News

By Thomas Gallatin, Patriot Post – Case in point, Massachusetts Democrat Senator Ed Markey ranted not about the incompetence on display in California but about his opposition to Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuel energy policies… ironically, the issue that Markey conveniently avoids is the fact that these fires are taking place in California, which, last time we checked, is virtually a one-party state controlled by Democrats. Indeed, the last time Republicans controlled the governorship and the legislature was back in 1970. Since then, Democrats have held a near continuous majority in the legislature and four out of the last seven governorships.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Mark 1:21-28 – 21 And they went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” ….

By Ellie Gardey Holmes, American Spectator – On Newsom’s first full day in office as governor of California, on Jan. 8, 2019, Newsom held a press conference in which he declared war on the state’s wildfires and said that the state’s approach to combatting them “fundamentally has to change.” The following year, he signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service in which he pledged to “sustainably treat 500,000 acres” of forests and wildlands annually by 2025… The problem is that Newsom has wildly failed to reach that goal. Cal Fire, California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, claims that it treated 103,506 acres in fiscal year 2019-20, 116,668 acres in fiscal year 2020-21, 101,548 acres in fiscal year 2021-22, 91,601 acres in fiscal year 2022-2023, and 131,034 acres in fiscal year 2023-24. ….

By Rachel Roth Aldhizer, First Things – At the end of 2024, Washington State implemented a month-long pilot program that allowed some pharmacists to prescribe mifepristone to patients via telehealth screening. Mifepristone is one component of the two-part drug regimen needed to end pregnancies up to ten weeks of gestation. (The second part, misoprostol, is widely available.) The program, Pharmacist Abortion Access Project, is spearheaded by Uplift International and aims to serve as a model for other interested states where abortion is legal. ….

A Shepherd’s Voice, by Bishop Joseph Strickland, LifeSiteNews – Pope Francis scandalously stated last year that “all religions are a path to God,” which violates the First Commandment and shows us how deep the crisis in the Church goes. In the inaugural episode of A Shepherd’s Voice, Bishop Joseph Strickland introduces his new weekly series, drawing inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fireside chats to guide Catholics through today’s challenges. Attributing the current crisis in the Church to weak leadership and Modernist deviations from fundamental teachings, Bishop Strickland calls us to return to the foundations of the faith ….

By Brad Miner, The Catholic Thing – John Paul was shot on the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. When the Blessed Virgin spoke to the children in 1917, she warned about what would result from the Russian Revolution. Karol Wojtyla had faced communism’s rise in Poland, just as Reagan had in Hollywood… Throughout the West, post-war policy had been to contain communism. But this president and this pope had a different plan, which Reagan made public in a speech at Notre Dame just six weeks after he’d been shot: “The West won’t contain communism, it will transcend communism.” It will “dismiss it as some bizarre chapter in human history whose last pages are even now being written.”

Patriot Post – “Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty? Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings — give us that precious jewel, and you may take every things else! Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.” —Patrick Henry (1788)

By Gavin Ashenden, The Stream – One of the greatest scandals since the second World War is currently unfolding in the United Kingdom: the systematic rape of some 250,000 working-class, mostly white girls at the hands of Muslim Pakistani gangs. It has been going on for more than a decade; our first reports date from 2011, but all were aggressively swept under the rug by politicians eager to hide the effects of mass immigration and Hoover up Muslim votes. Police offered no protection to these British citizens.  …

By Conor Gallagher, Catholic Exchange – Because God is a loving Father, He offers us not only the eternal reward of Himself but also an earthly reward for surrendering ourselves to Him. And He wants you to experience this immediate reward. He even wants you to seek this immediate reward… God is not hiding this gift from you. He has no desire to “surprise” you with peace and happiness. He has told you repeatedly that there is a reward waiting for you right now!… The obvious reward for trustfully surrendering to Divine Providence is the ultimate reward: paradise. This is obvious, this is simple, but it is not easy.

By Susan Berry, Ph.D., CatholicVote – GOP Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming stated clearly Sunday that while the situation in southern California during the wildfires is “heartbreaking” and devastating for people of all economic sectors, the federal government cannot provide a “blank check” in response to requests from state elected officials… “When you see what’s being shown on television, in addition to the tragedy on the ground, you’re also seeing gross mismanagement in California by elected officials, and it’s heartbreaking to hear the fire chief say that they’ve diverted all of this money away from the fire department to be used for social programs when they were already stretched too thin,”

By LifeSiteNews – There are striking parallels between Anne Catherine Emmerich’s prophecies and the challenges facing the Catholic Church today. Her visions, along with other warnings from saints and mystics, speak of a time of crisis marked by betrayal from within, schism, apostasy, and diabolical infiltration… These prophetic insights offer both a sobering reflection on the state of the Church and a call to prayer, vigilance, and faith.

By Jordan Estabrook, LifeNews – As the fires in California consumed Mel Gibson’s house and the homes of others, proclaimed Catholic Mel Gibson talked with Joe Rogan and entered philosophical territory. For almost three hours, they discussed the mismanagement of California neglecting the benefit of people for tiny fish, how choosing woke criteria over competence makes bad leaders, an in-depth discussion about the return of Passion of the Christ, and most interestingly, the longstanding nature of child sacrifice and how it lives today through abortion.

Franciscan Media – After his baptism at 30, Gregory gladly accepted his friend Basil’s invitation to join him in a newly founded monastery. The solitude was broken when Gregory’s father, a bishop, needed help in his diocese and estate. It seems that Gregory was ordained a priest practically by force, and only reluctantly accepted the responsibility. He skillfully avoided a schism that threatened when his own father made compromises with Arianism. …

By Father Raymond J. de Souza, National Catholic Register – Careful observers of papal-presidential relations were mildly surprised when President Joe Biden did not include Pope Francis in his final list of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients on Jan. 4… Alongside the Congressional Gold Medal, which is voted upon by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor.

By Msgr. Charles Pope – (Sunday’s) Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a moment to reflect not only on the Lord’s Baptism but on our own. In an extended sense, when Christ is baptized, so are we, for we are members of His Body. As Christ enters the water, He makes holy the water that will baptize us. He enters the water, and we who are members of His Body go with Him. In these waters He acquires gifts to give us.

By Rachel Quackenbush, CatholicVote – The Knights of Columbus recently unveiled its latest Pilgrim Icon Program, an initiative centered on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The program launched at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, the birthplace of the Knights of Columbus, with a Sacred Heart Holy Hour Jan. 3… At the core of the Knights’ initiative is a reproduction of the iconic 1767 painting of the Sacred Heart by Italian artist Pompeo Batoni.

Catholic Culture by Staff – Out of total expenses of $13,163,258, only 52% ($6,849,470) was allotted to Catholic Relief Services, according to the report (p. 7). The percentage of total Catholic Relief Services Collection revenues ($13,933,699) that went to Catholic Relief Services was even lower: 49.2%… Much of the collection was allotted to offices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), though some funds were directed elsewhere: 15.4% ($2,031,216) of the total expenses were allotted to the USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services …..

By Charles J. Russo, Catholic World Report – On December 13, 2024, the Supreme Court accepted its first case involving religion in almost two years, Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission… At issue in Catholic Charities is “[w]hether a state violates the First Amendment’s religion clauses by denying a religious organization an otherwise-available tax exemption because the organization does not meet the state’s criteria for religious behavior.”

By Eduardo Berdejo, CNA – The International Association of Exorcists has expressed concern over several erroneous practices, including those carried out by some priests, which confuse the faithful who seek help when possibly facing extraordinary actions of the devil… The association, which has some 900 exorcist members worldwide, issued its warning in a Jan. 6 article on the organization’s website in order to “offer necessary clarifications to be able to act well in providing divine mercy through the ministry of exorcism.”

By S.A. McCarthy, American Spectator – The Catholic Church has very clear teachings on immigration and border control, but Cupich, McElroy, and their episcopal brethren are seemingly content to ignore and even denigrate these teachings. Why? Because the USCCB profits from the ongoing immigration crisis. Over the past decade, the USCCB and groups like Catholic Charities have collected over $2 billion from the U.S. government for migrant and refugee “services.” Lawsuits have alleged that these “services” include shuttling illegal immigrants released by Border Patrol further into the U.S. and providing them with pre-paid debit cards, phones, and food and housing vouchers. ….

By Peter Wolfgang, Catholic Culture – There are so many things to be said about the appointment of Cardinal McElroy to be the next Archbishop of Washington, DC that you could break those things down into different categories… There is, first, the politics category. That is, politics seems to be the sole motivation for the appointment. According to the Pillar, Pope Francis initially resisted appointing McElroy but was persuaded to do so by Cardinal Cupich’s entirely political reasons for wanting McElroy in Washington.

By Patti Maguire Armstrong, National Catholic Register – A lot of people think of a seminary as being an educational facility or monastery or educational boot camp. “It is none of these things,” Father Auro explained. “It’s about a relationship. The bishop entrusts men of his diocese to a seminary to help [each] develop and grow into a Catholic man — and a priest, if that is what God has called him to. The most important relationship in seminary is his relationship with God, and all other relationships are at the service of that relationship.”

By Sarah Cain, Crisis Magazine – Britain is back in the news for its mishandled child gang rape scandals. This is a continuation of a crisis that has been ongoing in the U.K. since at least the year 2000. While many believe these to be decade-old crimes that now only need to be investigated and closed, it is much more likely that they continue to occur. This is because the underlying motivation behind them still exists. First, some backstory for those unfamiliar.

By Victor Davis Hanson, American Greatness – Over 25,000 acres are ablaze in Los Angeles in the Pacific Palisades fire, a veritable living hell… Some 12,000-plus structures were incinerated. More than 250,000 souls have been evacuated and are in need of shelter… No one has really taken charge yet. And now even the woke culprits for the catastrophe are blame-gaming each other to determine who was the more incompetent, which in this case translates to the most woke.

By Dan Hart, LifeNews – According to a newly released Gallup poll, Americans rate President Joe Biden as the second worst U.S. president since the 1960s, just barely above Richard Nixon… The survey, released Tuesday, asked respondents to rate how 10 presidents from the last 60 years will go down in history. The presidents included JFK, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump’s first term, George W. Bush, Joe Biden, and Richard Nixon.

By J. J. Ziegler, Catholic World Report – Although Father Marko Rupnik’s According to the Spirit sheds little light on Pope Francis’s spiritual theology, it is both valuable and concerning as the written testament of a controversial priest whose influence has been significant in the life of the universal Church… In 1975, Father Richard Ginder, a priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, published Binding with Briars. The book, though revolting at times, sheds more light on the clerical sexual abuse scandal than perhaps any other book has.

By Auguste Meyrat, The Catholic Thing – For the philosophically and scientifically inclined, however, Klavan’s book is refreshing and profound. He preserves the mystery of Creation, even as he recounts and appreciates the many attempts to dispel that mystery. Whatever questions he may leave unresolved – and there are always further questions – Klavan leads the reader to awe at both the genius of man and the love God.

By Daniel B. Gallagher, Catholic World Report – As we in the pro-life movement look toward the future, we will greatly benefit from continued discussions on the end or telos of human existence and our noble call to eternal life… By now, it is clear that overturning of Roe v. Wade was not a terminable goal. The battle goes on, and it always will. The moment we believe a single political leader or party will definitively resolve the abortion issue and ensure that every human life is protected from conception to natural death is the mome

By Sarah Neely, LifeNews – Earlier this week, pro-abortion group Uplift International announced a dangerous abortion pilot program recently launched in Washington state: the Pharmacist Abortion Access Program (PAAP). The pilot is described on UI’s website as “the first model for pharmacists to directly prescribe medication abortion to individuals.”… “Washington state has taken another step to further distance chemical abortion from legitimate medical care,” said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue.

By Logan Washburn, The Federalist – Never mind the actual winds that swept wildfires from the perimeter of Los Angeles to destroy suburban neighborhoods. Still, Newsom expressed concern that “misinformation” could harm Californians… “It infects real people that are out there,” Newsom told the president. “And they’re having conversations that are not the typical conversations you’d have at this time.”… Newsom apparently finds it unusual that people would discuss the possibility that government actions may have contributed to the spread of the wildfire when flames are engulfing their homes and livelihoods.

By Taki Theodoracopulos, Chronicles Magazine – The left always lies about fascism and ends up confusing itself. Kamala and her Fourth Estate acolytes insisted a victorious Trump would put his enemies in encampments. In reality, it was FDR who put American citizens into “relocation camps” during World War II, and today’s leftists who have imprisoned the Jan. 6 protestors for years without charges. Without any ideas about how to counter Trump’s popularity, the media reverted to slings and arrows, like spoilt children do when refused a second helping. Calling Trump a fascist made it easy; no brains needed.

By Tyler O’Neil, Daily Signal – President Joe Biden seems not to care about how his words and actions will impact his own party as he leaves the Oval Office… As Jan. 20 approaches, Biden has taken drastic actions that will likely harm the Democrats long-term. He has suggested that he was wrong to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, set ignominious precedents on pardons, and revealed how the woke elites call the shots on the Left… 1. Trashing Kamala Harris… 2. The Ignominious Pardon of Hunter… 3. Honoring George Soros

By Donald R. McClarey, The American Catholic – He will set up a counter-Church which will be the ape of the Church because, he the devil, is the ape of God. It will have all the notes and characteristics of the Church, but in reverse and emptied of its divine content. It will be a mystical body of the anti-Christ that will in all externals resemble the mystical body of Christ. In desperate need for God, whom he nevertheless refuses to adore, modern man in his loneliness and frustration will hunger more and more for membership in a community that will give him enlargement of purpose, but at the cost of losing himself in some vague collectivity. …..

By Bishop Marian Eleganti, Stilum Curiae,I begin with a preliminary remark: Synodality in the sense of consultation and mutual listening and taking seriously, in the sen – e of mutual recognition of one’s own, God-given position (office and charisma), is a matter of course for me. That’s not what I’m talking about below, because it’s undisputed. What I’m talking about is this: The church in our present day does not behave like a bride in love with JESUS ​​CHRIST.

By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture – One of the most encouraging recent news stories is this one: “Philadelphia archbishop launches plan for ‘missionary hubs’. Without intending an excessively invidious comparison, I will mention that many dioceses place a great deal of emphasis on their programs for materially assisting those who are materially poor, but far fewer seem to emphasize their programs for spiritually assisting those who are spiritually poor.

By CatholicVote – A chorus of critics slammed the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for prioritizing controversial political causes such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) just ahead of its widely panned response to a devastating series of wildfires currently ravaging the Los Angeles area… During a Thursday morning appearance on FOX & Friends First, Los Angeles business owner Paul Scrivano blasted LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley for her “mismanagement” of the fires… “She’s a coward,” Scrivano said. “She has mismanaged this department with her DEI initiative to the point where I think the LAFD is in an irrecoverable spin and will never be brought back.”

By John Zmirak, The Stream – Donald Trump’s Department of Justice could shut off this spigot off with the stroke of a pen. As I wrote here before, Trump’s attorney general must … Launch a RICO investigation of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Conduct the national investigation which my church’s bishops have so far dodged into 1) the systemic cover-up of clerical sex abuse and 2) the human trafficking conducted by church-controlled nonprofits of illegal immigrants.

By Timothy Goeglein, Daily Signal – Why are so many Americans waiting so long to get married?… One-third of young adults will likely never marry, according to recent research. Lyman Stone, a research fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, analyzed the data and came to some important conclusions… The Knot, a wedding website, ran a study finding that the average age of men and women getting married is now 32 and 30 respectively. The Pew Research Center found that 25 percent of adults over the age of 40 have never been married.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Luke 5:12-1612 – While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he charged him to tell no one; but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.” ….

CatholicVote – A federal district court Thursday morning threw out the outgoing Biden administration’s pro-LGBTQ rewrite of Title IX, which critics say undermined women’s and girls’ sports. The ruling applies to the entire country… The U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of Kentucky’s decision in the case Tennessee v. Cardona states that the administration’s “Final Rule and its corresponding regulations exceed the Department’s authority under Title IX.”

By Peter Brimelow, Chronicles Magazine – Reviewing the situation now, it seems clear that the paleoconservatives at long last have won the argument over immigration within the right—and have even, in some sense, elected a president… Immigration is now being discussed. Whether this is enough to change the legal immigration influx, and reverse America’s drift to demographic destruction—and whether President Trump will be true to his deportation promises—remains to be seen.

By Clare Marie Merkowsky, LifeSiteNews – Bishop Joseph Strickland is set to premiere his new show next week to encourage Catholics to live out their faith despite scandal in the Church… The show, which will replace the weekly The Bishop Strickland Show, will focus on looking at the future of the Church “through the eyes of tradition.” Strickland will discuss the importance of each Catholic having a personal relationship with Christ within His Church.

By Alexandra Bedner, LifeNews – This year’s theme, ‘Life: Why we March’ focuses on returning to our roots to acknowledge the humanity of each person, while also highlighting the need to protect and support both mother and child through the thousands of resources available to them. Our goal this year is to remind and reignite everyone — politicians, legislators, families, and women – in the truth that every life, unborn and born, has inherent dignity, meaning, and value, and as such is always worth fighting for.

By Michael Haynes, Snr. Vatican Correspondent – Cardinal Joseph Zen has issued what appears to be a renewed criticism of the Synod on Synodality, questioning how the Catholic Church should be expected to “pray to the Holy Spirit to overturn the teachings He has passed on to us through the apostles.”… Zen provided exegetical commentary on the Scriptural passages used in the lectionary of the Novus Ordo liturgy yesterday. Drawing from the Epistle and Gospel of St. John, Zen highlighted Christ’s teaching about the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the Catholic Church and used them to launch a warning about the synod.

By Anthony Esolen, Crisis Magazine – The newly appointed archbishop of Washington, D.C. sadly shares the assumption prevalent among liberal theological and exegetes, that the Scripture contains, as Hans Kung put it, a lot of “trash.”… The newly appointed archbishop of Washington, D.C., Robert McElroy, says that the Church has learned more about human sexuality since the days of St. Paul and that, armed with this knowledge, we can now interpret Paul’s strictures against homosexual behavior as applying only to its abusive forms in ritual prostitution and pederasty but not to people who are committed to loving one another till death should part them.

By Jon Bishop, Catholic Exchange – The consensus seems to be that today’s students are less capable than in the past. On the surface, this appears to be true. Rose Horowitch, in a deeply reported piece for The Atlantic, discussed how college students at elite institutions are no longer prepared to read books. Likewise, Carley Suthers, for Buzzfeed, collected online comments from educators on this subject. All thought the ability of students, from preschool and up, seems to have declined significantly.

By Dr. Larry Chapp, Catholic World Report – Allow me to quote its opening paragraphs at length to reestablish the point at hand: One of the things I have learned in my 65 years of being a Catholic is that the unquestioned meaning of the term “Church reform” in the post Vatican II era is that it is almost exclusively viewed as a cognate for “liberalization”. Why this is so and how it came to be this way is a story too complex to rehearse here.

By Ashlynn Lemos, LifeNews – A Planned Parenthood director was put in charge of doctors’ medical licenses and discipline for the entire state of Texas for over 10 years. Yes, you read that correctly. With this authority, the anti-Life official could have given leeway to abortionists who illegally kill preborn babies in Texas… State Representatives Briscoe Cain and Brian Harrison sounded the alarm on this unsettling discovery and called for Dr. Robert Bredt’s removal from the board.

By Edward Pentin, National Catholic Register – Livingstone emphasizes in the book Cardinal Pell’s resilience in the face of adversity and how his unwavering faith served as a source of strength throughout his trials… Two years after Cardinal George Pell’s unexpected death, a new biography on the larger-than-life Australian Church leader has been published that promises to serve as a definitive historical record of the cardinal’s life and achievements.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Gregory of Nyssa’s Story – The son of two saints, Basil and Emmilia, young Gregory was raised by his older brother, Saint Basil the Great, and his sister, Macrina, in modern-day Turkey. Gregory’s success in his studies suggested great things were ahead for him. After becoming a professor of rhetoric, he was persuaded to devote his learning and efforts to the Church.

Patriot Post – “Foreign influence is truly the Grecian horse to a republic. We cannot be too careful to exclude its influence.” —Alexander Hamilton (1793)

By Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, X – Archbishop Carlo Maria ViganòThe “mass deportation” of illegal immigrants is a decision that the State can legitimately take, and this is a principle dictated by Natural Law even before positive civil law or Canon Law… Conversely, the “mass deportation” of illegal immigrants is certainly and indisputably incompatible with the network of pseudo-charitable organizations in the hands of the Bergoglian Hierarchy, the Democratic Party and the NGOs attributable to George Soros, and with the system of complicity between the deep state and the deep church, both of which are actively engaged in the dissolution of the social, economic, cultural, and religious fabric of the Nations in which they have taken control of the institutions.

By Thomas Gallatin, Patriot Post – Donald Trump wants to take over Greenland and the Panama Canal, as well as to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. For good measure, he’s joked about making Canada the 51st state. Furthermore, he’s willing to use force to make it all happen — at least, that’s what the mainstream media reports… So, what is Trump really up to? Well, it’s a bit of typical Trumpian hyperbole mixed with actual intentions sprinkled with just the right amount of trolling to keep everyone flummoxed.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Luke 4:14-22 – 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the Sabbath day. And he stood up to read; 17 and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me ….

By Srdja Trifkovic, Chronicles Magazine – In the waning days of his final term, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, to 19 people at a White House ceremony. One of the recipients was Hillary Clinton, which was controversial enough. Even worse, the Hungarian-born “philanthropist” and Democratic megadonor George Soros, was another… It is understandable that Soros wants to call his support of such causes “philanthropy,” and it is unsurprising that Biden and the Democratic Party should accept such designation and honor him accordingly. Collectively, they all want to deconstruct and destroy the remaining basis of the good life—traditional values and attitudes—in America and all over the world. …

By Beth Brelje, The Federalist – Los Angeles has lost sight of the reason fire departments exist… As relentless fires burn in Los Angeles, thousands of residents who fled their homes are just learning how poorly public officials prepared for such an event. Emergency response leaders following bad public policy have been too focused on sending firefighting equipment to Ukraine, keeping the homeless safe, protecting fish, and adopting green policies to focus on things like making sure there is enough water to feed fire hydrants and guaranteeing that the strongest, best-trained, most-skilled firefighters are leading operations. …

By Alex Schadenberg, LifeNews – Logan Washburn reported in the Federalist on January 8, 2025 that Canadian doctors are pushing for euthanasia by organ donation… Currently euthanasia is linked to organ donation in Canada, whereby, people who are approved for being killed by euthanasia are also encouraged to donate their healthy organs. Some Canadian doctors and “ethicists” are pushing for a change in the law to permit euthanasia by organ donation. Washburn reports: Canadian doctors have suggested killing euthanasia victims by taking their organs …..

By Fr. Kevin Drew, Catholic Exchange – My friends, the turning of Mass into a communal meal has brought on disaster.  Among other things it has destroyed priestly identity.  For what is a priest’s main job?  Is it to preach or teach?  Is it to feed and shelter the poor?  Is it to host communal dinner parties? No, a priest’s ultimate job is to offer sacrifice.  A Catholic priest’s job is to stand in for Christ, as He offers Himself to the Father on our behalf.

By Jim Hᴏft, Gateway Pundit – As wildfires ravage Southern California, homeowners in Pacific Palisades find themselves grappling with an unbearable reality: their homes are burning, and their insurance policies—once their safety net—were canceled just months ago by State Farm… In a move justified by the company as a strategy to avoid “financial failure,” State Farm canceled over 72,000 homeowners’ policies statewide, with Pacific Palisades—a now-charred affluent neighborhood—bearing a significant brunt.

By Emily Medeiros, Texas Scorekeeper – New reports suggest that a local chapter of Catholic Charities is working with Fort Worth Independent School District to bring illegal aliens into the school district… It was previously reported that the Catholic Charities of Fort Worth had been incentivizing illegal immigration in Texas by helping illegal aliens obtain citizenship and handing out millions in taxpayer money.

By Jules Gomes, The Stream – McElroy, who has been accused of covering up Satanic ritual clerical sex abuse, is seen as a leading progressive in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, calling for the “radical inclusion” of LGBTQ+ Catholics in the church and drawing a moral equivalence between climate change and abortion…/ Labelled “heretical” by a senior fellow bishops, the 70-year-old cardinal also favors ordaining female deacons, giving communion to pro-abortion politicians and couples in irregular relationships, lax policies on immigration, and a liberal approach to both Muslim migrants and the religion of Islam generally.

By Jerry Salyer, Catholic World Report – Fr. Robert Spitzer’s Christ, Science, and Reason provides a wealth of argument and documentation while offering a helpful contrast between Christianity and modern liberalism… Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., observes in Christ, Science, and Reason that the refutation of those who have denied Jesus’ existence as a historical person may be summed up in a single word: Tacitus. This first-century Roman historian is one of the touchstones of classical studies, and for untold generations, Latin students have been expected to parse excerpts from his Annals–such as the one which confirms the brutal persecutions of early Christians by the mad Emperor Nero.

By Darrick Taylor, Crisis Magazine – I mention these considerations because recent events bring them to mind—in particular, for American Catholics, two recent appointments that have left many shaking their heads. I refer to the recent appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego to the see of Washington, D.C., and the appointment of Sister Simona Brambilla to be prefect of the Dicastery for Religious in the Vatican. Both are noteworthy for the same familiar, depressing, and entirely predictable reasons… There is no defense for the appointment of McElroy, a protégé of the pedophile and criminal Theodore McCarrick, who knew of his mentor’s abuse of seminarians but kept silent.

By Franciscan Media – By Franciscan Media – Though Saint Adrian turned down a papal request to become Archbishop of Canterbury, England, Pope Saint Vitalian accepted the rejection on the condition that Adrian serve as the Holy Father’s assistant and adviser. Adrian accepted, but ended up spending most of his life and doing most of his work in Canterbury.

By Robert Royal, The Catholic Thing – Which brings me, as you may have been waiting for, to the Vatican’s appointment this week of San Diego’s Cardinal Robert McElroy as cardinal archbishop of Washington D.C. There are rumors that previous occupants of that post – including Cardinals Wuerl and Gregory along with the papal nuncio to the United States and several figures in Rome – opposed that appointment… McElroy’s appointment is an oddity. He is a native of California, has spent almost all of his priestly life there (none in Washington), and has no great claim to being the best – or even a good – choice for the new post, other than he’s long been a progressive social justice advocate… If one were given to speculation, it might be thought that Pope Francis was persuaded to appoint him as a counterweight to the return of Donald Trump.

By Bishop Joseph Strickland, From X – Bishop Joseph Strickland took to social media to express his disappointment with Pope Francis’ appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy at the Archbishop of Washington DC.  In the post, Bishop Strickland stated: In November I asked the bishops of the United States, “What will it take?”. It’s not surprising that I received no response from the bishops. The appointment of the corrupt Cardinal McElroy to the Archdiocese of Washington DC raises the question again. The blatant corruption of Pope Francis and the US Cardinals is on full display with the appointment of a McCarrick clone to the same archdiocese where his evil reigned twenty years ago. ….

By Texas Alliance for Life, LifeNews – The latest Induced Termination of Pregnancy (ITOP) report from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), released January 2, 2025, confirms that Texas’s pro-life laws are achieving their intended goal: protecting both women’s and unborn babies’ lives… During the first 26 months since the Supreme Court’s landmark Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Texas doctors have reported performing 132 medically necessary abortions to save women’s lives or health through August 2024 — an average of five per month — with elective abortions dropping to zero… No doctor has been prosecuted, sued, or sanctioned for any of those abortions. No woman has lost her life for lack of an exception in the law.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Mark 6:45-52 – 45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. …

By Charles Collins, Crux, (Catholic Herald) – After the re-election of Donald Trump, pundits speculated on how Pope Francis would react this time round to a US president known to oppose the pontiff’s views on immigration and various conflicts happening in the world… For many, this question was soon answered by the recent appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new Archbishop of Washington, DC. McElory… one of the leading members of the liberal wing of the Catholic Church in the United States, who has often opposed Trump’s policies on immigration, while supporting LGBT-related issues in the Church.

By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture – Fr. Pokorsky asks, “Should we not expect priests, bishops, and popes to support the embattled laity with clearly enunciated Catholic moral principles?” We should, of course, but in many cases now we don’t, which was the intended point. To take a stellar example, the notoriously culture-bound Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego has just been appointed as the new Archbishop of Washington, DC. When Catholic leadership is weak at the very top, or just at the next highest level up from oneself, things become even more difficult not only for the laity but for our priests.

By John Cassara, Crisis Magazine – According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website, the initials of the FBI “might well be our motto, for those initials also represent the three things for which the Bureau and its representatives always stand: Fidelity – Bravery – Integrity.”… In recent years, that maxim has been turned on its head. Today’s FBI and its masters in the Department of Justice are increasingly seen as disloyal, cowardly, immoral, and not deserving of the public’s trust.

By Jack Rigert, Catholic Exchange – In the Theology of the Body John Paull II wrote, The human body, with its sex—its masculinity and femininity—seen in the very mystery of creation, is not only a source of fruitfulness and of procreation, as in the whole natural order, but contains “from the beginning” the “spousal” attribute, that is, the power to express love: precisely that love in which the human person becomes a gift—and through this gift—fulfills the very meaning of his being and existence. (JPII, Man and Woman, He Created Them, No. 15.1)

By Joseph Pronechen, Staff Writer, National Catholic Register – Counter-Church… Bishop Sheen saw the anti-Christ setting up a counter-Church “which will be the ape of the Church because, he the devil, is the ape of God. It will have all the notes and characteristics of the Church, but in reverse and emptied of its divine content. It will be a mystical body of the anti-Christ that will in all externals resemble the mystical body of Christ.”… “The Church was critically spurned in the last few centuries because it claimed that it was Catholic and universal, uniting all men on the basis of one Lord, one faith and one Baptism,” the saintly bishop explained.

By Jason Scott Jones, The Stream – But when it comes to the impact of immigration on society, Musk isn’t always consistent. He threatened to “go to war” over the issue of expanding H1B visas that tech companies use to extract cheap labor from indentured foreign workers. And here Musk profits directly. According to the National Memo and Electrek magazine: “Over the last few days, several current and former Tesla workers reached out to Electrek to reveal that Tesla ramped up its use of H-1B visas to replace US workers it let go during a wave of layoffs earlier this year,” according to a story by its editor-in-chief, Fred Lambert, that led the website on December 30… Last April, Electrek reported that Tesla dismissed about 15,000 US employees, mostly in Texas and California – but then the company moved to fill those same jobs with imported labor at lower cost.

By Kathy Schiffer, National Catholic Register – “Truth alone will honor what I’ve been or done.” That reflection is drawn from the poignant poem “At My Gravesite,” which was published in “Courage at Three AM,” a book of poetry by noted psychotherapist Richard Sipe. There is an eerie truth to the poem: Sipe’s extensive research into the roots of clerical abuse, it seems, was not regarded seriously by the bishops and Vatican officials he tried to warn… Sipe taught at major Catholic seminaries and colleges, lectured in medical schools, and served as a consultant and expert witness in numerous civil and criminal cases involving the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests. He believed, based on his research, that only half of American priests were practicing celibacy at any one time. He once calculated that 6 percent of priests are pedophiles.

By Jules Gomes, The Stream – President Joe Biden, who proudly identifies as a rosary-wielding “devout Catholic,” has awarded top honors to anti-Catholic gay marriage and pro-abortion campaigners in the final days of his presidency before flying to visit Pope Francis at the Vatican later this week… Biden, considered one of Francis’s closest political allies, showered presidential medals on globalist oligarch George Soros; radical feminist and abortion advocate Eleanor Smeal; and Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, who were pioneers of legalizing same-sex marriage.

By Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D., Breitbart – Pope Francis’s decision to move a noted liberal bishop to the nation’s capital surprised even progressive observers, such as Massimo Faggioli, who teaches at Villanova University… Faggioli said: Many of us thought he was too progressive to be the archbishop of Washington, D.C., and that appointing him to the nation’s capital was going to be too bold, too strong a statement, because he is far more progressive than the center of the [U.S. Bishops] on gay rights, synodality, immigrants, on almost anything.

By Timothy Flanders, One Peter Five – Back in 2018 during the “Summer of Shame,” the successor to (Cardinal) McCarrick was Donald Wuerl. The latter claimed he knew nothing of McCarrick’s crimes crying to heaven, but many were skeptical, and with good reason. He initially denied knowledge, and then admitted he did, in fact, know… After the Vatican assured us that they would speedily get to the bottom of the McCarrick scandal, a man aligned with McCarrick and his agenda was appointed in 2019: Wilton Gregory, shortly thereafter Cardinal.

Franciscan Media – Some saints show marks of holiness very early. Not Angela! Born of a leading family in Foligno, Italy, she became immersed in the quest for wealth and social position. As a wife and mother, she continued this life of distraction.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Mark 6:34-44 – 34 As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a lonely place, and the hour is now late; 36 send them away, to go into the country and villages round about and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.”

By Justine Brooke Murray, MRC TV – Who would’ve thought that in America, you could be arrested for “annoying” speech? That is what happened to the latest pro-life activist arrested for protesting outside an abortion clinic… “There’s hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ for all of you. I want it for you but I can’t force you to take it and he won’t force you to take it,” Zack Knotts began preaching into a megaphone on a public sidewalk outside Northeast Ohio Women’s Clinic in Cuyahoga Falls on December 28.

By Eric Sammons, Crisis Magazine – While any faithful Catholic will be dismayed by this news, it should come as no surprise. McElroy was always destined to leave San Diego for a more influential diocese. The very fact that the bishop of a suffragan diocese was made a Cardinal—while being under a metropolitan archbishop (Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez) who wasn’t himself a Cardinal—was unprecedented. He was clearly being groomed for greater pastures. The irony, however, is that McElroy’s appointment doesn’t increase McElroy’s influence as much as it diminishes the importance of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. ….

By McKenna Snowon, CatholicVote – Cardinal Timothy Dolan.. will be leading the opening prayer at the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump… “The president was kind enough to ask me to do the opening prayer,” Cardinal Dolan told news outlet Pix 11… Cardinal Dolan later noted that he thinks Trump’s faith may be growing again… “I believe President Trump, and I believe that faith is stirring,” Cardinal Dolan said. “I believe that he may have had a bit of a rekindling. Alleluia, because I don’t know how anyone could be president of the United States without a deep faith.”

By John Daniel Davidson, The Federalist – Four years later, it’s clear that the federal government’s response to Jan. 6 is far worse than anything that happened that day… Monday marked the four-year anniversary of Jan. 6, 2021, when tens of thousands of peaceful Trump supporters demonstrated outside the U.S. Capitol and a small number of them clashed with police before entering the Capitol itself… For Democrats and the left, Jan. 6 is the events that vindicates their hatred of Donald Trump and his supporters. They would have us believe it was among the darkest days in our nation’s history, when democracy itself hung in the balance and violent insurrectionists nearly prevented the peaceful transfer of power. …

By David Marshall, The Stream – The Wall Street Journal recently published an equally shocking report: It turns out (you might want to take a seat for this) that Joe Biden has been touch-and-go mentally for years… Furthermore, Kamala Harris, Jill Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and their friends in the media (so many friends) covered up the fact that the presidential library was missing a few volumes — and shouted down as partisan hacks anyone who refused to go along with that charade… What? You knew all that?

By Shawn Fleetwood, The Federalist – After nearly a decade in Canada’s highest office, far-left Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of ruin and chaos… “I intend to resign as party leader [and] as prime minister after the [Liberal Party] selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” Trudeau said during a Monday press conference. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”

By J. Daryl Charles, First Things – Removed from its religio-political context and understanding, however, tolerance ceases to be a virtue. Indeed, it becomes a vice if and where it ceases to care for truth, ignores what is good, and disdains the values that uphold a community. The culture in which we Americans presently find ourselves is one in which almost everything is tolerated. It is a culture in which people believe nothing, possess no clear concept of right and wrong and, ultimately, are indifferent to this precarious state of affairs.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – Congressional lawmakers officially certified President-elect Donald Trump’s electoral victory on Monday in a subdued session that confirmed Trump as only the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms… The certification process, which took just over 30 minutes, solidified Trump’s place alongside President Grover Cleveland, who served non-consecutive terms in 1885 and 1893.

By Randall Smith, The Stream – Experience suggests, and multiple studies show, that people don’t act as ethically as they think they will. It is easier to imagine being just and heroic than to be just and heroic. But sometimes the issue isn’t a lack of character, it’s a skewing of our vision of things… Josef Pieper, in his masterly book The Four Cardinal Virtues, begins his chapter on prudence with this passage from the Gospel of Matthew (6:22): “If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,” which continues: “but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” …

By The Stream – Despite being only 27 years old, Mason has a story to tell that is unlike most you will ever hear — and full of truth. In this 90-minute video, he shares his testimony of growing up in a religious Christian home, experiencing early childhood trauma, and his journey into — and later, out of — drugs, promiscuity, and the occult… But it took a near-death experience for him to come out of all those things… This fascinating video is an expose of the methods of the enemy and the power and grace of God. ….

By Tilak Doshi, The Daily Signal – A spate of stories in the media recently provides a remarkable illustration of how the globalist policy agenda of the climate-industrial complex has captured key international institutions and perverted their original organizational aims. From initially serving broad, laudable objectives for the welfare of their constituents, these institutions have been subverted over the years to serve the insistent pseudoscientific claims of climate alarmists… The corruption of global institutions has, in turn, led to significant opposition that is becoming apparent.

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture – The bonds of blood unify families and tribes, but the universal mission of Jesus transcends every tribe and nation. Baptism incorporates us into the Mystical Body of Christ. The universality of the Church unites and informs all nations and every generation… We see hints of Jesus’ universal mission in the Infancy narratives. Jesus is born into the tribe of Judah. The Magi come from afar to worship the newborn King, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. …

By Matthew McDonald, National Catholic Register – Cardinal Robert McElroy, the new archbishop of Washington, says he wishes success for President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration but that he’ll be watching closely to see how Trump deals with immigrants who are in the country without legal status… “The Catholic Church teaches that a country has the right to control its borders. And our nation’s desire to do that is a legitimate effort,” Cardinal McElroy said … “At the same time, we are called always to have a sense of the dignity of every human person. And thus, plans which have been talked about at some levels of having a wider indiscriminate massive deportation across the country would be something that would be incompatible with Catholic doctrine. So we’ll have to see what emerges in the administration.”

Franciscan Media – Since Raymond lived into his hundredth year, he had a chance to do many things. As a member of the Spanish nobility, he had the resources and the education to get a good start in life… By the time he was 20, he was teaching philosophy. In his early 30s he earned a doctorate in both canon and civil law. At 41 he became a Dominican…

By Daniel Fitzpatrick, Crisis Magazine – It is January 1, 2025. Night has fallen, and the echoes of the revel are again cracking against the washed-out sky as the leftover fireworks shriek and bang into oblivion. Meanwhile, in the French Quarter, a few miles away in the warm maternal curve of the river, teams are sweeping the cobbled streets and wrought iron alleys, redolent with (urine) and pot and anise and bourbon, for IEDs. This morning, just after 3:00, the shadowland Golgotha where the dark night of the soul inveterately resides, Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a rented F-150 into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing fifteen and injuring dozens more before dying in a shoot-out with police.

By Msgr. Charles Pope – There are so many wonderful details in the Epiphany story: the call of the Gentiles, their enthusiastic response, the significance of the star they seek, the gifts they bring, the dramatic interaction with Herod, and their ultimate rejection of Herod in favor of Christ… In this meditation, I would like to follow these Magi in their journey of faith to become “Wise Men.” As magi, they followed the faint stars, distant points of light; as wise men, they follow Jesus, who is the ever-glorious Light from Light, true God from true God.

By Roger Helle, Patriot Post – Yes, we won the 2024 election, but the battle for America’s soul continues. Thankfully, the church still has an opportunity to step up… From my simple grassroots perspective, I believe the majority of Americans no longer believe anything the mainstream media says. They don’t see Trump as Hitler. Trump wasn’t the one trying to “overthrow democracy.” January 6, 2021 — with the exception of those few who were violent — was a non-event. The media can no longer be trusted to tell the truth.

By Emmy Griffin, Patriot Post – The United Kingdom has a grooming gang problem. While this has been known by authorities since at least the 1980s, little has been done to curb the horrid attacks on little girls in the country… What brought this conversation back into the spotlight was the recent release of court transcripts from the 2013 child rapes by Pakistani men in Oxford from 2002-2005. These documents are horrific and hard to read, but the bottom line is that these girls were chosen because they were from poor or broken homes with little to no support system around them.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 4:12-17,23-25 – 12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”

By Tom Piatak, Chronicles – The morning after Americans elected as president a man regularly labeled a “Nazi,” a “fascist,” a “racist,” a “mortal threat to American democracy,” and the like by mainstream news outlets—even after he was nearly killed by one would-be assassin and seriously threatened by another—I received a succinct summary of what had just happened from a long- time friend whose political views are thoughtful, considered, and often surprising: “This election restored my faith in the intelligence of the average American voter.”

By Jules Gomes, The Stream – When all is said and done, the Magi are wise men and Herod the Great is a fool. A few musings on the Epiphany… In Matthew’s gospel, the three wise men spoil the party for King Herod. All they’d like to do is visit the baby, sip a beaker of Mary’s mulled wine, munch a Mediterranean mince pie, and offer their presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh… Instead, the wise men reduce Herod to a nervous wreck.

By Hannah Brockhaus, CNA – Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy, bishop of San Diego, to lead the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., the Vatican announced Monday… The 70-year-old cardinal, who holds doctorates in moral theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and in political science from Stanford, succeeds Cardinal Wilton Gregory in leading the archdiocese that serves over half a million Catholics in southern Maryland and the U.S. capital.

By Edward Schaefer, PhD, OnePeterFive – In the fall of 2019, I was invited to a seminary to speak to the seminarians about music in the Church.  While there, it became apparent to me that these young men were being prepared to minister in a declining church.  About this same time, there was a meeting of bishops from North and Central America held in Orlando.  The topic of the meeting was how to manage the decline in the Church’s membership.  The diocese of Pittsburgh was used as a model.  It had reduced parishes under one bishop from about 230 to 188 and was now in the process of reducing parishes to about 45

CatholicVote – The latest podcast by Ascension Press — “The Rosary in a Year” — has made an impressive debut, securing the No. 1 spot on Apple Podcasts across all categories, surpassing popular shows such as “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Dateline.”… The podcast provides a structured program for listeners to engage with the Rosary over the course of a year.

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture – ….when we say that an institution is thoroughly corrupt, we do not necessarily mean that the corruption extends to every member of the institution. I used his insight in a comment on corruption in the Catholic hierarchy: In a corrupt police department—as seen in countless action movies—the problem is not simply that some cops take bribes from criminals. The problem is that honest cops cannot clean up the force, because whenever they report one venal colleague, they run into a superior who is also on the Mafia payroll, and will suppress the evidence

By Rick Becker, National Catholic Register – As usual, I’m late to a 7 a.m. weekday Mass, and I sneak into the last pew for the Gospel. It’s the one about God knowing every sparrow and counting all our hairs. I figure he must know, then, that I intended to get to church on time. “The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.” I yawn.

By Steven Thomas, Crisis Magazine – Expecting to make America great without strong families is like racing your 800-horsepower Ferrari 812 Superfast in reverse… You can put focus on manufacturing, education, and politics all you want, but the most, and I mean the most essential thing that is needed to make America great is the restoration of the traditional family. As the family goes, so goes…well, really everything.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – “Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement,” Trump stated, adding: “MAGA!!!”
Shortly after Trump posted his endorsement message, Johnson thanked him… “Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America,” Johnson told Trump in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”

By Franciscan Media – Brother André expressed a saint’s faith by a lifelong devotion to Saint Joseph… Sickness and weakness dogged André from birth. He was the eighth of 12 children born to a French Canadian couple near Montreal. Adopted at 12, when both parents had died, he became a farmhand. Various trades followed: shoemaker, baker, blacksmith—all failures. He was a factory worker in the United States during the boom times of the Civil War.

By Grace Porto, CatholicVote – Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone broke down the issues of communism, gender ideology, and the crisis of absent fathers in a recent interview with the international Catholic newspaper Daily Compass… The Archbishop told journalist Lorenza Formicola during the interview, “When people say communism is a thing of the past, they should be cautious. Young people, in particular, are the most vulnerable to the alienating teachings of marxism.”

Author Don Schwager , Servants of the Word – John 1:35-4235 – The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” …

By Gayle Somers, Catholic Exchange – In this Sunday’s Gospel, magi “from the east” ask, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” Just by asking this question, they herald the New Light that has dawned on all men… St. Matthew tells us that after Jesus’ birth an event loaded with significance for the whole world took place. “Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,” looking for a king who had been recently born, the “king of the Jews.” Who were these men, and why did they ask this question?

By Logan Washburn, The Federalist -When American citizen and Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar attacked his own country on New Year’s Day, the tragedy served as a reminder that globalist politicians are flooding the country with ideologies hostile to the country’s very existence… Despite the clear and present danger of radical Islam, which turned Jabbar — an Army veteran and lifelong citizen — to violence against his country, globalist politicians have been welcoming this ideology for years under a watered-down idea of citizenship. ….

By Dr. Jules Gomes, the Stream – Scientist warns of COVID-like psy-op being engineered to push testing, vaccines, masks, and lockdowns… A renowned scientist is sounding the alarm over a new move by the Deep State and Big Pharma to unleash a “pandemic” of avian flu “psychological terrorism” in order to once again manipulate the public into complying with testing, vaccines, masks, lockdowns, and quarantines… “Don’t believe the hype generated by ex-officials from the Biden and Trump administrations,” warns Dr. Robert Malone …

By John Grondelski, National Catholic Register – Creation (Genesis 1) – Even secular people generally know something of the accounts of creation in Genesis 1-2. Whenever people hear the phrase, “In the beginning,” most instinctively revert to the first pages of the Bible… Yet the accounts of creation are often misunderstood. Some people would dismiss them, claiming “science” or, specifically, “evolution” has disproven them. Others seem to adopt a defensive posture, insisting we need to take Genesis 1 literally. Each extreme generally alienates the other. …

Rorate Caeli,  by Staff, (Complicit Clergy) – It is the only reasonable explanation for (Abp. Gustavo García-Siller’s) horrid tweet in reference to the terrorist Islamist attack that killed 15 in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the first hours of New Year’s Day. He essentially blamed Trump, and his supporters, without mentioning their names: “The killing today is the result of words and actions that leaders have demonstrated in our recent history . We should not blame others. We need to take responsibility. We need civil discourse and lots of humility and charity.” — Archbishop Gustavo (@ABishopGustavo) January 2, 2025

By Catholic World News – In a series of tweets on January 1 and January 2, the archbishop of San Antonio called for civil discourse and charity, described the terrorist attack in New Orleans as the “result of words and actions” of leaders in “our recent history,” characterized President-elect Donald Trump as a tyrant, and linked the president-elect’s words in recent years to violent “tragedies.”… The prelate then exclaimed, “Thanks be to God that trump [sic] is not God. Thanks be God for ever!”

By Craig Bannister, MRC TV – After narrowly winning reelection as House Speaker on Friday, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) pledged his allegiance to several traditional Republican agenda items in an address to his chamber colleagues… Johnson began his address by humbly expressing gratitude for the honor of being reelected and called for a moment of silence in honor of those from his state who were killed in a New Year’s Day terrorist attack… A major theme of Johnson’s speech was his plan to institute an “America First Agenda,” which he invoked throughout his address.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Story – Mother Seton is one of the keystones of the American Catholic Church. She founded the first American religious community for women, the Sisters of Charity. She opened the first American parish school and established the first American Catholic orphanage. All this she did in the span of 46 years while raising her five children.

By Regis Martin, Crisis Magazine – What will God, whose chief instrument is often irony, choose as His weapon to pull Augustine back from the brink? A book by Cicero… But the wisdom of which Cicero spoke, which he exhorts his readers to embrace for its own sake—“which excited me and set me burning with fire,” says Augustine—was not something that Cicero, or any other pagan author, could finally know. How could they, having lived before the coming of Christ, the very Logos of God Himself, who came among us to reveal—to enflesh no less!—the whole truth of God.

By Colin Redemer, First Things – On the second day of Christmas, Vivek Ramaswamy gave to America a diagnosis: We have a culture problem. “Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long,” Ramaswamy wrote on X. We need “More math tutoring, fewer sleepovers. More weekend science competitions, fewer Saturday morning cartoons. More books, less TV. More creating, less ‘chillin.’ … Ramaswamy, who will lead the new DOGE alongside Elon Musk, was also making a point about the—already roiling—debate over H-1B visas. If Americans don’t revere hard work enough, then immigrants do.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – More human beings died in abortions than any other cause of death in 2023… A heartbreaking reminder about the prevalence of abortion, statistics compiled by Worldometers indicate that there were over 73 million abortions world-wide in 2023. The independent site collects data from governments and other organizations and then reports the data each day, along with estimates and projections, based on those numbers… Worldometers bases its daily abortion figures on a May 2024 fact sheet from the World Health Organization, which estimates a tragically high number of babies killed in abortions.

By CatholicVote News Feed – Homeschooling and private education are among the only long-term answers parents have to the increasing influence of DEI policies in public schools, according to Sheri Few, founder and president of United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE)… “Despite corporations and other institutions abandoning ‘diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI), divisive policies are still being promoted by the U.S. Department of Education under the Biden administration,” said Few in a statement via email. …

By Justine Brooke Murray, MRC TV – The mosque reportedly attended by the suspect in Wednesday’s New Orleans terrorist attack is instructing its members not to speak with either the FBI or media… “I’m sure many of you have heard about the tragic events that took place in New Orleans this morning that are now being classified as an ‘act of terror’ by the FBI,” wrote the manager for Houston’s local Masjid Bilal in an “IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT” posted to social media… The terrorist attack, described as much by the mosque in quotations, left 15 victims dead and dozens more injured on New Year’s Day, after a man sporting an ISIS flag rammed his pickup truck into a crowd of celebrators on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

By Fr. Shenan J. Boquet, Human Life International – The Gospels are replete with examples of how the Lord expects His disciples to act, teaching us that our concrete choices reflect our love for God and how we live and treat others. Obedience to the Commandments and Jesus’ teaching, for example, are both a sign and test of our love for God: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10: 25-37), we learn that “love” is a word that requires action—seeing the plight or need of one’s neighbor and responding with care and compassion.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – John 1:29-34 – 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. ….

By Franciscan Media – The Story of the Most Holy Name of Jesus – Although Saint Paul might claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name because Paul wrote in Philippians that God the Father gave Christ Jesus “that name that is above every name” (see 2:9), this devotion became popular because of 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but especially through the preaching of Saint Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan.

By Bill Quinn, Catholic Exchange – As I adore Jesus Christ as a transubstantiated Eucharist while on a forty-two hour silent retreat, the Holy Spirit has instructed me to write this:  I stood dumfounded just two weeks earlier as I witnessed the baptism of a non-Christian friend of thirty years. Not in a million years would I have forecasted that this friend would ever want to be baptized, as we behaved like rich prodigals as young men. Perhaps another observer would have never forecasted that I would become a daily communicant. …

CV News Feed – According to the results of a recent investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the outgoing Biden administration poured over $100 million into pushing far-left causes such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in schools across much of the country… The Daily Wire’s Mary Margaret Olohan reported on Thursday that over the four years President Joe Biden has been in office, his DOJ “awarded over $100,113,942” to the various “woke” initiatives “through 102 grants, throughout 36 states, impacting 946 school districts and upwards of 3 million K-12 students.”

By Jules Gomes, The Stream – In medieval England right up to the 17th century, parents reminded children of the mournfulness of the day by whipping them in bed in the morning. While not recommending this rather unorthodox practice, it would certainly help children to understand that this world is not a safe space for followers of the Lord Jesus… Even God has no safe spaces. God incarnate in the person of Jesus had to flee from an earthly king. God the Father restrained himself from intervening and halting the slaughter of children as Herod turned Bethlehem and its surroundings into a dangerous space for baby boys below the age of two… There are several Herods in the New Testament.

CWR Staff, Catholic World Report – Controversies caught readers’ eyes this past year, especially stories about Pope Francis, the Vatican, Fiducia supplicans, liturgy, the SSPX, marriage, and Mary… 1). “What did Pope Francis say in Singapore about religions as paths to God?” (Sept 15, 2024) by Christopher R. Altieri. “The pontiff’s recent remarks to a group of young people have caused a furor and some accusations of religious indifferentism.” ….

By Francis X. Maier, The Catholic Thing – In our house, we cling to the Christmas season like survivors of a torpedoed steamer.  The tree stays up until it’s a fire hazard.  The carols play through the Baptism of the Lord, with an encore or two until Candlemas.  We don’t retire the crèche until Presentation of the Lord.  Christmas anchors our year… One might reasonably ask why.  It’s a fair question.  Easter, not Christmas, is the central event of the Christian calendar. And alas, Christmas now comes with a boatload of vulgar commerce.  Some of it is entertaining. 

By Austin Ruse, Crisis Magazine – While our local diocese is full of horrible-looking churches, it is also full of faithful priests… We have a lot of spaceship churches in these parts, here in Northern Virginia, lots of churches in the round. If they look like churches, which most of them really don’t, they look like they may have been Protestant of a certain vintage… The three local churches we attend on Sunday or daily are perfect examples. Our parish, St. Catherine of Siena, is set on a marvelous piece of pricey ground in Great Falls. What a wonderful setting for something beautiful. Instead, they put up a low-slung bunker-type thing, no shape to it from the outside, flat roof.

By Matthew Plese, OnePeterFive – Drawing from both the wisdom of intellectual giants like Monsignor Joseph Fenton, the catechisms, and objective third party scientists, there can be no doubt that God confirms beyond a shadow of a doubt the truths of Catholic doctrine through miracles. Since miracles can only come from God and not from natural causes, and since God will never confirm a falsehood, legitimate miracles are the validation of a truth by God Himself.

By Msgr. Charles Pope – I open our New Year’s Eve late night Mass (11:15 PM) with the observation that we begin Mass in one year and end in the next. New Year’s Eve highlights the mysterious passage between years. In a way I suppose it is no more mysterious than the passage from Thursday to Friday or from 10:00 AM to 10:01 AM… In one sense, nothing could be simpler than time. I might ask you, “What time is it?” You might reply, “It’s 1:15.” Simple! But time has mysteries about it.

By CatholicVote – “Our prayers go out to those killed and injured in this morning’s horrific attack on Bourbon Street. This violent act is a sign of utter disrespect for human life,” Archbishop Aymond stated. “I join with others in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans in offering prayerful support to the victims’ families. I give thanks for the heroic duty of hundreds of law enforcement and medical personnel in the face of such evil.”

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – John 1:19-28 – 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 They said to him then, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, `Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

By Joseph Pronechen, National Catholic Register – Yet the bishop who had gained the attention of audiences worldwide with his preaching was as magnetic as ever, reminding the president and everyone that our rights of assembly, free speech and more are not from Congress or the courts, but, as the Founding Fathers acknowledged in the “second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, that it is self-evident that all men are created equal, and that the Creator has endowed man with certain inalienable rights, among which are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Creator has given us those rights; therefore, they are inalienable. … And if we are to keep our rights, we must also keep our God.

By Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, First Things – In Christian belief, Jesus is both truly God and truly man. The Council of Ephesus in A.D. 431 thus defined the mother of Jesus, Mary of Nazareth, as the theotokos, the Greek word for “God-bearer.” The title is used widely in Eastern Christian communities, but the Roman Church has always accepted it as well. Mary is the greatest of saints and disciples. Revered by the apostles and every Christian generation since, this Galilean peasant girl is the Queen of Creation in the glory of Byzantine iconography. A powerful intercessor, she is the mother not just of God’s divine Son, but also of the Church and all faithful Christians.

By St. Augustine of Hippo, Source: The Catholic Thing – The simple fact, therefore, that a man believes, hopes, and loves does not mean that he is saved forthwith. For it makes a difference what he believes, what he hopes, and what he loves. It is quite obvious that no-one in any walk of life spends his days without his soul experiencing these three things believing, hoping, loving. If you do not believe what the Gentiles believe, do not hope what the Gentiles hope, do not love what the Gentiles love, you are gathered from among the Gentiles, you are segregated, that is, you are separated from the Gentiles.

By Fr. John A. Perricone, Crisis Magazine – Layer upon layer of Eucharistic practice was constructed over the millennia as protection against the slightest attenuation of Catholic doctrine regarding the Eucharist. For over sixty years, it has been breached… For all its good intentions, the grand project of Eucharistic Revival is barely limping to its finish line. Applause is in order, for at least it noticed a precipitous loss of faith in the central mystery of Catholicism.

B.L. Hahn, The Federalist – If the election didn’t make this clear, I’ll state it as plainly as possible: We want less immigration. That includes H-1B workers… If you managed to disconnect from politics and social media over Christmas, good for you, but for those who couldn’t pry themselves away, they witnessed a heated debate on X over H-1B visas. As the discussion unfolded, a myth was dispelled: H-1B visas are limited to supremely technical fields that require genius-level IQ. It turns out, H-1B applicants include wannabe 7-Eleven clerks, priests, plumbers, and architect interns, to name a handful.

By Brittany M. Hughes, MRC TV – Just weeks after privately suffering a terrifying medical episode that could have cost both her and her unborn child their lives, actress Gal Gadot took to social media to share the inspiring, pro-life message she walked away with – even if she didn’t realize just how life-affirming it was… “Giving birth is a miracle, a testament to the strength and resilience of our bodies and spirits. But it also demands so much from us, reminding us to care for ourselves as fiercely as we care for others,” …

By Fr. Kevin Drew, Catholic Exchange – The Ark of the Covenant was a wood box about four-feet long and two-and-a-half feet wide.  The word “ark” comes from the Hebrew word “aron” which means chest or coffer… The Ark was no ordinary chest… The Lord gave Moses detailed instructions on how to build the Ark, for it was to house the holiest thing the Jews owned—the Law, the Ten Commandments.  The Ark also contained a jar of manna, the miraculous bread that God sent the Israelites so they could survive in the wilderness.

By Franciscan Media, Franciscan Media – Basil was on his way to becoming a famous teacher when he decided to begin a religious life of gospel poverty. After studying various modes of religious life, he founded what was probably the first monastery in Asia Minor. He is to monks of the East what Saint Benedict is to the West, and Basil’s principles influence Eastern monasticism today.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – In his first homily of 2025, Pope Francis defended the dignity of human life “from conception to natural death” and called on Catholics around the world to entrust 2025 to Mary, the Mother of God… The Holy Father celebrated Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God at St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. Central European Time. Citing his statement issued for the World Day of Peace, the pope called “‘for a firm commitment to respect for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, so that each person may cherish his or her own life and all may look with hope to the future.’”

By Fr. Raymond J. de Souza, The Catholic Thing – Cheerful affirmation was 2012. Hard stance is 2024. That is certainly a change from a time that Butker fondly recalled in his address: “Our bishops once had adoring crowds of people kissing their rings and taking in their every word, but now relegate themselves to a position of inconsequential existence.” Not completely inconsequential. Cardinal Dolan is still consequential enough to merit a public rebuke from the placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs.

By Patti Maguire Armstrong, National Catholic Register – A woman, tired from Christmas shopping and carrying a large number of bags, pushed the button for the elevator. When the door opened it appeared at capacity with other tired, package-laden shoppers, but they squeezed together to make enough room. “Whoever came up with all this ought to be put in jail,” she exclaimed. Others agreed… And then a voice from the back of the elevator said, “Don’t worry. He already was put in jail and crucified.”

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 2:13-18 – 13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” ….

Saints of the Day for December 28 – The Story of the Holy Innocents – Herod “the Great,” king of Judea, was unpopular with his people because of his connections with the Romans and his religious indifference. Hence he was insecure and fearful of any threat to his throne. He was a master politician and a tyrant capable of extreme brutality. He killed his wife, his brother, and his sister’s two husbands, to name only a few.

By David Greyson, Gateway Pundit – War Room founder Steve Bannon talked with Raheem Kassam on Friday about tech oligarchs and their quest to censor anti-immigration speech amid a debate about H-1B Visas… “What is really going on here?” Bannon asked Kassam regarding X’s censorship on anti-immigration speech… “There is absolutely nothing moral about what it does to American citizens whose parents, and grandparents and great-grandparents built the country, paid into the system, and are now getting a bum rap as a result of these new tech oligarchs,” Kassam said.

By Bob Unruh, WND – Already more than 100 plaintiffs have signed on to the legal action… While tens of thousands of fans of President Donald Trump rallied in Washington in January 2021 to support his doubts about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, an election evidence now confirms was skewed by a various of undue influences including the FBI’s interference, a few hundred rioted at the Capitol.

By John Zmirak, The Stream – Francis’s docile bishops in the U.S. called for the commutation of hundreds of death sentences, which Joe Biden duly issued. Francis’s Vatican also issued a document claiming that any deportation from any country at all for any reason is intrinsically evil, akin to human trafficking or forced prostitution. U.S. bishops are already lining up to fight Trump’s effort to repatriate any of the 10 million or more illegal aliens Biden smuggled in. In fact, those bishops earned some $3 billion over 15 years in U.S. government contracts via their tame “nonprofits” such as the far-left, entirely secular Catholic Charities, which traffic illegal immigrants.

By Craig Bannister, MRC TV – Donald Trump won the presidency in 2024 largely because he “ran in an unconventional media lane” – and he’ll continue to do so once he’s in office, the president-elect’s press secretary promises… (said) incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed Trump’s campaign success to how he utilized members of the New Media to get his message out the American public: “President Trump ran in an untraditional media lane on the campaign trail – it’s a big part of the reason he won: because he sat down with podcasters and social influencers and new voices that the American people are clearly listening to.”

By Peter Wolfgang, Catholic Culture – The presidential election loomed large. My first piece for Catholic Culture took the Trump-Vance campaign to the woodshed for gutting the GOP’s pro-life platform. I understand the need for prudence in difficult political circumstances but Trump-Vance, it seemed to me, failed Pope St. John Paul II’s requirement that, even when compromising, pro-life politicians must be clear about their goal of ending abortion. …

By Damian Thompson, Unherd, (Complicit Clergy) – Now the Vatican is once again paralysed by scandals, but this time round, correspondents working for secular and Catholic outlets are trying to protect Francis, who faces more serious questions about his personal conduct than any pope in living memory… For years, allegations that would torpedo the career of any secular Western leader have been concealed or played down by a Praetorian Guard of liberal journalists who, back in 2013, staked their reputations on “the Great Reformer”. As a result, even devout Catholics don’t know that the first Jesuit pope has tried to shield several repulsive sex abusers from justice, for reasons never satisfactorily explained.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kennedy last month, and if confirmed, he is expected to play a key role in advancing their shared goal of “making America healthy again.” Kennedy’s responsibilities include restoring the U.S. healthcare system to the “gold standard” of scientific research and addressing the “chronic disease epidemic.”

By Ashley Bateman, The Federalist – Pakaluk opens with the story of Hannah, a woman from a Reformed Jewish background whose search for meaning led her ultimately to procreation and the proliferation of family through child-bearing, what she called “this key to infinity.” At the time of her interview, Hannah had seven children, and described her choice to have a large family as a “deliberate rejection of an autonomous, customized, self-regarding lifestyle in favor of a way of life intentionally limited by the demands of motherhood.”

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – John 20:1a, 2-8 – 1a Now on the first day of the week 2 [Mary Magdelan] ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first;….

By Gayle Somers, Catholic Exchange – After the profusion of Scriptures describing Jesus’ Nativity in this liturgical season of Christmas, we might be tempted to think we now know enough about His birth into a special family.  However, today the Church reminds us of something most of us spend little time thinking about:  Jesus wasn’t simply born into a human family; He grew up and lived the bulk of His life in that family. 

By Carl R. Trueman, First Things – Understood in this way, the Pietà reflects an important truth: The Incarnation paved the way for the death of Christ. Thanks in large part to the centrality of Anselm’s arguments in Why God Became Man, this is unlikely to be news to most orthodox Protestants. If anything, we tend to instrumentalize the Incarnation and thereby reduce it to little more than the necessary precondition for Christ’s death: If he was never born as a man, he could never die. But there is more to it than that. The Incarnation itself is part of the humiliation of Christ. ….

By Franciscan Media – Saint John the Evangelist, (6 – 100) – It is God who calls; human beings answer. The vocation of John and his brother James is stated very simply in the Gospels, along with that of Peter and his brother Andrew: Jesus called them; they followed. The absoluteness of their response is indicated by the account. James and John “were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him” (Matthew 4:21b-22).

By Victor Davis Hanson, Patriot Post – In the weeks before the 2016 Trump Electoral College victory, Donald Trump was polling between 35 and 40 percent… He would average only about 41% approval over his tumultuous four-year tenure… No one knows what lies ahead over the next four years. But for now, Trump already polls well over 50% approval… His inauguration in a few weeks will likely not resemble Trump’s 2016 ceremony.

By Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, National Catholic Register – Miracles can happen in our own time, too, if we keep Christ at the center… There are many fond memories and cherished, time-honored traditions, rituals and symbols that mark this time of the year — the symbols of the Christmas tree, the ritual of decorating it, the Christmas wreath, stockings by the fireplace, and the wrapping of presents placed under the tree. These traditions make this a very enchanted time of the year. But most of all, the Christmas crèche remains the most cherished and distinctive symbol of Christmas. …

By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture – Have you ever stopped to consider how closely joy is associated with hope? This is so true that the Latin verb which means “to be without hope” is desparare, from which we get the English word despair. And despair is also what destroys joy. It is the ultimate sadness… I mention this during the Christmas Season because it is the answer to the riddle of our modern pursuit of pleasure. It is obviously desirable to feel pleasure, but pleasure is a hideous trap without hope.

By Anthony Esolen, Crisis Magazine – Kneeling is good for the soul. It lifts you up by making you, in stature, no more than a child… The cardinal of Chicago, Blase Cupich, has issued a directive to demand that parishioners in the archdiocese not kneel to receive Holy Communion, on the grounds that doing so interrupts the flow of the procession and calls attention to the individual. Of course, kneeling at a Communion rail would not interrupt anything at all, or call attention to anyone at all; and it would provide in a most powerful and memorable way the experience of human community that is supposed to be, but never is, imparted by standing in line.

By Nick Pope, LifeNews – The Biden administration quietly withdrew a proposal to reduce the ability of employers to opt-out of covering birth control for employees on Monday… HHS published notice in the Federal Register on Monday that the agency is pulling back its proposed regulations to bar employers from being excused from the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) contraceptive mandate on the grounds of “non-religious moral objections.” …

By Msgr. Charles Pope – For more than fifteen hundred years the Jewish people had been making sacrifices in the Temple… They did this because God commanded it. And yet, in the quote from Hebrews above, it is said that God neither desired nor delighted in these things. Linguistically, this is a Jewish way of saying that the sacrifice pointed to something that God desired more: obedience.

By Justine Brooke Murray, MRC TV – “There are only 2 genders, male and female,” announced President-elect Donald Trump at Turning Point USA’s America Fest on Sunday… No kidding. But our society has fallen to the point where proclaiming it is a stunning revelation. That is why Trump introduced his plan to make basic biology the official policy of the United States.

By Sheryl Collmer, Crisis Magazine -It might have all been different… We might have been forced to watch child sacrifice elevated to a national sacrament, sales of potassium iodide and fallout shelters exploding in anticipation of nuclear strikes, twerkers and groomers and drag queens in the White House Christmas videos. Innocent men and women held hostage here and abroad might have given up hope at their utter abandonment, along with the millions of children sold into slavery.

By Leah Libresco Sargeant, First Things – The letter to the faithful was carefully circumlocutious, as the USCCB explicitly permits Catholics to receive the Eucharist standing or kneeling. The USCCB states that, “[t]he norm . . . is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling” and that, per Redemptionis Sacramentum, “it is not licit to deny Holy Communion to any of Christ’s faithful solely on the grounds, for example, that the person wishes to receive the Eucharist kneeling or standing.”

By R. Jared Staudt, Catholic World Report – We keep things in discreet categories in our culture. Religion too often remains within the church’s walls, kept apart from the forces that drive society. That’s a large reason why we have secularized the festivity of Christmas. We view faith as private and even divisive, so we gather at the end of December for a winter celebration defined by Santa, snowmen, and the new year. The quaint manger scene can remain because it’s harmless, largely drowned out by bright lights, reindeer, and pop music.

By Stephen Beale, Catholic Exchange – During Lent, reflecting on the reasons why Jesus died is a fruitful exercise in devotion. Likewise, during the Advent and Christmas seasons, we ought to wonder why Christ was born… The answer isn’t as obvious as you might think. Two reasons probably leap to mind: (1) because He loves us, and (2) to earn for us our salvation on the Cross.

By Stephen P. White, The Catholic Thing – As for my dear patron, Stephen, his feast has been celebrated on this date, the day after Christmas, since the early fifth century. He, of course, was a deacon and the first martyr. His story is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. One of the seven men “filled with the Spirit and wisdom” chosen by the community to serve as deacons, Stephen was ordained for that ministry by the Apostles themselves.

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture – We’ve heard it said, “I love humanity. It’s my fellow man I detest.” The cynical realism of the quip shouldn’t distract us from our obligation to love humanity… In the closing week of Advent, we celebrate the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: The Annunciation and the Visitation, with Christmas as the grand finale—the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. But these Gospel accounts may not be as compelling as, for example, the crime of the century—if we can remember it.

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.

On this day a savior was born, Christ the Lord!    

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 …

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.

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.

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! …

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.

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” …

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.

CV News Feed – Trump posted on Truth Social:
“I am pleased to announce that Brian Burch will serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Holy See. Brian is a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and President of CatholicVote. He has received numerous awards, and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the Country. He represented me well during the last Election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any Presidential Candidate in History! Brian loves his Church and the United States …

By Craig Bannister, MRC TV – The abortion pill mifepristone was listed for sale on the Kroger and Sam’s Club websites in error, both retailers claimed after news reports exposed their online listings… “Days after Live Action News originally broke the news that both Kroger and Sam’s Club were displaying the abortion pill mifepristone (200mg) — also known by its brand name, Mifeprex — for sale on their pharmacy websites, the grocery store giants have issued statements insisting that the drug was displayed for sale on their websites due to ‘errors’ in drug listings by ‘third-party vendors,’ which the pharmacies use to “‘aggregate medication pricing.’

By Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Cap., The Catholic Thing – In the Prologue of John’s Gospel, I believe the Evangelist presented his theological interpretation of Christmas, that is, of the Incarnation… John first declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  Since the Word was with God and was God, He existed before the beginning began, that is, before Creation… Existing prior to when the beginning began, “all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” …

By Franciscan Media – The energetic life of Peter Canisius should demolish any stereotypes we may have of the life of a saint as dull or routine. Peter lived his 76 years at a pace which must be considered heroic, even in our time of rapid change. A man blessed with many talents, Peter is an excellent example of the scriptural man who develops his talents for the sake of the Lord’s work.

By M.D. Kittle, The Federalist – Speaker Mike Johnson is getting some well-deserved coal in his stocking from conservatives livid with the Louisiana Republican’s attempt to play Santa with a Christmas list stopgap spending bill… The massive house-of-cards measure Johnson countenanced collapsed Wednesday amid scathing criticism from conservatives and an incoming president who urged Republicans to get “SMART and Tough” with Democrats… Turning from his reported intentions to deliver a clean “continuing resolution” to keep the bloated federal government fully open for another few months, the simple spending plan has grown to a bloated 1,500-plus pages. ….

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Luke 1:26-38 – 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. …

By Joseph Pearce, National Catholic Register – Chesterton’s defense of Father Christmas reveals a deeper truth: Christ’s birth conquers every winter of the world… “There is no more dangerous or disgusting habit than that of celebrating Christmas before it comes, as I am doing in this article.” Thus wrote, or confessed, G. K. Chesterton in an essay entitled “Christmas that is Coming,” published in the Illustrated London News in 1906. Now, following Chesterton’s ignoble example, I am going to indulge the same “dangerous or disgusting habit.”

By F. Andrew Wolf Jr., Catholic Exchange – ‘Tis the season, indeed, of hope and anticipation; Advent is upon us. And much like the West, Eastern Churches remember Christ’s birth through prayer and opening oneself to the work of the Holy Spirit. Although referred to as Advent (Latin for “coming” or “arrival”) in the West, among Eastern Catholics, the season is known as the Nativity Fast.

By Bill D’Agostino, LifeNews – While polling demonstrates a majority of Americans approve of President-elect Trump’s handling of the transition process, the coverage by broadcast networks ABC, CBS, and NBC has been almost uniformly negative. In addition to a whopping 96 percent negative tilt across their flagship evening newscasts, these networks also appear to have paid the most attention to cabinet nominees who appeared to have the highest chances of sinking.

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture – For me at least, the “Expectation” evokes strong feelings that every parent knows: the anticipation, the excitement, the anxiety, the impatience that have been building for nine months, coming to a crescendo in the final days before the birth. It’s easy, isn’t it, to remember those emotions, and almost to feel them again ourselves when we see a young couple together and know that their baby is coming any day now.

By Jim Hᴏft, Gateway Pundit – Sen. Mike Lee: “Schumer, McDonald, Johnson, Jeffrey—the firm. They did this. Okay, McDonald and Schumer cooked this up for the last 85 days in secret, dropped it on everybody Wednesday, and this is where we are… Yes, it has failed. It’s failed miserably because the American people are awake. They have access to X, they have access to Watters’ World, they have access to information and to apps that will help quickly digest this information.”

By Joannie Watson, Integrated Catholic Life – “If the Incarnation doesn’t bewilder you, you’re not thinking about it enough.”… The readings at Mass today explode with anticipation. We have waited patiently during these weeks. Throughout Advent, the daily Mass readings have highlighted various prophecies. They have spoken about the coming of John the Baptist. We have heard about the mountains being made low and feasts set on high places.

By Jonathon Van Maren, LifeSite News, (Complicit Clergy) – For decades, the LGBT movement demanded “toleration.” As I have noted in this space many times, that was never the goal; it was just the pitch, carefully curated for public consumption. The truth is that the LGBT movement sought—and seeks—cultural dominance. They seek to have every level of government positively affirm their agenda, to have their flags fly in front of government buildings, to enforce speech codes that constitute compelled speech ….

By John Emmet Clarke, The Catholic Thing – “The Word of the Lord” is a phrase regularly and reliably heard throughout the Church Year. When we hear it and reflexively reply: “Thanks be to God.” And this is only right and just, since no response other than heartfelt gratitude is fitting in the face of so great a mystery as the utterances of the one true God… As it was to the prophets of old, the Word of the Lord comes to us, condescending to our lowliness, casting light into our darkness, and cultivating the shallow, rocky, and sunburnt soil of our minds, hearts, and spirits.  That’s what we’re about to celebrate next week.

By Stephen Kokx, LifeSiteNew – Donald Trump is doubling down on his intention to study a possible link between vaccines and autism in children… During a free-flowing press conference at Mar-a-Lago Monday, the incoming president said there are “problems” with the massive increase in autism cases in America over the past several decades and that he intends to get to the bottom of it… “30 years ago, we had, I’ve heard numbers like 1 in 200,000, 1 in 100,000. Now I’m hearing numbers like 1 in 100.

By Jules Gomes, The Stream – Collins Sells His Soul… Twenty years later, the best of times had turned into the worst of the worst of times. China had poured its apocalyptic bowl of COVID-19 on an unsuspecting world — and Francis Collins had morphed into Judas Iscariot. My hero, who was heading the National Institutes of Health (NIH), struck a Faustian bargain with Mephistophelian Big Pharma, Big Government, and Communist China.

By Franciscan Media – It’s not the founder of the Dominicans we honor today, but there’s a poignant story that connects both Dominics… Our saint today, Dominic of Silos, was born in Spain around the year 1000 into a peasant family. As a young boy he spent time in the fields, where he welcomed the solitude. …

By Mark Alexander, Publisher, Patriot Post – Here, then, is Virginia’s question and Mr. Church’s response transcribed from the New York Sun’s original text… According to The Sun editors: “We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the readers of the Sun.”… “Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in the Sun it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O’Hanlon, 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street.”… And Church’s response:

By Steven Ertelt , LifeNews – Paul Vaughn is the pro-life, Christian dad of 11 who suffered an early morning SWAT-style FBI raid on his home in October 2022 and was hauled away at gunpoint in front of his wife and children… When the Biden-Harris Department of Justice charged Paul with violating the FACE Act and engaging in a “conspiracy against rights,” Thomas More Society defended him and defeated the administration’s attempt to put yet another pro-life American in prison… Today, Vaughn shared his horrific experience and treatment at a Congressional hearing. His full statement appears below …..

By Victor Davis Hanson, American Greatness – Drone swarms over American cities spark frustration as a distrustful public suspects the Biden administration knows more than it admits… New Jersey is now subject to nonstop and often sensational civilian reports of swarms of nocturnal drones crossing city skies and violating the airspace of airports and military bases… Then, under mounting public pressure, it assured the public to be calm, given that most of the drones were likely launched by hobbyists and private citizens. …

By Jordan Boyd, The Federalist – President-elect Donald Trump is “totally against” the bloated omnibus bill representatives led by House Speaker Mike Johnson are trying to cram through the lower chamber to keep the federal bureaucracy funded through March 2025… In a joint statement posted to incoming Vice President J.D. Vance’s X account, Trump and Vance scolded congressional Republicans for trying the “most foolish and inept thing ever” and “allowing our country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025.”… According to a Wednesday afternoon report from Politico, Trump’s allies’ firm rejection of the bill seemed to be pushing Johnson toward a “spending plan B.” The incoming president’s rebuff could be the final nail in the coffin for the omni if Johnson wants to stay on Trump’s good side.

By Matt Lamb, LifeSiteNews – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly said he believes there are “too many abortions in the world,” while meeting with Republican Senators as he works to build support for his nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services… He also reportedly made promises that the Trump administration would reinstate pro-life policies from its first term and suggested he opposes efforts to include “gender identity” in federal healthcare law and mandate medical professionals provide transgender drugs and surgeries.

By Constance T. Hull, Catholic Exchange – It is not too late to slow down and enter into silence in preparation for Christmas. Now is the time to shut the door to our room and commit to silence. If we have time to shop, then we have time to spend a few minutes in silence before the Tabernacle or at Adoration. If we have time for Netflix or Facebook, then we have time to open the Bible to pray with God’s Word in silence… The Lord rewards our efforts. He ultimately leads us to grow in prayer through silence. He will prepare our hearts to receive Him at Christmas if we commit to silence for the next few days. As one of my spiritual formators always says: “We just have to show up.”

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Luke 1:5-25 – 5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. ….

By Rob Bluey, Daily Signal – Elon Musk isn’t messing around, and he just got a massive scalp to prove it… The billionaire owner of X started his day by posting a photo of the 1,500-page spending bill in Congress with this question: “Ever seen a bigger piece of pork?”… Scores of Musk posts and reposts followed Wednesday, sending members of Congress scrambling to quickly declare their opposition as calls and emails began flooding the Capitol… “Elon just became the most powerful person in Washington, D.C., today,” social media influencer Wall Street Mav told The Daily Signal. “He proved he can flip enough votes in Congress to halt a spending bill.”

By Al Perrotta, The Stream – We are six days from Christmas, but Congress is already offering enormous gifts to the Washington establishment and a lump of coal to the American taxpayer… A 1,547-page continuing resolution that will keep the government running is loaded with provisions that should put anyone who supports it on Santa’s naughty list… For example, Congress is giving itself a $69,000 pay raise, plus they want to exempt themselves from Obamacare. And in a rather insidious move, tucked away in the massive document is a provision that would block subpoenas for House data.

By Larry Chapp, Mark Lambert, Catholics Unscripted (Complicit Clergy) – Mark Lambert and Larry Chap discuss Cardinal Cupich’s recent directives regarding the reception of communion, particularly his discouragement of kneeling. They explore the implications of this stance within the context of liturgical practices, the influence of the 1970s aesthetic, and the political motivations behind Cupich’s actions. The discussion also delves into the theological significance of the Eucharist, the need for reverence, and the importance of catechesis in understanding the sacrament. …

By Marina Dunbar, The Guardian – The investigation, which began in September 2018, found that 48 priests, three religious brothers, one apparent former religious brother and four deacons are suspected of engaging in sexual misconduct in the Lansing diocese since 1950. The report includes victim interviews, tips, police investigations and documents seized from the diocese amid the reckoning with sexual misconduct among Catholic clergy… Of the 56 people accused, 42 were ordained or incardinated by the diocese of Lansing.

By Mary Margaret Olohan, Daily Wire – In the face of critical legacy media reports and opposition on Capitol Hill, President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is working to forge a more direct line of communication with the American people through a playbook-style newsletter… The Trump transition is launching a newsletter on Tuesday with the goal of establishing “transparent communication” with the public on Trump’s future policies and plans, The Daily Wire has exclusively learned. That newsletter is specifically aimed at Americans looking for real information about the transition process, who are frustrated with the mainstream media’s aggressively critical reporting on Trump.

By Darrick Taylor, Crisis Magazine – Trump’s election is a reaffirmation of the basically liberal character of United States; it was moderate liberals forced right by the far left wing of the Democratic Party that carried him to his win… The election of Donald Trump has brought relief to many who feared another four years of Democratic Party rule. For some, his reelection represents the triumph of a nationalist conservatism after four years (or more, if you think of Joe Biden’s presidency as a third term for Barack Obama) of progressive mania. ….

By Matthew McDonald, National Catholic Register – “I really love being called ‘Father,’ which is an ever-present challenge, every time it’s used, to respond as a spiritual father in the image of God the Father and of my own hardworking manly dad. I think it’s the greatest title to which any man and priest ought to aspire,” he told the Register… “But I anticipate those who have always known me as ‘Father’ or strangers who see me dressed in black, will still use it as the most natural vocative. I hope they do,” he continued.

By Franciscan Media – In 1362, the man elected pope declined the office. When the cardinals could not find another person among them for that important office, they turned to a relative stranger: the holy person we honor today… The new Pope Urban V proved a wise choice. A Benedictine monk and canon lawyer, he was deeply spiritual and brilliant. …

By Clare Marie Merkowsky, LifeSiteNews – Cardinal Raymond Burke exhorted Catholics to hold onto the Catholic faith regardless of “apostasy” at the highest levels of the Church hierarchy… In a December 14 homily during Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wisconsin, Cardinal Burke encouraged Catholics to keep their faith in difficult times, stressing the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our redemption… “No matter what we are asked to suffer, we must remain with Him, even if those in the highest positions of authority in the Church should abandon Him, should commit the grievous crime of apostasy from the Catholic faith,” Cardinal Burke said during the candlelit Rorate Mass said in the honor of the Blessed Virgin.  

Fr. Shenan J. Boquet, Human Life International – On December 12th the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the Preborn. How desperately does modern society need the profound truths contained in this apparition of Our Lady—a message of prayer, love and compassion. In Mary’s motherly love we find the courage to emulate her faith and the strength to proceed with confidence, knowing that God will overcome the seemingly insurmountable barriers we face in life and the world today.

By Jamie Dangers, Daily Signal – Can you imagine being thrown in jail for peacefully protesting the deaths of babies in the womb? Well, you don’t have to, because it has happened… Today, the Left’s weaponization of a federal law called the FACE Act has led to exactly that, unjustly persecuting pro-life advocates who are its ideological opponents… But finally, after years of this form of persecution from the Biden-Harris administration, a much-needed airing will occur this week.

By Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell, LifeNews – The Biden administration is pressuring Sierra Leone to pass an unpopular pro-abortion bill before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, a former senior U.S. government official who has worked in the West African region told The Daily Signal… It is common knowledge among nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, in Sierra Leone that a U.S. foreign aid agency called the Millennium Challenge Corporation is threatening to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars from a U.S. agreement with Sierra Leone unless the West African country’s parliament passes the bill decriminalizing abortion, the former government official said.

By Francis X. Maier, The Catholic Thing – Based on empirical data, those two words – comfort and joy – don’t even belong in the same sentence.  We live in the most materially advanced culture in history.  Even our poor are well-off by half the world’s standards.  Compared to other advanced nations, we’re also still (if too often tepidly) a “religious” people.  We have a wide range of liberties and opportunities.  Our lives are stuffed with emollients, distractions, mood lifters, painkillers, and comforts unimaginable just a century ago.
And yet at the same time, U.S. rates of loneliness, porn usage, sexually transmitted disease, and suicide, along with gender dysphoria among young people, have all increased. 

By Regis Martin, Crisis Magazine – So, where would that leave the House of Loreto?… Just where the Muslims left it, presumably, having first destroyed the basilica surrounding it back in 1260, while allowing the Franciscans to maintain the house itself. The trouble with that analysis, however, is that it fails to account for the stark staring fact that there is no longer any evidence of there being such a house at all in a place called Nazareth. But there is such a house many hundreds of miles away in a place called Loreto, located along the Adriatic Coast of Italy, some four hours by train from Rome.

By Jim Hᴏft, Gateway Pundit – The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has confirmed that radioactive material was lost in transit earlier this month, heightening fears about public safety and sparking theories about mysterious drone activity in New Jersey… “While looking at the NRC Alerts. I can confirm that there is radioactive material that has gone missing on Dec 2nd, 2024 out of New Jersey. This might be the reason for the drones… just speculation at this point,” he wrote.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word GOSPEL READING: Matthew 1:18-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary […]

By Stephen Kokx, LifeSiteNews – In an anonymous interview with Italian media outlet Panorama, a member of the Vatican’s labor union complained that not only are fellow employees dissatisfied with Francis’s alleged financial management, but that he gives strong preference to those who are in favor of the homosexual agenda… “You can’t move up unless you’re a friend of one of the two lobbies that count: either the ‘gay lobby,’ which is extensive and very powerful, or the ‘Santa Marta Club’ around the Pope”… The person further remarked that if “you want to join, you can’t read newspapers of the center-right and you have to speak Spanish.” You “have to be green, pro-migrant and, above all, pro-Palestinian. For them, Nicolas Maduro is a saint, and Donald Trump is a devil.”

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – When President-Elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary, tapping him to an important post that makes significant health care policies related to abortion and pro-life issues, pro-life Americans were concerned about his stance on abortion… But Kennedy assured senators in multiple meetings on Capitol Hill today that he will ensure President Trump restores a host of pro-life policies that will save babies from abortions.

By Suellen Brewster, Catholic Exchange – This “Catholic DNA” is one great gift of the Church that doesn’t show up in the Creed: a veritable garden of faithful choices. This garden offers varieties to help every single Catholic live a joyful spiritual life… The Catholic faith has every variety for every person. Endless combinations are possible, just like our DNA. Who are you? Who has God made you to be? What is your “Catholic DNA”? Have you explored?

By Franciscan Media – Anthony’s father died when his son was only 10 years old, but the young lad inherited his father’s devotion to Our Lady of Loreto. As a schoolboy, he frequented the local church of the Oratorian Fathers, joining the religious order when he was 17… Already a fine student, Anthony soon gained a reputation in his religious community as a “walking dictionary,” who quickly grasped Scripture and theology.

By Fr. Casey Jones, Crisis Magazine – I will get to the point right away. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states quite plainly: “The norm established for the Dioceses of the United States of America is that Holy Communion is to be received standing unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling” (160, emphasis mine). The GIRM then makes a cross-reference to the 2003 Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments’ Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum,which states ….

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 1:1-17 – 1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth …..

By Nicolás de Cárdenas, CNA – A ruling by the Supreme Court of Spain states that surrogacy exploits the woman who rents her womb and harms the dignity and rights of the children conceived… The Dec. 9 decision by the country’s First Chamber of the high court determined that “it is contrary to public order” to recognize a ruling by a foreign court (Bexar County, Texas) that validates a surrogacy contract and attributes the paternity of the children born to the intended [contracting] parents.”

By Breccan F. Thies, The Federalist – McConnell has spent his career selling America’s domestic interests down the river in favor of funding foreign conflict… (he) wrote an ode to foreign governments on Monday, calling for Donald Trump to reject an America First foreign policy in favor of funding forever wars, doubling down on “free trade,” and lying prostrate before the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)… McConnell, in an op-ed for Foreign Affairs magazine, criticized what he described as “right-wing flirtation with isolation and decline,” calling on the incoming government to “restore American hard power.” …

By Jordan Boyd, The Federalist – “In this case, an out-of-state doctor violated the law and caused serious harm to this patient. This doctor prescribed abortion-inducing drugs — unauthorized, over telemedicine — causing her patient to end up in the hospital with serious complications,” Paxton said in a statement. “In Texas, we treasure the health and lives of mothers and babies, and this is why out-of-state doctors may not illegally and dangerously prescribe abortion-inducing drugs to Texas residents.”

By Courtney Mares, CNA – On a crisp December morning in Rome, a group of women gathered not for their usual Bible study but to bring Christmas gifts to a homeless shelter run by the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by St. Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa… The women were greeted at the door by a petite Indian sister dressed in the familiar white sari trimmed with blue. With a gentle smile, she welcomed them inside and led them through the modest shelter into a small chapel. At the center was a simple tabernacle, flanked by a crucifix and the words “I thirst.” The sister gestured for them to sit and pray, then spoke quietly.

By Jim Hᴏft, Gateway Pundit – The Vatican, the spiritual and administrative heart of the Catholic Church, faces an unprecedented financial crisis, with reports suggesting it is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy… A combination of plummeting revenues, disillusioned donors, and mismanagement under Pope Francis has left the institution struggling to meet its pension obligations, Daily Express reported… In 2023, the Vatican reported an operating deficit of $87 million, an increase of $5.3 million from the previous year.

By Peter Laffin, National Catholic Register – President-elect Donald Trump joined dignitaries from around the world in Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. It surprised no one that he was accompanied by Tesla billionaire Elon Musk — the two have been inseparable for months… To be sure, a wealthy individual orbiting a president is nothing new in American politics. But Musk’s unprecedented wealth — he recently became the first person in history to amass a fortune of more than $400 billion — and his penchant for altering the course of history raises the stakes of the partnership.

By Daniel B. Gallagher, Catholic World Report – Following a brief meeting with Pope Benedict XVI on February 18th, 2009, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a statement expressing her joy for the opportunity to have met the pope and to have praised “the Church’s leadership in fighting poverty, hunger, and global warming.” Conspicuously absent from her list was the Church’s leadership in fighting abortion on demand, but that is hardly surprising given that Pelosi would later characterize the overturning of Roe v. Wade as “heart-wrenching,” “outrageous,” and even “cruel.”

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture – John the Baptist was a real person. His preaching brought ordinary people, tax collectors, and even soldiers to repentance as they urgently asked, “What should we do?” He taught them generosity: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none.” He taught justice: “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” He taught honesty: “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” (Cf. Lk 3:10-18)… John was the voice, Jesus the Word. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”… Before LED lights, smartphones, and Artificial Intelligence, bishops and priests handed down these sacred teachings. Moms and dads taught their children how to pray.

By Anthony Murdoch, LifeSiteNews – According to CTV News, a source said that Trudeau is looking at his ‘options’ following the shock resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chyrstia Freeland this morning… Reports are circulating that suggest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is considering stepping down as leader after a disastrous day which saw his most high-profile minister resign citing him as the main reason. 

By Rod Dreher, from X – I find that this kind of thing deeply irritates Catholics, even those who fully acknowledge how destructive Francis’s papacy has been. They say, understandably, that the Catholic Church has known bad popes before. And this is true! What might be hard for them to grasp is how this looks from the outside. One of the big things that won over Protestants to having a more sympathetic view of Catholicism is the witness of Pope St. John Paul II. What a giant he was! It caused lots of non-Catholics to rethink their hostility to Catholicism — or, as in my case, gave me a massive new respect for Catholicism, to which I had never paid serious attention.

By Justine Brooke Murray, MRC TV – The “religion of peace” is threatening to kill (I mean, “convert”) us all again… One of the brother-husband types is going viral on social media for promising that “Islam will enter every household, whether you like it or not.”… “Donald Trump, Inshallah [God willing],” he begins with… “Soon. We will see. We have a plan in place to go visit him and call him toward Islam,” he vows. The neckbearded man did not clarify who “we” is, but followed with a list of other high profile targets he plans to “enrich.”

Franciscan Media – Abbess, artist, author, composer, mystic, pharmacist, poet, preacher, theologian—where to begin in describing this remarkable woman?
Born into a noble family, she was instructed for ten years by the holy woman Blessed Jutta. When Hildegard was 18, she became a Benedictine nun at the Monastery of Saint Disibodenberg.

By Msgr. Charles Pope, December 14, 2024 In modern times, we tend to link our notions of happiness and inner well-being to external circumstances and happenstance. We […]

By Thomas Gallatin, Patriot Post – (Biden’s) goal is to sabotage Trump’s ability to see his policy agenda implemented… In the dying days of Joe Biden’s presidency, his administration has made it its mission to do everything possible to frustrate Donald Trump’s ability to implement his policy agenda when he arrives in the Oval Office next month… So, will they simply go quietly into the night, accepting the fact that Trump’s in charge now? No, these are the Democrats we’re talking about.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 21:23-27 – 23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, whence was it? …

By Wade Searle, LifeSiteNews – The Biden administration has been caught moving away unused materials for a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to be auctioned off online, according to shocking footage taken by a US Customs agent, with bidding starting at just $5.00… Eric Schmitt, the Senator from Missouri, sent a letter on Friday to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding that he “immediately cease the auctioning off of border wall materials.”… the Biden-Harris administration is recouping just 0.02% of the taxpayer money ….

By Rita Joseph, The American Spectator – Christmas is a good time to think about pregnant moms and their little ones in the womb… In every pregnancy, there are two human beings. One larger, older, pregnant and for nine months extra vulnerable: the other much smaller, newer, very young, and for that nine months utterly defenseless… Third, the Constitution has always recognized the right of all human beings to be treated as “persons” — never as property… Both are unique, lively human beings.

By Erik Root, Chronicles – Giving thanks in 2024 means acknowledging that we dodged a tyrannical bullet. Yet, the ruling class is still set on attempting to stymie the consent of the governed. Nowhere is this more symbolically present than in the Biden administration’s gaudy presentation of Christmas, which, Jill Biden, declares is this year dedicated to “peace and light.”… Her entire holiday theme is, in fact, devoid of any celebration of the Birth of our Lord and Savior. Additionally, it lacks any celebration of our nation.

By John Lavenburg, Crux – (Twelve) California Catholic bishops assured their closeness to the migrants in their communities, and called for policies that “restore a sense of security and peace” for citizens and migrants alike… To achieve that sense of security and peace, the bishops added that policies must be empathetic and respect the rights of children and those fleeing violent and impoverished countries, “while ceasing to provide respite for serious offenders.”

By Donald DeMarco, The Catholic Education Resource Center – We are all familiar with Blessed John Paul II’s description of the Culture of Death in his 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae.  The good Pope, of course, was not the first to notice and give expression to this phenomenon… We are all familiar with Blessed John Paul II’s description of the Culture of Death in his 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae.  The good Pope, of course, was not the first to notice and give expression to this phenomenon.

By Msgr. Robert J. Batule, The Catholic Thing – What brings us to church at Christmas is a voice too – a voice not from late in the second millennium, but from early in the first millennium, calling us to truth – and to God’s freedom. That voice made its debut when it pierced the stillness of the night air in Bethlehem of Judea. It was the voice of a baby crying. But how could the people of first-century Palestine know that this particular baby was their long-awaited Savior?… Some may have known of Isaiah’s prophecy that a child would be born, a son given, who would be called Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, and Prince of Peace.

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, LifeSiteNews – This staircase, or bridge, which connects earth with heaven has always stood firm, despite constant attacks from the outside throughout the history of the Church. However, we now see attacks originating from within the Church Herself, and originating from those who claim to have the authority to wage this war. What is occurring now is the culmination of what the fallen have systematically, with diabolical intent, planned, and what has been prophesied by many saints throughout the history of the Church. However, the boards of this staircase were given by Christ Himself, and any substitute materials that are put in their place will not bear the weight of what we have been given. …

By Samantha Swenson, LifeNews – Newly uncovered documents reveal more details about Planned Parenthood’s partnership with researchers at the University of California at San Diego, including the collection of “tissue” from potentially viable unborn babies… The documents, obtained recently by the Center for Medical Progress, show Planned Parenthood agreed to supply aborted “fetal material” to researchers in exchange for the “valuable consideration” of owning any “patents” and “intellectual property” developed from the experiments, according to a news release.

By Father Thomas Petri, O.P., Catholic Exchange – “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!”… This favored Christmas carol is no carol at all. It’s a hymn for the season of Advent — the liturgical season that is about so much more than simply preparing for Christmas.

By Patriot Post – December 15, 1791, marks the ratification of our Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments to our Constitution, and the Rule of Law it enshrines… The Bill of Rights was inspired by three remarkable documents: John Locke’s 1689 thesis, “Two Treatises of Government,” regarding the protection of “property” (in the Latin context, proprius, or one’s own “life, liberty and estate”); in part from the Virginia Declaration of Rights authored by George Mason in 1776 as part of that state’s Constitution; and, of course, in part from our Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – Rep. Nancy Pelosi has indicated that the Vatican is reviewing a current restriction, declared by her Archbishop, that prohibits her from receiving the Eucharist until she  repents of her support for abortion… The National Catholic Reporter reported Dec. 12 that in an interview, Pelosi said of the ban, “My understanding, as long as Rome has the case, it hasn’t been resolved.”

By Joseph Pearce, Crisis Magazine – The Church cannot continue to transform and humanize the world if she dispenses with the beauty of the liturgy… If the Church is to continue to transform and humanize the world, how can she dispense with beauty in her liturgies, that beauty which is so closely linked with love and with the radiance of the Resurrection? —Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)

By Franciscan Media – Wenceslaus Kozminski was born in Biala Podlaska in 1829. By the age of 11 he had lost his faith. By the age of 16 his father had died. He studied architecture at the School of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Suspected of participating in a rebellious conspiracy against the Czarists in Poland, he was imprisoned from April 1846 until March of 1847.

By Gayle Somers, Catholic Exchange – Traditionally, Catholics observe the third Sunday of Advent as “rose” Sunday, or Gaudete Sunday, which is Latin for “rejoice.”  This is a beautiful reminder that, although our preparation for the coming of the Lord has directed our attention inward, calling us to be ready to face our sin in an active way, the reason for this self-examination is one that should bring us boundless joy.  Our Gospel reading helps us begin to see this.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 17:9a,10-13 – 9a And as they were coming down the mountain 10 the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He replied, “Elijah does come, and he is to restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

By Amy Welborn, Catholic World Report – The anti-kneeling stance confuses some, but the position expressed recently by Cdl. Cupich reflects the liturgical orthodoxy that became standard in the US by the 1980s… Cdl. Cupich of Chicago lit up Catholic Twitter yesterday with a column telling people that they shouldn’t kneel to receive Communion. His argument is that it is disruptive of the Communion procession and attention-seeking… yes, there are more important matters to which he could lend his voice. …

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit today against a New York doctor who illegally sent abortion pills to a pregnant woman in Texas… New York physician Margaret Daley Carpenter trafficked the drugs across state lines without possessing a Texas medical license or authorization to practice telemedicine in the state… Dr. Carpenter prescribed and supplied two drugs to cause an abortion. The 20-year-old mother was then hospitalized for severe bleeding, and her nine-week-old preborn baby passed away. …

Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture – St. Paul says that, in the end, only three things last—faith, hope and love (1 Cor 13:13)—and that the greatest of these is love. As he put it, “when the perfect comes the imperfect will pass away”, and he includes among those things that will pass away not only prophecies and the gift of tongues but even knowledge, for all these are imperfect in us. But faith, hope and love are supernatural virtues; they are divine gifts; they participate in God’s essential eternity.

Patriot Post  “The instrument by which it [government] must act are either the AUTHORITY of the laws or FORCE. If the first be destroyed, the last must be substituted; and where this becomes the ordinary instrument of government there is an end to liberty!” —Alexander Hamilton (1794)

The Catholic Herald – A union representing the Vatican’s lay employees has distanced itself from an anonymous interview in which a worker complained bitterly about a stranglehold of gay and left-wing cliques over the Holy See… The widely read Italian publication Panorama carried an interview with a Vatican employee identified by the false initials “GF”, complaining that working in the Vatican today has become “an act of pain” and a “via crucis” (way of the cross).

By Ryan Girdusky, The American Conservative – Stories of historic comebacks are usually reserved for works of fiction; rarely in life, especially in politics, do we see a near-mythical resurrection… Donald Trump is set to enter the White House for the second time with the highest favorability numbers he’s ever had. The Emerson College poll found that 54 percent of Americans have a favorable opinion of the 45th and 47th president. The YouGov poll has his favorables at 50 percent, the first time he’s been above unfavorables in his political career.

By Andrew Bieszad, OnePeterFive – (Dec. 12th was) the feast day of our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. She holds particular significance to the Catholic Church in America, as her appearance to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac hill in Mexico was the first Marian apparition in the New World. She is dearly beloved by Mexican Catholics, and wherever there is a Mexican community, a statue or picture of her will be found. Another less well-known fact about Our Lady of Guadalupe is that she is connected to the Spanish Reconquista and their ultimate defeat of the centuries-long Islamic invasion of their homeland.

DC Rosary Rally, Rorate Caeli, (LifeSiteNews) – Crippling financial woes in the Archdiocese of Washington have only multiplied following Cardinal Wilton Gregory’s restrictions on flourishing Traditional Latin Mass parishes, with annual deficits tripling to $10 million… Two years ago, the Archdiocese of Washington decided to end the TLM at Old St. Mary and five other parishes… But through it all, the seven parishes with the TLM were among its most thriving and generous in the archdiocese.

Franciscan Media – John is a saint because his life was a heroic effort to live up to his name: “of the Cross.” The folly of the cross came to full realization in time. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34b) is the story of John’s life. …

By Dave Andrusko, LifeNews – The 2022 Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade and with it the right to abortion under our Constitution. We’ve written a great deal about the decision’s impact—primarily by Dr. Randall K. O’Bannon, Director of Education & Research—but not as much as we should about the independent abortion clinics… These are clinics that are not affiliated with the abortion behemoth Planned Parenthood. Yet they provide “approximately 58 percent of all abortions nationwide,” according to the latest report from the Abortion Care Network.

By Antonino, LifeSiteNews – Mark Rutte, the secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), told members that now is the “time to shift to a wartime mindset” and prioritize defense spending and production in an ominous message on Thursday… Rutte said that Europe is not prepared for what’s coming over the next four to five years and must prepare for a war similar to or greater than the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The NATO chief’s message follows the recent escalation of war in Europe and the Middle East… “It is time to shift to a wartime mindset, and turbocharge our defense production and defense spending” …

By Al Perrotta, The Stream – We’re not superstitious, but you might want to wrap your Christmas list in tin foil. It seems another “crazy conspiracy theory” has bitten the dust… DOJ IG: 26 FBI Informants Were at Capitol on J6… For four years, people have been calling us “conspiracy theorists” for saying the feds had their mitts all over the “riot” that took place on January 6, 2021. Now, a day after FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his resignation, the DOJ Inspector General has admitted that no fewer than 26 FBI “confidential human sources” (what we would call spies) were on hand at the Capitol that day.

By David Warren, The Catholic Thing – One of the most encouraging aspects of contemporary life is the sudden drop in university enrolments. This is unambiguously an improvement in human affairs, at least in the United States… The steep decline – “very large and very discouraging,” according to Mr. Bill DeBaun, senior director of the National College Attainment Network – reverses all signs of recovery from the Batflu (“COVID”) infestation, in which students were actually shut out of residences, and deprived of “services” for which they had paid.

The Editors, National Catholic Register – The days are drawing nigh on the end of the political careers of Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi, once the two most powerful Catholic politicians in the world… Given the scandal they’ve caused over the years by repeatedly distorting and openly defying some of the fundamental principles of their common faith, one might say the days can’t draw nigh soon enough… If cafeteria Catholicism were a real denomination, Biden and Pelosi would already be on a path to canonization.

By Edward Pentin – The first interactive online resource of its kind, 40 cardinals are profiled in-depth revealing who they are and where they stand on various issues, along with summary profiles of the remaining 200 plus members of the Sacred College including the 21 who received the red hat last week… Working with an international team of Catholic journalists and researchers, both Vatican journalist Diane Montagna, the project’s executive director, and I have endeavored to provide a fact-based and reliably sourced database of information on the largest and most diverse College of Cardinals in the Church’s history.

By Kennedy Hall, Crisis Magazine – The holiday season fast approaches, or we might say it has already begun in an unofficial sense, what with work Christmas parties and Santa Claus parades happening throughout December. And, with all the merriment and excitement that comes with the season, there is always an element of sadness or melancholy in the lives of some; or perhaps there is a bit of it in each of us, only it is more or less acute.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 11:16-19 – 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates, 17 `We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon’; 19 the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Dr. R. Jared Staudt, Catholic World Report – Where would we be now without the first Christmas?… 2025 years ago, God became man, and it changed everything. We take the beloved manger scene for granted, but what if there was no creche with its shepherds and wise men? We might survive the absence of eggnog and mistletoe, but what about Emmanuel, the one who makes God to be “with us”?

By Elise McCue, The Daily Signal – President Joe Biden released a list of 39 pardons and 1,499 commutations of sentences Thursday, setting the record for presidential clemencies in a single day… The White House described the majority of those pardoned as having committed “nonviolent drug offenses.” The list did not go into detail on specific crimes.

By Matt McDonald, CNA – A Satanic display erected near a Christmas Nativity scene on city property near the New Hampshire State House has been removed after sustaining damage in multiple attacks… It wasn’t clear mid-week whether organizers will erect a similar display again… “I think they probably should because I think the vandalism and the hatefulness shouldn’t go without a response. But it’s up to them,” said state Rep. Ellen Read, a Democrat from Newmarket.

By Cristina Laila, Gateway Pundit – New York City Mayor Eric Adams stunned a room full of liberal reporters on Thursday after meeting with Trump’s incoming Border Czar Tom Homan… Adams met with Tom Homan on Thursday to discuss the Trump Administration’s plan to deport criminal aliens… “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and long-standing New Yorkers” …

By Franciscan Media – .. The single fact survives that a disappointed suitor accused Lucy of being a Christian, and she was executed in Syracuse, Sicily, in the year 304. But it is also true that her name is mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer, geographical places are named after her, a popular song has her name as its title, and down through the centuries many thousands of little girls have been proud of the name Lucy.

By Daniel B. Gallagher, Catholic Exchange – We read in the Catechism: There is no surer pledge or clearer sign of this great hope in the new heavens and new earth . . . than the Eucharist. Every time this mystery is celebrated, “the work of our redemption is carried on” and we “break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ.” (1405)

By Sean Fitzpatrick, Crisis Magazine – Our Lady of Guadalupe was there at Lepanto, hearkening to the Rosary recited by the soldiers processing round the decks, her quiet, pregnant power blazing at that apocalyptic battle with all the splendor of the star-crowned Woman of Revelation… Most Catholics wouldn’t consider the motherly image of Our Lady of Guadalupe a martial image. The serene, pregnant Virgin—signified by the black sash expectant Aztec women wore—appeared to St. Juan Diego and upon his cactus-fiber tilma in 1531, a decade after Christianity came to the Mesoamerican people. …

By Jonah McKeown, CNA – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on Monday launched a campaign urging Catholics to contact outgoing President Joe Biden and ask him to commute the death sentences of the 40 men currently on federal death row to life in prison… “President Biden has an extraordinary opportunity to advance the cause of human dignity by commuting all federal death sentences to terms of imprisonment and sparing the lives of the 40 men currently on federal death row,” the bishops wrote on a webpage that provides a contact form for Biden.

By Bradley Devlin, Politics editor, The Daily Signal – President-elect Donald Trump will inherit a far more unstable world than the one he left President Joe Biden just four years ago. The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to grind on, escalating at the behest of the Biden administration. The situation in the Middle East, with the fall of the Assad government in Syria, only becomes more precarious by the day… While the experts in Washington will never say we’re already in the midst of World War III, these conflicts span two continents and are deeply intertwined. …

By Nathanael Blake, The Federalist – Americans in general want a return to law and order, but the left wants the blood of its enemies… It feels like an inflection point: The acquittal of Daniel Penny happened on the same day as the arrest of the accused murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson… Penny being found not guilty is a repudiation of the anarcho-tyranny the left has been imposing since the Black Lives Matter riots of 2020.

By Thomas Edwards, Catholic Herald – President-elect Donald Trump has chosen to appoint Catholics to several key Cabinet and senior advisory roles. It’s led some to claim that as a result this could prove to be the “most Catholic” Cabinet and administration in the history of US politics… The Biden administration was also noted for appointing a significant number of Catholics to high office. However, Trump’s appointments represent a departure from the liberal Catholics of Biden’s era to ones with a more conservative, pro-life outlook.

By David Ramos, CNA – Almost 500 years after the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe — whose feast the Church celebrates Dec. 12 — the image of Our Lady has become the subject of several popular myths and legends, especially in Mexico, where she appeared… Father Eduardo Chávez, a priest of the Archdiocese of Mexico, was the postulator for Juan Diego’s canonization and is a renowned expert on the apparitions. He is also director of the Institute for Guadalupan Studies.

By Brian Simboli, LifeNews – Now is an opportune time for pro-lifers to advocate defunding research using tissue from abortion… A confluence of factors explains why. The incoming administration is now considering defunding Planned Parenthood, which has a history of purveying body parts used in this type of research. Later-term abortions received much attention in the recent election cycle. The previous Trump administration took an interest in this issue.

By Jules Gomes, The Stream – At best, the iconic keffiyeh is a provocative symbol of Palestianian resistance and solidarity with Palestinian nationalism. At worst, the checkered black-and-white scarf made most famous by the late Yasser Arafat is synonymous with the headgear worn by Islamic terrorists and antisemitic mobs baying for Jewish blood… But last Saturday, the keffiyeh became the swaddling clothes for the baby Jesus to lie on in His cradle as a wheelchair-bound Pope Francis prayed before a politicized “Palestinian” nativity scene in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.

By Stephen P. White, The Catholic Thing – The earliest history of the Catholic Church in the United States is decidedly Marian. The first recorded Mass in what is now the United States proper was celebrated at present-day St. Augustine, Florida in 1565. The date was September 8: the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. The English-speaking colonies would have to wait almost seven decades for their first Mass, which was celebrated in what is now Maryland, in the year 1634. The date was March 25: the Feast of the Annunciation.

By Shaun McAfee, National Catholic Register – Advent is a time to align our hearts with the hope of Christ’s coming… When most people hear “penitential season,” they tend to imagine ashes on foreheads, solemn hymns and the intensity of abstinence and fasting. But when it comes to Advent, a season similarly steeped in the idea of preparation and penance, we tend to have it wrapped in the excitement of Christmas… So, what exactly makes Advent a penitential season? And how can we embrace it in a way that deepens our spiritual life while keeping our spirits lifted?

By Grace Porto, LifeNews – For the first time in United States history, a Nativity will be on display at the U.S. Capitol. The display will be on the southeastern steps in front of the House of Representatives Dec. 10… According to a newsletter from the Christian Defense Coalition, the display comes after Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, won a federal court case in May that ruled that the steps of the U.S. Capitol building are a public forum. Thus, peaceful demonstrations can take place on the steps of the building.

By Michael Haynes, LifeSiteNews – After significant public attention to an LGBT-specific pilgrimage for the Jubilee, the Vatican has deleted the event from its online public calendar… From some time in the afternoon (Rome time) of December 10, the entry for one of the approved Jubilee pilgrimages to Rome was deleted from the official website. As of time of writing, the entry for the September 5-6, 2025 pilgrimage of the “Associazione la Tenda di Gionata e altre associazioni” – or “Association of Jonathan’s tent and other groups” – is no longer active.

By Jason Jones, Crisis Magazine – Syrian Christians and other minorities throughout the region have well-established reasons to worry about the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The toppling of the Syrian government was sudden, performed by militants with ties to Al Qaeda and ISIS, and looked exactly like another of the U.S. foreign policy establishment’s proxy regime-change wars—which in the past have again and again led to the rape, slaughter, and ethnic cleansing of minorities in nations like Iraq and Libya.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 11:28-30 – 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

By John C. Eastman, The Federalist – President Donald Trump is determined to tame the bloated bureaucracy beast. To that end, he has appointed, in spectacular fashion, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head up a new “Department of Government Efficiency” (“DOGE”)… With the nation now $36 trillion in debt — or about $100,000 for every man, woman, and child in America — that mission is long overdue. But judging from the hyperbolic reaction even the mention of budget cuts has generated in the deep state and among its sycophants in the corporate media, Musk and Ramaswamy will face enormous headwinds. ….

Rev. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archdiocese of San Francisco – “Nancy Pelosi’s recent interview with the National Catholic Reporter has elicited a number of requests of me to offer a comment on it. First and foremost, I would like to renew my request for prayers for the Speaker’s conversion on the issue of human life in the womb, that it be consistent with the respect for human dignity she displays in so many other contexts. As for myself, what immediately comes to my mind are the words of the prophet Ezekiel: ‘If the just turn away from their right conduct and do evil when I place a stumbling block before them, then they shall die. ….

By John Zmirak and Eric Metaxas, The Stream – As Donald Trump tries to drain the D.C. Swamp, the swamp creatures are crawling out of their hidey-holes to try to frustrate the will of the voters. The Stream’s John Zmirak joined Eric Metaxas on his radio show to talk about the stakes, Trump’s good picks and weak ones, and where we must focus our prayer and activism.

By Tim Kilcullen, MRC TV – The leader of the Media Research Center issued a warning to Congress about a “Trojan horse for the left’s agenda.”… In a statement posted today on X, MRC founder and president Brent Bozell cautioned Congress not to pass the new version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Bozell instead advised Congress to either enact the House of Representatives’ version of KOSA, which protects First Amendment liberties, or to wait to reform Big Tech until the new year.

By Helen Andrews, First Things – When Daniel Penny turned himself over to police on May 12, 2023, after the Manhattan district attorney’s office announced its decision to charge him with manslaughter, photographs of his perp walk showed Penny looming like a giant over the two New York Police Department detectives who escorted him down the steps of the 5th Precinct to his arraignment. Even in handcuffs, Penny was a foot taller than either of the cops and stood erect while they seemed to scurry. He looked like a Roman statue.

By Dr. Donald DeMarco, Catholic Exchange – No philosopher of the modern age has written more insightfully about virtue than Josef Pieper.  He is able to make virtue attractive and explain how it is not some kind of social ornament, but necessary for the fulfillment of the human being.  “Virtue,” he states, “is the utmost of what a man can be; it is the realization of the human capacity for being.”… Virtue, in addition to developing one’s character, is also an expression of love.  Since love is associated with the heart, the three virtues that most clearly manifest this fact are kindness, lightheartedness, and warmheartedness. 

By Grace Porto, LifeNews – In a recent National Catholic Reporter (NCR) interview, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) flaunted her disobedience of Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone by saying she continued to receive Communion, despite his pastoral letter stating that she could no longer receive in his diocese… Pelosi told NCR, “I received Communion anyway. That’s his problem, not mine. My Catholic faith is, Christ is my savior. It has nothing to do with the bishops.”

By Jennifer Roback Morse, National Catholic Register – Over the years, I have had many encounters with the pregnancy-care-center movement. I’ve encountered them when I’ve been a speaker at pro-family and pro-life conventions. I’ve provided training for administrators and counselors of these centers. I’ve interviewed some of them for my podcast… The totality of this experience convinces me that the pregnancy-care-center movement is an authentic “women’s movement.” I think they have more right to describe themselves as a “women’s movement” than some of the self-described “feminists.”

By Thomas Farr,  The Catholic Thing – God created all of us in His image and likeness. Each of us, therefore, has a dignity that no one, and especially no government, may violate.  God wants us to follow Him, but He endows us with free will. He does not coerce. He beckons. No just government, may coerce anyone in matters of religion… Fortunately, the Founders of America agreed. They believed in a God who not only creates us equal, but endows all of us with certain natural rights that must be protected by government.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Damasus I’s Story – To his secretary Saint Jerome, Damasus was “an incomparable person, learned in the Scriptures, a virgin doctor of the virgin Church, who loved chastity and heard its praises with pleasure.” Damasus seldom heard such unrestrained praise. Internal political struggles, doctrinal heresies, uneasy relations with his fellow bishops and those of the Eastern Church marred the peace of his pontificate.

By F. Andrew Wolf, Jr., Crisis Magazine – ’Tis the season, indeed—one of hope and anticipation—Advent is upon us. And much like the West, Eastern Churches remember Christ’s birth through prayer and opening oneself to the work of the Holy Spirit… Although referred to as Advent (Latin: “coming, arrival”) in the West, among Eastern Catholics, the season is known as the Nativity Fast… To be fair, the term Advent, actually, does not well accommodate the Eastern rites. The latter do not share all the themes of Latin Advent, and it retains a vigorous fasting component which may be observed voluntarily, partially, or totally.

By John-Henry Westen, LifeSiteNews – Barker began the episode by explaining that after he got the principal job, he wanted to implement more traditional Catholic practices, such as having daily Mass during an open block of time and having the kids learn from the St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism… “And, I go to the priest, and I say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this block of time. What do you think? Can we do daily mass?’ And he’s like, ‘Absolutely.’ I mean, most priests, they’d have to pull teeth to try and get their principal to want to do daily Mass,” Barker said.

By Jason Jones & John Zmirak, The Stream – If you follow the mainstream media, you’ve probably read stories about the plucky freedom fighters dubbed the “Syrian rebels” and heard that they just vanquished the forces of a wicked, dangerous tyrant, Bashar al-Assad. If you ever took John McCain seriously, you might have believed him when he vouched for these groups as “moderates.” If you watched the Republican presidential debates in 2016, you’d have heard all but three of those seasoned GOP leaders (Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and Donald Trump) agree that it was so important to America that these rebels prevail that the U.S. ought to shoot down Russian planes, risking a nuclear war.

By David La Mar, Catholic Exchange – John Pridmore was a gangster, working in organized crime on the mean streets of London in the 1980s. He lived a life of drug deals, theft, and violence. He had a penthouse apartment, sports cars, money and power. But he knew something was missing. There was no peace in his heart… Baptized Catholic, he drifted away from the faith. Despite having everything anyone could want in life, he felt empty. He knew he had to affect a change of heart in order to find that peace he so deeply desired. Even though he didn’t know it at the time, he was looking for Jesus.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 18:12-14 – 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

By Mother Angelica, Catholic Exchange – The word “redeem” means to rescue, set free, ransom, and to pay the penalty incurred by another. We often lose sight of the definition to “set free,” and we miss the power of our example as Christians to do exactly that — set our neighbor free… We must look at this aspect of Redemptive Suffering if we are to understand its role in our daily lives. St. Paul told the Corinthians that, “indeed, as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so, through Christ, does our consolation overflow. When we are made to suffer, it is for our consolation and salvation” (2 Cor. 1:5, 6).

By Ryan Bilodeau, Catholic Exchange – On November 29, 2024, the United Kingdom crossed a sobering threshold. The House of Commons approved the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, paving the way for legalized assisted suicide in England and Wales. While the bill is lauded by proponents as a compassionate step forward, it raises profound moral and ethical questions about the sanctity of life and the cultural glorification of euthanasia as a solution to suffering.

By Louis Knuffke, CatholicVote – Syrian Catholic Archbishop Jacques Mourad, of the Diocese of Homs, Syria, has decried the immense suffering of refugees fleeing the ongoing violence in Aleppo and the impending destruction of Christianity in the region… the news outlet for the Pontifical Missions Society, Archbishop Mourad described the dire situation… “We are really tired,” he said. “We are really exhausted, and we are also finished, in every sense.”… Now, as refugees from Aleppo pour into Homs, Archbishop Mourad and his diocese are overwhelmed. The Archbishop told Agenzia Fides that many of the refugees have endured grueling 25-hour journeys, arriving thirsty, hungry, cold, and destitute… “We cannot bear all the suffering of the people who arrive here exhausted,” he said.

By Doug Mainwaring, LifeSiteNews – A startling report from the U.S. House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government reveals how, under the Biden-Harris administration, the FBI and the Treasury Department have manipulated federal laws such as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) to access Americans’ private financial data – without a warrant… The committee has published a succinct video summary of its 47-page report on X, beginning with a question: “Think your finances are private?  Think again.” ….

By Craig Bannister, MRC TV – Audio clips of SCOTUS Justice Samuel Alito dissecting and disproving arguments against a Tennessee law banning transgender medical treatments on minors went viral after the SCOTUS justices heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti (SB1)… At Wednesday’s hearing, Biden Administration Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar and ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio presented arguments on behalf of the plaintiffs… Their lawsuit asks (SCOTUS) to either strike down Tennessee’s law banning transgender medical procedures, such as hormones and puberty blockers, on minors or at least send it back down to a lower court for further scrutiny.

By Ramon Antonio Vargas, The Guardian, (Complicit Clergy) – In the case of serial child molester and retired Catholic priest Lawrence Hecker, the cover-up failed… But it wasn’t for lack of trying by a coalition of high-ranking church officials and sympathetic judges, who prioritized the predator’s comfort above justice for his innumerable victims until the evidence against him was so overwhelming that – rather than stand the humiliation of a public trial – he pleaded guilty last Tuesday.

By Josué Luis Hernández, OnePeterFive – Amidst this dead of night within the Church — wherein all seems obscured by a disorienting darkness; by mists and shadows; by strange and unfamiliar shapes and sounds that unsettle our senses, challenge our confidence and shake the very foundations of our faith — I want to affirm that the Church’s Magisterium, nevertheless, remains a stalwart and immovable guide. The Magisterium of the Church is and always will be a light in the darkness. It remains now, as ever, an infallible means of dispelling falsehood, confusion and error and of bringing forth the clarity of truth. But in order to see this we must understand the Magisterium properly.

By Peter Wolfgang, National Catholic Register – Catholic political activism is at a crossroads. For about 40 years the pro-life and pro-family movements had a home within the Republican Party, while a small minority continued to fight for the soul of the Democratic Party… Two Supreme Court rulings, one inventing a right to same-sex civil marriage and one repealing the invention of a right to abortion, have caused both political parties to shift to the left on the social issues on which we have historically fought. New cultural issues have emerged, some of them the results of battles previously won or lost.

By Regis Martin, Crisis Magazine – … if we are to take seriously the injunction Jesus gives us in Matthew 18:3: “I assure you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of God.” This is not an invitation for the adults in the room to set about infantilizing themselves, but to become rather like little children themselves. And how do they do that? By keeping their eyes wide open. “Reason is like an eye,” explains Luigi Giussani in his signature work, The Religious Sense, “staring at reality, greedily taking it in, recording its connections and implications, penetrating reality, moving from one thing to another yet conserving all of them in memory, trying to embrace everything.”

By Joy Pullmann, The Federalist – Americans who spent at least three high school years homeschooling or attending a Protestant Christian school are much more likely than public school graduates to express Christian beliefs and attend church as adults, finds a recently released survey. Those surveyed who spent at least three years in a Roman Catholic high school are about as likely to attend church and read the Bible as Americans who attended public schools.

By Franciscan Media – Blessed Adolph Kolping’s Story – The rise of the factory system in 19th-century Germany brought many single men into cities where they faced new challenges to their faith. Father Adolph Kolping began a ministry to them, hoping that they would not be lost to the Catholic faith, as was happening to workers elsewhere in industrialized Europe.

Msgr. Charles Pope – The New Testament opens in the desert near the banks of the River Jordan, with John the Baptist, of whom Jesus says, He is the Elijah who was to come (Mt 11:14). In John the Baptist is the fulfillment of the Elijah figure, who was to come to prepare the hearts of the people for the great coming of the Messiah… All of this leads us to this Sunday’s Gospel, in which John the Baptist summons the faithful to repentance so that they will be ready when the Messiah arrives. Those of us who want to be ready also need to go into the wilderness and listen to John’s message: Prepare the way of the Lord! Although only the Lord can finally get us ready, we must be able to say to Him, “I’m as ready as I can be.”

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Luke 5:17-26 – 17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they sought to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21

By Ncolas Hulscher, MPH, LifeSiteNews – The CDC is escalating its childhood vaccination agenda and now says children should be exposed to 36 doses by age two and 70 by age 18 – a massive increase since the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which gives vaccine makers full liability protection… The 2025 Immunization Schedule was approved by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and adopted by CDC Director Mandy Cohen on October 24, 2024 ….

By Michael Schwarz, The Western Journal – Nominations have officially closed for 2024’s Most Demonic Social Media Post award. We have a clear winner… If that sounds flippant under the circumstances, then perhaps the reader will pardon a bit of facetiousness, for some outrages strike us as so shocking that we cannot muster the appropriate condemnatory words. Thus, we turn to humor and prayer. And that fact alone proves that God brings light even from extreme darkness.

By David Harsanyi, The Daily Signal – If Hunter Biden had a different last name, he would never have been able to launch a career in corrupt influence peddling or launder millions through his “art” or write a self-serving memoir about crack-fueled whoremongering or dump a gun next to a high school without any real consequences… If Hunter’s last name weren’t “Biden,” special counsel David Weiss would never have let him get away with failing to register as a foreign agent or avoid paying millions in taxes that flowed from his foreign arrangements. If your name isn’t Biden, don’t try writing off your hookers and crack as tax deductions.

By Louis Knuffke, CatholicVote – Pope Francis has approved a pilgrimage specifically for LGBT individuals as part of the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, according to Italian journalist Franca Giansoldati in Il Messaggero. Scheduled for Sept. 6 (2025), this event has been added to the official Jubilee calendar… The pilgrimage will take place at the Church of the Gesù, a historic Baroque Jesuit church in Rome known for its ornate design and as the resting place of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, and St. Francis Xavier, Il Messaggero reported. Participants will begin with a prayer vigil Sept. 5 at the Church of the Gesù, followed by a procession through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica the next day.

By Dr. Jared Staudt, ChurchPOP – With the celebration of Christmas anticipated throughout the month of December, it can be hard to know what to do spiritually to prepare… Do we sacrifice things and do penance? Should we fast while most people feast?… Loving Presence, the Advent Challenge on the Exodus 90 app, proposes concrete ways to embrace a joyful asceticism that can give Advent a distinct expression… 1) Growing in Hope… Why do we pray and sing for Emmanual to come when he came 2,000 years ago?

By Anthony Esolen, Crisis Magazine – The Vatican has recently approved of some considerable alterations of the Novus Ordo celebrated in the Mexican diocese of Chiapas. These alterations are put forward as springing from immemorial Mayan traditions. The controversy leads me to think again about what it means to have any kind of culture at all, especially as against the phenomena of the masses, which bid fair to make the world into one great Nowhere… How can you tell Nowhere from Somewhere?

By Jonah McKeown, CNA – “Immaculate” is not a word most people would use to describe the Mississippi River’s famously muddy waters. But Father Jacques Marquette was not most people… The Jesuit explorer, who came from France as a missionary to Canada in 1666, was one of the first Europeans to name the Mississippi, which he explored and mapped with his companion Louis Joliet beginning in 1673. And the name he gave to this vital artery of North America was “The River of the Immaculate Conception.”

By David G Bonagura, Jr., The Catholic Thing – The Advent of Christ in the flesh, then, sends us back to the future Advent that we celebrated first. And we arrive back there via the same bridge we crossed earlier: through repentance of sin as preached by the Baptist… Repentance is not a singular occurrence. We must repent daily because as we live, we inevitably sin. The Church urges a nightly examination of conscience to foster a habit of repentance. But our sorrow turns to joy, for we know the two sides of the bridge: the infant Christ and the judging Christ. Each fills us with awe. Each spurs us to action. Each calls us to a greater love.

By Andrea Gagliarducci, Catholic News Agency – The number of cardinal electors is the most critical data point to emerge from this weekend’s consistory. Of the 140 cardinal electors, 110 have been created by Pope Francis, 24 by Benedict XVI, and six by St. John Paul II. At the end of the year, on December 24, Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, created cardinal by Benedict XVI in 2007, will reach 80 years of age and will, therefore, no longer be able to participate in a conclave.

By Mark Miravalle, Catholic Exchagne – The Immaculate Conception is not the virgin birth. I want to make that abundantly clear at the beginning, since many people get confused on that point. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception does not say that Jesus’ conception was “immaculate” because it didn’t involve sex, which is another common misconception I encounter… All to say: the conception that was “immaculate” was Mary’s, not Christ’s.

By Jonah McKeown, CNA – Seitz said the USCCB recognizes that some immigrants have not entered the country legally but stressed that the U.S. government should distinguish between those who have committed additional crimes from those who, “for the benefit of our country, should be able to remain.”… There are an estimated 11.7 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. as a whole, according to July 2023 statistics from the Center for Migration Studies. Trump has promised to deport all migrants illegally in the country and said that the plan, which has been criticized as financially unfeasible, “will have no price tag.” The proposal has proven highly controversial within Catholic circles.

By Joe McClane, A Catholic Take – Fr. Gerald Murray reacts to Pope Francis’ recent statement saying all religions are a pathway to God.

By Franciscan Media – First called Cuauhtlatohuac (“The eagle who speaks”), Juan Diego’s name is forever linked with Our Lady of Guadalupe because it was to him that she first appeared at Tepeyac hill on December 9, 1531. The most famous part of his story is told in connection with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. After the roses gathered in his tilma were transformed into the miraculous image of Our Lady, however, little more is said about Juan Diego.

By Gene Thomas Gomulka, Complicit Clergy – In 1985, Rev. Thomas Doyle, O.P., J.C.D.; F. Ray Mouton, Esq.; and Rev. Michael Peterson, MD; co-authored “The Problem of Sexual Molestation by Roman Catholic Clergy: Meeting the Problem in a Comprehensive and Responsible Manner.” The priest, attorney, and psychiatrist projected that more minors and vulnerable adults were at risk and the Catholic Church could spend $1 billion over ten years in settlements and legal fees if the U.S. Bishops and Vatican officials failed to implement their recommendations to deter clerical sexual abuse. Forty years and countless abuse victims later, with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles alone projected to pay a combined $1.5 billion, the financial loss for the Catholic Church may be close to $10 billion. 

By Father Raymond J. de Souza, National Catholic Register – The celebration of the restoration of France’s famed cathedral is happening on the same weekend as a consistory of new cardinals at the Vatican, providing an intriguing juxtaposition rich with symbolism…. In Catholic news, a consistory to create new cardinals in Rome is always the dominant story of the day. But not this Saturday, as all Catholic eyes and the attention of much of the world will be fixed on Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 9:35-10:1,6-8 – 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ….

By Ashley Frawley, First Things – Last week, the U.K. came a step closer to legalizing assisted suicide. Except that proponents were careful never to use the word “suicide,” despite the bill’s very clear amendment of the 1961 Suicide Act. In the debate that preceded the vote, advocates preferred euphemisms such as “the right to die” and “dignified death.” A government that couldn’t wait to lock down longer and harder just a few years ago suddenly extolled the sacred principles of “autonomy” and “choice.”

By Fr. Joachim Heimerl, LifeSiteNews – When Bishop Strickland recently asked (the bishops) to finally take a stand on the fact that Francis no longer teaches the Catholic faith, his words fell into silence. No one dared to come forward to support the Texan who spoke the truth so fearlessly, no bishop in the U.S. and certainly no one elsewhere… what Strickland said remains true: Francis stands for a new, for a “synodal” church and with it for a new faith that is no longer Catholic and which must be decisively rejected! No one is obliged to believe in a “synodal” church. On the contrary: the traditional faith of the Church forbids this.

By Marco Mancini, Matthew Bunson, Catholic World Report – Out of the 21 cardinals who will be created Dec. 7 in Pope Francis’ 10th consistory at the Vatican, 10 new cardinals — almost half — are members of religious congregations or institutes… Since the pope himself belongs to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and has consistently considered the presence of men religious in the College of Cardinals during his consistories, it’s not surprising that he would choose new cardinals from among the Church’s many congregations and institutes for men religious.

By McKenna Snow, LifeNews – Decrying the day of the vote as “a sad and shameful day,” U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson recently slammed the United Kingdom Parliament’s move to advance the legalization of assisted suicide… “It’s an ancient truth that medicine should always heal and never harm,” Johnson said. He criticized the UK for following in the footsteps of Canada, which legalized euthanasia in 2016. Canada’s deadly program is called “Medical Aid in Dying,” or MAiD… The UK’s move, like Canada, “[twists] that definition of medicine,” Johnson said.

To arrive at a just estimate of a renowned man’s character one must judge it by the standards of his time, not ours. Judged by the standards of one century, the noblest characters of an earlier one lose much of their luster; judged by the standards of to-day, there is probably no illustrious man of four or five centuries ago whose character could meet the test at all points. But the character of Joan of Arc is unique.

By George J. Marlin, The Catholic Thing – My book, The American Catholic Voter: 200 Years of Political Impact, was published twenty years ago. That work tells the story of European Catholics who arrived on America’s shores in the 1800s and early 1900s with only the clothes on their backs, worked through their parishes and neighbor

By Michael Haynes, Snr. Vatican Correspondent, LifeSiteNews – Pope Francis and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, considered a potential successor to Francis, have reportedly approved an LGBT event for the 2025 Jubilee, including a ‘pilgrimage’ passing through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica… Meanwhile the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to the natural law.” The Catechism is very clear that homosexual activity can never be approved, and repeats that “[h]omosexual persons are called to chastity.”

By Regis Martin, Crisis Magazine – Around the turn of the last century, a prominent London newspaper called The World put the following question to its readers, offering a prize for the best possible answer: “What’s wrong with the world?” Not the newspaper, of course, whose good health the owners took for granted. But the planet, about which there was a good deal of anxious concern. Why else would they have taken the trouble to solicit the views of their readers?

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture – The season of Advent is upon us. I said Advent, not Christmas. Christmas is coming, of course—that’s the reason for this season of anticipation—but the Christmas season is not yet here…. Every year at about this time, my I am struck once again by the contrast between the quiet anticipation proper to Advent and the frantic noisy bustle of the hyper-commercialized “holiday season.” I say that I am “struck,” but it would be more honest to say that I am frustrated. The “holiday season” encroaches on my Advent.

By Ryan Bilodeau, Catholic Exchange – For every human being, death is a certainty. It looms on the horizon of our lives, often unspoken but ever-present, shaping our decisions, fears, and ambitions. But there is one person in history for whom death was not merely an inevitability but a destiny—indeed, the very purpose of His birth. Jesus Christ, uniquely among all humanity, entered the world not to escape death but to embrace it, to transform it, and ultimately to conquer it.

Franciscan Media – One of Ambrose’s biographers observed that at the Last Judgment, people would still be divided between those who admired Ambrose and those who heartily disliked him. He emerges as the man of action who cut a furrow through the lives of his contemporaries. Even royal personages were numbered among those who were to suffer crushing divine punishments for standing in Ambrose’s way.

By Judy Roberts, National Catholic Register – Amid the presidential campaign, the political football of illegal immigration figured prominently, but the children at the center of it were rarely mentioned… For all the talk about illegal immigration during the recent presidential campaign, one aspect that got little attention was the plight of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children said to have disappeared since crossing the border… Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, did raise the issue during October’s vice-presidential debate when he claimed the Department of Homeland Security had effectively lost 320,000 migrant children.

By Brian Mark Weber, Patriot Post – When it comes to debating climate change, pandemics, and transgender youth, those who live in the world of common sense are often told to “trust the science.” But it’s hard to trust the science these days when it’s so often tainted by ideology rather than objective, dispassionate analysis and the scientific method itself… Using science to advance a political or social agenda might be harmless in some situations, but in others, it’s downright deadly.

Gloria TV by Staff (Complicit Clergy) – Fr. Bryan Massingale presided over a “special” Eucharist at the Jesuit St. Ignatius Loyola Church in New York City on December 2, titled “All Hearts Together: A Mass for the LGBTQ+ Community.” It included extensive dancing with rainbow flags… The event was held in honor of World AIDS Day. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary during Advent with the celebration of Rorate Masses… St. Ignatius Loyola Church is a self-described place “where LGBT people are fully affirmed and celebrated“.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 9:27-3127 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.”

By Michael Hoffman, Crisis Magazine – Once again, the Church—to keep up an appearance of humility—has done away with an ancient ritual… A few weeks ago, a seemingly harmless change was announced. At Pope Francis’ request, a revised Order of Funerals for Roman Pontiffs was adopted. Among other things, the ritual of three coffins, practiced in the church since the eleventh century, has been replaced. I cannot help but be disappointed whenever a long-standing tradition is “modernized,” but I was especially struck with the reasoning behind the change.

By Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, Deacon Keith Fournier, LifeSiteNews – Christians need not be afraid. Our life together in the Lord, our connection together in the Mystical Body of Christ, is still able to provide a place of shelter, not only for us, but for others who seek stability as the shaking continues all around. False foundations, some of which have lulled even some believers into complacency, may soon fall under the stress caused by the growing unrest and decline. But as the Apostle Peter reminded the early Christians undergoing persecution, “judgment begins in the household of faith.”

Patriot Post – “All men are equally bound by the laws of nature, or to speak more properly, the laws of the Creator.” —Samuel Adams (1794)

By John Lavenburg, Catholic Herald – The Catholic Church in New York has said it will not contest any forthcoming policy on the deportation of illegal immigrants who commit crimes… Recent comments from New York City Mayor Eric Adams (pictured) that he supports such proposals will not receive pushback from Catholic Charities of New York executive director Mgr Kevin Sullivan… Mgr. Sullivan does, however, urge Adams to be very careful in how he implements any such policy.

By Jules Gomes, The Stream – World Health Organization pushed COVID-19 propaganda at the behest of Chinese Communist Party… Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci became the American face of those pushing ineffective and unscientific COVID vaccine and mask mandates in 2020… “Trust is earned,” Subcommittee Chairman Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) wrote in a letter to Congress. “Accountability, transparency, honesty, and integrity will regain this trust. A future pandemic requires a whole of America response managed by those without personal benefit or bias.”

By Nick Olszyk, Catholic World Report – The Joel Osteen movie on Netflix seems to have been created with good intentions, but the story is so strange, haphazard, and poorly written that any profundity and meaning are easily lost… Osteen is the producer of the Netflix film Mary, and he has stated, “This is MARY like you’ve never seen her before.”… As it turns out, the film is indeed bad, though perhaps not in the way many expected.

Franciscan Media – The absence of the “hard facts” of history is not necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints, as the devotion to Saint Nicholas shows. Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor him, and it is claimed that after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists. ..

By Nate Jackson, Patriot Post – I can also tell you that true gender affirmation means affirming someone’s birth sex. Like George Orwell’s newspeak in 1984, the Left has turned this on its head. When a leftist says “gender affirmation,” he means a futile attempt to reverse God’s created order — to change, not affirm, gender, often through scientific and medical experimentation… Don’t ever call what the Left wants “gender-affirming care.” That is a lie.

By Steven Ertelt, LifeNews – Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed in a new interview that he wants to defund the Planned Parenthood abortion business… Still, Johnson said he would like to defund the abortion giant and is working to build the votes to do it. Likely, the only way that can be accomplished is via a reconciliation bill — which both the House and Senate can pass on a majority vote margin.

By Joannie Watson, Integrated Catholic Life – People think I’m a Scrooge… My sister and I lament each year to each other that people are decorating for Christmas earlier and earlier. When I was growing up, decorating the day after Thanksgiving was considered early, and now it’s the norm, even among Catholics. Those of us who wait until even mid-December are the odd balls… And I look like a Scrooge. I don’t play Christmas music until at least after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. We don’t put our tree until Gaudete Sunday.

By John Horvat, The Imaginative Conservative – … (a) recent event in NY City in which the renowned Sotheby’s auction house sold a 2019 art piece dubbed “Comedian” by Maurizio Cattelan. The work consisted of a fresh banana duct-taped to the wall… within five minutes, the item sold for $5.2 million plus auction house fees, which came to a total of $6.2 million… When absurdities are enshrined in a culture, anything can happen. Truth is denied, morals are eroded, and a cult of ugliness reigns. The cruelest manifestations of intolerance and cancellation are possible since the absurd demands absolute acceptance.

By Joy Pullmann, The Federalist – Earlier efforts like these created some robust institutions. Pre-law students at Patrick Henry College, a Christian college founded in 2001, outscore Ivy Leaguers on the LSAT. In 1994, New Saint Andrews College opened with four students in Moscow, Idaho. It now has 220 students and 27 faculty. After opening in 2007 with 35 students, Wyoming Catholic College “has grown 30 percent in the last decade, from 124 to 178 students.” In 1971, Baptist preacher Jerry Falwell started Liberty University. It is now one of the world’s largest Christian universities, with 15,000 students on campus and 80,000 online.

By: Kevin D. Roberts, The Federalist – Deportation is necessary not only to bring back law and order and protect the working class, but also to restore the full political rights of every American… Millions of Americans — including unprecedented numbers of Latinos — voted for Trump because the Biden-Harris border crisis brought drugs, violence, and disorder to their communities. Returning illegal aliens to their home countries is the only morally acceptable response.

By Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D., Breitbart – Kentucky Bishop John Stowe has expressed his “dismay” over the overwhelming Catholic voter support for Donald Trump, insisting the U.S. Bishops should have warned Americans about the “danger” of the election… “I find it disappointing that our Church did not speak out more forcefully about the danger of this election,” the bishop stated, suggesting that the bishops’ conference should update its voting guide, which currently places too much emphasis on the issue of abortion.

By Hélène de Lauzun, European Conservative – People want to flee, “but the jihadists won’t let them.”… Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has been captured by a jihadist group as part of its offensive against the government of Bashar al-Assad. The regime lost control of the territory—for the first time since the start of the civil war in 2011—on Sunday, December 1st. This prompted fears of a new refugee crisis, while Syria’s Christians are once again likely to be the main target of the Islamist troops.

Author Don Schwager, Servants of the Word – Matthew 7:21,24-2721 “Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 24 “Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 25 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house ….

By Father Nnamdi Moneme, Integrated Catholic Life – “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.”… With these words, Jesus described the mortal fear that we would face before experiencing His glorious return… Thus, we must cultivate courage as we wait for the glorious return of Jesus Christ if we are going to survive the ordeals that will precede His glorious return. The patient waiting that characterizes the Advent Season demands great and constant courage on our part.

By Jonah McKeown, CNA Staff –  Is the Bible — already the most widely printed book of all time — having a moment?… As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, Bible sales — across a variety of editions — rose 22% in the U.S. through the end of October 2024 compared with the same period last year, according to book tracker Circana BookScan. This is despite nearly a third of U.S. adults identifying as religiously unaffiliated.

Michael Haynes, Snr. Vatican Correspondent, LifeSiteNews – But while every popemobile features a plethora of fine details designed to interest both the manufacturer and car enthusiasts, Mercedes’ new creation is notable for its fully electric nature… “This means that the Pope will be traveling locally emission-free in a new Mercedes-Benz in time for the 2025 Jubilee” … The vehicle, designed for specifically low speeds in order to drive around a crowded St. Peter’s Square, “contributes to the realisation of the encyclical ‘Laudato Si’” wrote Mercedes. “In it, Pope Francis describes the need for sustainable development.”

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture – As I write, the US Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in a case that would leave the founders of the American republic shaking their heads in disbelief, appalled that the court they established would indulge is such a distasteful theater of the absurd… The case involves a challenge to the Tennessee law that makes it illegal to give minor children “medical care” that alters their sexual function. Mainstream newspapers, carefully obedient to the directives of gender theory, refer to such treatment as “gender-affirming care.” That Orwellian term conceals the reality that the treatments are intended for patients who deny their natural gender.

By Susan Berry, Ph.D., LifeNews – Data on the vote by Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK on the pro-assisted suicide “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill” reveals that, compared to the Labour and Conservative Parties, the Liberal Democrats had the largest ratio of MPs who supported the measure… The vote on the bill, which would allow eligible terminally ill adults in England and Wales to seek assistance to end their lives, was held November 29, with 330 MPs in favor and 275 opposed.

By Larry Chapp, National Catholic Register – Nov. 21 of this year marked the 60th anniversary of the promulgation of Lumen Gentium, the dogmatic constitution of the Church, at the Second Vatican Council. Obviously, there are a lot of topics surrounding this event that could be highlighted. I would like to focus on the changes Lumen Gentium made on the issue of episcopal jurisdiction and authority, as it’s something of special importance today, especially in light of the current emphasis on synodality.

By Grace Porto, CatholicVote – Bishops from Central America have called for the faithful to observe Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, as a day of prayer for Nicaragua, which is facing rampant religious persecution from the Nicaraguan government under President Daniel Ortega… In November, Ortega banned priests from administering Last Rites in hospitals. The regime exiled Bishop Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez of Jinotega, president of the Nicaraguan Episcopal Conference, the same month, sending him to Guatemala. Bishop Rolando José Alvarez of Matagalpa was exiled to Rome in January after spending 500 days in a prison that Rep. Chris Smith (R.-NJ) has described as “Ortega’s gulag.” …

By Ann Burns, Crisis Magazine – Catholics for Choice is promoting the antithesis of Our Lady, the attitude of “I will not serve” the “non servium” of Satan… (it’s founder) Frances Kissling, a former abortion clinic operator… has been in the business of scandal since its inception in 1973. And sadly, the start of Advent only provided them with further opportunity for heinous behavior. December commenced with Catholics for Choice promoting the blasphemous statement that “This holiday season, remember that Mary had a choice, and you should too.”

By Fr. Gerald E. Murray, The Catholic Thing – The life of the Church these past forty years has been marked by devastating revelations of passivity and cover-ups by bishops regarding horrific crimes of sexual abuse of minors (and adults) by priests, bishops, and cardinals. A cowardly refusal to confront evil was standard operating procedure until the veil was ripped off and the harm caused to innocent victims by unchaste clergy – and their protectors – became known… Catholic moral teaching has been subject to a relentless assault by prominent theologians. The repudiation of reverence in the sacred liturgy in favor of self-expression (in reality, self-worship) has become widespread and is by now almost expected.

By Star Parker, Patriot Post – It is increasingly clear to a new generation of Black Americans that what they need to get ahead is freedom… Dean of the nation’s political analysts, Michael Barone, sat down with The Wall Street Journal to discuss the 2024 election… The headline that emerged from that discussion was “Donald Trump’s Rainbow Coalition,” noting that the monopoly of the Democratic Party over the nation’s Black vote seems to be over.

Franciscan Media – Born in Cappadocia, Sabas is one of the most highly regarded patriarchs among the monks of Palestine, and is considered one of the founders of Eastern monasticism… After an unhappy childhood in which he was abused and ran away several times, Sabas finally sought refuge in a monastery. While family members tried to persuade him to return home, the young boy felt drawn to monastic life.

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture – Unexpectedly, Donald Trump was the most effective pro-life US President since the 1973 abortion-on-demand Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade. During his 2016 campaign, candidate Trump promised to appoint originalists to the Supreme Court. Former Senator Rick Santorum—Catholic, pro-life, and nudged out of the Republican presidential primary—withheld his endorsement of candidate Trump in 2016 until he, Trump, specifically listed potential originalist jurists for nomination to the Supreme Court. Trump complied and received Santorum’s endorsement.

Dear Br