immaculate – Marco Tosatti, RCæli
Quæritur: Should I be a Permanent Deacon? – Fr. John Zuhlsdorf, Fr. Z’s Blog
French Court Rules Down Syndrome Children Disallowed to Smile on TV – Mar. Orlandi Ph.D.
Italy: Priest Cancels Nativity Display to Avoid Offending People – Catholic News Agency
A Reading List for the 22nd Century and Beyond – Daniel Blackman, Natl Catholic Register
Religious Leaders: Sexual Orientation Laws Threaten Freedom – Catholic News Agency
So Catholics Worship Statues, Right? – Dan Byron, Catholic Stand
D.C. United Defender Too Blessed to Be Stressed – Trent Beattie, National Catholic Register
Moral Hazard: Drones & the Risks of Risk-Free War – Alan Dowd, Providence
For the THURSDAY ADVENT EDITION (15 December, AD 2016) click here.
For the THURSDAY EDITION (15 December, AD 2016) click here.

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THURSDAY EDITION

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It is as if the Church Simply Caved in Before the World and Its Prince

by Father John Zuhlsdorf,

of Fr. Z’s Blog

Uni. of Notre Dame Community Reacts to Fr. Jenkins’ Trump Commencement Non-Invite – CNS
The Inside Story of the St. Mary’s University Revival – Amy-Jo Crowley, Catholic Herald
Canadian Bishops Baptize Euthanasia – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
Thoughts on Letter by Canadian Bishops on Assisted Suicide – Edward N. Peters J.C.D. J.D.
Why I Converted to the Catholic Faith – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Catholic Register
Reading Silence for the First Time – Amy Welborn, The Catholic World Report
How a UK Scribe’s Study of Islam Helped Explain Pakistani Immigrant Gangs’ Sex Crimes – GR
Pier Giorgio Frassati, the Saint Whose Sorrows Never Made Him Sad – Francis Phillips, CH
The Natural Law: A Guide for How to Be Human – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers
Major Religious Freedom Law Might Get Christmas Upgrade – M. Hadro, Catholic News Agency
Ohio Governor Kasich Signs 20-Week Abortion Ban but Vetoes Heartbeat Measure – CNA
For the THURSDAY ADVENT EDITION (15 December, AD 2016) click here.
For the THURSDAY EXTRA (15 December, AD 2016) click here.

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