Big Pulpit

Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday: Mercy Involves Generosity

via the National Catholic Register

The Spiritual Dimensions of Ash Wednesday – Liz Estler, Catholic Spiritual Direction
How to Fast: A Foodie’s Guide to Not Eating – Steve Skojec, One Peter 5
Examining Our Consciences and Lent – Brian Kranick, Catholic Lane
Remember! #AshWednesday Fast and Abstinence! What’s Your Plan? – Fr. Z’s Blog
Give Up Pornography for Lent – Sam Guzman, The Catholic Gentleman
Quæritur: Lent, #AshWednesday and the ol’ Aligator on Friday Question! – Fr. Z’s Blog
This Lent, Give God Permission to Turn You Into a Saint – Paul McCusker, Ntnl Cthlc Register
Lent All Year Round? – Kenneth Colston, Crisis Magazine
Why Do We Put Ashes on Our Heads? – Thomas L. McDonald, National Catholic Register
Larry and Ash Wednesday – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Lenten Sacrifices: What about Sundays? – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., Catholic Culture
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.

Hilarious Ash Wednesday Memes!

by Shaun McAfee

of Epic Pew

Pope Francis: ‘Prayer is the Key to Vocations Crisis’ – Carol Glatz, The Catholic Herald
Why I Wear the Habit, a Nun’s Reflection on Religious Life – Ann Schneible, Cthlc Nws Agncy
How Bad Philosophy Destroyed Good Music – Roger Scruton
Dressing for Mass Like Mark Bavaro – David Mills, Aleteia
Crucifix or Cross? Why the Difference Matters – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
The Ordinariate Office: Hope for Transformation of Western Culture? – David Clayton, N.L.M.
Learning About Self-Donation at the Gym – Theresa Williams, Ignitum Today
NARAL Can’t Win Against Ultrasound, Science and Common Sense – Fr. Frank Pavone, Register
Speedos or Shorts?  Bikinis or Bathing Suits? – Carl R. Trueman, First Things
Bishops without Borders: European Elitism Gone Bad – William Kilpatrick, Register
Bishop Formalizes Ban on Communion in the Hand, Fatima Gets Ugly “Modern” Altar – Rrt Cæli
Death of Antonin Scalia: Catholic & Supreme Court Justice – Big Pulpit (February 15, 2016)
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EDITION (February 16, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EXTRA (February 16, 2016) click here.

Put Out Into the Deep of Your Heart This Lent

by Lilla Marie Lottinger

of Catholic Stand

Can a New President Help Us? – Patti Maguire Armstrong, National Catholic Register
A Letter to God From a Child of Divorce – Steve Skojec, One Peter 5
Well-Being vs. Well-Feeling: On Defining True Happiness – Clifford Staples, Crisis Magazine
We All Know Padre Pio, But Who Is St. Leopold Mandić? – Patty Knap, Ntnl Catholic Register
Venerating Relics is Not Strange or Superstitious, but Brings Us Closer to God – Fr. Mat. Pittam
Liberalism Grounded in Personal Autonomy is the Least Tolerant Religion of All – A.J. MacLeod
“Laudato Si’,” a Too-Argentine Encyclical – Sandro Magister, Chiesa
Hope Rises for Philly Catholic Schools as Enrollment Soars – Peter Jesserer Smith, N.C. Rgstr
Free Exercise, Penance, and Delaware Court – John M. Grondelski, First Things
Peter Saunders’s Departure was Ugly, but Inevitable – Edward Condon, the Catholic Herald
This Year’s Super Bowl: A Pro-Life Tipping Point? – Jason Scott Jones, The Stream
Death of Antonin Scalia: Catholic & Supreme Court Justice – Big Pulpit (February 15, 2016)
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EDITION (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 17, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 17, 2016) click here.

Let’s Face It: The Young Adult Catholic Dating Scene Is Horrific

by Jesse

of On the Whole Catholic blog

Things That Remit Venial Sins, The Traditional Liturgy Is Full of Them – Pt. Kwasniewski Ph.D.
Cardinal Onaiyekan on the Proper Disposition to Receive Holy Communion – Fr. Z’s Blog
N.Y. Times Refuses to Correct False Story Only “Hundreds” Participated March for Life – Bilger
Pope Francis: ‘Padre Pio Was a Servant of Mercy’ – National Catholic Register
Seeking God in Our Disappointment – Stephanie H. To, Catholic Stand
Things Every Holy Apostles Student Understands – Shaun McAfee, Epic Pew
Launching into Lent – Fr. Paul Scalia, The Catholic Thing
Liberalism, Conservatism, and Catholicism – James Kalb, Crisis Magazine
2015 Survey: Persecuted Christians in the Middle East – George J. Marlin, The Catholic Thing
But We Have Forgotten God – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Canadian Assoc. of Retired Persons Becomes a Pro-Euthanasia Advocacy Grp. – A. Schadenberg
Death of Antonin Scalia: Catholic & Supreme Court Justice – Big Pulpit (February 15, 2016)
Pope Francis’ In-Flight Chat on Trump, Contraception & More – Big Pulpit (Feb. 18, 2016)
Antonin Scalia, A Catholic Life Worth Living – Big Pulpit (February 21, 2016)
Pope Francis and Papal Approval of Contraception in Congo – Big Pulpit (February 21, 2016)
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EXTRA (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EDITION (February 16, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EXTRA (February 16, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 17, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 17, 2016) click here.
For the THURSDAY EDITION (February 18, 2016) click here.
For the THURSDAY EXTRA (February 18, 2016) click here.
For the FRIDAY MORNING EDITION (February 19, 2016) click here.
For the SUNDAY MORNING EDITION (February 21, 2016) click here.
For the SUNDAY AFTERNOON EDITION (February 21, 2016) click here.

8 February: Feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita

by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

via Fr. Z’s Blog

Pope Appeals for ‘Martyred Country’ of Syria, Reminds Faithful to ‘Fear Not’ – N.C. Register
Lent: A Time for Building Habits – Ryan Kraeger, Ignitum Today
Pro-Aborts Slam Doritos Super Bowl Commercial Because It “Humanizes Fetuses” – M Archbold
“What a Bore Clergy Find the ‘Hymn to Love’ in I Corinthians 13. . .” – Fr. Z’s Blog
Hello, Church? Anybody Home? Why Do Parishes & Dioceses Have Poor Call Back? – Barb Lishko
A Murder Mystery for the Ages, Joseph Fiennes Talks About the Making of Risen – Kat. Schiffer
I’m Waiting for the Mark Ruffalo Movie Exposing Planned Parenthood – John Zmirak, The Strm
Hillary’s Litmus Test for Supreme Court Picks: They Must ‘Preserve Roe v. Wade’ – B. Johnson
If You Defund Planned Parenthood More Welfare Babies Born? Study Proves That’s False – New
A Deadly Mistake, Disability Rights Groups Oppose Colorado Assisted Suicide Bill – Kevin Jones
New Traditional Catholic College in Three Years – Adfero, Rorate Cæli
Death of Antonin Scalia: Catholic & Supreme Court Justice – Big Pulpit (February 15, 2016)
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EDITION (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EXTRA (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 17, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 17, 2016) click here.

Pope Francis to Meet Patriarch Kirill in Cuba

by Edward Pentin

of National Catholic Register

The Pope Francis-Patriarch Kirill Meeting in Cuba – Robert Moynihan, Inside the Vatican
Melkite Archbishop: French Bishops Too Politically Correct, Afraid of Islam – Rorate Cæli
Moscow Patriarchate: Pan-Orthodox Synod Not an Ecumenical Council – Pravmir
On the Great Council of the Orthodox Church – John Chryssavgis, First Things
Suffering Churches in Syria, Iraq Bring Rome & Moscow Together (Updated) – Terry Mattingly
Byzantine Catholic Nuns Provide Place of Encounter With Christ – John Burger, Aleteia
Ecumenical Earthquake, The Pope Lands The Patriarch – Rocco Palmo, Whispers
The ‘Passion’ that Looms Over the Historic Rome-Moscow Meeting – Terry Mattingly, Get Rel
The Agenda for the Holy and Great Council – The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
Pan-Orthodox Council in Crete, While in Athens. . . – Sandro Magister, Chiesa
If I were Running the Eastern Orthodox Council – Adam A.J. DeVille Ph.D., The Dispatch
For the WEDNESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION (February 3, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EDITION (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EXTRA (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.

Rubio and Bush Would Use Our Military to Permit a Genocide of Christians in Syria

by Jason Scott Jones

of National Security

Jesuit Univ. Joins Planned Parenthood to Promote Abortion as Zika Remedy – T Williams PhD
Decentralization: What Would Be Acceptable? – Edward Pentin, National Catholic Register
A Memorial Tribute to a Bishop Who Reported Abuse & Was Expelled – Richard Becker, Crisis
Letter from a Toronto Jail – Douglas Farrow, First Things
What Are You Giving Up for Lent? – Marge Fenelon, National Catholic Register
Gaia Church: Love the Earth, Heaven Can Wait – Steve Skojec, One Peter 5
On Family Day, the God of Surprises Surprised Pope Francis – Christopher J. Malloy Ph.D.
The Pope and the Dragon: A Godless Ostpolitik – Steve Skojec, One Peter 5
Catholics can Vote for Bernie Sanders – Dave Griffey, Daffey Thoughts
Vatican’s Internal Communications ‘Appear to Vary bt. Chaotic & Non-existent’ – Cat. Lafferty
There are No Neutral Religious Beliefs – Dave Griffey, Daffey Thoughts
Death of Antonin Scalia: Catholic & Supreme Court Justice – Big Pulpit (February 15, 2016)
For the WEDNESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION (February 3, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EDITION (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EXTRA (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EDITION (February 16, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EXTRA (February 16, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 17, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 17, 2016) click here.

Watch: Newly-ordained Bishop Steven Lopes Addresses the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter

by Catherine Harmon

of The Dispatch via The Catholic World Report

Quæritur: Why is a Baptismal Certificate so Important for Annulment Process? – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Best Description of God, Ever! – John C. Connell, Catholic Stand
The Crusades: Just Wars? – Brother André Marie, Ad Rem
Prayer, How to get started – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
The Chaplain of Pyotkong: the Incredible Story of Fr. Emil Kapaun – Peter LaFave, The C.R.
Adventures in Logic: Are Believers more Rational than Non-believers? – Thomas M. Doran
All People Are Walking Tabernacles Of Grace – Mike Eisenbath, Catholic Stand
Finding Faith: Boring to Beautiful – E. Neubauer, 21 Century Pilgrim
Rare Papal Address and A Common Theme Here – Etheldreda’s Place
Combating Pornography – Andy Farley, Maccabee Society
The Christian Premise Suppressed by the New Orthodoxy on Race Relations – Nicholas Danne
For the WEDNESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION (February 3, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EDITION (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EXTRA (February 9, 2016) click here.

A Vocational Discernment Story of Becoming a Nun

by Karen Beattie

of Aleteia

Bent Coins, Body Candles & Incubation: Ancient Devotions to the Saints – Thomas L. McDonald
What Don Bosco Teaches Us about the Power of Dreams – Mary O’Regan, The Catholic Herald
Little Lies, Big Lies, and Narratives – Robert J. Gieb, Catholic Lane
Avoiding Idolatrous Friendships: Lessons from Burke and Claudel – R.J. Stove, Crisis Magazine
Letting the Secular In – Bevil Bramwell O.M.I., The Catholic Thing
Are Creatures Created? – Bob Drury, Catholic Stand
A Visigothic Hermitage in the Province of Burgos – Matthew Alderman, New Ltrgcl Mvmnt
The Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary – Paul Senz, Catholic Stand
Is the Monomyth a Myth? – Jonathan McDonald, Dappled Things
The Reality—or Lack Thereof—of Time Travel – Cecily Lowe, Catholic Stand
A Miscellany of Architectural and Church Furnishing Details in Barcelona – Matthew Alderman
Death of Antonin Scalia: Catholic & Supreme Court Justice – Big Pulpit (February 15, 2016)
For the WEDNESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION (February 3, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EDITION (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EXTRA (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the ASH WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 10, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EDITION (February 16, 2016) click here.
For the TUESDAY EXTRA (February 16, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EDITION (February 17, 2016) click here.
For the WEDNESDAY EXTRA (February 17, 2016) click here.

Doctor Said She Would Never Walk or Talk and Would Die in a “Vegetative State”, He Was Wrong

by Micaiah Bilger

of LifeNews.com

Robert Micken’s Lutheran Conversion may be Complete – Fr. Z’s Blog
Holy Intercessors: Patron Saints for Relationships – Angelo Stagnaro, Ntnl Catholic Register
The Home and Our Children’s Need for Beauty – Elizabeth Pham, The Christian Review
Trading Anger for Love – Leticia Adams, Catholic Stand
God Created Science – Fr. C. John McCloskey, The National Catholic Register
Are Your Headed For A Breakthrough Or A Breakdown? – Christina Weber, Catholic Stand
Olympics Changes Rules on Transgender Athletes, Women Lose – Rebecca Taylor, Cthlc Lane
The Most Holy Rosary: Our Simple Breviary (Part 1) – Cynthia Millen, Catholic Stand
The Episcopal Ordination of Steven J. Lopes – Tom Perna
Making A Murderer, Loving the Guilty – Nic Davidson, Ignitum Today
Social Justice According to Michael Novak – Elliot Milco, First Things
For the WEDNESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION (February 3, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 8, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EDITION (February 9, 2016) click here.
For the SHROVE TUESDAY EXTRA (February 9, 2016) click here.

Meet the Cardinal who ‘Recharges for Battle’ by Fasting from Food & Water

by Jack Carrigan

of the Catholic Herald

What Pope Francis Should have Said to the Chinese Gov’t – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith, C.H.
Incorrupt Bodies of Sts. Pio & Leopold Arrive in Rome for Jubilee of Mercy – Natl Cth Register
Lourdes: Bittersweet and Beautiful – Colleen McCrum, Catholic Stand
On Family Day, Catholic Majority Spoke in Italy, Despite Pope Francis’s Silence – Rb. de Mattei
Do You Know the Mysteries of the Rosary – David Rummelhoff, Epic Pew
Former Vatican Doctrinal Official Installed as First Ever Bishop to Lead the Ordinariate – Ct Hd
Fake Priest Arrested in Los Angeles – National Catholic Register
Atlanta Falcon Reveals Secret to Beating the Carolina Panthers – Trent Beattie, N.C. Register
A Hope Filled Look at New Year’s Resolutions – Bernard Toutounji, Ignitum Today
Lent, Conversion, and Vocation – Russell Shaw, The Dispatch
On Mercy and Mercilessness – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic Thing
Death of Antonin Scalia: Catholic & Supreme Court Justice – Big Pulpit (February 15, 2016)
For the WEDNESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION (February 3, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY BYZANTINE EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the SPECIAL LENTEN MONDAY EDITION (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the MONDAY EXTRA (February 15, 2016) click here.
For the THURSDAY EDITION (February 18, 2016) click here.
For the THURSDAY EXTRA (February 18, 2016) click here.