Regular Contributions

A richly decorated Catholic altar with a central statue of Jesus Christ holding a book, flanked by stained glass windows and religious icons. The altar is adorned with gold accents and candles, set against a warm, ornate backdrop.

Who Needs Isis? AmChurch Meat Grinder Hitting Our Saviour Church NYC?

Another thing I’ve seen over and over for the past twenty years and more is the politely stated, politically correct, and sensitive velvet glove that is worn on the outside of a giant destructive machine known as AmChurch. These guys come in with a smile and speak of pastoral needs, concern for the poor, and…

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Did We Turn a Corner? No, no. Not to worry…the Catholic Campaign for Human Development remains true to its founding mission.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is an annual collection that has, for the past 45 years, funded Alinskyian community organizing and other progressive political-advocacy. This has always troubled pro-lifers whose own advocacy to protect the child in utero is systematically undermined by CCHD grants. Although CCHD claims to support a “seamless garment” approach…

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A person holding a large black flag with white Arabic text, standing in an arid landscape. The text on the flag reads: "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." The person appears to be in a rugged outdoor setting."

“The Ambiguity of Islam”–Members of ISIS are Authentic Muslims

I commend to the readers of the Bellarmine Forum, a most excellent explication on the truth of Islam by one of the Holy See’s experts on the issue, Fr. Samir Khalil Samir, S.J. His book, 111 Questions on Islam, is not only timely, but it is essential reading for anyone who not only wishes to understand the current resurgent…

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A marble tomb with a recumbent figure in brown robes, adorned with intricate patterns and floral decorations. People are gathered around, some praying or observing in a church setting. A candle is lit nearby.

The Dormition (Assumption) of Mary from Around the World

It always surprises me when somebody makes the claim that the Pope invents theology and tries to support their claim by pointing to the dogmatic pronouncement of the Assumption (Dormition) of Mary. A brief little tour of cathedrals and icons dedicated to this feast shows that the Dormition is a part of Christianity to the very…

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A person holding a sign that reads "STOP" in English and Arabic, with a red handprint. The text below the sign reads "To Restore What Has Been Seized Unjustly." The scene appears to be a protest or demonstration in an urban setting."

To Restore What Has Been Seized Unjustly

If the Christian Religion forbade war altogether, those who sought salutary advice in the Gospel would rather have been counseled to cast aside their arms, and to give up soldiering altogether.    On the contrary, they were told: “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages,” the command…

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A white flyer with bold red and orange text reading "Social Justice Isn't Just For Rock Stars." The text is prominently displayed in large, capital letters."

The Life and Mission of a Liberationist Priest: When political activism fails social justice

A biography about Msgr. Geno Baroni by journalist Lawrence M. O’Rouke, Geno: The Life and Mission of Geno Baroni, begins with a couple of notions that crystallize the great divide over what constitutes social justice. “It was no longer enough…to respond with charity to appeals for a food basket, the month’s rent, or a bag…

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A man and a young girl are making cookies together in a kitchen. The table is covered with dough cutouts, and they appear to be using cookie cutters. The scene is in black and white.

What Our Grandparents Have Always Done

I’ve been following opera and Italian food expert Fred Plotkin for a number of years now. Politically, philosophically (in large measure) and theologically, we would likely find ourselves opponents. He is a self-described “pleasure activist and egalitarian,” whereas I assent to an orthodox understanding of a divinely ordered hierarchy in the universe and recognize–in a phrase that may…

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A portrait of St. Ignatius of Loyola with text "5 Crazy Things you Didn't know about St. Ignatius of Loyola by John B. Manos" and "and 2 others that will shock you". The portrait is in a dark, muted color palette with the saint depicted wearing historical attire."

5 Crazy Things you Didn’t know about St. Ignatius of Loyola

These 5 things about St. Ignatius of Loyola will shock you! 2 bonus: Ignigo’s ultimate prayer, and the one formula they have to convert souls is in their constitution (do they do it?)

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A baby in a pink outfit and hat is being held by an adult, pointing upwards with one finger. The baby appears curious and is surrounded by a crowd of people.

Hobby Lobby: Whatever You Do to the Least…

Though the Supreme Court in Burwell, et al v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., et al., (argued on the Feast of the Annunciation and released on June 30, 2014), held in favor of Hobby Lobby in a 5-4 decision, Justice Kennedy’s concurring opinion presents ample reason for concern: …it should be said that the Court’s opinion…

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A framed religious display featuring a golden crucifix with red accents, surrounded by statues of angels and other figures. The background includes an intricate scene with a church or cathedral, emphasizing Catholic themes. Various religious artifacts and shells are placed at the base of the display.

A mystery for our readers: Do you know anything about this Cross?

My aunt had her 90th birthday party and gave me some things. Among them, she gave me this cross. Anybody know what this is called and when these were made? We’ll give a hint:  this one carries an indulgence from a Pope Pius. Tell us in the comments what this is!

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