My ‘What to Do About the Synod’ Checklist, by Julian Kwasniewski

Pope Francis’ Removal Of Conservative Texas Bishop Exposes More Cracks In The Vatican’s New Agenda, by Carina Benton

November 20, 2023

Explainer: Why Can’t a Catholic Join the Freemasons? by Tyler Arnold

November 20, 2023

El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (1541 - 1614) Purification of the Temple, c.1600 oil on canvas 16 1/2 in. x 20 5/8 in. (41.91 cm x 52.39 cm) Henry Clay Frick Bequest. Accession number: 1909.1.66

By Julian Kwasniewski, The Catholic Thing, Nov. 20, 2023

A musician specializing in Renaissance lute, Julian Kwasniewski is also an artist, graphic designer, and writer. He has been published in numerous venues including The Catholic Herald, Catholic World Report, National Catholic Register, and Crisis Magazine. You can find some of his artwork and music on Etsy and YouTube.

Note: Brad Miner’s rich account yesterday of art in Rome and today’s somewhat light-hearted recommendations for what to do in this silly season in the Church remind us that, though we are always in a spiritual battle and confronted with serious controversies, we have to live as a redeemed people for whom God’s goodness, truth, and beauty are still present in our world. At The Catholic Thing, we’ve always strived to bring you that fullness of the Faith without neglecting more painful matters. You can click here, for instance, to listen to our latest podcast with Francis X. Maier on the U.S. bishops’ annual meeting last week. And while you’re at it, please don’t forget also to click the Donate button. We’re in the midst of our year-end fundraising. And it’s up to you whether we can continue to bring you the full range of things we do in the coming year. It’s easy. Fast. Tax-deductible. Just a click. Do it. – Robert Royal

When not in Rome, don’t do as the Romans do. Even when in Rome (these days), don’t do as the Romans do. The recent Synod ought to have at least temporarily disproved the old adage, which came from St. Ambrose’s advice on fasting, which eventually became a maxim of ecclesiastical law.

These days, however, I’m sure St. Ambrose would have a different opinion. Nearly fifty years ago, John Senior described how the faithful were struggling “in the face of an indescribable silliness” in the Church. What he would say of the Synod’s deliberations.

Silliness, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is used to describe persons “lacking in judgement or common sense,” who are “characterized by ridiculous or frivolous behaviour,” and whose actions might have “a comical appearance” and cause “amusement or derision.” ….

My ‘What to Do About the Synod’ Checklist, by Julian Kwasniewski

Pope Francis’ Removal Of Conservative Texas Bishop Exposes More Cracks In The Vatican’s New Agenda, by Carina Benton

Explainer: Why Can’t a Catholic Join the Freemasons? by Tyler Arnold

By Julian Kwasniewski, The Catholic Thing, Nov. 20, 2023

When not in Rome, don’t do as the Romans do. Even when in Rome (these days), don’t do as the Romans do. The recent Synod ought to have at least temporarily disproved the old adage, which came from St. Ambrose’s advice on fasting, which eventually became a maxim of ecclesiastical law.

These days, however, I’m sure St. Ambrose would have a different opinion. Nearly fifty years ago, John Senior described how the faithful were struggling “in the face of an indescribable silliness” in the Church. What he would say of the Synod’s deliberations.

Silliness, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is used to describe persons “lacking in judgement or common sense,” who are “characterized by ridiculous or frivolous behaviour,” and whose actions might have “a comical appearance” and cause “amusement or derision.” ….

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