The argument that Shakespeare may have been a Catholic is not new, but a seminary in Rome is claiming to have evidence that is. The Venerable English College says that a guest book for visiting pilgrims contains three signatures that could indicate that the Bard traveled there during his “lost years”: Father Andrew Headon, the … Read more
This is pretty cool: Archaeologists in Israel say they have discovered the remains of the first home in Nazareth that can be dated to the time of Jesus. The dwelling and older discoveries of nearby tombs in burial caves suggest that Nazareth was an out-of-the-way hamlet of around 50 houses on a patch of about … Read more
Joseph saw Avatar this weekend so you wouldn’t have to — look for his review later today — but meanwhile, Ross Douthat has some reflections in the New York Times on what he calls “[director James] Cameron’s long apologia for pantheism,” that vague, naturalistic spirituality that he says has held sway with Americans for some … Read more
Time for your Friday morning links: Former Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, who had been excommunicated for illegally ordaining priests and for marrying a Korean woman, has at last been defrocked as well. The top five YouTube videos of 2009. Number one might surprise you, in a good way. Gorgeous book cover designs. I want to hang … Read more
I’m not usually one to get all smooshy about babies (well, ok — maybe sometimes), but if you can watch this trailer without cracking a smile, I submit that your heart might just be two sizes too small. Those first two bring back fond memories of growing up in the Cabaniss household… Â
Last week, the Wall Street Journal ran a short piece by Laura Vandercam about bringing children to Mass. (Not to bring up a sore subject on a Friday afternoon!) Quoted in the piece is none other than our own Kate Wicker, who wrote “Why Young Children Belong At Mass“ back in June here on InsideCatholic: While … Read more
Before we get to this morning’s round-up, I just want to thank those readers who have given to IC’s fundraising drive this week. Your support means a lot, since it’s you guys whom we aim to please! If you haven’t donated yet, please do consider it. Like Brian said, every little bit helps: If everyone … Read more
Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of the death of Bishop Fulton Sheen, called “the greatest communicator of the twentieth century” by none other than Billy Graham. A special memorial Mass was celebrated in his honor last night at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York: To a Catholic boy like Tim Dolan, growing up in the … Read more
Having properly celebrated the Christ child’s mother yesterday, Father James Martin thinks it’s only right that, during the Christmas season, we should remember to celebrate His earthly father, too. Poor St. Joseph gets short shrift sometimes — he appears in only one carol that I can think of, and it’s not a very flattering picture; … Read more
A South Carolina priest has been making headlines lately for the unusual way he’s raising money for his parish — namely, by playing in a national poker tournament. With the blessing of his bishop, Father Andrew Trapp has already won $100,000 in the “PokerStars.net Million Dollar Challenge”; he recently taped an episode that could win … Read more
The Chicago Tribune ran an opinion piece by Robert McClory on Sunday that addressed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s clarification regarding the care of people in a vegetative state. In that statement, the CDF confirmed what most Catholics already understood: [T]he provision of water and food, even by artificial means, is in … Read more
The New York Times yesterday ran a review of the documentary Lake of Fire — a film it called "an unblinking look at the violent fight over abortion in the United States" — by British director Tony Kaye. The New York Times yesterday ran a review of the documentary Lake of Fire — a film … Read more
This is the first time since 2001 that 9/11 has snuck up on me unannounced. For the past five years, the anniversary has been preceded by a sinking feeling in my stomach that wouldn’t leave until 9/12. And then, of course, there is the usual media rush to wring every last ounce of pathos from … Read more