Synod on Young People: Final Edition

A Deeper Look at the Final Synod Document Raises Questions about Sources, Analysis, Emphasis

. . .why so few references to the writings of St. Pope John Paul II?  Why no consideration of liturgical abuses?  How prevalent is “paternalism”?  What does it mean to say young people are “theological fonts”? . . .

by Father Nicholas Gregoris, Ma.L. Ma.D.,

of The Catholic World Report

The Vatican Faces Gaggle of Bitter Women – One Mad Mom
“I’ll Take ‘25,000 Words of Blah Blah & Landmines’, for 200, Please, Alex!” – Fr. Z’s Blog
Clerical Machiavellians with Magical Beliefs – William Kilpatrick, Crisis Magazine
Contrasts of Projected Visions of the Church – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Wanderer: A Synod (“Walking Together”) of Clichés – Fr. Z’s Blog
A Failure to Communicate? Definitely! – One Mad Mom
Youth Synod Final Document: Five Areas of Concern – Edward Pentin, National Catholic Register
Video: Analysis of Synod 2018 by Robert Royal & Fr. Gerald Murray – Fr. Z’s Blog
The Synod Final Document: A Rush to Judgment – Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, Ntnl Cthlc Register
Brian Holdsworth on “Keeping Youth in the Church” – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Brave New Church: Can Catholicism be Decentralized? – Fr. Mark Drew, Catholic Herald
Pandering to Young People Does Not Win Them Over to the Church – ChurchPOP
Synodality & Sexuality: What the Synod Document Said & Didn’t Say – Ed Condon J.C.L., Cth. Hrld
The Synod Final Report Released, Addresses Gender, Sexuality – Hannah Brockhaus, NC Register
Despite Pope Francis’s Best Efforts, Synod Lacked Any Sense of Urgency – Fr. de Souza, C. Herald
Young People Want the Authentic Faith – Nicholas LaBanca, Catholic Stand
Reflections from Down Under: Interview with Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney – Edw. Pentin
What Our Kids Really Want – Cynthia Millen, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION

The Divide That Runs Through America Is Religious

. . .although somewhat overshadowed by the allegory of the Cave, the myth of the ring of Gyges, & other powerful images found in Plato’s Republic, the account of the ship of fools is still memorable & compelling.  While Socrates—the Athenian philosopher & mentor of Plato—is discussing with his young friends the nature of justice & the ideal political community, he finds it necessary to describe one of the perennial dilemmas of mankind—corrupt, ignorant leadership. . .

by Jerry D. Slayer,

of Crisis Magazine

No Blue Wave Yet Troubles Are Ahead – Bruce Frohnen, Crisis Magazine
Pro-Lifers Claim Election Night Victories – John Burger, Aleteia
Will Kavanaugh’s Court Turn a New Chapter on Roe v. Wade? – Peter Jesserer Smith, NC Register
Oregon Votes to Force Residents to Fund Abortions Up to Birth – Steven Ertelt & Mic. Bilger, LN
While Americans Pretend To Be Oppressed, The Chinese Run Concentration Camps – Dv. Marcus
What Is Classical Liberalism? – Ralph Raico, Mises Wire
Alabama Decision Urges SCOTUS to Revisit Roe v. Wade – Rachel Alexander, The Stream
2018 Midterms Reflect a Nation Divided – Matthew E. Bunson, National Catholic Register
Alabama Approves Amendment Saying Unborn Babies Have a “Right to Life” – Steven Ertelt, LN
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Ten Ways to Prepare for a Holy Death

. . .the most important moment in our life is the very moment that we die. . .

by Father Edward Broom, O.M.V.,

of Catholic Exchange

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville to Defy the U.S. Govt. – Sister Bernadette Mary Reis F.S.P.
Against Inevitable Adultery – Dan Hitchens, First Things
Fr. Ripperger on “Levels of Spiritual Warfare” – Fr. Richard Heilman, Roman Catholic Man
Two California Bishops Nominated to Lead USCCB Committees – California Catholic Daily
The Vision at Knock & the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Fr. Seán Connolly, The Catholic World Report
Young Americans Aren’t Too Poor To Have Kids. They’re Just Chicken – Jessica Burke, The Fdrlst
A Mission to Change San Francisco – California Catholic Daily
10 Timeless Names for Your Baby Boy Inspired by Historical Popes – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
In Wealthy San Francisco, Treatment of Homeless Draws U.N. Condemnation – CNA via The CWR
On Retribution – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic Thing
Why Muslim Media She Away from Covering Uighur Persecution Story – Ira Rifkin, Get Religion
Resisting “Transgenderism”, with Truth & Love – Joanna Bogle, The Catholic World Report
Catholic Traditions & Treasures – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Asia Bibi’s Husband Begs U.S. to Offer Asylum – CNA/EWTN News via National Catholic Register
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Pope Francis Appoints a New Archbishop for Cotabato in the Philippines – Vatican News
Red China: Over 200 Church Members Arrested Since the Summer – Lin Yijiang, Bitter Winter
White House Declares National Adoption Month, Says Every Child is Wanted – CNA via The CWR
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Book Review: Black Bottle Man

. . .what do you do when your two childless aunts sell their souls to become pregnant?  According to Black Bottle Man, you cut a deal with the devil & spend the next eighty years trying to find a champion who can beat him at his own game. . .

a guest post by Karen Ullo,

of Dappled Things

via Ignitum Today

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
On Election Day, The Pope’s U.S. “Midterms” – Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia
How I Went From Typical College Party Girl To Catholic Missionary – Abby Haarmann, Cthlc Link
When the Church is Silent, We Support Sexual Immorality – W. Ross Blackburn Ph.D., the HLR
Why Doesn’t God Give Everyone Faith? – Brother Dominic Koester O.P., Dominicana
Why the Rosary is Not “Vain Repetition” – Fr. Dwight Longenecker, National Catholic Register
God is in Control: Responding to the Present Evils – Mark C. McCann, Catholic Stand
Seven Aspects of Mary’s Sanctity – Peter Kreeft Ph.D., The Integrated Catholic Life™
Expert, Progressive Opinion on Children & Sexual Revisionism: Wrong & Highly Unethical – TS
A New Adoration Chapel Inspired by the Portiuncula in Assisi – D. Clayton, New Liturgical Mvmnt
Asia Bibi’s Family: ‘We No Longer have Anything to Eat’ – Jn. Newton & M. Petrosillo, Cthlc Herald
The Hell of Drug Addiction – Sebastian James, Mercatornet
St. Joseph, Our Patron of a Happy Death – Fr. Maurice Meschler, Catholic Exchange
How You Can Offer a Plenary Indulgence for the Souls in Purgatory This Week – ChurchPOP
Why You Should Visit a Cemetery November 1-8 – Melissa Guerrero, epicPew
Press On: The Virtuous Power of Endurance – Pat Archer, The Catholic Gentleman
For Many Franciscans, “Advent” Begins After All Saints Day – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Asia Bibi’s Acquittal Challenged in Pakistan Supreme Court – Simon Caldwell, Catholic Herald
Communist China: The List of the Xie Jiao, the Main Tool of Religious Persecution – M. Introvigne
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY GOD & CAESAR EDITION

Seán Cardinal O’Malley Cop-Out on Transgender Bathroom Bill

. . .Here it is, one day before election day, & Cardinal O’Malley, Boston Auxiliary Bishops Robert Reed & Mark O’Connell, & all of the Massachusetts bishops have completely caved & copped-out on voicing even a word of opposition to the transgender bathroom bill.  Not a peep!  A good friend of the Boston Catholic Insider (BCI) said yesterday that’s exactly what they would have expected, but BCI & other faithful Catholics are still mad. . .

from the Boston Catholic Insider

What If We Listened to the ‘Progressive’ Christians? – Michael Brown Ph.D., The Stream
More Than Just Another Election, This is a Fight for the Soul of America – Fr. Richard Heilman
Are Pro-Trump Christians Putting Country Before Christ? – John Zmirak Ph.D., The Stream
These Pro-Life Senate Candidates Aren’t Ashamed to Say They’re Pro-Life – Micaiah Bilger, LN
Supreme Court to Consider Whether War Memorial ‘Endorses Religion’ – C. Zimmerman, C. Herald
Election Night Open Thread – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
5 Facts About Midterm Elections – Joe Carter, Acton Institute
Placing Politics in a Larger Spiritual Context – Stephen Fitzpatrick, Crisis Magazine
The Mid-Term Election: Deep at the Heart of Texas – Al Perrotta, The Stream
4 Ways St. Faustina Shows Us How to Pray for Our Country – Carrie Gress Ph.D., NC Register
An Elections Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary – Peter Darcy, Catholic Stand
Care about Life, Family, Our Country. . .? – Steve Ray, Catholic Defenders of the Faith
Austin City Council Give a 20-Year Lease to Planned Parenthood – Christina Vazquez, Life News
Unconditional Love In The Voting Booth – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
Why We Should be Grateful to Religious Groups at Election Time – John O. McGinnis J.D., Law. . .
America, Defend Life – Lauren Enriquez, The Stream
Adoration for Election at St. Mary of Pine Bluff – Fr. Richard Heilman, Roman Catholic Man
Martin Luther King Jr. Niece Alveda King Urges Americans to Vote Pro-Life – Steven Ertelt, Lf Nws
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY MORNING EDITION

Against Catchphrase Theology

by Nicholas Senz,

of The Catholic Thing

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
9 Years Into Common Core, Test Scores Are Down, Indoctrination Up – Joy Pullman, The Fdrlst
Is the Didache the Key to Understanding Paul’s Judaizers Issue? – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
A Northern Italian Romanesque Monastery – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Communists Act Like Communists – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
“With the Help of the State” – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Crisis Magazine
Racism, the Flint Water Crises, & the Midterm Elections – Gene M. Van Son, Catholic Stand
The Funerary Rites of James II – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
Jesuit Plantation Among Sites Discovered on Navy Lands in Maryland – John Burger, Aleteia
The White House to Revise Exemptions to Contraception Mandate – National Catholic Register
Late Medieval English Vestments – Allan Barton, Liturgical Arts Journal
The Cross of Absences – Paul Kniaz, Catholic Stand
Red China Has the Most Massive Population Surveillance System in the World – Helen Raleigh, TF
Praying for Those Who Have Died Is a Work of Mercy – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
Do Transhumanists Need a Bill of Rights? – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
Customs of Martinmas – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Abortion Still at Issue in Several Midterm Races – Cthlc News Agency via National Cthlc Register
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Pain & Prayer – Nathalie Fernandez, Ignitum Today
Scandals, Saints, Vatican II, & Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person – Cathy G. Knipper, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

MONDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Belligerent Man Charges Altar During EWTN Live Mass, CEO Michael Warsaw Issues Statement

. . .looking completely startled & somewhat scared, Fr. Menezes still managed to keep his composure during the incident.  What a brave man! . . .

from ChurchPOP

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
A Cry of the Heart to Our Bishops: Please Restore Order to the Church! – National Cthlc Register
The Secret To Sparking A Catholic Renewal – Caitlin Bootsma, uCatholic
Birettas & Berettas – Fr. Z’s Blog
About that Migrant Caravan & Welcoming Immigrants – Gene M. Van Son, Catholic Stand
How Contrary Orientations Signify Contradictory Theologies – Peter A. Kwasniewski Ph.D., NLM
Spiritual Tips on How to Foster Humility & Be Less Prideful – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Norbertines Open Door to the Abbey with a New Digital Platform – Claire Giangravè, Crux
Troubadour for the Lord, Off the Shelf with John Michael Talbot – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
How Many Migrants Can a Nation Absorb? – John Paul Meenan, Crisis Magazine
Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Swayed To Vote For Pro-Abortion Democratics – Amanda Sherzer
North Korea: A Hotbed of . . . Christianity? – Ray Kavanaugh, Aleteia
Beauty & Crucial Role of Monastic Liturgies – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
Gender Ideologues Threaten Alberta’s Christian Schools – Joseph Woodward, Crisis Magazine
Govt Hostility to Religious Foster Parents Deprives Children of Love – Kathryn J. Lopez, The Strm
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Indian Christians to Celebrate Dalit Liberation Sunday on November 11 – R. Gomes, Vatican News
Scandals, Saints, Vatican II, & Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
The Harvest is Plentiful – Nicholas Lye, Ignitum Today
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

MONDAY MORNING EDITION

Could This be The Bible You’ve Been Waiting For?

. . .quite simply the backbone of this bible is what makes it a winner.  There are plenty of other features we will get to in this review but are icing on the cake.  What makes this Bible special is the complete integration of the Bible Timeline developed by Jeff Cavins. . .

by Pete Socks,

of Catholic Stand

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Is the Time of Mercy Drawing to a Close? Private Revelation & Our Times – Catholic Stand
The Troops of St. George: A Superior Option to the Boy Scouts of America – Cream City Catholic
Confessions of An Islamophobe: Robert Spencer – Patrick Coffin, Catholic Stand
Kissing Purity Culture Goodbye – Abigail Rine Favale, First Things
Papal Humiliations III: The Cock of the Lateran – Zachary Thomas, Liturgical Arts Journal
We Are Not Prepared For Spiritual Attack – Julie Machado, Catholic Stand
February’s Meeting of Bishops Won’t Succeed Without a Radical Change of Culture – Cthlc Herald
The Divinity of Christ Or Helping Unlettered Jehovah’s Witnesses – The American Catholic
The Father of the Big Bang Theory Given Credit With Official Name Change – Billy Ryan, uCatholic
Clashing Victimocracies – Peter J. Leithart, First Things
How One Diocese is Carrying the Gospel to the Streets – Kathy Schiffer, National Catholic Register
Civil & Sacramental Marriage Ceremonies – Patrick Malone, Catholic Stand
Did You Know R.I.P. is a Latin prayer? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
We Need Dads Who Are Present; Powerful Spoken Word Must-See Video – B. Cordeiro, Cthlc Link
Pakistan Government Reportedly Adding Asia Bibi to ‘No Exit’ List – CNA via Catholic Herald
St. John Paul II & Science: A Quest for Common Understanding – Rob. Kurland Ph.D., TACatholic
Philadelphia Foster Families Continue the Fight for Catholic Social Services – CNA via The CWR
Death & Taxes Are Still the Only Two Certainties in Life – Gene M. Van Son, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

SVNDAY EDITION

The Mystery of the Antichrist

. . .what or who is the Antichrist?  Is he alive today, was he a historical figure, or perhaps he’s yet to be born?  Does he signal the end of the world?  Jimmy Akin & Dom Bettinelli tackle the mystery of the Antichrist, what the Bible says, & what the Church says. . .

by Jimmy Akin & Domenico Bettinelli,

of JimmyAkin.com

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
St. John of the Cross on Appetite – Fr. Nicholas Blackwell O. Carm., Catholic Stand
How to Be Sure You’re Being Led by the Holy Spirit. . . – Matthew S. Leonard
Christ the King Chapel at Christendom College in Virginia – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
New Green Gothic Revival Chasuble from AltarWorthy – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Do You Understand the Value of the Struggles in Your Life? – Signs & Wonders
Did You Mention “Catafalques”?; A Proper Substitute for the Body of the Deceased – Fr. Z’s Blog
Spiritual Warfare – Jim Dougherty, Catholic Stand
Praying the Rosary: Insights From the Saints – Brandon Schild, Catholic Stand
Book Technology & the Synoptic Problem – Jimmy Akin, JimmyAkin.com
How To Achieve Constant Prayer – Matthew S. Leonard
How the Eucharist can Connect Us to Our Deceased Relatives & Friends – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Premonstratensian Libera me, Domine – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Sacristy Tips: Instructions for Cleaning & Polishing Thuribles of Different Metals – Liturgical. . .
The Doctors of Ravenna: Peter Chrysologus & Peter Damien – Fr. Benjamin Roberts, Homiletic. . .
The Temperament of Saints – Sofia Infante, Off the Cuff via Helena Daily
The Biblical Basis for the Priesthood – Dave Armstrong, National Catholic Register
Fruit of the Vine – Erin Cain, Ignitum Today
Marian Consecration: Holy Heroes Apostolate Helps Families Grow Closer to Mary – NC Register
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

SATVRDAY EDITION

For the Love of Women, Fellow Men, Stop It

. . .one might say that man is more rational, but a woman is more intelligent.  Reason has to do with taking logical steps to reach a conclusion, but intelligence relates to grasping immediately.  The angels have intelligence but not reason, they “see” automatically without recourse to the successive reasoning process.  Men break down & analyze, women, understand with an immediacy (sometimes called “women’s intuition”).  This difference causes stress in the relationship because men need reasons for everything, but women somehow know. . .

by Matt Robinson,

of Catholic Stand

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Caption This: Pope Francis & Michael Moore – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Eyewitness Accounts of Encounters with Ghosts from Purgatory – RJ Staudt PhD, NC Reg
Stephen Hawking: Great Scientist, Lousy Theologian – Bishop R. Barron S.T.D., The CWR
Bringing Sex Back – Emily Zinos, First Things
Archimandrite Robert Taft, S.J., R.I.P. – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Brick by Brick in Florida! New Sunday T.L.M. Established – Fr. Z’s Blog
We Can’t Celebrate Asia Bibi’s Acquittal Until We Know She’s Safe – Fr Lucie-Smith PhD
How to Gain a Plenary Indulgence for the Souls in Purgatory – P. Armstrong, NC Register
We Shall Meet – Fr. Benedict Kiely, First Things
Good News for the Church in Catholic Liberal Education – Mic. van Hecke, Newman Soc.
UnChristian Equalities – Regis Nicoll, Crisis Magazine
White House’s Plan for Birthright Citizenship Flawed, Says CUA Law Prof – The CWR
Loving God: The 31st Sun. in O.T. Readings Explained – J. Bergsma Ph.D., The Sacred Pg
What Are American Values – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
How To Style Yourself When Your Size Is Changing – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
The Dawn of Justice – Erin Cain, Ignitum Today
C.S. Lewis & Aristotle on Civic Friendship – Micah Watson Ph.D., Mercatornet
Human Dignity in the Public Square – Michael Cook, Mercatornet
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

FRIDAY EDITION

5 of the Most Beautiful, Awe-Inspiring Cemeteries in the World

. . .these magnificent graveyards, while associated with grief and sadness, impart a feeling of great hope. . .

by Vittoria Traverso,

of Aleteia

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
How Liberals & Their “Gay” Allies Want You Crushed Into Silence – Fr. Z’s Blog
5 Great Books of Catholic Spirituality to Have in Your Library – Fr. John P. Cush S.T.D., NC Register
Demonic or Art? Controversial Light Show Projected Onto Famous Basilica – Edward Pentin
Church Must Be Clear: Truth is Absolute & Sinners Must Convert – Fr. Ale. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
Here’s What Happened When Matt Fradd Gave Up the Internet for One Month – ChurchPOP
Australian Nun Ordered to Leave the Philippines by November 3 – Catholic News Service via Crux
Another $5M Sought for the Renovation of Christ Cathedral – California Catholic Daily
New Mexico Political Ad Didn’t Come from Us, Bishops Say – CNA via The Catholic World Report
2 Ancient Categories That All Saints are Separated Into – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
You Want Planned Parenthood Defunded? Vote for These Pro-Life Candidates – Steven Ertelt, LN
Is It Really Possible to “Sell Your Soul” to the Devil? – K.V. Turley, National Catholic Register
Vatican Announces New Archbishop for Kinshasa – Sister Bernadette Mary Reis F.S.P., Vtcn Nws
Love God’s Will Above All Else – St. Francis De Sales, Catholic Exchange
God, Bolsonaro, & Brazil – Carlos Caso-Rosendi
Social Justice as Taught by the Catholic Mass – David L. Gray, DavidLGray.info
ISIS Supporters have Issued New Death Threats Against Pope Francis – Bridget Johnson
Historical Holiness: How Religious Orders Illumine the Path to Perfection – Matthew S. Leonard
Red China: Business Forced to Remove Christian Signboards – Jiang Tao, Bitter Winter
Scandals, Saints, Vatican II, & Fundraising – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
On the Virtue a Philanthropist Needs – Michael Pakaluk, Legatus Magazine
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time