Pope Francis

VVEDNESDAY EXTRA

Michael (Credit: Screengrab of WhatsApp Image via The Federalist)

Muslim-Led Persecution Is a Global Epidemic, & It Hit My Friend Michael Again This Week

. . .one of my best friends, a Pakistani Catholic named Michael, was brutally assaulted by Muslim thugs in a suburb of Karachi this week. . .

by Casey Chalk,

of The Federalist

Vatican’s Prefect for Communication, Msgr. Viganò, Resigns – Elise Harris, CNA/NCRgstr
Chicago Priest Defends Himself Against Accusations – Christine Niles J.D., Church Mltnt
American Teenagers’ Quiet Despair – Matthew Walther, The Week
The Church Will Not Bow to P.M. Justin Trudeau’s Demands – Fr. Thomas Rosica C.S.B.
More Reasons Why “Blessing” Gay Couples Is Scandalous – John M. Grondelski Ph.D.
Getting Ready for Synod-2018 – George Weigel, The Catholic World Report
Youth Leader: Traditional Latin Mass is ‘Progressive’ – Edward Pentin, NC Register
March 21, A.D. 1918: Operation Michael Begins – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
US S.Ct.  Dubious About Calif. Law Targeting Crisis-Pregnancy Cents. – J.F. Desmond
Respecting People & the Truth; Re: Wash. Archd. Docu. on Amoris – Fr. G. Murray JCD
Democracy Dies in the Womb; Responding to Ruth Marcus – Pat Cross, NC Register
Cormac McCarthy’s The Sunset Limited & the Chitchat Apostolate – Patrick Malone, CS
Pro-Life Democrat Rep. Lipinski of Illinois Narrowly Wins Primary – Sara Burnett
Openness in Episcopal Conferences Needed – Fr. John Hunwicke, Fr Hunwicke’s Mut. . .
L’Arche Founder Jean Vanier Shows a Path to Love in Summer in the Forest – J. Burger
The Charity of Judging – Michele Chronister, Catholic Exchange
Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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TVESDAY EXTRA

St. Peter’s Dome Under a Fog (Credit: Edward Pentin)

April Rome Conference to Address Crisis of Confusion in Church

. . .the meeting, with interventions from cardinals & bishops, will be entitled ‘The Catholic Church: Where Are You Heading?’ . . .

by Edward Pentin,

of the National Catholic Register

Lettergate: a PR Disaster for the Vatican – Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith Ph.D., Cath Herald
The Prophecies of St. Patrick – Emmett O’Reagan, the Carlos Caso-Rosendi blog
Peak Trans, Part II – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Is Sex Okay As Long As Nobody Gets Hurt? – Karlo Broussard, Catholic Answers Magazine
Picturing the Passion: “Christ Carrying the Cross” by Hieronymus Bosch – J. Fernandes
Paul: Apostle of Christ; Movie Trailer – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Jane Austen: Why Her Heroines Would Not Be Saying ‘Me Too’ – Carolyn Moynihan
Consecration Chain Bracelet by St. Louis de Montfort – Fr. Richard Heilman, RC Man
When it comes to Politics Catholics should all be ‘Independents’ – Steffani Jacobs, CS
Photos of the Mass of Lyon – Gregory DiPippo, New Liturgical Movement
Income Inequality: Why Christians Should Take a Closer Look – Anne Bradley, IfFWaE
Eternal Rome – Martin Mosebach, First Things
Why It’s Not ‘Harmless’ to Let Your Child Use Crude Language – Fr. Michael Rennier
#AllforJan: Slovakia Mourns Young Catholic Journalist – Elizabeth Jean Seah, Igntm Tdy
L’Arche Communities Bring the Differently-Abled Together – Laura DeMaria, Cath Stand
Aussie Bishops to Hold Plenary Council After Year of Difficulties – CNS via Cthlc Herald
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MONDAY EDITION

Fr. Peter Stravinskas (Credit: Cardinal Newman Society)

Fr. Stravinskas Breaks It Down to the Essential

. . .at Catholic World Report, we find an address Fr. Peter Stravinskas recently gave to a chapter of Legatus about liturgical issues.   He breaks down, Barney style, some super important issues which, today, are controversial. Inter alia. . .

by Father John Zuhlsdorf

of Fr. Z’s Blog

The Vatican’s Viganò Problem – Christopher R. Altieri, The Dispatch via The CWR
Why Women Can’t Be Catholic Priests – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
Pope Francis, Five Years Later; Analysis & Explanations – Andrea Gagliarducci, Mon Vat
It’s Been a Rough Week with Msgr. Viganò – P.J. Smith, Semiduplex
Homosexuality, Transgenderism & a Christian with Answers in Science – Josh Shepherd
Vatican Reveals Two More Paragraphs of B16’s Letter to Msgr. Viganò – Edward Pentin
Killing the Bible Softly with Your Appeals – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
A Speaker for Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) – Bob Kurland Ph.D., The Amrcn Catholic
Frassati, Gonzaga, & the True Nature of Rebellion – Cameron Edman, Catholic Stand
The Abortion Exception – Charlotte Allen, First Things
Forcing Pro-Life Cents. to Ad. for Abortion is Unjust & Unconstitutional – A.T. Walker
New Sex Edu. Program in British Schools Set to Advance LGBT agenda – Piers Shepherd
The Real Meaning of Lenten Penance – Christian Daru, Catholic Stand
Picking Up Papal Themes: Discernment & Accompaniment – Jeffrey A. Mirus Ph.D., CC
3 Saints, 3 Approaches to Finish Lent – Shaun McAfee O.P., National Catholic Register
Protecting Minors: is the Church Doing All in Its Power? – Fernando Rodríguez-Borlado
 Note: A new post is published daily at 12:01 am U.S. Central Time

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FRIDAY EXTRA

Cardinal Cupich & Pope Francis (Credit: One Peter 5)

Pope Francis Is Beloved, His Papacy Might Not Match Up to His Popularity

. . .the conversation has become predictable. A friendly acquaintance asks about my work. I say I’ve been writing a book about the pope, & the acquaintance smiles & nods & says “Isn’t he so wonderful?” & then eventually I find myself saying, uncomfortably, “Well, they should know that it’s not entirely favorable”. . .

by Ross Douthat,

of The New York Times

The Three Days of Darkness 2018 are Underway in LA! – Fr. Z’s Blog
Crucified Star Wars Stormtrooper Hangs in London Anglican Church – Simon Dennerly
The Dilemma of the Pope: The World Meeting of Families – Fr. Reg. Scanlon O.F.M. Cap.
Blurred Lines: Vatican Manipulation of the Photo Becomes the Story – Greg Erlandson
Overcoming Anxiety & Worry in a Darkening World – Ray Sullivan, Catholic Stand
The Latest Children’s (Political Pawns) Crusade – Donald R. McClarey J.D., TACatholic
Alfie Evans’ Parents Slam Court: Our Son’s Been Sentenced to the Death Penalty – LN
Was Benedict’s Letter an Endorsement, a Critique – or Neither? – Dan Hitchens, CH
By Embracing Abortion, Democrats have Alienated Catholics – Fr. A. Lucie-Smith Ph.D.
The Importance of Liturgical Beauty – Shawn R. Tribe, Liturgical Arts Journal
Reflecting on Blind Obedience – Dan Burke, Catholic Spiritual Direction
A Winner’s Advice for Success in Life & Homeschool – Annika Albrecht, Seton Magazine
Behind the Curtain of Assisted Suicide Advocacy – Wesley J. Smith J.D., First Things
‘Examples of Light’: The Women of The Catholic Association – Nancy Flory, The Stream
The Rationalizations of Down Syndrome Abortion Proponents – Nicholas Senz, Crisis
With All Your Heart – Erin Cain, Ignitum Today
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FRIDAY EDITION

Pope Francis & the Eucharist (Credit: thecatholicuniverse.com)

Pope Francis: If You Are In a State of Mortal Sin, You Cannot Receive Holy Communion

. . .the Pope reminded Catholics that those in a state of sin must go to confession first. . .

from the Catholic Herald

Cardinal Kasper: Homosexual Relationships are Analogous to Marriages – Fr. Z’s Blog
The ‘Gay’ Baby Boom & Courage – Jennifer Hartline, The Stream
High Sch. Teacher Put on Leave After Asking if Sch. Allows Pro-Life Walkout – D Huber
This Post Will Ruin Your Saint Patrick’s Day – Alex R. Hey, epicPew
Making Pornography Respectable – Carolyn Moynihan, Mercatornet
Sad Abandonment of Identity: Secularization of Our Religious Univs. – A. Goldberg J.D.
Killing the Bible Softly with Your Appeals – Brice Sokolowski, CatholicFundraiser.net
Silent Scream – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Catholics Need to Rediscover Proper Lenten Fasting – Cha. A. Coulombe, Cthlc Herald
An Authentic Understanding of Vatican II – Shane Schaetzel, Catholic in the Ozarks
A Pesky Detail in the Report on Ruling Against Down Syndrome Abortion Law – B. Ross
Did St. Patrick Expel Snakes from Ireland? – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
Algerian Martyrs: ‘Our Lives Are Already Given Away’ – Brian O’Neel, NC Register
Can Pope Francis Persuade the Irish to Choose Life? – Filip Mazurczak, The CWR
How Protecting Wildlife Can Help Us Appreciate Our Higher Laws – Allison Low, CS
Towards a World Day for Eastern Christians – Paul de Dinechin, Aleteia
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THVRSDAY EXTRA

Archbishop Angelo Becciu (Credit: Life Site)

The Pope “Also Suffers” Because of the Criticism, Archbishop Angelo Becciu Says

from Rome Reports

How the Vatican’s Old Guard Clings to Power – Christopher Altieri, Catholic Herald
More of & about The Letter™ of Benedict XVI on the Booklets – Fr. Z’s Blog
What Causes Young People to Convert? Beautiful Churches, Says Study – uCatholic
What “Accompaniment” Really Means – Fr. James V. Schall S.J., Crisis Magazine
Holy Madness – Kenneth Colston, First Things
Facing Hostility at ‘Catholic’ Georgetown, Defending Traditional Marriage – A. Irvine
Where Does Catholic Thinking on “Gender Theory” Go from Here? – John Allen, Crux
Ides of March: Julius Caesar – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Death is Not the End – Elizabeth Jean Seah, Ignitum Today
Do Catholics Have “Three Ending Points”? – Dan Byron, Catholic Stand
Decline is a Choice (Partly) – Pete Spiliakos, First Things
US Bishops Call for Legal Protection for Supporters of Traditional Marriage – CNS
Sacrifice is Woven into the Tapestry of Motherhood – Amanda Evinger, NC Register
Modern Liberty a Cruel Parody of Christian Freedom – Paul Krause, Crisis Magazine
A Brief Guide to Papal Documents – Philip Kosloski, Aleteia
The Secret to Finding the Happiness of Lent – John Clark, Seton Magazine
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THVRSDAY EDITION

Bishop Robert Barron in Full Regalia (Credit: the National Catholic Register)

A Very Bad Argument for Priestly Celibacy

. . .There is a very bad argument for celibacy which has reared its head throughout the tradition & which is, even today, defended by some. . .

by Bishop Robert E. Barron, S.T.D.,

of Word on Fire

What to Make of B16’s Letter about Popes’ Theological Thought? – Christopher Altieri
The Hidden Symbolism of the Paschal Candle, Explained In One Infographic – ChrchPop
Czech Brutalism – Rod Dreher, TAC Blogger
Rene Girard, Sacred Violence & the Mass – Fr. Dwight Longenecker
A Painful & Necessary Book Explores the Pain Felt by Children of Divorce – Ph. Lawler
On Day One, The “Build” Began – Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia
St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Secret Formula for Raising Millions – Brice Sokolowski
Hindu Extremists Attack Nuns, Destroy Hospital Wall in India – CNS via Catholic Herald
The Bible. . . & Other Traditions – Joe Heschmeyer, Catholic Answers Magazine
Taking It Apart, One Canon at a Time – Edward N. Peters J.C.D. J.D., In the Light of. . .
Vatican Congregation Publishing Document on ‘Gender Theory’ – Aleteia
A Lesson for Fathers from My Son with Down Syndrome – Tim Bennett, Cthlc Exchange
Netherlands Euthanized 252 Mentally Ill People in 2017 – Alex Schadenberg, Life News
A Talk With ‘Before I Was Me’ Author Frank Fraser – Carrie Gress Ph.D., NC Register
Chemical Weapons Are Back, Thanks to Russia – Judith Miller, City Journal
Charitable Intention: What’s Your Motive? – Dom Cingoranelli, Catholic Stand
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TVESDAY EDITION

‘The Course of Empire –
Destruction’ by Cole Thomas, A.D. 1836 (Credit: Wikipedia)

‘Everybody Knows That Something Is Coming’

. . .I met Hungarian journalist in Budapest. “Everybody knows that something is coming,” she said. “We can all feel it. I think this is why your book resonates with so many people”. . .

by Rod Dreher

The Mystery of Meghan Markle’s Baptism – Joanna Bogle, National Catholic Register
Francis’ ‘Mess’ Making: Assessing the First 5 Years of This Papacy – The Editors, NCReg
End-Times Anxiety – R.R. Reno, First Things
Did You Know. . .the Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge was Not an Apple? – S. Smith J.D.
From Amazon to eBay: The Dark Side of e-Commerce Giants – F. Aloisi, Family & Media
Joy Behar Apologizes to VP Mike Pence for Saying Christians Mentally Ill – L. Barkoukis
St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Secret Formula for Raising Millions – Brice Sokolowski
One of Germany’s Oldest Dioceses to Reduce Parishes by 80% – Jonathan Luxmoore
Is One Religion Really as Good as Another? – Chloe Langr, epicPew
Catholicism at the Bottom of the Planet – Ray Cavanaugh, The Dispatch via The CWR
The Problem of Language & Our Schools – Steven J. Rummelsburg, The Imaginative. . .
Neuhaus & Liberalism – Matthew Rose Ph.D., Public Discourse
Perseverance of the Saints: An Illogical Doctrine – Joe Heschmeyer, Shameless Popery
What Kindness Really Means – Jeannie Ewing, Integrated Catholic Life™
Greg Burke on Pope’s Extraordinary Message of Love to the World – James Macintyre
Acts of the Disciples: Discipleship & Independent Living – Deacon G. Lambert, Cth Stnd
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FRIDAY EXTRA

Blase Cardinal Cupich (Credit: Daniel Ibanez of Catholic News Agency via National Catholic Register)

The Accusations of Cardinal Cupich: Name Names, Please

. . .in his latest column for the Chicago archdiocesan newspaper, Blase Cardinal Cupich—who styles himself as a champion of civil dialogue within the Church—lashes out at people who disagree with Pope Francis. . .

by Phil Lawler,

of Catholic Culture

Pro-Abort & Catholic Justice Kennedy Reportedly Retire This Summer – Steven Ertelt
Msgr. Pinto Training Amoris that Departs from Church Teaching in Texas – Jan Bentz
Oprah’s Advice to Follow Your ‘Heartsong’ is Codswallop, Here’s Why – Geo. Boorman
Do Some Men Have A Uterus? – William M. Briggs Ph.D., Statistician to the Stars!
Shootings & Fatherlessness: A Clarification on the Data – Paul G. Kengor Ph.D., Crisis
Praying for the Past: Another View – Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers Magazine
Is Christianity Shrinking in America? Yes & No – J. Warner Wallace, The Stream
Turns Out Vatican ‘Hackathon’ Isn’t Really about ‘Hacking’. . .or Is It? – Jn. Allen, Crux
3 Reasons You Should Listen to the Catholic Podcast – Katie Prejean, epicPew
Card. Wuerl’s Amoris Guidelines Bring Clarity, but Confusion Remains – Fr. R. de Souza
Fides et Ratio at Twenty – Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap., First Things
Why Can’t We All Admit That Violent Video Games are Sick? – Mat. Walther, The Week
With Pope’s Call for “New Paths,” Amazon Synod Starts Down The Aisle – Rocco Palmo
Former Ignitum Today Writer Making an Impact, Part I: Shaun McAfee – Cristina Montes
The White House & North Korea – Donald R. McClarey J.D., The American Catholic
Lent & the People of the Crucifixion – Anthony S. Layne, Catholic Stand
Pope Francis to Venerate Padre Pio’s Relics – Aleteia
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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. . .
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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
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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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