The Brown Pelican Wishes Everyone a Blessed Christmas!
On this day a savior was born, Christ the Lord!
Msgr. Charles Pope: A Summary of Our Salvation – A Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
By Msgr. Charles Pope – On the Fourth Sunday of Advent we are close to the unfolding of the great mystery of the Word made flesh. It is easy for us to look right past it, but we do well to pause and ponder what is taught to us today about the salvation that is to unfold. One significant way we can do this is by reflecting on the first reading, which is from the prophet Micah. In four short verses we are presented with a kind of summary of our salvation, a snapshot of what ails us and how God heals us.
The Duty of American Citizens in the Age of Elon Musk: Holding Congress Accountable, by Gayle McQueary
By Gayle McQueary, The Stream – In an era when the political landscape is increasingly influenced by tech moguls like Elon Musk, it’s crucial for Americans to remember that the power to hold elected officials accountable lies with “We the People.” The recent political maneuvers surrounding the continuing resolution (CR) — a legislative tool to prevent government shutdowns — serve as a stark reminder of this duty… The Musk Factor… Musk, with his significant influence, has been vocal about his disdain for what he perceives as wasteful government spending, as evidenced by his public statements against the CR this week …
Pope Francis Names Dallas’ Bishop Kelly as Bishop Strickland’s Successor in Tyler, Texas, by Michael Haynes, & Andreas Wailzer
By Michael Haynes, Snr. Vatican Correspondent, Andreas Wailzer, LifeSiteNews – John Gregory Kelly, the new bishop of Tyler, Texas, was among the 68 bishops who wanted to delay the vote by U.S. bishops on denying pro-abortion Catholics Holy Communion back in 2021. He also appears to share Pope Francis’ pro-immigration stance… Kelly has expressed his pro-immigration stance in the past, showing that he is in line with Francis on the issue. In 2017, he shared a statement by Cardinal Cupich, who lamented President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily close the border to immigrants from Muslim-majority countries via executive order.
Pope Names Replacement for Fired U.S. Bishop Joseph Strickland, by Simon Caldwell
By Simon Caldwell, Catholic Herald – The Pope today named a replacement for the American bishop he controversially fired more than a year ago… Francis has appointed Auxiliary Bishop John Kelly of Dallas to succeed Bishop Joseph Strickland as the Bishop of Tyler, Texas… Bishop Strickland, 66, was removed from office by the Pontiff in November last year and Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin given the role of administrator until a replacement was found… Although the reasons for the 2023 apostolic visitation that led to Bishop Strickland’s dismissal were not made public, it is widely believed they related to Strickland’s public opposition to Pope Francis and his pastoral decisions.
The Daily Scripture Readings and Meditation: Joyful Anticipation of the Messiah
Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Luke 1:39-4539 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! …
Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D.: The Complementarity of Roles: Women and the Diaconate
By Deacon Dominic Cerrato, Ph.D., Catholic World Report – The question of women’s admission to the diaconate profoundly engages ecclesiology, sacramental theology, and the Church’s fidelity to divine revelation. This issue, which has garnered increased theological attention, especially in light of the Synod on Synodality, is not merely a matter of policy or adaptation to cultural currents but is deeply rooted in the Church’s understanding of her nature and mission. Central to this inquiry is the ecclesial and sacramental identity of the diaconate, an ordained ministry that participates in the hierarchical structure of Holy Orders and serves as a visible sign of Christ the Servant.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel—the O Antiphons! by Dr. Jeff Mirus
By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture – You may have heard about the seven “O Antiphons” that close Advent and lead up to Christmas. One is assigned to each day from December 17th through December 23rd. Since all Sundays and Solemnities are celebrated beginning the evening before their calendar dates, and since Christmas is very definitely a Solemnity, there is no Advent O Antiphon on December 24th. Our in-house specialist in the liturgical year, Jennifer Gregory Miller, has been drawing attention to the “O Antiphons” …
Republicans Overwhelmingly Support RFK as HHS Secretary After He Promises to Implement Pro-Life Policies, by Steven Ertelt
By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – This week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to implement President Donald Trump’s pro-life policies if he is confirmed as HHS Secretary. That has earned him support from pro-life Republican senators but also from Republican voters, according to a new poll… Republicans overwhelmingly support Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), according to polls from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and AP VoteCast.