The hottest Catholicism Substack posts right now

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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

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

The Pillar • 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.

New Hampshire, 'abashed' silence, and smoking fast

The Pillar • 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.

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

The Pillar • 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.
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‘One step forward?’ — How some American Catholics experience ‘Fiducia supplicans’

The Pillar • 393 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Catholicism
  1. Misunderstandings about church doctrine can lead to curiosity and a desire for a relationship with God.
  2. Some gay and same-sex attracted Catholics may not find comfort in recent Church pronouncements.
  3. Pastoral accompaniment and building trust are crucial for supporting all Catholics, regardless of their relationship status.

My Roman nemesis, bottle episodes, and the Seinfeld synod

The Pillar • 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'.

What's Finnish for Catholic?

The Pillar • 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.

A school of vocations

The Pillar • 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.

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

The Pillar • 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.

Why Catholics Should Support the Transhumanist Goal of Extended Life

Extropic Thoughts • 58 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Catholicism Transhumanism Moral Philosophy Life Extension
  1. Catholics should have a generally favorable attitude towards transhumanism and the pursuit of greatly extended maximum life spans.
  2. The Catholic Church has no objection to supporting efforts to combat aging and extend human life spans.
  3. Extending human life spans can provide more time to develop virtue, do good works, serve God, and save souls.