…he’s looking for another way to live and work: Why? Two reasons. The first is one I hope anyone can understand: although it has been the most rewarding experience in my writing career, I’ve now been blogging daily for fifteen years straight (well kinda straight). That’s long enough to do any single job. In some ways, it’s as simple as that. There comes a time when you have to move on to new things, shake your world up, or recognize... Read more
He is the most exhausting pope of my lifetime. Deacon Greg sent this cute video to me today, and while I appreciate its cleverness and the work that went into it, I couldn’t help but think, “I’m getting burned out on Francis.” I’m getting burned out, not because I dislike him. I like Francis just fine, although Pope Benedict XVI will always be the pontiff of my heart, because his writings have penetrated it and poured the merciful balm of... Read more
This morning Kyle Cupp asked people to name their favorite toys from childhood. These sorts of questions, which Kyle calls “mindless” are becoming a regular Monday feature for him — last week he wanted to know what film adaptation of a book most disappointed us. For the record, my answer last week was the 1970’s tv-movie version of In This House of Brede which took a knife to Rumer Godden’s brilliant novel and chopped it into something barely recognizable. Even... Read more
I really enjoyed this Sade Strehlke piece in the WSJ magazine this weekend: “The Emperors of Xi’an”: IN 2008, DAVID SHI, the chef at Xi’an Famous Foods in Queens, New York, called his son, Jason Wang, and said in Chinese, “There’s a tall, old white dude here with a film crew; do you know who he is?” He snapped a photo of the guest—stooped over a plate of lamb burgers seasoned with cumin and dressed with hot peppers and pickled... Read more
Just did a few minutes on Relevant Radio as Hot Air’s Ed Morrissey sits in for Drew Mariani, and we discussed the plight of Ashley Bridges, and prayed for her on the air, using this prayer, which I am posting here for anyone who is seeking it out: Lord, the one you love is sick…it’s Ashley Bridges, whose love has been so great, and whose desire, in the wealth of your greatness and your mercy, is so very small. Have... Read more
That would be Bishop Christopher Coyne, lately of Indianapolis, and now the Bishop-Designate of Burlington, Vermont. His move has inspired him to update and upgrade his website, “Let us Walk Together” (aka www.bishopcoyne.org), and it’s all-around, pretty great, with a blog, his podcasts his social media activities, which are always full of great spiritual prompts or good humor, and sometimes simply present the bishop talking to us as he’s driving, in a very casual and informal way. He is a... Read more
It was only about six months ago that Max Lindenman decided it was time to strike his tent, and we reluctantly let him fly away, with hopes that he would soon return. Since then Max has been freelancing from his new digs in Turkey — publishing a number of snappy and informative pieces with Aleteia — and also has submitted a couple of really interesting pieces to our feature page, The Font. But Patheos, for better or worse, is Max’s... Read more
You know, just about the time you need to feel good about something, just about the time you need to believe that people are more — so, so much more — than the formless ranting that comes through to us over the ether every day, as we dip further and further into the reality/unreality that is the internet, you click on Twitter and a story like this comes along, and it gives all the headlines, all the divisive narratives, and... Read more
I know you’ve missed him — so many of you have emailed asking, “where has The Bad Catholic gone, I miss reading him! Will he be back?” And I kept saying, “I sure hope so,” because I missed him, too. As both a mother and an editor, I know sometimes the birdies gotta spread their wings and fly, but when I wave them goodbye, it is always with the hope that they’ll come around again, at least for a visit.... Read more
Every once in a while we’re happy to introduce readers to a new face with a developing voice, and so today it is a pleasure to make known to you Monique Ocampo, a young cradle-Catholic who has been freelancing, and staying very busy on Facebook, where I first read her. At that time, Monique was mentioning a vocational discernment, and because that’s at topic of interest for many, it’s one she will put some energy into exploring, here at Patheos.... Read more
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