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The Pillar Substack provides news and analysis on the Catholic Church, covering topics like ecclesiastical reforms, Vatican security concerns, church doctrine, significant religious events, and responses to global issues. It delves into the synodal process, Church teachings, and personal reflections on faith and morality.

Church Governance and Reform Vatican and Security Religious Events and Celebrations Faith and Morality Global Issues and the Church Catholic Doctrine and Teachings Religious History and Significance Challenges Facing the Church

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'That book', the Black Nazarene, and my grown-up marriage

2476 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Catholicism Marriage
  1. Every January 9th, millions of Filipino Catholics gather to celebrate the Black Nazarene statue in Manila.
  2. The Black Nazarene statue, brought to the Philippines in 1606, holds significant religious and historical importance for the country.
  3. Marriage is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, celebrated with humor, forgiveness, and faith in God's plan.

Bishop Álvarez freed in Nicaragua, exiled to Vatican

1906 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Diplomacy Religion Oppression
  1. The Nicaraguan regime freed Bishop Rolando José Álvarez and expelled him from the country after he was sentenced to 26 years in prison along with other priests and seminarians.
  2. The release was secured through diplomacy involving Vatican agreements, leading to the deportation of numerous clerics, including Bishop Álvarez and others from various dioceses.
  3. The deportation represents the third major expulsion of Nicaraguan priests within a year, contributing to a significant exodus of priests from the country and potentially challenging the Church's presence in Nicaragua.

A march on Washington, a death in Venezuela, and a watch on the German border

1395 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Leadership Corruption Religion Legal issues
  1. Today, Jan. 19, is the March for Life in Washington, DC, which remains significant despite shifts in activism focus.
  2. The death of Kenyan priest Fr. Josiah K’Okal in Venezuela raises suspicions of foul play due to his advocacy for indigenous rights.
  3. Pope Francis issued new financial regulations for the Vatican, showing a response to past scandals and a shift in authority.

Iowa, the news, and the March

1356 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Sexual Abuse Prayer Pilgrimage
  1. Iowa's ecclesiastical situations may be a sign of changes to come in the future.
  2. Allegations against a spiritual director show the importance of addressing abusive conduct in spiritual relationships.
  3. Bishops' actions and responses in various countries reflect significant shifts in church dynamics.
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Capitol Hillsong

943 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Religion Germany United States Crime
  1. Advancements in AI technology, like deepfake videos, have the potential to manipulate information and create chaos.
  2. Concerns about the rise of far-right movements in German politics are being raised by the German bishops.
  3. The unauthorized celebration of traditional Latin Masses, marked by transgressive elements, reveals underlying tensions within the Catholic Church.

Remember Rievaulx, these Churches, and the ‘Catholic vote’ con

1179 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Catholicism
  1. Saint Aelred of Rievaulx is one of the lesser-known English saints with a fascinating history.
  2. The concept of a 'Catholic vote' in American elections is largely a myth, as Catholics tend to divide like the rest of the country.
  3. The discussion around the 'Catholic vote' in elections is often driven by financial interests and media sensationalism, rather than genuine political impact.

New Hampshire, 'abashed' silence, and smoking fast

982 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Catholicism
  1. A New Hampshire Catholic family experienced a remarkable conversion to Catholicism in the 19th century.
  2. Fr. Virgil Barber and his family members all eventually entered religious life, breaking traditional family norms.
  3. Uncle Chen, a marathon runner who smoked during races, got disqualified for violating new rules against smoking on marathon courses.

Paul Miki, the news, and warmed nuts

727 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity
  1. Paul Miki was a Japanese convert to Christianity and one of Japan's first martyrs.
  2. The significance of sacred subjects in art can spark controversy, like the controversial promotional poster for Seville's Holy Week.
  3. Efforts to acknowledge and respond to abuse in the Catholic Church, such as LA's 'Gardens of Healing,' aim to provide spaces for abuse survivors and promote healing.

‘An offense against God’ - Sisters say Vatican abuse response not enough

923 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Abuse Healing Renewal Church
  1. The Vatican's decision regarding the alleged misconduct of Fr. Nicgorski was not considered sufficient by the women involved, highlighting the need for a stronger response to allegations of abuse.
  2. The personal stories of the women reveal the harm caused by inappropriate conduct of a spiritual director, showing the importance of safeguarding against abuse in the Church.
  3. The experiences of these women exemplify the need for reform in the Church's approach to handling cases of misconduct, emphasizing the significance of listening to victims and holding abusers accountable.

The parish at the top of the world

314 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Cultural experience
  1. Oulu, Finland is exceptionally cold compared to other parts of the country.
  2. The Holy Family of Nazareth parish in Oulu has a unique history rooted in missionary work and community building.
  3. The Catholic Church in Finland faces challenges of secularization but focuses on community, family, and transmitting faith through generations.

‘Isä Raimo’ - The bishop casting deep in frozen Finland

314 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Church Prayer Theology
  1. Helsinki experienced extremely cold temperatures but saw a slight increase in the weather.
  2. The Diocese of Helsinki welcomed a new bishop after a period of vacancy, covering all of Finland.
  3. Bishop Raimo Goyarrola is actively involved in various projects to strengthen the Catholic Church in Finland, such as establishing a theological school, Catholic school, and enhancing digital evangelization.

My Roman nemesis, bottle episodes, and the Seinfeld synod

1061 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Catholicism Church Theology
  1. The synod on synodality involves diverse descriptions like ecclesial reform, renewal, and revolution, leading to broad mistrust among Catholics.
  2. About 25% of the voting members at the synod are non-bishops, raising concerns about non-bishop votes deciding resolutions.
  3. The impact of the synod on synodality on the Church's narrative and mission may be limited, with expectations of it being more of a 'bottle episode' and a 'departure episode'.

Our Father, Fr. Rupnik, and the devil’s paradox

923 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Church Spiritual warfare
  1. The retreat focused on praying the Our Father with sincerity and what it means to call God our Father.
  2. A monk was murdered in the Nigerian Diocese of Ilorin, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Church in Nigeria.
  3. Pope Francis' decision to waive the statute of limitations for Fr. Marko Rupnik's prosecution showcases the importance of listening attentively and compassionately to victims.

In Venezuela, activists cry foul after reported priest suicide

294 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Crime Government Corruption
  1. Fr. Josiah K'Okal was a Kenyan missionary living in Venezuela who advocated for the human rights of indigenous communities, particularly the Warao people.
  2. His death was ruled a suicide, but activists, media, and Catholics believe foul play was involved due to inconsistencies in the case.
  3. K'Okal's work to expose human trafficking and defend indigenous rights in a region plagued by criminal groups raised suspicions about the circumstances of his death.

What's Finnish for Catholic?

216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Catholicism International Community Church
  1. The city of Helsinki was covered in snow, which was a new experience for someone from a hot city. Different nationalities and languages come together at St. Henry's Cathedral for Mass, creating a diverse and international parish community.
  2. Despite its small size, St. Henry's Cathedral in Helsinki hosts Masses in 11 languages, catering to a wide range of immigrant communities. The cathedral itself has historical significance and plays a central role in the local Catholic community.
  3. The Catholic Church in Finland is growing, especially with an increase in conversions during and after the pandemic. The church provides a supportive environment for diverse communities, with a focus on family and fostering a strong faith community.

'The dubia' and dental discernment

884 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Saints Church Theology
  1. October offers a rich collection of saints and Catholic history for celebration.
  2. God calls us to a demanding path of holiness, starting with prayer and attending Mass.
  3. The recent discussions in the Church highlight the importance of adhering to Church doctrine for pastoral discernment.

‘Cardinal Bigfoot’ and the return of la Suprema?

176 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Doctrine
  1. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández has brought attention and controversy to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
  2. Fernández has made significant moves in the department, from addressing same-sex unions to issuing clarifications on sacraments.
  3. His actions have stirred reactions from other Vatican departments, raising questions about his approach and impact.

A school of vocations

196 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Education Church Catholicism Homeschooling
  1. There has been a significant decline in the number of Catholic schools in the U.S. over the last 50 years.
  2. While the number of Catholic colleges decreased, the number of students enrolled in these colleges increased.
  3. The percentage of Catholic children attending Catholic schools has reduced, but Catholic education still influences vocations like priesthood.

Suiting up, making the case, and guess who’s coming to dinner

805 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Church Events Justice History
  1. Pope Francis is creating new cardinals in a consistory this weekend, and it's a tradition full of pomp and pageantry in Rome.
  2. Wearing fancy uniforms and titles like 'cardinal' signify belonging to a greater purpose and celebration of collective work.
  3. The Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is urging Church leaders to prioritize reforms for abuse survivors during upcoming events like the Synod of Bishops.

Starting Seven: February 1, 2024

176 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Commentary
  1. Luke Coppen guides readers to interesting Catholic news and comment each weekday.
  2. Access to the post is for paying subscribers only.
  3. Options to subscribe or log in are available for those interested in accessing the content.

On USCCB Bible license fees, ‘the money is not the point’

176 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Licensing Worship Scripture Church
  1. Parishes are required to pay licensing fees to reprint Scripture in worship aids to discourage parish production of liturgical worship aids.
  2. The USCCB owns the copyright for the New American Bible to ensure correct handling of the text.
  3. Licensing fees are meant to deter parishes from creating worship aids that may not include all necessary elements for liturgical accuracy.

‘The plane’s going down’ — am I absolved, generally speaking?

176 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Church Prayer
  1. Emergency landings due to aircraft issues can happen, but thankfully, no one was hurt this time.
  2. The sacrament of penance, also known as confession or reconciliation, is a way for the baptized to seek forgiveness for sins.
  3. General absolution, done in specific circumstances like a crashing airplane, offers a collective pardon, but individuals should plan to confess individually later on.

Feverish enthusiasm, no pleasing some people, and being Batman

786 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Society History
  1. The editor took a vacation and had to deal with being sick, but found a silver lining in being away from work and off his phone.
  2. Pope Francis is making a significant trip to Mongolia and there's an interesting article about Catholicism in the country.
  3. There is an impactful story about sexual assault charges being dropped against Theodore McCarrick due to mental incompetence.

Mother Teresa, the news, and 'where’s the salt?'

746 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Catholicism Saints Church
  1. Mother Teresa found Christ in the poor, loved them deeply, and considered prayer life essential.
  2. Unity among priests in dioceses is crucial for successful large projects like parish consolidations.
  3. Pope Francis and Pope Benedict have cited theologian Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, raising questions about the compatibility of his work with Catholic doctrine.