THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

Why Catholic Teaching Is ‘Increasingly Embarrassing’ to Church Leaders, Part I

. . .philosophy professor Thomas Pink explains why forgetting that we live in a fallen, unconverted world of largely unbaptized people has led many Church leaders to falsely believe the Church can peacefully dialogue with it. . .

by Edward Pentin

of the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Case of the Missing Veil – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
What Happens to Babies Who Die Before Baptism? – Birgit Jones
On “Why?” – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., The Catholic Thing
It’s Scientific! – Pat Cross, PatCrossCartoons.com
Modern Polish Chasuble, Mid-Twentieth Century – J.P. Sonnen, Liturgical Arts Journal
Is Gender Equality a Self-Defeating Goal? – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
In this Cemetery, After Dark, Students Pray for the Dead – Perry West, Catholic Herald
Modern Design Principles: Cacophony & Monotony. . . What About Harmony? – NLM
Does Turning the Other Cheek Equate to Weakness? – Jason Craig, Those Catholic Men
Biblical Evidence for Veneration of Saints & Images – Dave Armstrong, NC Register
Is It Morally Acceptable to Celebrate Halloween? – Birgit Jones
C.S. Lewis & Aristotle on Civic Friendship – Micah Watson, Public Discourse
FSSP Anniversary Celebrations in Rome & Mexico – G. DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Prosaic Relics – Rick Yoder, The Amish Catholic
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Journaling the Faith, Off the Shelf with Allison Gingras – Pete Socks, Catholic Stand
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Pro-Life with a Purpose – Todd Nolan, Catholic Stand
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Pope Francis Removes Bishop Holley as Head of Memphis Diocese

. . .Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisvile, Kentucky, was appointed the temporary administrator. . .

by Hannah Brockhaus

of the Catholic News Agency & EWTN News

via the National Catholic Register

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
McCarrick, Viganò, & the Next Archbishop of Washington – Joan F. Desmond, NC Register
Priest & Key Witness in the Nun Rape Case Found Dead – The Catholic World Report
The Vatican Laying the Groundwork for Married Priest Debate – Nicole Winfield
San Francisco Jesuit Church to Host ‘Gay Men’s Chorus’ – California Catholic Daily
Why Didn’t Press Spot Royal ‘Fetus Bump’? – Terry Mattingly, Get Religion
Why Fundamentalist Protestants are Wrong on Dispensationalism – Steve Ray
Pennsylvania Nuns Ask Supreme Court to Uphold Their Religious Rights – CNS via Crux
A Public Church, Not a Partisan Church – George Weigel, First Things
Preparing for Advent: The Custom of the Advent Wreath – Liturgical Arts Journal
The Season of the Dead: The Origins & Practice of Allhallowtide – T. McDonald, The CWR
5 Ways to Start Thinking Like St. Thomas Aquinas – Chloe Langr, epicPew
“Town Hall” Meeting with Bishop O’Connell, Oct 25 in Wakefield – Boston Cthlc Insider
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Supreme Court May Hear Another Wedding Cake Case – CNA via Catholic Herald
HHS Considers Defining Sex Based on Birth, Genetics – National Catholic Register
Science & Catholic Teaching: Human Life, Sacred from Conception to Birth – Cth. Stand
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
El Salvador: Arrest Warrant Issued for Murder Suspect of St. Oscar Romero – N. Renteria
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

The Stare of Medusa & the Return Gaze of Christ

. . .it is just one of Nietzsche’s many bon mots that if one stares at evil long enough it looks back.  As is usual with Nietzsche there is an implied boast.  We divide into the strong & the weak depending on whether we can or are willing to endure this look or looking back.  Nietzsche leaves us in no doubt as to which camp he belongs in, even if with all the bravado about amor fati we sometimes get the impression in reading him that he is expecting as much our pity as our admiration.  Still, the aphorism is powerful, & it is powerful not only because it is scintillating in its expression, but because it is experientially apt. . .

by Cyril O’Regan, Ph.D.,

of Church Life Journal

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
The Church Is Not a Denomination – R. Jared Staudt Ph.D., Those Catholic Men
The Bookish Life: How to Read & Why – Joseph Epstein, First Things
Cardinal Gibbons’ Nod To Bishop Challoner – Kevin Di Camillo, National Catholic Register
What Our Church Buildings Say About Us – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
The Nicene Creed: Explained! – Will Wright, Catholic Link
Anti-Catholicism in Early America & the Burning of a Convent – Bradley J. Birzer Ph.D.
Why Do Franciscan Friars Wear Brown? – J.P. Mauro, Aleteia
Understanding Law with Thomas Aquinas – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Law and Liberty
Time for a ‘Year of Truth & Transparency’ – David Torkington, Catholic Stand
Mary is Ever Virgin – Carlos Caso-Rosendi
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
On Sacred Time – Aelredus Rievallensis, Canticum Salomonis
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Knights of Columbus Teams with U.S. Government to Assist Christians in Iraq – J. Burger
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

TVESDAY EDITION

Contemporary Life Is Not Just Unreal—It’s Irreal

. . .you look over your fence and see your neighbor in his backyard, with a big pot over a roaring fire.  Clouds of steam are rising from it, & they bring to you the sharp sweet smell of something cooking, something you know very well, but somehow it doesn’t fit the scene. . .

by Anthony M. Esolen, Ph.D.,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Have You Heard These Lies? You Can Set the Record Straight – Cthlc Spiritual Direction
Historical-Critical Qur’an – Fr. Paul V. Mankowski S.J., First Things
Don’t Name Your Guardian Angel – Msgr. Charles Pope, Community in Mission
A Catholic Problem: The Teaching of Logic – Jay Toups, Hope in the Storm
A False Paradigm: Against the De-Hellenization of Christianity – Michael Hanby Ph.D.
When Exactly Did The Church Begin? – David La Mar, Those Catholic Men
The Lay Vocation & Subordination to the Clergy – Joseph Shaw, LMS Chairman
The Cost of Kids – John M. Grondelski Ph.D., National Catholic Register
Corporate Progressivism – Patrick J. Deneen Ph.D., First Things
Recovering the Gospel from the Notion of Merely “Happy” or “Good” News – Msgr. Pope
“These Vulnerable Creatures”: a Review of “Gosnell” – Brad Miner, The Catholic Thing
Reclaiming Social Justice – Philip Booth, Transatlantic Blog
Data Mining Gets Religion as Campaigns Target Voters of Faith – Menachem Wecker, RNS
Social Media for Catholics Why Facebook is Still Relevant – Birgit Jones
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Video: An Organic Farmer Talks About Christian Stewardship – Elise Daniel
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Markets, Not Morality, Will Lower Drug Prices – Tim Rice, City Journal
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

MONDAY EDITION

The Diabolical Tweets of Father Martin on Penance

. . .no, I assume, despite some language to the contrary in a follow-up tweet, that Fr. Martin does not mean to impugn penance by an innocent person on behalf of another in general.  Rather, since he is careful to limit his opinion to “this case,” he seems to hold that, given the widespread & grave nature of these particular sins of the clergy (& he seems to be thinking of more than the sexual sins that I chiefly have in mind here), penance by the innocent laity is, based on these facts, “simply wrong” because it would “victimize people all over again,” as he added in the follow-up to the tweet already quoted.  It is this opinion with which I take issue. . .

by Justin Bradford Smith,

of Crisis Magazine

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
When Priests & Prelates Dance Around the Golden Calf – Jonathan B. Coe, Crisis Mgzn
Questions Arise About Vatican Official Mentioned in Viganò Report – NC Register
Cupich Discusses Sex Abuse Crisis, Same-Sex Attraction at Youth Synod – NC Register
The Disorder of “Differently Ordered” – Hudson Byblow, Crisis Magazine
Vigano Responds to Ouellet – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
US Bishops to Consider New Hymn Translations for Liturgy of the Hours – Cthlc Herald
Cardinal Sarah’s September Message to the Association Pro Liturgia – New Lit Mov
McCarrick Scandal Spotlights Bishops’ Appointment Process – J.F. Desmond, NC Register
What Kind of Archbishop is Needed in Washington? – Ed Condon J.C.L., Catholic Herald
Hurricane Michael Spurs Catholics to Action – Lauretta Brown, National Catholic Register
Anjem Choudary is Free to Speak, but. . . – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
30th Anniversary of the FSSP – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Young People™ (2018) – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Should Catholics Observe Halloween? – Birgit Jones, Catholic Stand
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
The ‘Gay Cake’ Verdict is a Victory, but for What? – Dennis Sewell, Catholic Herald
How to Write an Appeal Letter . . . the Catholic Way – Brice Sokolowski
Pope Says He is Open to Visiting North Korea – Junno A. Esteves, Catholic Herald
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

SVNDAY EDITION

Hell Is Real, Stop Pretending It Isn’t

. . .moral relativism has replaced a belief in sin within our culture, which is something that needs to be reversed if we ever hope to achieve a more loving, generous, & merciful society. . .

by Tim Bennett,

of Those Catholic Men

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
What is Spiritual Gluttony? – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Saint Augustine’s “Confessions”: An Introduction – Joseph Pearce
Practical Steps to Love Jesus More Deeply – Deacon M. Bickerstaff, Integrated Cth. Life™
Do Church Fathers Teach the Eucharist is a Symbol & Not the Real Presence? – S. Ray
Unanswered Prayers? – Brother Bartholomew Calvano O.P., Dominicana
You’re Never Too Holy to Fall – Sean Mitchell, Those Catholic Men
Humility Allows You to See All That God Has Given You – Fr. Ph. Dion, Cthlc Exchange
Key to Discernment: Realizing Beauty of Eucharistic Devotion & Seminary – ChurchPOP
What’s It Like to have a Saint in the Family? – Sister B. Ma. Reis F.S.P., Vatican News
Some Noble Gothic Revival Vestments – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Of God & Mammoths – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
What a Catholic Father Can Do to Help Raise Heroic Priests – G. Somarriba, NC Register
Out of Persecution Rise the Greatest Saints – Georgette Bechara, uCatholic
The Mystery of Redemption in Work – Stefan Cardinal Wyszynski, Catholic Exchange
Various Forms of the Apostolate – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
Why Do Religious Make Vows of Poverty, Chastity, & Obedience? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Pro-Family Message of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Stephen Henley, Legatus Magazine
The Lifelong Benefits of Teaching Your Kids to Pray – Caryn, Rivadeneira, Aleteia
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

SATVRDAY EDITION

All are Welcome. . .to What Exactly?

. . .this kind of feel good, fuzzy-wuzzy Christianity has virtually wiped out Catholicism in America, so the obvious remedy is “We clearly didn’t have Enough feel good, fuzzy-wuzzy Christianity.  So let’s destroy more old churches, write more banal hymns, put up more felt banners, hire more social workers & do more left-wing posturing”. . .

by Father Dwight Longenecker

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
SSPX Statement On Canonization of Paul VI – The Eponymous Flower
Baptist Admits Rosary Is “More Powerful Than I Thought” – ChurchPOP
How to Break a Bad Habit & Retrain Your Brain – Bruno Boksic, Lifehack
The Rabbit Hole of Unchastity – Cynthia Millen, Catholic Stand
14 Famous People Who Converted to Catholicism – Cerith Gardiner, Aleteia
A Case for Daily Mass in Catholic Schools – Mary Jo Gerd, We’re Late For Church
Dutch School Replaces Easter Tradition with Celebration of Islamic Holiday – VoE
Should We Be Teaching 21st-Century Literature? – Joseph Pearce
3 Hierarchies of Angels & What They Do for Humanity – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Founding of the Dead Theologians Society – Meghan Ferrara, Regina Magazine
Europe’s Spiritual Hunger – Ellie Gardey, The Irish Rover
London Council Apologizes to Pro-life Charity – Catholic Herald
Christianity & the Radical Transformation of Culture – Paul Krause
Catholic Schools Promote Kindness as an Antidote to Bullying, Anxiety – Crux
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Who Will Protect Canadian Doctors if Forced to Refer for Euthanasia? – Mercatornet
Meet Your New Best Friend: The Fundraising Pyramid – Brice Sokolowski
Chinese Catholics Outside Mainland Divided Over Sino-Vatican Agreement – Crux
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

FRIDAY EDITION

The Veiled Virgin: Another Miracle of Transparent Marble

. . .while marble busts of veiled women were quite popular in the 19th century, Strazza’s Veiled Virgin was deemed “a perfect gem of art”. . .

by Daniel Esparza,

of Aleteia

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
This Evening I Saw the Future of the Church: The Traditional Latin Mass – Fr. R. Cipolla
What Might Be in Store at the End of Fatima’s 100 Years? – Jos. Pronechen, NC Register
Modernism Among Trads – Jay Toups, Hope in the Storm
The Good Old Days? – J. Budziszewski Ph.D., Underground Thomist
Bishop Genn of Münster’s Fear of Traditionalists – Joseph Shaw, LMS Chairman
The Demonic Presence Behind Real-life Wizards, Witches & Warlocks – Aleteia
Does God Punish to the Fourth Generation? – Dave Armstrong, National Catholic Register
Sacraments & Hypocrites – David G. Bonagura Jr., The Catholic Thing
Evangelicals Bring the Votes, Catholics Bring the Brains – Gene Zubovich, Aeon
Transgender Treatment Plan – Cana Vox, Mercatornet
Pittsburgh Diocese Begins Years-long Parish Consolidation Process – CNA via The CWR
A Pilgrimage Thru Scotland’s Ruggedly Beautiful Orkney Islands – Z. Caldwell, Aleteia
Color Blind Priest Having Trouble Doing The Red, Saying The Black (Satire) – EOTT
What Gosnell Censors Don’t Want You to See is True-Crime Abortion Drama – H. Scheer
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
How the Old Mass Came to Balham – Stuart Reid, Catholic Herald
Meet Your New Best Friend: The Fundraising Pyramid – Brice Sokolowski
Gosnell Film Reminds America Abortion Has Killed Over 60M Unborn Babies – Life News
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

THVRSDAY MORNING EDITION

Internet Melts Over Image of Young Father Kneeling in Prayer by His Newborn Son

. . .an incredible fear came over me . . . so I got over my embarrassment & just knelt down & talked to God. . .

via Aleteia

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
She’s a Pro-Life Democratic, Why Can’t New York Times Say She’s Catholic? – Julia Duin
First Ursuline House in North America Abandoned by Last ‘Sisters’ – Rorate Cæli
Australia, Prepare for Persecution – Campbell Markham, Mercatornet
Reclaiming the Household – John Cuddeback Ph.D., First Things
Scotland’s New ‘Anti-Hate’ Campaign Threatens Christians – Chris Queen
Fr. John Barth, Maryknoller Missionary in Africa – Jim Graves, National Catholic Register
Pro-Abortion Witches Plan Public “Hex Ritual” to Curse Justice Kavanaugh – C. Vazquez
Gosnell Film Touched Me 1st Time I Saw It, Seared My Soul 2nd Time – Ma. Gallagher
Be a Father Who Plays – Cameron Murray, Catholic Exchange
Vandals Target Old Mission Santa Barbara Again – California Catholic Daily
School Offers Spiritual Direction for Every Student – R. Scott, Southern Nbrsk Register
Unmasking Evil: Filmmakers Expose Horrific Truth in Gosnell Film – K.V. Turley, NCRgstr
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
What Does the Word “Halloween” Mean? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Report on Campus Ministry Highlights Opportunity & Unmet Needs – CNA via The CWR
So. Korean Bishop: Before Pope Plans Trip, Things in No. Korea Should Change – CWR
Meet Your New Best Friend: The Fundraising Pyramid – Brice Sokolowski
Red China Says Muslim Internment Camps are ‘Free Vocational Training’ – France 24
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY AFTERNOON EDITION

Why Women Are Wearing a Chapel Veil Again

. . .a resurgence in the optional devotion of wearing a mantilla, or chapel veil, has many people in the pew scratching their heads.  Why would women, especially younger women, return to a practice that is described as submissive & subordinate?  The answer to this question lies in the motivation leading to the devotion.  It may be simpler to address the mistaken intentions often directed at the ladies who make the leap. . .

by Birgit Jones,

of Catholic Life in Our Times

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Jazz Jennings & The American [Transgender] Dream – Rod Dreher
Is It Morally Licit to Smoke Pot? – E. Christian Brugger, National Catholic Register
Chief Who Was Fired for Marriage Views Wins Major 1st Amendment Victory – M. Burke
This is What Happens to “Disturbers of the [False] Peace” – Mark Lambert
Desiring Martyrdom – Brother Elijah Dubek O.P., Dominicana
Cath. Univ. Prof. Leads Response to Pres. Macron Remark on Large Families – The CWR
Here are 8 Obscure Saints With October Feast Days, Recognize Any? – C. Langr, epicPew
Push Back Against Transgenderism, on Campus & Elsewhere – Daniel Payne, The Coll. Fix
LGBT Media Runs w/Unsubstantiated ‘Hate Crime’ Stories Despite Red Flags – C. Greene
The Catholic Origins of Trick-Or-Treating – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Saint of the Day Quote: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque – D.R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Canadian Hospital May Soon Euthanize Kids, Without Parental Consent – Nancy Flory
Pres. Macron: Large African Families are Due to Lack of Education – Mercatornet
No, Suburban Women Don’t Love Abortion; Fact: Vote Pro-Life – B. Lewis & M. Lamb
Bringing Eucharistic Adoration to the Country, 177 Stops at a Time – Jim Graves, Aleteia
Argentine Church Mustn’t be Cowed by Violent Feminist Attacks – Fr A Lucie-Smith PhD
The Virtue of Apprenticeship – Robert I. Lerman, The American Interest
Red Chinese Bishops at Synod Invite Pope to Make Landmark Visit – Philip Pullela
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

Synod on Young People: VVednesday Edition

Is the Youth Synod’s Final Document Already Written?

. . .shortly after the youth synod began, Edward Pentin, the authoritative chronicler of the family synod’s rigging, reported that an Italian cardinal close to Pope Francis had prophesied a great “surprise,” convinced that the pope would “for sure invent something.”  Pentin said some sources had indicated that the final document’s main substance was in fact already written, hence the synod’s deep secrecy, missing mid-term report, & nebulous voting procedures. . .

by Julia Meloni,

of Crisis Magazine

It’s All or Nothing – Robert Royal Ph.D., The Catholic Thing
Archbishop Chaput Interviewed by The Pill; #sodoclericalism – Fr. Z’s Blog
Me & the Church the Church & Me – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Synod, Homosexuality, & LGBT Ideology; A Critical Voice f/Australia – Sandro Magister
Leading Pro-Lifer: Synod Political Mess of Leftist Talking Points – Mark Lambert
Card. Sarah: Watering Down Teaching Won’t Attract Young People – Catholic Herald
Synod Father: Teach Life Issues With Greater Clarity Than Ever – Edward Pentin
Letters from the Synod: October 17 – Xavier Rynne II, Catholic Herald
Lessons Synod May Draw f/JP2, Greatest Youth Minister in Recent History – Geo. Weigel
Letters from the Synod: October 16 – Xavier Rynne II, Catholic Herald
Conscience & Vocational Discernment Figure in Latest Small Group Reports – E. Pentin
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

VVEDNESDAY MORNING EDITION

Islamists Vow to Kill a Christian Woman if a Pakistan Court Acquits Her

. . .accused of blasphemy, Asia Bibi has languished on death row in Lahore since 2010. . .

by Marlo Safi

Live Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – Adorecast
Jesuit Superior Says Pope is Not ‘Chief’ of the Church, What Did He Mean? – The CWR
She Tried to Get Democratics to Accept Pro-Lifers, Her Life was Threatened – M. Bilger
Pro-Lifer Praying at P.P. Assaulted, Taken to Hospital After Blow to His Face – M. Bilger
How Medieval Rabbis Influenced Their Christian Peers’ Bible Commentaries – Mosaic
The Red Hat Report: Should Laypeople Investigate Cardinals? – J. Roberts, NC Register
Neutral or Slanted: Texas Newspaper on Pastors Gp’s Lawsuit on Gay Hiring – R. Ross Jr.
Pro-life ‘Gosnell’ Film Scores at the Box Office – Zelda Caldwell, Aleteia
The Long Blazer: Your New “Go-To” Jacket – Meghan Ashley Styling (Catholic)
Media Wants to Ignore Gosnell Film, Christians Shouldn’t – Alex Chediak, The Stream
Is Central Asia Becoming a Model for Religious Tolerance? – tsarizm
#BigFertility: A New Documentary on Surrogacy – Jn. Grondelski, National Cthlc Register
China Says Camps for Muslims Lead Them to ‘Modern’ Life – Yanan Wang, The Stream
The Leaders Who Unleashed China’s Mass Detention of Muslims – Ch. Buckley, NY Times
Archdiocese Confirms Apparent Murder of Mexican Priest – CNA via The C. World Report
Respect for Dignity of Every Human: First Pillar of Decent Society – Nat. Peters Ph.D.
Taiwan Offers Second Invitation to Pope Following Vatican-China Deal – The C. Wor Rep
Meet Your New Best Friend: The Fundraising Pyramid – Brice Sokolowski
Is the Vatican Accord with China a Step Forward or Back? – I. Murzaku, The Cthlc Thing
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time