Matt C. Abbott column

Matt C. Abbott is a Catholic commentator with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication, media and theatre from Northeastern Illinois University. He also has an Associate in Applied Science degree in business management from Triton College. Abbott has been interviewed on HLN, MSNBC, Bill Martinez Live, WOSU Radio in Ohio, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's 2019 ‘Unsolved’ podcast about the unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz, Alex Shuman's 'Smoke Screen: Fake Priest' podcast, WLS-TV (ABC) in Chicago, WMTV (NBC) and WISC-TV (CBS) in Madison, Wisconsin. He’s been quoted in The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune and other media outlets. He’s mentioned in the 2020 Report on the Holy See's Institutional Knowledge and Decision-Making Related to Former Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick (1930 to 2017), which can be found on the Vatican's website. He can be reached at mattcabbott@gmail.com.



(Note: I welcome and appreciate thoughtful feedback. Insults will be ignored. Only in very select cases will I honor a request to have a telephone conversation about a topic in my column. Email is much preferred. God bless you and please keep me in your prayers!)



Taking secrets to the grave: Father Kunz murder, 26 years unsolved
Matt C. Abbott
February 27, 2024

“This is the hardest type of ‘who-dun-it’ case for law enforcement: a solitary man, with no (or very limited) witnesses to his life. No calendar, no . . .


Pope Francis: Don’t pray it away…Bless gay!
Matt C. Abbott
December 20, 2023

Once again, it seems Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio for those who believe he’s a gaslighting antipope) wants to change Catholic teaching without changing . . .


‘Future Events: A Prophecy of Coming Times’
Matt C. Abbott
December 16, 2023

Catholic author and journalist Michael H. Brown, editor of SpiritDaily.com, has a new book out: Future Events: A Prophecy of Coming Times. Click here to order a . . .


A pro-life charity watchlist
Matt C. Abbott
December 2, 2023

Below is an edited version of a recent press release from Tom Ciesielka, spokesman for American Life League. ____________________ In a season of . . .


First new children’s book highlights the doctrine of purgatory
Matt C. Abbott
October 16, 2023

Below is an interview with Catholic author Susan Tassone, who discusses her newly-published first book for children on purgatory, New Friends Now and Forever: A . . .


FACE trial: the transgender man and the turncoat woman
Matt C. Abbott
August 31, 2023

Five pro-life activists were convicted Aug. 29 in a Washington, D.C., federal court for participating in a non-violent rescue in October 2020.  . . .


Tears from heaven
Matt C. Abbott
August 19, 2023

I posed the following question (via email) to Father Chris Alar of the Marian Fathers: Regarding the Church-approved apparition at La Salette: the Blessed . . .


Did Catholic school fire principal for being too Catholic?
Matt C. Abbott
August 8, 2023

I’ve written about the Darnowski family in past columns (see here, here and here). One of the Darnowski children is my godchild. There’s been an unfortunate . . .


Protecting your life in this culture of death
Matt C. Abbott
June 24, 2023

The following article was written and submitted to me by pro-life leaders Judie Brown and Julie Grimstad. –––––– . . .


Bishop, nuns locked in bitter public feud
Matt C. Abbott
June 13, 2023

A bitter feud that began weeks ago between the bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth and a Carmelite monastery has reached a fever pitch. Lawyers, a lawsuit, and . . .


MLB’s Dodgers, anti-Catholic bigotry and the SPI
Matt C. Abbott
May 31, 2023

It’s extremely disappointing to the see the Los Angeles Dodgers honoring a group that celebrates the mocking of Christianity in general and Catholicism in . . .


The case of the Rev. Christopher Senk
Matt C. Abbott
May 27, 2023

I recently received the following email (lightly edited by me) from Father Christopher Senk of Fort Myers, Florida: I have not been allowed to function as . . .


An eerie coincidence – or Godincidence?
Matt C. Abbott
May 16, 2023

An eerie coincidence – or perhaps Godincidence – I came to realize in recent months: My father, Geoffrey J. Abbott, passed away last year. April 15, 2022, . . .


McCarrick-on-Geneva Lake, Wisconsin
Matt C. Abbott
April 19, 2023

According to an April 16 statement from the Wisconsin Department of Justice: Attorney General Josh Kaul and Walworth County District Attorney Zeke . . .


‘Not guilty’ priests treated as guilty
Matt C. Abbott
March 13, 2023

Two Catholic priests who Church officials found not guilty of abuse are still being kept out of public ministry by their bishops. According to a recent story . . .


Father Kunz murder: 25 years unsolved
Matt C. Abbott
February 28, 2023

(The following is an updated version of an article published on the websites of The Remnant and Catholic Family News in 2021. Also, I appeared on a recent and . . .


Are Project Veritas, Priests for Life in turmoil?
Matt C. Abbott
February 13, 2023

Two organizations known for their political conservatism and activism are apparently experiencing a degree of turmoil: Project Veritas and Priests for Life.  . . .


Significant growth of the Society of St. Pius X?
Matt C. Abbott
January 26, 2023

From a Jan. 18 e-letter written by Dr. Robert Moynihan, founder and editor-in-chief of Inside the Vatican magazine, in which he quotes an anonymous in-the-know . . .


Suspended Duluth priest: the Vatican vindicated me
Matt C. Abbott
December 30, 2022

In 2016, Father William C. Graham was removed from public ministry for what the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, deemed a credible allegation of abuse. In 2018, . . .


Alabama priest mocks defrocked Father Frank Pavone
Matt C. Abbott
December 19, 2022

I’m saddened and angered – though not exactly surprised given the current state of the Church – that Frank Pavone has been dismissed from the priesthood.  . . .


Board again clears Pfleger of abuse allegations
Matt C. Abbott
December 13, 2022

Father Michael Pfleger has again been cleared of alleged sexual abuse by the Archdiocese of Chicago’s independent review board. From WGNTV.com:  . . .


HLN/CNN features Latin Mass priest’s unsolved murder
Matt C. Abbott
November 23, 2022

HLN, an American cable news channel owned by CNN Global, will include in its new season of Real Life Nightmare with Paul Holes an episode featuring the 1998 . . .


Dr. Anthony Caruso and Richard Freeman, RIP
Matt C. Abbott
October 26, 2022

I don’t recall ever meeting Dr. Anthony Caruso or Richard Freeman, but both men were well known and respected in the Chicago area pro-life community for years . . .


The post-‘Roe’ cultural backlash
Matt C. Abbott
September 29, 2022

Although I’m very glad Roe v. Wade was overturned earlier this year in the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, I think it . . .


‘Killers’ of the Latin Mass
Matt C. Abbott
July 23, 2022

Just as a still-unknown killer slashed the throat of Latin Mass priest Father Alfred Kunz of Dane, Wisconsin in 1998, Cardinal Blase Cupich has reportedly . . .


Peaceful, moral protesting
Matt C. Abbott
July 18, 2022

When does protesting cross the line? Should there be self-imposed ethical limits to protesting, even though we who live in the United States enjoy the First . . .


My New York Times letter on Dobbs/Roe
Matt C. Abbott
June 27, 2022

I have a short letter to the editor on The New York Times’ website. It’s the sixth letter from the top and the only one on the page that supports the . . .


Stephanie Lynn Klatt, RIP
Matt C. Abbott
June 1, 2022

Catholic writer and pro-life activist Stephanie Lynn Klatt, 48, passed away unexpectedly on May 21. Stephanie was an acquaintance of mine when I lived in . . .


Geoffrey J. Abbott, RIP
Matt C. Abbott
April 19, 2022

Over the last several years I haven’t written as many columns as I once did. A key reason for this is that my father, Geoffrey J. Abbott, was diagnosed with a . . .


24 years and still no closure in priest’s murder
Matt C. Abbott
March 2, 2022

March 4, 2022 marks the 24th anniversary of the unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz, a priest and canon law expert known for celebrating the Traditional Latin . . .


Persecuted priests: Perrone, Phillips
Matt C. Abbott
January 13, 2022

Father Eduard Perrone has lost an appeal to reinstate a dismissed defamation lawsuit against Monsignor G. Michael Bugarin, a fellow Archdiocese of Detroit . . .


Briefly sharing the stage with Smollett
Matt C. Abbott
December 10, 2021

I guess this could be considered a footnote in my life. Several years ago I briefly shared the stage with now-convicted felon Jussie Smollett during the . . .


Vast financial corruption in the Church?
Matt C. Abbott
November 25, 2021

An Illinois-based Catholic activist who in the late 1990s was largely responsible for the “resignation” of a corrupt and wicked bishop – and whose past . . .


Priests react to Rittenhouse verdict
Matt C. Abbott
November 20, 2021

Two well-known activist priests have very different views on the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict. Rittenhouse, 18, was found not guilty of all charges on Nov. 19 in . . .


Four unsolved cases
Matt C. Abbott
November 5, 2021

In addition to the 1998 unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz – a case I’ve been following and writing about for a number of years – I’m also . . .


Two pro-life victories outside of Texas
Matt C. Abbott
September 19, 2021

In addition to what recently occurred in Texas, there are pro-life victories to report in Florida and in Michigan. They won’t get the massive media attention . . .


Pope Francis on the Latin Mass and abortion
Matt C. Abbott
September 4, 2021

On the whole, Pope Francis’ pontificate has been deeply disappointing to me for various reasons (see here), including his treatment of the Traditional Latin . . .


Exorcist: ‘America needs deliverance’
Matt C. Abbott
August 16, 2021

The following are excerpts from the recently-released book ‘Diary of an American Exorcist,’ by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, D.Min., Ph.D. Thanks to Sophia . . .


Catholic parents sue a ‘woke’ Catholic school
Matt C. Abbott
July 27, 2021

Catholic philanthropists and parents Anthony and Barbara Scarpo filed a lawsuit June 26 against the Academy of the Holy Names, a Catholic school in Tampa, Fla., . . .


Two accused priests and church politics
Matt C. Abbott
July 16, 2021

In January 2021, Father Michael Pfleger, known for his community activism and a frequent media presence, was temporarily removed from public ministry while the . . .


Prominent priest says he won’t be charged with assault
Matt C. Abbott
June 19, 2021

In a development in the case of Father George Rutler, the prominent priest-author-commentator released the following statement a few days ago to LifeSiteNews . . .


Scrutinizing sex abuse allegations
Matt C. Abbott
May 14, 2021

Sexual abuse is, obviously, a terrible evil. So while allegations of sexual abuse must always be taken very seriously, they shouldn’t be deemed credible . . .


A friend of Corapi speaks
Matt C. Abbott
May 5, 2021

Previously in this column, I’ve featured the work of Catholic author, radio host and evangelist Jesse Romero (see here and here). Romero, who has an excellent . . .


A priest’s regret and my regrets
Matt C. Abbott
April 22, 2021

I read with interest an April 21 news story from the Chicago Sun-Times, excerpted below:  . . .


George Halas and ‘Sportsmanship’
Matt C. Abbott
April 14, 2021

Below is an excerpt from the book Sportsmanship, by Patrick McCaskey. Thanks to Larry Norris of Sporting Chance Press for allowing me to publish this excerpt in . . .


More deathbed visions
Matt C. Abbott
April 6, 2021

One of my favorite books in recent years is An Army in Heaven, by Kelley Jankowski, a nurse who spent over 25 years in critical care before going into hospice . . .


‘Aid for Women’: Tacorra’s story
Matt C. Abbott
March 25, 2021

Aid for Women, founded in 1978, “helps thousands of women each year in the Chicago metropolitan area who find themselves facing unexpected pregnancies. Each . . .


A deacon’s miracle
Matt C. Abbott
March 19, 2021

The following short story was written by Deacon Peter Robinson of Christ the King Catholic Parish in Lombard, Ill., published in this column with his permission . . .


Jesuits ‘Wrestling with Whiteness’; New documentary honors Scheidler legacy
Matt C. Abbott
March 11, 2021

The Jesuits – specifically, the Jesuits West – will be hosting a series of training sessions titled “Wrestling with Whiteness.” See their Facebook post . . .


The power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Matt C. Abbott
March 8, 2021

The following Lenten reflection (lightly edited) was written by Father Ray Guthrie, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Geneva, Wis. Thanks to Father . . .


Wisconsin Catholic priest’s brutal murder remains unsolved
Matt C. Abbott
February 26, 2021

March 4, 2021 will be the 23rd anniversary of the still-unsolved homicide of Father Alfred Kunz, a priest and canon law expert of the Diocese of Madison, . . .


Catholic perspectives on divorce, annulments
Matt C. Abbott
February 11, 2021

A sensitive but important topic in Catholic circles. From Vatican News (Jan. 29): Pope Francis…addressed the officials of the Tribunal of the Roman . . .


Chicago abortion facility closes permanently
Matt C. Abbott
February 1, 2021

The following e-letter was written by Suzanne and Pietrina Probst. God bless everyone involved in this pro-life endeavor! ___________________________  . . .


On suffering and the Christian faith
Matt C. Abbott
January 27, 2021

Below is the foreword to Susan Tassone’s latest book, Praying with Jesus and Faustina during Lent and in Times of Suffering. Thanks to Sophia Institute Press . . .


Joe Scheidler and Mike Busse, R.I.P.
Matt C. Abbott
January 20, 2021

Two pro-life stalwarts died recently: notable veteran activist Joseph M. Scheidler (Jan. 18), the founder and national director of the Chicago-based Pro-Life . . .


A brief reflection on the election
Matt C. Abbott
January 13, 2021

In 2016, I was pleasantly surprised when Donald Trump won the presidential election. I feared he’d lose to pro-abortion Hillary Clinton. Fast forward to 20 . . .


Merry Christmas!
Matt C. Abbott
December 22, 2020

Wishing all my readers a blessed Christmas! Thank you for your continued prayers. The following are two Christmas-themed poems composed by Susan E. Gorski . . .


Adoption, faith, and hope
Matt C. Abbott
December 8, 2020

Earlier this year, I featured the story of the Darnowski family and their efforts to adopt two children with special needs from Ukraine.  . . .


My minor role in exposing McCarrick
Matt C. Abbott
November 26, 2020

To my pleasant surprise, my name and column are mentioned in the Vatican’s recently-released 449-page report on disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick. . . .


Chicago priest: I’m voting for Trump
Matt C. Abbott
November 2, 2020

In a recent email sent to friends and supporters, Father Charlie Becker, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, wrote (slightly edited and published with his . . .


Satanism in the Catholic Church?
Matt C. Abbott
October 29, 2020

A “Captain Obvious” statement: Satanism has infiltrated the Catholic Church. How prevalent is it? Hard to say, but I fear it’s more widespread than many . . .


A longtime pro-life organization bids adieu
Matt C. Abbott
October 14, 2020

Hospice Patients Alliance, which for 22 years has advocated on behalf of the elderly, infirm and vulnerable by exposing corruption in the hospice and palliative . . .


Pro-life attorney respected RBG
Matt C. Abbott
September 20, 2020

A pro-life attorney for whom I have a great deal of respect, Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the laudable Thomas More Society, released the . . .


Father James Altman, Democrats, abortion
Matt C. Abbott
September 12, 2020

When it comes to politics, I’m certain about one thing: I will never vote for a candidate who supports the unrestricted killing of preborn children through . . .


Brian Kindzia, R.I.P.
Matt C. Abbott
August 2, 2020

Dedicated Catholic and pro-life activist Brian Kindzia died July 26. He was only 45. Kindzia was a reader of my column and occasionally sent me emails. In 20 . . .


Jesus the ‘imperfect’?
Matt C. Abbott
July 31, 2020

CNN commentator Don Lemon recently caused a stir by asserting that “Jesus Christ admittedly was not perfect when he was here on the Earth.”  . . .


The priest who denounced the radical leftism of Black Lives Matter
Matt C. Abbott
July 5, 2020

Catholic priests – especially those who (rightly) reject modernism and its numerous tentacles – have to be extremely careful about what they publicly . . .


Bishop ‘sidelines’ pro-life, pro-family priest
Matt C. Abbott
June 27, 2020

Father Joseph Klee of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, has been “sidelined” for an indefinite period of time by his bishop, Robert J. Brennan. I’ve . . .


Prelates respond to article on slain priest Kunz
Matt C. Abbott
June 12, 2020

I emailed my April 29, 2020 Catholic Exchange article “The Haunting Unsolved Murder of Fr. Kunz” (which contains a wonderful reflection by Father Richard . . .


Accused priest appealing to Rome
Matt C. Abbott
May 20, 2020

In 2018, I featured the case of Father William C. Graham of the Diocese of Duluth, Minn. Graham was “designated as 'credibly accused' of sexual misconduct by . . .


SSPX instituting abuse review board
Matt C. Abbott
May 9, 2020

In the wake of several recently-published investigative reports by ChurchMilitant.com, the Society of Saint Pius X is establishing a review board to investigate . . .


Doctors sue to stop surgical abortions in Minnesota during COVID-19 pandemic
Matt C. Abbott
April 30, 2020

The following is an April 29 news release (edited) from Tom Ciesielka, spokesman for the excellent pro-life, pro-family law firm Thomas More Society: A . . .


‘A Catholic Vote for Trump’
Matt C. Abbott
April 27, 2020

The following is a brief interview with Catholic author, radio host and evangelist Jesse Romero. Below the interview is an excerpt from Romero’s latest book, . . .


Short stories of faith
Matt C. Abbott
April 24, 2020

Below are two short stories from the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Everyday Catholicism, Real Stories of God in Our Lives, by LeAnn Thieman. “These true . . .


'Impossible’ marriages redeemed
Matt C. Abbott
April 18, 2020

Catholic author Leila Miller writes the following about her recently-released book “Impossible” Marriages Redeemed: They Didn't End the Story in the Middle: . . .


Priests laud Trump's response to COVID-19 pandemic
Matt C. Abbott
April 8, 2020

I asked two Catholic priests whose work I greatly respect to comment on President Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Father Shenan J. Boquet, . . .


'Jesus speaks to Faustina and you'
Matt C. Abbott
April 1, 2020

Below is the foreword to Catholic author Susan Tassone's latest book, Jesus Speaks to Faustina and You, published by Sophia Institute Press. The book has been . . .


COVID-19 patients, discrimination, abortion
Matt C. Abbott
March 24, 2020

The following is a March 23 news release (edited) from Tom Ciesielka, spokesman for the Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund and the Thomas More Society:  . . .


Priestly words of encouragement during COVID-19 crisis
Matt C. Abbott
March 20, 2020

The following are words of spiritual encouragement (lightly edited) from four Catholic priests regarding the COVID-19 crisis. –––– . . .


Invoke Saint Corona, writes priest
Matt C. Abbott
March 15, 2020

In response to my March 13 column, "Coronavirus and divine chastisement," Father John P. Trigilio Jr., Ph.D., Th.D., director of pastoral formation at Mount St. . . .


Coronavirus and divine chastisement
Matt C. Abbott
March 13, 2020

Is the coronavirus (COVID-19) a divine chastisement? I posed that question to Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of Tyler, Texas, and Father Frank Pavone of Priests . . .


Fatima's signs and wonders
Matt C. Abbott
March 10, 2020

The following are excerpts from The Fruits of Fatima: A Century of Signs and Wonders, by Joseph Pronechen. Thanks to Sophia Institute Press (publisher of Dr. . . .


Priest's unsolved murder: 22 years later
Matt C. Abbott
March 3, 2020

March 4, 2020 is the 22nd anniversary of the unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz, a priest and canon law expert of the Diocese of Madison, Wis. Kunz was . . .


Papal tide may be turning, writes priest
Matt C. Abbott
February 29, 2020

Is Pope Francis now leaning more toward Catholic orthodoxy? Father Brian W. Harrison, O.S., hopes that might be the case. (So do I!)  . . .


A corrupt bishop and a murdered priest
Matt C. Abbott
February 24, 2020

As we approach the 22nd anniversary of the unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz (March 4), I'm republishing, courtesy of ChurchMilitant.com, part two of a six . . .


Catholic family to adopt babies with special needs
Matt C. Abbott
February 16, 2020

The Darnowskis, a large Catholic family I featured in a 2017 column, hope to welcome at least two more additions to their family through international adoption. . . .


A tale about virtue and strife
Matt C. Abbott
February 12, 2020

Pro-life Catholic Roger R. Klass has written a story titled Virtue and Strife: A Christian Adventure, recently published by Resource Publications, an imprint of . . .


Pro-lifers to protest speaker at L.A. cathedral
Matt C. Abbott
February 4, 2020

A doctor who has voiced his support for Planned Parenthood (click here for the proof) is scheduled to speak at a Feb. 7, 2020 "Caring for the Whole Person" . . .


The exorcism and death of Anneliese Michel
Matt C. Abbott
January 16, 2020

The following are excerpts from the book Anneliese Michel: A True Story of a Case of Demonic Possession, by Father Jose Antonio Fortea and Lawrence E.U. LeBlanc . . .


Two Catholic priests sue for defamation
Matt C. Abbott
December 19, 2019

A recent statement (slightly edited) from attorney Paul Jonna, who represents Catholic activist Stephen Brady (who has a good track record of exposing . . .


Death-peddling devils deal David Daleiden a defeat -- for now
Matt C. Abbott
December 16, 2019

A letter (edited) from the desk of Tom Brejcha, founder and president of the Thomas More Society... –––––––– . . .


'Our Lord...could not grow in the womb of a sinner'
Matt C. Abbott
December 10, 2019

Below is the text of a Dec. 8, 2019 homily given by a priest who wishes to remain anonymous. ––––––––– . . .


'The Devil in the City of Angels'
Matt C. Abbott
November 20, 2019

Below is an excerpt from The Devil in the City of Angels, by Jesse Romero. Thanks to TAN Books for allowing me to publish this excerpt in my column. Click here . . .


Abortion foes Daleiden, Newman convicted in RICO case
Matt C. Abbott
November 17, 2019

An unfortunate yet unsurprising verdict was handed down in a California court Nov. 15. From Tom Ciesielka, spokesman for the Thomas More Society (edited):  . . .


The unholy 69
Matt C. Abbott
November 13, 2019

From the current meeting of the U.S. Catholic bishops, Bishop Joseph Strickland tweeted Nov. 12: "Thank God the USCCB voted to uphold the preeminence of the . . .


'Infiltration and the election of Pope Francis'
Matt C. Abbott
November 8, 2019

Below is an excerpt (not including footnotes) from the 2019 book Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within, by Dr. Taylor Marshall. Thanks to . . .


Catholic priest (thankfully) denies Communion to Joe Biden
Matt C. Abbott
October 30, 2019

Father Robert Morey, pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, South Carolina, should be commended for denying Holy Communion to pro-abortion . . .


On Christ, sin, contrition, and mercy
Matt C. Abbott
October 18, 2019

Below is the text of a homily given Oct. 13 by a priest in the United States who wishes to remain anonymous. Thanks to "Father X" for permitting me to publish . . .


Priest-activist blasts Dems' impeachment push
Matt C. Abbott
October 14, 2019

I asked Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, for his take on a recent Fox News Poll showing that 51 percent of voters want President . . .


'The Way of Simple Love...'
Matt C. Abbott
October 1, 2019

Below is an email interview I conducted with Father Gary Caster, author of The Way of Simple Love: Inspiring Words from St. Thérèse of Lisieux, published this . . .


Did abortionist Ulrich Klopfer repent before his death?
Matt C. Abbott
September 17, 2019

It was yet another horrid story that made national, even international, headlines. More than 2,200 aborted babies were discovered at the Illinois home of . . .


'The priests we need...'
Matt C. Abbott
August 29, 2019

From an Aug. 19 article at the website of Crisis Magazine, written by Kevin Wells (excerpted; click here to read the article in its entirety): It's coming up . . .


Accused priest sues Catholic watchdog group
Matt C. Abbott
August 23, 2019

Veteran Catholic activist Stephen Brady, founder and president of the Illinois-based Catholic watchdog group Roman Catholic Faithful, is being sued by an . . .


Debating the roots of the clergy abuse crisis
Matt C. Abbott
July 23, 2019

Christopher Adam of Canada recently wrote in an email to me (lightly edited): I had an opportunity to read your column from May 2013 on Father Andrew Greeley. . . .


Franciscan priest-author: GOP is racist
Matt C. Abbott
July 21, 2019

The leftist Daniel P. Horan, OFM, is at it again. Earlier this year, the Franciscan priest-professor-author (who isn't quite as high-profile as the equally . . .


A Kalchik, Cupich showdown looming?
Matt C. Abbott
July 15, 2019

From ChurchMilitant.com (July 11): In spite of backlash from Catholics, Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS) is doubling down on plans to host Cdl. . . .


On suffering and the cross of Christ
Matt C. Abbott
July 11, 2019

Below is the text (lightly edited) of a recent homily given by a Catholic priest in the United States who wishes to remain anonymous. ––– . . .


Cupich: pastor incited hatred against church hierarchy
Matt C. Abbott
June 19, 2019

Father Paul Kalchik is presently "in hiding" after being ousted from his Chicago parish by Cardinal Blase Cupich, but he's still able to make his voice heard . . .


'Infiltration'
Matt C. Abbott
June 6, 2019

A new book by Dr. Taylor R. Marshall has elicited strong, divergent reactions from concerned Catholic writers, including Dr. Jeff Mirus, co-founder of . . .


Entering the priesthood, leaving the priesthood
Matt C. Abbott
May 28, 2019


Wikipedia contains baseless claim about slain priest
Matt C. Abbott
May 20, 2019

Wikipedia is a mixed bag, for sure. Entries must always be scrutinized for accuracy. Disputes arise over use of certain news sources. Edits can be made, re . . .


'Cooking with the Saints'
Matt C. Abbott
May 17, 2019

I can barely make a sandwich, but Catholics who enjoy cooking and baking may be interested in the newly-released book Cooking with the Saints, by Alexandra . . .


The concern about organ donation
Matt C. Abbott
April 23, 2019

The following essay was written by Julie Grimstad, president of the Healthcare Advocacy and Leadership Organization. ––––– . . .


Priest-activist reiterates support for Trump
Matt C. Abbott
April 18, 2019

From Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life: When I was asked to be a member of the Pro-life Advisory Coalition for Donald Trump's campaign . . .


Cupich's selective justice?
Matt C. Abbott
April 10, 2019

From an April 6 letter, written by Cardinal Blase Cupich, posted at the Archdiocese of Chicago's website: Dear Parishioners of San José Luis Sánchez del Río . . .


New 60-second video personalizes the unborn child
Matt C. Abbott
March 29, 2019

A news release (slightly edited) from Texas-based Life Dynamics: How do we personalize the unborn child? That's the question Mark Crutcher, president of Life . . .


New book by 'the purgatory lady'
Matt C. Abbott
March 17, 2019

Below is the foreword, written by Bishop Thomas Olmsted, to Day by Day with St. Faustina: 365 Reflections, by Susan Tassone – affectionately known as "the . . .


Planned Parenthood volunteer hired by Catholic school in Chicago; Cupich slow to act on child porn priest
Matt C. Abbott
March 7, 2019

In a March 5 story, ChurchMilitant.com reported: Saint Cajetan, a Catholic school in the archdiocese of Chicago, is backing a teacher who openly admits to . . .


The unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz: 21 years later
Matt C. Abbott
March 4, 2019

This is the 21st anniversary of the unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz, a priest and canon law expert of the Diocese of Madison, Wis. He was known for . . .


Sexual assault in the U.S. abortion industry
Matt C. Abbott
February 28, 2019


Church-approved medical killings?
Matt C. Abbott
February 25, 2019

The following e-letter (slightly edited) was recently sent to supporters of the pro-life organization LifeTree by its executive director, Elizabeth D. Wickham, . . .


Bishop: Catholic group's 'mission is evil'
Matt C. Abbott
February 11, 2019

On Feb. 6, Bishop Robert D. Gruss of Rapid City, S.D., ordered a letter "[t]o be read from the pulpit at all Masses in the Diocese of Rapid City during the . . .


'Father Amorth: My Battle Against Satan'
Matt C. Abbott
January 31, 2019

Below are excerpts from the recently-released book Father Amorth: My Battle Against Satan. From Sophia Institute Press: When Father Amorth died in 2016, he . . .


Pro-life wife pens letter to priests
Matt C. Abbott
January 30, 2019

Stefanie Fell of Virginia felt inspired to pen a letter to a number of her diocesan priests imploring them to preach and inform parishioners about abortion . . .


Catholic priest calls March for Life 'repulsive'
Matt C. Abbott
January 20, 2019

Father Daniel P. Horan, OFM, just might be given an award by Planned Parenthood sometime soon. Well, maybe not officially. But based on a very recent tweet of . . .


Apostolate seeks to oust Chicago cardinal
Matt C. Abbott
January 10, 2019

On Jan. 5, I attended a conference organized by Roman Catholic Faithful, headed by veteran Catholic activist Stephen Brady, who was largely responsible for the  . . .


Vatican's McCarrick, Maciel madness
Matt C. Abbott
January 3, 2019

Being one of the very few Catholic commentators to expose 14 years ago then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick's scandalous abuse of power with seminarians, I found . . .


The troubling votes of John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh
Matt C. Abbott
December 11, 2018

From FoxNews.com (Dec. 10): The Supreme Court is staying out of legal fight over efforts to block Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, with the newest . . .


A Catholic priest's unsolved murder and a Church in crisis
Matt C. Abbott
October 28, 2018

The following is a reprint of a three-part series on the unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz that originally appeared at Catholic World Report in August 2018. . . .


Accused Minnesota priest speaks out, pleads for justice
Matt C. Abbott
October 4, 2018

This is a follow-up column to my Sept. 25 column on the case of Father William C. Graham, which contains the following news item from Minnesota Lawyer:  . . .


'Credibly accused' Catholic priest wins court case
Matt C. Abbott
September 25, 2018

From a Sept. 24 story at Minnesota Lawyer (click here to read the story in its entirety): In a man-bites-dog case with few if any precise corollaries, a . . .


Chicago’s Cardinal Cupich removes pastor who was sex abuse victim
Matt C. Abbott
September 22, 2018

For the second time this year, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich has unceremoniously removed a pastor with a reputation for Catholic orthodoxy. First, it was Father . . .


Cardinal O'Malley and the Father Cuenin controversy
Matt C. Abbott
September 17, 2018

From a Sept. 13, 2018 Boston Catholic Insider blog post (click here to read the post in its entirety): In view of Cardinal Seán O'Malley's public denials . . .


Slain priest's 'intimate relationships'?
Matt C. Abbott
September 15, 2018

Many of my readers know I've been following and writing about the unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz for a number of years. Catholic World Report recently . . .


Catholic watchdog group returns with revamped mission
Matt C. Abbott
September 9, 2018

A press release from Roman Catholic Faithful: (PETERSBURG, IL. September 8, 2018) – In July of 2009, the Board Members of Roman Catholic Faithful, Inc. . . .


Who can properly investigate the Catholic Church's sex abuse crisis?
Matt C. Abbott
September 6, 2018

(This column originally appeared at American Thinker.) In recent weeks , there's been considerable coverage and chatter in the mainstream media, social media . . .


Francis, Benedict, Viganò, Sipe, Abbott; Did Albany priests refer women for abortions at Planned Parenthood?; Cupich's recent remarks
Matt C. Abbott
August 30, 2018

In his explosive 11-page letter (click here to read it) that has made headlines worldwide, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò cites the late Richard Sipe's 2008 . . .


'Agnes' and the Bernardin legacy
Matt C. Abbott
August 11, 2018

Below is an edited version of an article written close to 20 years ago by Stephen Brady, founder of Roman Catholic Faithful. The article, published in RCF's . . .


Father Richard Heilman inspired by slain pastor
Matt C. Abbott
August 8, 2018

Thanks to Father Richard Heilman of the Diocese of Madison for providing me with the following reflection (slightly edited). After reading it, click here to . . .


The misguided war on opioids
Matt C. Abbott
August 1, 2018

The following commentary (slightly edited) was written by Ron Panzer, president of Hospice Patients Alliance and co-founder of the Pro-life Healthcare Alliance. . . .


Father Pavone's mention of Cardinal Bernardin
Matt C. Abbott
July 26, 2018

Below is a thoughtful email (slightly edited) sent to me by "Jane Doe" in response to my July 23 column . . .


'Pro-life' or 'anti-abortion'?
Matt C. Abbott
July 23, 2018

Earlier this month, Eric Sammons wrote at CatholicVote.org: No matter the reason, by calling every issue a 'pro-life' issue, we dilute and fracture the brand . . .


Court victory for New York pro-life advocates
Matt C. Abbott
July 21, 2018

Below is a July 21 news release (slightly edited) from Tom Ciesielka, spokesman for the Thomas More Society. A federal judge in New York has delivered a . . .


Former priest Bart Aslin speaks out about McCarrick, others
Matt C. Abbott
July 16, 2018

In 2006, I wrote a column quoting Bart Aslin, a former priest who was one of the only men at the time to publicly speak out about the deviant activities of . . .


Reaction to Kavanaugh SCOTUS nomination; Law firm defends pro-life activists, battles sleazy 'sex ed'
Matt C. Abbott
July 10, 2018

From LifeNews.com (July 9): Sarah Pitlyk, a former law clerk to Judge Kavanaugh and special counsel for the Thomas More Society, which is a leading pro-life . . .


Embattled priest proclaims innocence, seeks 'reconciliation with' cardinal
Matt C. Abbott
July 2, 2018

(This column originally appeared at OnePeterFive.) In March of this year, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago removed Father C. Frank Phillips, pastor of St. . . .


Illegal immigration and the Catholic establishment
Matt C. Abbott
June 21, 2018

I admit to not having a passionate view on the immigration issue. I do think there needs to be reform, but I'm no Ann Coulter when it comes to the problem of . . .


'Lost Shepherd': Pope Francis and the clergy sexual abuse scandal
Matt C. Abbott
June 12, 2018

The clergy sexual abuse scandal that starting making headlines in 2002 has not gone away. Far from it. We see current headlines involving Chile, Pennsylvania . . .


Planned Parenthood's butchery, the Schneiderman scandal, and the 'Midnight Sun treatment'
Matt C. Abbott
June 6, 2018

The following letter is "from the desk" of Thomas Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the laudable Thomas More Society, "a not-for-profit, national public . . .


Signs of hope for young Catholics
Matt C. Abbott
May 15, 2018

Below is an excerpt from The Art of Forming Young Disciples: Why Youth Ministries Aren't Working and What to Do About It (2018), by Everett Fritz. Thanks to . . .


Caring for the elderly and infirm
Matt C. Abbott
May 7, 2018

From The Washington Post (May 1): Pictures of Rebecca Zeni during her younger years showed her with flawless skin, well-defined eyebrows and long, thick . . .


Will Catholic priest's killer strike again?
Matt C. Abbott
April 27, 2018

By keeping certain cold cases in the public eye, the chance of those cases being solved appears to increase. The most recent example is the April 24 arrest of . . .


'An exorcist explains how to heal the possessed'
Matt C. Abbott
April 16, 2018

Below is an excerpt from the newly-released book An Exorcist Explains How to Heal the Possessed (And Help Souls Suffering Spiritual Crises), by Father Paolo . . .


'Watch over Eleanor Weaver' – from Mary
Matt C. Abbott
April 6, 2018

Below is a short and edifying story sent to me by reader Tonchi Weaver. God bless you, Tonchi! In early 2001, I kept constant vigil with my mother-in-law, . . .


Is Catholic priest's killer living or dead?
Matt C. Abbott
April 3, 2018

From a March 24, 2018 story at Madison.com: Detectives are investigating a 'large number' of leads they received about the 1998 murder of a village of Dane . . .


Silence, St. Faustina, adoration
Matt C. Abbott
March 30, 2018

Below are brief excerpts – including endorsements from Cardinal Robert Sarah and Bishop James Conley – from Susan Tassone's latest book, St. . . .


Cupich removes prominent Chicago pastor
Matt C. Abbott
March 22, 2018

I began attending St. John Cantius Church in Chicago in the mid-1990s. A beautiful church known for its Latin Masses and wonderful sacred music program, Cantius . . .


'St. Joseph Gems'
Matt C. Abbott
March 14, 2018

Below is a brief email interview with Father Donald H. Calloway, MIC, whose latest book is titled St. Joseph Gems. Thanks to Father Calloway for taking the time . . .


Who killed Father Kunz?
Matt C. Abbott
March 12, 2018

March 4, 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the death of Father Alfred Kunz, a traditionally-minded priest-canonist of the Diocese of Madison, Wis. Father Kunz . . .


Schneiderman, Daleiden, Planned Parenthood, Fusion GPS, Marquette University
Matt C. Abbott
March 8, 2018

The following is an update "from the desk of Tom Brejcha," president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society, one of my favorite pro-life organizations.  . . .


Internal sabotage of the pro-life movement?
Matt C. Abbott
February 26, 2018

A recent article written by pro-life leaders Mark Crutcher of Life Dynamics and Troy Newman of Operation Rescue has sparked some controversy among pro-life . . .


Reflections, prayers for Catholic military wives
Matt C. Abbott
February 19, 2018

Below is an excerpt from the newly-released book By Dawn's Early Light: Prayers and Meditations for Catholic Military Wives, by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle. . . .


Cardinal Raymond Burke's gracious email to me
Matt C. Abbott
January 22, 2018

Early last month, I felt inspired to email Cardinal Raymond Burke a short note along with a relatively recent column of mine regarding the unsolved 1998 murder . . .


'Heroism and Genius'; 'What DID Jesus Do?'
Matt C. Abbott
November 29, 2017

Below is a portion of the introduction to Father William J. Slattery's new book Heroism and Genius: How Catholic Priests Helped Build – and Can Help . . .


'They really, really don't like us quietly praying...'
Matt C. Abbott
November 19, 2017

On Nov. 6, Shawn Carney, president of 40 Days for Life, wrote: Reports are still coming in, but local 40 Days for Life leaders tell us that as of now, they . . .


US Catholic bishops boot faithful priest-consultant, still employ Planned Parenthood supporter
Matt C. Abbott
November 10, 2017

Alas: another sad development in the Catholic Church in the U.S. From Michael Hichborn of the Lepanto Institute (Nov. 1 . . .


Chicago priest's spiritual pep talk for rebuilding America
Matt C. Abbott
October 28, 2017

Below is the text of a talk recently given by a priest-friend of mine, Father Charles P. Becker of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Father Becker is also the . . .


Few will be saved?
Matt C. Abbott
October 22, 2017

Below is a lengthy excerpt from Holy Confidence: The Forgotten Path for Growing Closer to God, by Father Benedict Rogacci (1646-1719). Thanks to Sophia . . .


Dawn of Mercy: Catholic author tells of new job and upcoming books
Matt C. Abbott
September 13, 2017

Below is a recent e-letter update from my friend Dawn Eden Goldstein, S.T.D., which she has edited for publication. I have written about Dawn and quoted her in . . .


Priest-activist: Support Trump!
Matt C. Abbott
August 8, 2017

In light of the vociferous opposition to President Trump and his agenda by the mainstream media, liberal Democrats, Hollywood, and even some in the GOP, I asked . . .


Worst pope ever?
Matt C. Abbott
July 13, 2017

The following is a powerful commentary from Father Brian W. Harrison, O.S., M.A., S.T.D., which speaks for itself: "The question raised in the title line . . .


Priest: peacefully blocking abortion mill access 'entirely justified'
Matt C. Abbott
May 31, 2017

On May 13, ten people were arrested for blocking the entrance to a Louisville abortion mill. Click here for the story. I asked Father Shenan J. Boquet  . . .


The Seth Rich homicide; Consecrating Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Matt C. Abbott
May 22, 2017

There's an interesting story we're not hearing much about from the mainstream media, save for Fox News. It involves the murdered Democratic National Committee . . .


An 'extraordinary' confirmation
Matt C. Abbott
May 18, 2017

With all the bad news we have to endure these days, it's nice to report on something edifying and positive from time to time. Adele Darnowski, whose family . . .


Priest-activist hopeful that Trump, GOP will defund Planned Parenthood
Matt C. Abbott
May 3, 2017

I asked Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, to comment on the recent development that Congress' budget will fund Planned Parenthood . . .


'Mother Angelica on Christ and Our Lady'
Matt C. Abbott
April 10, 2017

Some things He said with such determination that those who listened could hardly believe their ears. 'Do not give dogs what is holy,' He said, 'and do not throw . . .


The heavy cost of pro-life activism
Matt C. Abbott
April 4, 2017

Father Shenan J. Boquet, president of Human Life International, wrote (April 1): "Many of you have heard that David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt of the Center . . .


The latest book by 'the purgatory lady'
Matt C. Abbott
March 26, 2017

Below is the foreword to best-selling Catholic author Susan Tassone's latest work, St. Faustina Prayer Book for the Conversion of Sinners. Ms. Tassone is . . .


Vatican prelate's 'homoerotic' mural and abusive leadership
Matt C. Abbott
March 7, 2017

There are times when I wish a real news story was a fake news story. This is one of those . . .


Traditional Catholic priest's unsolved murder: 19 years later
Matt C. Abbott
March 2, 2017

Nineteen years ago on March 4, 1998, Father Alfred Kunz, a traditional Catholic priest of the Diocese of Madison, Wis., was found brutally murdered at his . . .


A Catholic Russia?
Matt C. Abbott
February 25, 2017

A brief news item followed by a book review: From Aid to the Church in Need (Feb. 21): "The Foreign Office of the Moscow Patriarchate held an . . .


Differing opinions on Pope Francis
Matt C. Abbott
February 23, 2017

(Please pray for veteran Catholic journalist John Vennari and his family. At the time of this writing, Mr. Vennari is in the very late stages of cancer.)  . . .


Priest responds to ex-priest's disavowal of pro-life witness
Matt C. Abbott
February 20, 2017

On Feb. 14, The Huffington Post published a piece titled "I Can't Believe I Once Prayed Outside An Abortion Clinic" by Dan Murtah, an erstwhile Catholic priest. . . .


Giving credit where credit is due; 'Forced government speech'
Matt C. Abbott
February 13, 2017

(A portion of this column originally appeared at American Thinker.) I've been critical of Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago in recent times, but I was . . .


The enigmatic Francis continues to disappoint
Matt C. Abbott
February 10, 2017

It's difficult keeping up with all the Catholic news these days. Sad to say, a lot of it isn't good. Catholic author and journalist Phil Lawler recently . . .


Millennials ditching marriage and church?
Matt C. Abbott
January 13, 2017

The following are excerpts from a recent article at CBNNews.com: Fewer Millennials go to church than any generation before them. And fewer are marrying.  . . .


Leftist 'Catholic' hate: anti-Trump priests in Chicago
Matt C. Abbott
December 12, 2016

According to the Chicago Tribune (not fake news), more than 700 people have been killed in gang and drug-related violence this year in Chicago. So who's . . .


The godfather of the pro-life movement
Matt C. Abbott
December 8, 2016

Below are exclusive excerpts (including the table of contents) from Racketeer for Life: Fighting the Culture of Death from the Sidewalk to the Supreme Court, a . . .


'Champions of the Rosary'
Matt C. Abbott
November 22, 2016

Below is an email interview I conducted with Father Donald H. Calloway, MIC, regarding his latest book, Champions of the Rosary. Thanks to Father Calloway for . . .


Latest on embryo suit involving Hollywood celebrity Sofía Vergara
Matt C. Abbott
November 18, 2016

From Page Six (Nov. 14): The battle over Sofía Vergara's frozen embryos with ex-fiancé Nick Loeb has taken a shocking turn. The actress is demanding Loeb . . .


Pavone defends use of aborted baby on altar
Matt C. Abbott
November 8, 2016

From Catholic News Agency (Nov. 7): "Father Frank Pavone, head of the controversial pro-life group Priest for Life, came under fire Monday for a video of him . . .


Illinois priest: Trump voters are 'going to hell'
Matt C. Abbott
November 4, 2016

At least one Catholic priest in the Chicago area apparently believes that people who vote for Donald Trump will go to hell. An acquaintance of mine, Ted (not . . .


Bishop displeased with pope's leadership
Matt C. Abbott
October 16, 2016

I very recently asked Bishop Rene Henry Gracida, bishop emeritus of Corpus Christi, Texas, the following question: Would you say that this pontificate [of . . .


Pavone: Clinton 'monumentally worse' than Trump
Matt C. Abbott
October 11, 2016

In wake of the recently-released recorded lewd remarks made by Donald Trump in 2005 and in interviews with radio personality Howard Stern, I asked Father Frank . . .


Baby-saving organization's ad counters 'Catholics for Choice'
Matt C. Abbott
October 6, 2016

Last month, a despicable ad campaign financed by Catholics for Choice featured "women who profess to be Catholic stating that public funding of abortion is a . . .


Paul Likoudis (1954 - 2016)
Matt C. Abbott
September 25, 2016

A devoted Catholic journalist has completed his earthly pilgrimage. Paul Likoudis, news editor for The Wanderer Catholic newspaper from 1990 to 2014, died . . .


Exclusive excerpts from famed exorcist's final book
Matt C. Abbott
September 21, 2016

The following are excerpts from the final book written by the late Father Gabriele Amorth, who died September 16 at the age of 91. Father Amorth had served as . . .


Jesuit school bans Facebook criticism of Tim Kaine?
Matt C. Abbott
September 19, 2016

It appears that officials of Brophy College Preparatory, a Jesuit high school in Phoenix, Arizona and part of the California Province of the Society of Jesus, . . .


Green Bay priest's new rosary devotional
Matt C. Abbott
September 16, 2016

The following is an email interview I conducted with Father Edward Lee Looney, a priest-author from the Diocese of Green Bay. Father Looney has written five . . .


The 'right-to-die' case of Jerika Bolen
Matt C. Abbott
September 10, 2016

From The Associated Press (Sept. 7): "Disability rights organizations have asked child protection officials to prevent a Wisconsin teenager from going . . .


The real seamless garment
Matt C. Abbott
September 5, 2016

Father Shenan J. Boquet, president of Human Life International, writes: HLI's Founder, Father Paul Marx, met Mother Teresa on more than one occasion, and . . .


Mother Teresa and redemptive suffering
Matt C. Abbott
August 26, 2016

"But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the . . .


Peaceful jihad?
Matt C. Abbott
August 19, 2016

Below are excerpts from the still-timely book Inside Islam: A Guide for Catholics, written by Daniel Ali and Robert Spencer (who recently participated in a . . .


Robert Spencer on Pope Francis' view of Islam
Matt C. Abbott
August 1, 2016

From Crux (July 31): "Pope Francis on Sunday defended his avoidance of the term 'Islamic violence' by suggesting the potential for violence lies in every . . .


'Catholic' Kaine isn't able
Matt C. Abbott
July 29, 2016

'The most evident mark of God's anger and the most terrible castigation He can inflict upon the world are manifested when He permits His people to fall into the . . .


Mother Angelica on the afterlife
Matt C. Abbott
July 17, 2016

The following are brief excerpts from the last two chapters of the late Mother Angelica's book Answers, Not Promises, recently republished by EWTN. Thanks to . . .


For Planned Parenthood, black deaths matter; For Pfleger, cops' lives don't matter much
Matt C. Abbott
July 14, 2016

From LifeSiteNews.com (July 8): "Cecile Richards, the CEO of Planned Parenthood, responded to a racially charged shooting with a tweet that implies that . . .


Planned Parenthood was compliant in Texas
Matt C. Abbott
June 29, 2016

An interesting angle of the U.S. Supreme Court's latest abortion ruling is described by D Healthcare Daily (June 27): "Last year, Planned Parenthood of . . .


Bishop to Christians: Don't vote for Hillary or Trump
Matt C. Abbott
June 20, 2016

Bishop Rene Henry Gracida, retired bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas, is highly respected among orthodox Catholics. His résumé is impressive, including serving . . .


Deathbed visions
Matt C. Abbott
June 18, 2016

Below is an email interview I conducted with registered nurse Kelley Jankowski, a married mother of six children and author of An Army in Heaven, an intriguing, . . .


Pfleger, Pavone on Hillary
Matt C. Abbott
June 11, 2016

In a recent Facebook post, Father Michael Pfleger, who was supporting Bernie Sanders, decided to endorse Hillary Clinton, albeit unenthusiastically. Father . . .


Priest-author: humans trump animals--including Harambe
Matt C. Abbott
June 5, 2016

Many people are familiar with the recent incident involving Harambe, a gorilla that was shot and killed by a zoo employee when a young boy got through a barrier . . .


Embryo custody battles; EWTN statement on ex-priest's acquittal
Matt C. Abbott
June 3, 2016

Tom Ciesielka, spokesman for the excellent pro-life law firm Thomas More Society, wrote in a news release (edited): "On June 1, a St. Louis appellate court . . .


Illinois bishop speaks on transgenderism; More Miami vice
Matt C. Abbott
May 31, 2016

Kudos to Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, one of the relatively few American bishops willing to speak out on cultural hot . . .


Interview with 'The Miracle Hunter'
Matt C. Abbott
May 26, 2016

Below is an email interview I conducted with Michael O'Neill, also known as The Miracle Hunter. Click here to order a copy of his book Exploring the . . .


Mentioned with Mother Angelica; An open letter to the Salesian Missions
Matt C. Abbott
May 15, 2016

I must admit: It's rather depressing to have to endure eight years of an Obama presidency, the distinct possibility of a Hillary presidency, and however many . . .


Drudge's apparent fascination with exorcism
Matt C. Abbott
April 29, 2016

If you happen to look at the Drudge Report fairly often, perhaps you've noticed a number of links to news stories about "exorcisms" in recent times. Most of . . .


Tweets sink head of US bishops' news agency
Matt C. Abbott
April 15, 2016

A series of recent pro-LGBT tweets have led to the ouster of Tony Spence, the now former director and editor-and-chief of Catholic News Service, the official . . .


'Jesus Christ heals our memories'
Matt C. Abbott
March 23, 2016

The following excerpt is from my friend Dawn Eden's latest book, Remembering God's Mercy: Redeem the Past and Free Yourself from Painful Memories. Thanks to . . .


Ohio priest prefers Trump over Hillary
Matt C. Abbott
March 12, 2016

The following commentary (slightly edited) was written by the staunchly pro-life Father Joseph Klee, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus . . .


Spotlight on priest's unsolved homicide
Matt C. Abbott
March 3, 2016

Eighteen years ago on March 4, 1998, Father Alfred Kunz, a traditional Catholic priest of the Diocese of Madison, Wis., was found brutally murdered. The case . . .


'Praying with Mother Angelica'
Matt C. Abbott
March 1, 2016

God bless Mother Angelica. From the website of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration of Our Lady of Angels Monastery: "We want to extend a very special . . .


Should Catholics 'Trump' Hillary?; My brief comments on Pope Francis in 'The New York Times'
Matt C. Abbott
February 29, 2016

It's looking more and more like the next presidential election will be Hillary Clinton versus Donald Trump, though it's not a given at this point. I asked one . . .


Marco Rubio, David Daleiden; Chi-Town priest 'outs' himself
Matt C. Abbott
February 3, 2016

The young investigative journalist and pro-life activist David Daleiden – whom GOP presidential hopeful Marco Rubio recently defended – will present . . .


Palliative care from a Christian perspective
Matt C. Abbott
January 20, 2016

The following is an article from the January 2016 edition of PHA Monthly, the e-newsletter of Pro-life Healthcare Alliance. Thanks to PHA and Dr. Ralph Capone . . .


Chicago Bears' Patrick McCaskey talks faith, football
Matt C. Abbott
January 16, 2016

The following is an email interview I conducted with Chicago Bears co-owner Patrick McCaskey, a devout Catholic and public supporter of the pro-life movement. . . .


Mother Teresa: the saint of the smile
Matt C. Abbott
December 27, 2015

Below is an excerpt from the newly-released book God's Healing Mercy, by Kathleen Beckman, L.H.S. The excerpt features Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, who will be . . .


'Saints Who Battled Satan'
Matt C. Abbott
December 23, 2015

First, I'd like to wish all my readers a very blessed Christmas and New Year! To those who've sent me words of encouragement and thoughtful feedback over the . . .


Spotlight on New York church scandal
Matt C. Abbott
December 14, 2015

It goes without saying that sexual corruption among the clergy and laity is a significant problem plaguing the church. So is theft of parish funds. Climate . . .


Catholic priest: Trump's proposal 'prudent'; Men love Planned Parenthood?
Matt C. Abbott
December 9, 2015

GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump's call "for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can . . .


A pope's vision and a powerful prayer
Matt C. Abbott
November 27, 2015

Below are excerpts from the 2015 book Pope Leo XIII and the Prayer to St. Michael, by Kevin Symonds, published by Preserving Christian Publications. Thanks to . . .


Bill Donohue blasts Michael Voris, George Neumayr
Matt C. Abbott
November 24, 2015

It's unfortunate that we pro-life, pro-family conservatives often find ourselves in a circular firing squad, but, alas, it is what it is. The latest example . . .


John Corapi has 'resurfaced' -- but not in a Roman collar
Matt C. Abbott
November 22, 2015

On August 31, I wrote a brief update on the status of Father John Corapi. Since then, I've learned of an interesting development. The other day, I received . . .


Pavone: Carson should clarify Schiavo remarks; Boycott the CCHD
Matt C. Abbott
November 18, 2015

On Nov. 13, The Washington Post reported: "Leading Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson believes that federal and state officials overreacted in . . .


Bishop has parish remove controversial sign
Matt C. Abbott
November 9, 2015

I commend Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo for having a parish in his diocese remove a large sign that read "Jesus had two dads and he turned out just fine." . . .


'Spotlight' on media, clergy sex abuse scandal
Matt C. Abbott
November 6, 2015

(A version of the following column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) The clergy sex abuse scandal has, since 1950, reportedly cost the . . .


Francis the shrewd?
Matt C. Abbott
November 4, 2015

From Catholic World News: "Eugenio Scalfari of La Repubblica wrote that the pontiff told him, in a telephone interview, that during the October meeting of . . .


Abortion facility bites the dust; Tarantino, Pfleger, Farrakhan
Matt C. Abbott
November 2, 2015

The Pro-Life Action League reports that a notorious abortion facility in Chicago has closed after more than 25 years of killing preborn children. Click here for . . .


Diocese bans Alinsky critic from speaking on church property
Matt C. Abbott
October 30, 2015

For many years, Catholic researcher Stephanie Block has been exposing the link between the American Catholic church bureaucracy – which has effectively . . .


A parish reflects on Saint Maria Goretti
Matt C. Abbott
October 26, 2015

On Oct. 12, I paid a visit to St. John Cantius Church here in Chicago to see the major relics of St. Maria Goretti. When I arrived at the church around 10 p.m., . . .


Is Blase Cupich blowing the smoke of Satan?
Matt C. Abbott
October 17, 2015

"From some fissure the smoke of Satan has entered the temple of God." – Pope Paul VI (1972 . . .


Good priest responds to misguided priest on same-sex 'marriage'
Matt C. Abbott
October 15, 2015

Please pray for the priests of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, who suffered a devastating fire Oct. 7 at their Chicago church. Click here for . . .


Priest-theologian: if worst-case scenario at synod occurs, Catholics must resist changes
Matt C. Abbott
October 10, 2015

I asked Father Brian Harrison, a priest of the Society of the Oblates of Wisdom and an emeritus professor of theology of the Pontifical Catholic University of . . .


Priest delivers stirring speech at Planned Parenthood site
Matt C. Abbott
October 6, 2015

God bless those participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign! The following is text of a speech delivered Oct. 3 by Father William J. Kuchinsky at the 40 . . .


Gay 'Catholic' mafia's 'Sin-odd on the Family'?; The Vatican and Kim Davis
Matt C. Abbott
October 4, 2015

Catholic journalist Edward Pentin reports: "The Vatican has dismissed an official working in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith after he . . .


Pope Francis, Kim Davis, Ann Coulter, Troy Newman
Matt C. Abbott
October 1, 2015

(An abbreviated version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) Rowan County clerk Kim Davis, who's been the primary object of the . . .


The synodal war cometh: the devilish Danneels
Matt C. Abbott
September 26, 2015

A recent column of mine featured an excerpt from Catholic journalist Edward Pentin's new e-book on the upcoming Synod on the Family in Rome. It looks like . . .


Pope Francis, please pray for the gutsy David Daleiden!
Matt C. Abbott
September 17, 2015

David Daleiden, the pro-life investigative journalist under fire by the abortion industry and its sympathizers for exposing the murderous work of Planned . . .


My letter in The New York Times; Images of death
Matt C. Abbott
September 14, 2015

I had a short and pithy – as is usually the case – letter to the editor in the Sept. 11 edition of The New York Times on the subject of the pope's . . .


The (Vatican synodal) fix is in?
Matt C. Abbott
September 10, 2015

The following is an excerpt from Catholic journalist Edward Pentin's new e-book The Rigging of a Vatican Synod? An Investigation of Alleged Manipulation at the . . .


Catholic bishop troubled by gay marriage survey results; Priests (and pope?) support Kim Davis
Matt C. Abbott
September 7, 2015

A fairly recent survey conducted by the Barna Group contains the following finding: "There is a substantial minority ... among Americans under 40 (26%) who . . .


Planned Parenthood facility being built by company whose owner is supposedly Catholic
Matt C. Abbott
September 2, 2015

Catholic journalist Anita Crane has written about a new Planned Parenthood abortion mill that's being built by Catholic-owned Pizzano Contractors in Washington . . .


Brief update on Father John Corapi; Catholic author's thoughts on mandatory celibacy for the priesthood
Matt C. Abbott
August 31, 2015

A bit of good news to share: A reliable source has informed me that Father John Corapi, a popular priest among orthodox Catholics who departed public life after . . .


Philly archbishop labels two Catholic groups 'destructive'
Matt C. Abbott
August 27, 2015

Many Catholics who use the Internet are familiar with Michael Voris of ChurchMilitant.com and Michael Hichborn, formerly of American Life League and now . . .


Why I wrote to Pope Francis (about an exorcist)
Matt C. Abbott
August 24, 2015

The topic of exorcism has been getting somewhat of a bum rap in recent years. There've been several news stories of people physically harmed and even murdered . . .


The tattered but 'seamless garment' of social justice; Carson, Trump and abortion
Matt C. Abbott
August 14, 2015

(A version of the following column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) Informed Catholics (and, in all likelihood, at least some politically . . .


A new book on Catholic private revelations
Matt C. Abbott
August 10, 2015

The following is my interview with Kevin J. Symonds, M.A., author of Refractions of Light: 201 Answers on Apparitions, Visions and the Catholic Church (June 201 . . .


Cardinal Dolan's 'Trump' card
Matt C. Abbott
August 3, 2015

(A version of the following column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) The Donald isn't getting much love from three prominent New York . . .


The Catholic Church before and after Vatican II
Matt C. Abbott
July 30, 2015

The topic of the Second Vatican Council always opens up a can of worms, but so be it. It frequently is the source of (sometimes heated) debate among non-liberal . . .


Planned Parenthood and the contraception lie
Matt C. Abbott
July 29, 2015

(The following column originally appeared at Catholic Online.) Jonathan Merritt, senior columnist for Religion News Service and a contributing editor for The . . .


Supporting Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia
Matt C. Abbott
July 27, 2015

Earlier this month, the religious education director at Waldron Mercy Academy, a Catholic school in the Philadelphia area, was fired for being in a so-called . . .


Planned Parenthood, Caitlyn Bruce Jenner, and abstract debate
Matt C. Abbott
July 19, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) There appears to be much outrage within the pro-life movement about the latest . . .


The evil of Planned Parenthood and pro-LGBT persecutors of Christians
Matt C. Abbott
July 15, 2015

There's been no shortage of depressing cultural developments in recent weeks. In addition to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex "marriage," we have the . . .


Same-sex 'marriage': Martin vs. Pavone
Matt C. Abbott
July 8, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at Catholic Online.) There have been numerous statements and articles written about the very disappointing (but . . .


Are many young adults against religious freedom?
Matt C. Abbott
July 5, 2015

After the U.S. Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex "marriage" nationwide was handed down, a survey was conducted by the Barna Group that has buried in . . .


Ex-priest Eugene Kennedy dead at 86; 'Charity as Industry'
Matt C. Abbott
June 11, 2015

Erstwhile priest and prolific writer Eugene Cullen Kennedy, a darling of the Catholic left who, in a scathing commentary for Religion News Service in 2006, . . .


Why conservatives should use the courts to fight academia's censorship
Matt C. Abbott
June 8, 2015

We have yet another example of an institution of higher learning attempting to censor freedom of speech – of . . .


Bruce Jenner and the culture of insanity
Matt C. Abbott
June 3, 2015

(A version of the following column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) The current main pop-culture headline involves former Olympian Bruce . . .


What's going on with the Vatican and Medjugorje?
Matt C. Abbott
June 1, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at Catholic Online.) Those who are at all familiar with the reported Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia . . .


Josh Duggar and the left's schadenfreude
Matt C. Abbott
May 28, 2015

(A version of the following column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) Josh Duggar, son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar – of TLC's 19 . . .


Gay marriage and 'Three Irish Saints'
Matt C. Abbott
May 25, 2015

Below is an interview with Kevin Vost, Psy.D., who, in his own words, is "by training, vocation and avocation a psychologist, disability adjudication . . .


Sofia Vergara, Nick Loeb and the moral problem of IVF
Matt C. Abbott
May 10, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker Blog.) Although not a subject you'll often hear discussed even in pro-life circles, in . . .


Rest in the peace of Christ, Karen Malec; Fatima seer mentioned the sin of abortion
Matt C. Abbott
May 8, 2015

Karen Malec, who was president and co-founder of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer, died May 5 after a battle with ovarian cancer. She was 60. Mrs. . . .


A rocket scientist's search for truth; A priest-military veteran's book on Saint Joan of Arc
Matt C. Abbott
May 4, 2015

The following are excerpts from two recently-released books published by Sophia Institute Press: Rocket Ships and God, by Rocco Martino, Ph.D., and For God and . . .


Are the majority of Americans against religious freedom?
Matt C. Abbott
April 27, 2015

(A version of the following column originally appeared at the American Thinker blog.) Sadly, there's yet another indication that pro-life, pro-family . . .


Bishop Robert Finn; Reparative therapy
Matt C. Abbott
April 22, 2015

First, please pray for the repose of the soul of Cardinal Francis George. I always appreciated his politeness – he would address me by name at various . . .


Priest-activist: Hillary 'tops the blindness list'
Matt C. Abbott
April 14, 2015

It's official: Hillary Clinton is running for president. Try not to get too excited. Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, says it . . .


Mississippi burning again; teens and birth control
Matt C. Abbott
April 11, 2015

Some far too lenient prison sentences were handed down in Mississippi on April 9. From an FBI press . . .


Rolling Stone and morality in journalism
Matt C. Abbott
April 6, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker blog.) Rolling Stone magazine's now-discredited UVA rape story was a failure on a . . .


March 31, 2005
Matt C. Abbott
March 31, 2015

Ten years ago on March 31, Terri Schiavo died after 13 days of dehydration and starvation at a Florida hospice. Her murder remains a national tragedy.  . . .


Battleground Indiana: Religious freedom vs. gay rights
Matt C. Abbott
March 30, 2015

(An abbreviated version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker blog.) Not surprisingly, the left is throwing an absolute hissy fit over . . .


The controversy surrounding Catholic Relief Services
Matt C. Abbott
March 26, 2015

(I'd first like to commend the pro-life leaders who staged a peaceful protest at House Speaker John Boehner's office the morning of March 25. Click here to read . . .


Employed conservatives and the pitfalls of social media; Controversy in Boston
Matt C. Abbott
March 18, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker blog.) Regarding the use of social media, I think it's safe to say that, in our current . . .


'When a pope dies, make another' -- or, explaining the ten virgins
Matt C. Abbott
March 12, 2015

Below is an excerpt from Father George William Rutler's latest book Hints of Heaven: The Parables of Christ and What They Mean for You, which makes for good . . .


Bullying the San Francisco archbishop
Matt C. Abbott
March 10, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker blog.) Gotta' love those tolerant city officials in San Francisco. Now they're . . .


Israel, America and the abortion holocaust
Matt C. Abbott
March 7, 2015

(A version of this column originally appeared at the American Thinker blog.) Many conservatives have been supportive of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin . . .


Servant of God Cora Evans
Matt C. Abbott
February 27, 2015

The following is an interview with Michael McDevitt, custodian for the writings of Cora Evans (1904–1957), whose cause for canonization is . . .


Religiosam libertatem?
Matt C. Abbott
February 23, 2015

Two pro-life leaders died in recent days: Dr. Jack Willke, 89, and Brother Paul O'Donnell, 55. God bless them. Pray for the repose of their . . .


An interview with Catholic author Dawn Eden
Matt C. Abbott
February 7, 2015

(This interview originally appeared at Catholic Online.) The following is an interview with Dawn Eden, author of the highly-acclaimed My Peace I Give You and . . .


Priest-activist defends Jeb Bush, calls Schiavo and judge 'murderers'
Matt C. Abbott
February 5, 2015

From POLITICO (Jan. 29): "Sitting recently on his brick back patio here, Michael Schiavo called Jeb Bush a vindictive, untrustworthy . . .


Should abortion be treated as suicide...or murder?
Matt C. Abbott
January 31, 2015

(A version of the following column originally appeared at the American Thinker blog.) An interesting project has been undertaken by the Chicago-based Pro . . .


Dr. King: 'the dream has wings'
Matt C. Abbott
January 17, 2015

Below is the foreword to Abortion Free, a recently-released book by Troy Newman and Cheryl Sullenger. The foreword is written by Dr. Alveda C. King, director of . . .


Mario Cuomo's Catholic funeral
Matt C. Abbott
January 6, 2015

Former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo is getting a Catholic funeral despite his support of legalized abortion during his political career. Ted Kennedy got one as . . .


The tragedy of Joshua/Leelah Alcorn's suicide
Matt C. Abbott
January 2, 2015

'New year, new struggle!' – Saint Josemaria Escriva (1972) From The Boston Globe (Dec. 31, 2014 . . .


'Symbols of Christmastide'
Matt C. Abbott
December 24, 2014

Wishing my readers a very blessed Christmas and New Year! Many thanks for all your moral and spiritual support. The following is a lovely Christmas poem by . . .


'The Pill' that gave birth to the culture of death
Matt C. Abbott
December 20, 2014

Published at the website of National Geographic (Dec. 18) is an interview with Jonathan Eig, author of The Birth of the Pill, a new book seemingly being fawned . . .


No, I don't support torture; AOD vs. Voris; Dolan vs. Pavone
Matt C. Abbott
December 19, 2014

Not that Catholic author and blogger Mark Shea was referring to me per se, but to respond to Shea's recent assertion to one of his readers (in his comment box): . . .


'The Language of Dissent'
Matt C. Abbott
December 18, 2014

Below is the foreword to The Language of Dissent, by Kevin Lents. (The foreword was written by noted Catholic author Donna Steichen.) Thanks to Mr. Lents for . . .


Do a majority of souls go to hell?
Matt C. Abbott
December 7, 2014

'It is certain that few are saved.' – Saint Augustine, Father and Doctor of the Church 'Out of one hundred thousand sinners who continue in sin until . . .


Reaction to Chicago archbishop's remarks on pro-abort pols receiving Communion
Matt C. Abbott
December 3, 2014

From LifeSiteNews.com (Dec. 1): "In a radical departure from the position of Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Blase Cupich – said to have been handpicked . . .


CCHD problems persist; '40 Days for Life'; Ex-monsignor is now Protestant
Matt C. Abbott
November 20, 2014

Bravo to Father John J. McCartney, pastor of St. Mary's Church in Roslyn Harbor, New York, for including the following note in his parish bulletin about the . . .


Obama, Gates, Pfizer 'singing the same song' on contraception, says priest-activist; Reassessing the personhood movement
Matt C. Abbott
November 16, 2014

The worldwide population control agenda is in full force. From PharmaTimes (Nov. 13 . . .


'Heroines of Spiritual Maternity'
Matt C. Abbott
November 11, 2014

The following are excerpts from the chapter "Heroines of Spiritual Maternity" in Praying for Priests: A Mission for the New Evangelization, by Kathleen Beckman. . . .


'Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching'
Matt C. Abbott
October 31, 2014

Below is the introduction to Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching (2014), by esteemed Catholic writer and professor Anthony Esolen. Thanks to Sophia Institute . . .


Books on the afterlife
Matt C. Abbott
October 21, 2014

A couple of new books on the afterlife are now available. First, What You Take to . . .


Of a pointless synod, revolution, and...frozen eggs
Matt C. Abbott
October 20, 2014

Phase one of the Synod on the Family is complete. A "pastoral earthquake"? Well, yes – and a catastrophic one at that. Heck, who would have thought the . . .


'The gay lobby is in control': priest
Matt C. Abbott
October 15, 2014

'We're now working from a position that's virtually irredeemable,' said South African Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, referring to the media coverage. 'The message . . .


'From Catholic Church to Agnostic Church'
Matt C. Abbott
October 12, 2014

Thanks to Catholic writer Carlos Caso-Rosendi for translating and providing me with the following bit of seemingly prophetic theological speculation, written by . . .


The case of the 'missing' New York monsignor
Matt C. Abbott
September 14, 2014

Certain troubling developments have come out of the Archdiocese of New York in recent weeks, as covered in this column and a number of other Catholic (and . . .


Quo vadis, Cardinal Dolan?
Matt C. Abbott
September 4, 2014

Very disappointing and perplexing. That's my reaction to what's been coming out of the Archdiocese of New York – and Cardinal Timothy Dolan – in . . .


The church, politics, and the unborn; On predators and narcissism; Prayers for Cardinal George, Paul Likoudis
Matt C. Abbott
August 31, 2014

More good stuff from Priests for Life (slightly edited): "In a hard-hitting series of essays currently being released in preparation for the midterm . . .


Destigmatizing abortion; Before you participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, read this...
Matt C. Abbott
August 22, 2014

In an obvious attempt to destigmatize abortion – while soothing her own conscience – abortion "rights" supporter Janet Harris wrote in The . . .


From death to new life
Matt C. Abbott
August 18, 2014

On August 15, 2010 – the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Claudia Avignone died of brain cancer. In 2011, I published a . . .


Pavone defends commentary on Robin Williams' death
Matt C. Abbott
August 15, 2014

Like many people, I reacted to the suicide of noted actor and comedian Robin Williams with sadness. He was a talented and entertaining man. A comedic genius.  . . .


Coulter owes Ebola doc an apology: priest
Matt C. Abbott
August 12, 2014

In 2012, conservative commentator-author Ann Coulter derided "purist" pro-lifers – in other words, pro-lifers who don't believe it's OK to kill babies . . .


Latin Mass rising?; Blasphemous 'Black Jesus'; Planned Parenthood's evil
Matt C. Abbott
August 10, 2014

The Washington Post ran a Religion News Service story on Aug. 6: "But more than a year into Francis' reign, the Tridentine Mass, as it is sometimes called, . . .


The devil in Oklahoma City; 'Option Line'
Matt C. Abbott
August 3, 2014

I received the following letter, written by Bishop Edward Slattery for the priests of the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, Okla., from a priest-exorcist in said . . .


Priest-activist comments on New York Times story; When gays bait and sue the church
Matt C. Abbott
July 31, 2014

From The New York Times (July 30): "Last month, the United States Supreme Court unanimously struck down a Massachusetts law that barred protesters within 35 . . .


Thank you, Jim Caviezel!; Abortion by remote control?
Matt C. Abbott
July 19, 2014

I don't care much for what comes out of Hollywood these days, but I do appreciate the seemingly few Hollywood celebrities who don't embrace secular humanism, . . .


'Defending Marriage: Twelve Arguments for Sanity'
Matt C. Abbott
July 14, 2014

The following is the prologue to Defending Marriage: Twelve Arguments for Sanity, by Anthony Esolen. Thanks to Saint Benedict Press for giving me permission to . . .


The state and the seal of confession
Matt C. Abbott
July 10, 2014

From The Times-Picayune (July 7): "The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge has issued a statement decrying a decision by the Louisiana Supreme Court that could . . .


Varying pro-life reactions to Hobby Lobby ruling
Matt C. Abbott
July 2, 2014

There have been quite a few statements by pro-life organizations reacting to the Supreme Court's ruling in the Hobby Lobby case. (Incidentally, radical pro . . .


Is free will for real?; Pope Francis: 'you cannot love God outside of the Church'
Matt C. Abbott
June 27, 2014

From a June 19 story at Live Science: "It's a question that has plagued philosophers and scientists for thousands of years: Is free will an illusion? Now, a . . .


Liberal's pope-bashing screed a welcome relief; 'The Catholic Church is not the problem'
Matt C. Abbott
June 24, 2014

Believe it or not, a liberal writer's recent anti-Catholic, Pope Francis-bashing commentary was music to my ears. A sense of relief, actually. Anna March, . . .


Pope is not pro-pot; Two bold bishops; 'I'm mad at both'
Matt C. Abbott
June 21, 2014

Pope Francis has spoken out – in his usual blunt manner – about the evil of illicit drug use: "Let me state this in the clearest terms possible: . . .


Another murdered priest
Matt C. Abbott
June 16, 2014

Sixteen years after the still-unsolved murder of Father Alfred Kunz of the Diocese of Madison, Wis., another priest who celebrated the Traditional Latin Mass, . . .


'To Know Christ Jesus'
Matt C. Abbott
June 12, 2014

Below is the foreword to the book To Know Christ Jesus, by Frank Sheed (1897–1981). Thanks to John Riess of Angelico Press for allowing me to publish this . . .


New York archdiocese retaliates against priest
Matt C. Abbott
June 10, 2014

In my June 3 column, I wrote: In New York City, there's been talk (by the "powers that be" at the Archdiocese of New York) of closing certain parishes, . . .


Something joyful...; A reader's plea for prayers
Matt C. Abbott
June 9, 2014

From Laurie Higgins of the Illinois Family Institute (June 5): "Some of you may remember the scandal that sent former Illinois governor George Ryan to prison . . .


Obama and Bowe Bergdahl; A rainbow in the sanctuary
Matt C. Abbott
June 3, 2014

The controversy surrounding Bowe Bergdahl continues. From the website of TIME : "Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl was freed by the Taliban over the weekend . . .


Catholic psychiatrist comments on UCSB killer; A rebuttal to 'Emily's Abortion Video'; 'The Pill Kills'
Matt C. Abbott
May 30, 2014

O MY GOD, relying on Thy almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and Life Everlasting, . . .


Archbishop ... Michael Pfleger?; Pope Francis in the Holy Land; The family that prays together...
Matt C. Abbott
May 26, 2014

The controversial Father Michael Pfleger as Chicago's next archbishop? Not likely, but, according to Chicago Sun-Times political and societal gossip columnist . . .


Pavone (pro-life) vs. Galantino (pro-life?)
Matt C. Abbott
May 24, 2014

On May 14, LifeSiteNews.com reported: "An Italian bishop has angered pro-life advocates at home and abroad after he told an interviewer May 12 that he has . . .


Defrocked priest arrested again; Sour, icky 'Milk'; Peter Yarrow and Jimmy Carter
Matt C. Abbott
May 22, 2014

Not much in the way of good news for this particular column... First, from the Chicago Tribune (May 21): "A defrocked priest who had been convicted of . . .


Israel should honor Pius XII
Matt C. Abbott
May 17, 2014

From The Jerusalem Post: "In an unprecedented event, the Knesset on Tuesday [May 13] commemorated Pope John XXIII, who helped save thousands of Jews from the . . .


Why are Latinos in the US leaving the Catholic Church?
Matt C. Abbott
May 13, 2014

(The following article first appeared at Catholic Online.) A nationwide survey of adult Latinos conducted by the Pew Research Center has found that while the . . .


The Jason Patric seminal saga: a deus ex machina?
Matt C. Abbott
May 10, 2014

From the May 2 edition of The New York Times: "He is a movie star who shot to fame on a motorcycle in 'The Lost Boys.' She is a California massage therapist . . .


A padre's new Harley; 'Bikers for Life'; Enforcing Canon 915
Matt C. Abbott
May 8, 2014

Father William J. Kuchinsky, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W. Va., and advisory board member of American Life League, recently . . .


'Making Gay Okay'
Matt C. Abbott
May 6, 2014

The following is the introduction to the recently-released book Making Gay Okay: How Rationalizing Homosexual Behavior Is Changing Everything, by Robert R. . . .


Young, Catholic and ... clueless?; N.O.W. it's finally over!
Matt C. Abbott
May 2, 2014

Michael Voris' April 30 edition of "The Vortex" is eye-opening, albeit depressing. He talks about a new book titled Young Catholic America: Emerging Adults In, . . .


On canonizations, heaven and hell; Planned Parenthood's taxpayer-funded bigotry
Matt C. Abbott
April 27, 2014

I asked Father John Trigilio Jr., president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, and Catholic authors Steve Kellmeyer and Jimmy Akin to respond to the . . .


A miracle attributed to John Paul II
Matt C. Abbott
April 21, 2014

In light of the upcoming canonizations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, I offer the following excerpt from the book Nothing Short of a Miracle: God's . . .


'The Brevity of Life'
Matt C. Abbott
April 19, 2014

My life has been only a handful of years, and of these, in how many of them have I really lived? – Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1627-1704)  . . .


Father Francis not given Pope Francis-style treatment
Matt C. Abbott
April 17, 2014

Here we go again. Or so it seems. From LifeSiteNews.com: "Another controversy has erupted at a Roman Catholic school after students and parents reacted . . .


Remembering Terri Schiavo: Bobby Schindler comments on Pope Francis, Bishop Robert Lynch, and working on behalf of the severely disabled
Matt C. Abbott
April 13, 2014

The following is an email interview I recently conducted with Bobby Schindler, brother of the late Terri Schiavo, whose notorious murder by starvation and . . .


Praiseworthy papal remarks; Sister Jane Dominic, persecuted
Matt C. Abbott
April 12, 2014

Pope Francis has made some praiseworthy remarks on three different topics on April 11. Regarding the clergy abuse scandal, the pope said: "I feel . . .


A 'domestic terrorist' I support!; Cardinal Burke vs. Cardinal Wuerl; The 'Day of Silence' walkout
Matt C. Abbott
April 9, 2014

God bless pro-life teen Thrin Short, who was recently assaulted at the University of California at Santa Barbara by a radical feminist professor who reportedly . . .


'The Love That Made Mother Teresa'
Matt C. Abbott
April 6, 2014

(This article originally appeared at Catholic Online.) The following is a brief interview with David Scott, author of The Love That Made Mother Teresa: How . . .


The good bishop and the bad senator; The clergy abuse scandal in dollars
Matt C. Abbott
April 3, 2014

A pro-life activist recently emailed Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., regarding pro-abortion "Catholic" U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill . . .


Divergent reviews of 'Noah'; School chaplain derided for nun's remarks on homosexuality
Matt C. Abbott
March 31, 2014

Two respected Catholic film critics have sharply differing reviews of Noah (which I haven't seen). Barbara Nicolosi writes: Noah is a terrible, terrible . . .


Bravo, Father Joseph Klee!; The touching story of the Storey family; Prayers for Paul Likoudis
Matt C. Abbott
March 27, 2014

The following report (slightly edited) was written by Father Joseph Klee, a priest of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio: "Well, the first attempt at a new . . .


Four priests: If I were the pope, I'd tell Obama...
Matt C. Abbott
March 23, 2014

First, the following is an edited statement from Wyoming Catholic College: The Wyoming Catholic College community is devastated by the tragic deaths of two . . .


Woman-theologian writes judge about gay 'marriage'
Matt C. Abbott
March 17, 2014

With regard to same-sex "marriage," I'd say iacta alea est as far as the courts are concerned. Still, the following letter (slightly edited), written by Monica . . .


'Thank you, Sister Mary St. Roger!'
Matt C. Abbott
March 14, 2014

As National Catholic Sisters Week (March 8–14) comes to a close, I offer the following short memoir, written by Kenneth M. Weinig for the current issue of . . .


From tragedy to a new beginning
Matt C. Abbott
March 13, 2014

The following is an edited reflection from Jim Dorchak, a traditional Catholic father and businessman whose family used to live in South Carolina but now lives . . .


A 'massive, looming threat' to the Church; Catholic film critic on 'Passion' vs. 'Son of God'
Matt C. Abbott
March 11, 2014

The following is a good letter to the editor, written by Father Brian W. Harrison, O.S., of St. Louis, Mo., that appears (in slightly abbreviated form) in the . . .


Praying for abortionists and their supporters--by name
Matt C. Abbott
March 8, 2014

From the Pro-Life Action League: For the season of Lent, a period of prayer and reflection for many Christians in preparation for Easter, the Pro-Life Action . . .


Priest's unsolved murder: 16 years later
Matt C. Abbott
March 2, 2014

On March 4, 1998, the body of Father Alfred Kunz, a parish priest and canon lawyer – and discreet whistleblower of corrupt clergy – from the Diocese . . .


Jesus the Christ: no saccharin Savior
Matt C. Abbott
February 28, 2014

We often hear modernist Christians – and some non-Christians, for that matter – describe what amounts to a "sugar-coated" version of Our Lord Jesus . . .


Pope Francis and the post-Vatican II liturgical 'nakedness'; Michigan abortionist facing charges
Matt C. Abbott
February 26, 2014

From Catholic World News: "Pope Francis has issued a message on the occasion of a symposium devoted to the 50th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, the . . .


Ten years later, Gibson's 'Passion' still stirs passion; Brave New York priest's bold reflection; Priest gets email: 'Go kill yourself. Your f----- family too'
Matt C. Abbott
February 23, 2014

Sister Rose Pacatte, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul and the director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles, has a column at the website . . .


The miracle of 'Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos'
Matt C. Abbott
February 20, 2014

The following are excerpts from the book Miraculous Images of Our Lady, by Joan Carroll Cruz. Thanks to TAN Books/Saint Benedict Press, LLC for granting me . . .


'Media fiasco' over Indiana exorcism: diocese
Matt C. Abbott
February 14, 2014

In recent days, there's been quite a lot of media attention given to an exorcism that reportedly took place in Indiana in 2012. A mother and her children had . . .


Did cardinal betray soon-to-be-Saint John Paul II?; Planned Parenthood's piddly payout for tragic deaths
Matt C. Abbott
February 11, 2014

Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, the late John Paul II's closest aide, has caused considerable controversy in Poland for his decision to publish some of the pope's . . .


From Catholic to atheist to Catholic scholar
Matt C. Abbott
February 9, 2014

The following is an email interview I conducted with Kevin Vost, Psy.D., author of The One-Minute Aquinas, among other books. Thanks to Dr. Vost for taking the . . .


The Holy See and the unholy UN; Pope Francis and usury
Matt C. Abbott
February 7, 2014

In typical pot-calling-the-kettle-black fashion, the morally corrupt, Antichrist-stage-setting United Nations – specifically, the United Nations Committee . . .


A response to 'Catholic Education, the Common Core and the New Evangelization'
Matt C. Abbott
February 4, 2014

The following open letter, written by Steven Jonathan Rummelsburg, is addressed to Dominican Sister John Mary Fleming, executive director of the Secretariat of . . .


Pope Francis and the role of women in the Church
Matt C. Abbott
February 3, 2014

I too have considered the indispensable contribution of women in society ... I have rejoiced in seeing many women sharing some pastoral responsibility with . . .


What's heaven like?
Matt C. Abbott
January 29, 2014

From time to time, I wonder what heaven is like. I certainly hope and pray to make it there after I die. Just to make clear: Not everyone goes to heaven; that  . . .


'Heterosexuality is not a disease...'; Noted priests scold pro-abortion Cuomo
Matt C. Abbott
January 24, 2014

From Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, PFOX (excerpted; click here for the full commentary): "Normal sexuality – heterosexuality – is not . . .


Emily Zender: a new face in the pro-life movement; 'Catholic' Sen. Dick Durbin to be honored by Planned Parenthood
Matt C. Abbott
January 18, 2014

The following is an interview with Emily Zender, the new executive director of Illinois Right to Life Committee. (In the interest of full disclosure, I was the . . .


Differing views on cardinal's letter of 'accountability and transparency'; Ecumenism run amok
Matt C. Abbott
January 16, 2014

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago recently had a detailed letter placed in all archdiocesan parish bulletins regarding "accountability and transparency. . . .


Priest's alleged killer caught; the NFL and the homosexual network
Matt C. Abbott
January 3, 2014

On Jan. 1, 2014, Father Eric Freed, a priest of the Diocese of Santa Rosa, was found murdered in his parish rectory. Thankfully, it appears that his killer has . . .


Philly priest's conviction overturned; Priest defends 'Duck Dynasty' patriarch
Matt C. Abbott
December 28, 2013

There's been a significant development in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. From Catholic News Service: "A panel of judges for a Pennsylvania Superior . . .


Christmastide
Matt C. Abbott
December 23, 2013

(On Dec. 20, I was flown to New York City to appear on the Dec. 21 Melissa Harris-Perry show on MSNBC – a network known for being politically liberal. The . . .


Catholics and the 'Common Core' controversy
Matt C. Abbott
December 17, 2013

Pardon the comparison, but Common Core is a bit like abortion: It seems OK if you don't question what you are told by those who are invested in it, but once you . . .


The ACLU sues the bishops; A priest's open letter to Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Matt C. Abbott
December 5, 2013

Wonders never cease: The pro-abortion American Civil Liberties Union is suing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops "alleging that the USCCB's directives . . .


Morality and economics, Pope Francis, and Rush Limbaugh
Matt C. Abbott
November 30, 2013

Pope Francis recently issued the apostolic exhortation "The Joy of the Gospel." Click here to read it. Conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh isn't . . .


Thoughts on ... 'exorcising' gay marriage; Medjugorje; Toronto's troubles
Matt C. Abbott
November 20, 2013

I applaud Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, Ill., for issuing a call for "prayers of supplication and exorcism in reparation for the sin . . .


The psychology of atheism
Matt C. Abbott
November 14, 2013

First, please keep the people of the Philippines, many of whom have been suffering immensely since Typhoon Haiyan devastated the region in recent days, in your . . .


A gay subculture in the USCCB? Say it ain't so!
Matt C. Abbott
November 3, 2013

Although the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is indeed opposed to same-sex "marriage" – thank God – the following news item is troubling.  . . .


Catholicism and 'Reasonable Pleasures'
Matt C. Abbott
October 29, 2013

(A version of this column originally appeared at Catholic Online.) The following is an interview with prolific Catholic writer Father James V. Schall, S.J., . . .


Are atheists of value to religion?
Matt C. Abbott
October 24, 2013

Last month, there was a bit of a stir in the media over Pope Francis' interview with an atheist commentator. (Click here if you'd like a refresher.) Also on . . .


Canonization for a Jesuit exorcist?
Matt C. Abbott
October 13, 2013

"There are some priests who, when they read this Gospel passage, this and others, say: 'But, Jesus healed a person with a mental illness.' They do not read . . .


Mass shootings: moral evil or mental illness?; 'True or False Possession?'
Matt C. Abbott
October 8, 2013

"Jesus doesn't need an army to cast out the demons, He has no need of pride, no need of force, of arrogance. 'What is there about His word? For with authority . . .


The scandal isn't over; 'A Shepherd'; Pray for Michael Terry
Matt C. Abbott
September 28, 2013

Pope Francis will have his hands full, no doubt; the clergy abuse scandal still isn't over. Several cases have made the news in recent . . .


'Right-wing' Catholics still support Pope Francis
Matt C. Abbott
September 21, 2013

Yes, I'm a "right-wing" Catholic. But you already knew that. Anyway... Once again the secular media and Catholic blogosphere have been buzzing big-time . . .


'The Most Holy Eucharist'
Matt C. Abbott
September 19, 2013

The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' 'The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, . . .


Papal and priestly views on the Syrian crisis
Matt C. Abbott
September 7, 2013

Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting (Sept. 7) for peace in Syria: "Today, dear brothers and sisters, I wish to make add my voice to the . . .


Nuns in crisis; 'Lily's Miracle'
Matt C. Abbott
September 2, 2013

The following is a brief interview with Ann Carey, author of Sisters in Crisis: Revisited (2013), published by Ignatius Press. Thanks to Mrs. Carey for taking . . .


Catholic father, child advocate wants to be sheriff
Matt C. Abbott
August 29, 2013

There could be a new sheriff in town – in an Illinois county, to be specific. Former Catholic activist and current child advocate Stephen Brady has . . .


'Russia will spread her errors...'
Matt C. Abbott
August 23, 2013

...If my wishes are fulfilled, Russia will be converted and there will be peace; if not, then Russia will spread her errors throughout the world, bringing new . . .


Catholic priest praises embattled evangelical pastor
Matt C. Abbott
August 17, 2013

From Catholic World News (Aug. 16): "Citing the Alien Tort Statute, which became law in 1789, a U.S. district judge has ruled that a Ugandan umbrella LGBTI  . . .


Thank you, Father 'Angel'; Fighting child sexual abuse, porn; 'The Bellarmine Forum'
Matt C. Abbott
August 12, 2013

By now, it's likely that you've read about the mysterious "angel" priest who assisted in saving a 19-year-old woman's life (click here for the story if you . . .


Hiroshima and the Fatima message; Conservatives and capital punishment
Matt C. Abbott
August 7, 2013

On August 6, Japan commemorated the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, which, between the blast itself and the effects of radiation, killed . . .


'I was asked how I could still be Catholic...'
Matt C. Abbott
August 5, 2013

A good friend of mine, Susan E. Gorski, recently sent out the following reflection to those on her email list: "I was asked how I could still be Catholic . . .


Priest-professor fights for soul of Notre Dame
Matt C. Abbott
August 2, 2013

First, I applaud Cardinal Francis George for his recent response to a fatuous open letter signed by several liberal – and supposedly Catholic – . . .


Papal sound bites: soothing the soul?
Matt C. Abbott
July 31, 2013

Pope Francis' style of speaking in edifying and sometimes humorous sound bites is definitely music to journalists' ears. Given our media age of tweets, texts . . .


'Lord, increase my hope'
Matt C. Abbott
July 27, 2013

In the second reading, Saint Paul speaks of Abraham, who, "hoping against hope, believed" (Rom 4:18). Hoping against hope! Today too, amid so much darkness, we . . .


An interview with 'Friar Purgatory'
Matt C. Abbott
July 20, 2013

Below is a brief interview with broadcast journalist and filmmaker-turned-Catholic priest John Clote, OFM, Conv. Friar John – affectionately referred . . .


Operation iGuardian; Weakland's filthy legacy continues to haunt Milwaukee (my birthplace)
Matt C. Abbott
July 17, 2013

From a July 15 news release: "Two hundred and fifty-five child predators were arrested and 61 victims of child sexual exploitation identified during a five . . .


The NAACP recognizes 'the right to life'--sort of; Lots of liberal 'love' in Massachusetts
Matt C. Abbott
July 15, 2013

When reading a June 14 story by The Associated Press regarding the George Zimmerman verdict (which was, all things considered, a just verdict), the following . . .


California bishop to Catholic critic of Islam: You're canceled!
Matt C. Abbott
July 11, 2013

Yet another diocesan head-scratcher. This time, it's the Diocese of Sacramento. From the Napa Valley Register, via California Catholic Daily (click here for . . .


No breaking this 'Dawn'
Matt C. Abbott
July 8, 2013

On July 9, Catholic author, speaker and blogger Dawn Eden will be giving her testimony to the women-graduates of the Project Dawn treatment court in . . .


The two daddies; Archdiocese of Milwaukee's clergy offender files
Matt C. Abbott
July 4, 2013

A sickening story. From the Sydney Morning Herald (excerpted; click here to read the article in its entirety): "Standing before an American court . . .


Embracing the womb of death
Matt C. Abbott
July 1, 2013

It gets tiresome to see the mainstream media constantly fawning over the likes of Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and now the staunchly pro-abortion Texas state . . .


Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, and the morality of governmental powers
Matt C. Abbott
June 25, 2013

From Reuters (excerpted; click here for the article in its entirety): Fugitive former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden was seeking asylum in . . .


Real-life superheroes
Matt C. Abbott
June 18, 2013

In light of the recently-released film Man of Steel – which, despite its Christian references, was a disappointment for me (click here for a spot-on . . .


On Vatican II's (deliberate?) ambiguities
Matt C. Abbott
June 13, 2013

The following is a brief interview with respected priest-theologian Father Brian Harrison, O.S., whose curriculum vitae can be seen below the interview. Thanks . . .


Newlyweds and Pope Francis; Bishops and divorce; 'The Church Under Attack'
Matt C. Abbott
June 9, 2013

A few items in this particular column of mine... First, congratulations to newlyweds Randy and Erica Sowers, pictured below with Pope . . .


Supporting priests in Boy Scout controversy
Matt C. Abbott
June 4, 2013

I commend Father Derek Lappe, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Bremerton, Wash., for ceasing his parish's support of the Boy Scouts of . . .


The secret that died with Andrew Greeley; Homosexuality and clergy abuse
Matt C. Abbott
May 31, 2013

Father Andrew Greeley has died at the age of 85. I've mentioned him a number of times in this column over the last several years. I was no fan of his, to say . . .


Priest 'boycotting' Boy Scouts; Cardinal Raymond Burke on 'Homosexuality and the Catholic Church'
Matt C. Abbott
May 25, 2013

Regarding the Boy Scouts of America's very disappointing decision to allow "openly gay" Scouts, Father Richard Perozich of the Diocese of San Diego . . .


Scott Lemieux, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Andrew Cuomo; Abortionists Douglas Karpen, Cheryl Chastine
Matt C. Abbott
May 18, 2013

(Note: At the very end of this column are two photos of a late-term abortion committed by abortionist Douglas Karpen – another Kermit Gosnell – of . . .


In the news: IRS, breast cancer, abortion-infanticide; Pope Francis and Fatima
Matt C. Abbott
May 16, 2013

There's been some interesting news in the last several days involving the Internal Revenue Service (under fire for targeting conservative groups), abortion . . .


The Gosnell trial and America's ambivalence about abortion
Matt C. Abbott
May 13, 2013

From a May 10 story at LifeSiteNews.com: "Only a tiny percentage of Americans – 7% – are following the sensational Gosnell trial 'very closely' . . .


The tragic reality of 'covert euthanasia'
Matt C. Abbott
May 9, 2013

Pope Francis has spoken about the tragic reality of "covert euthanasia." From a May 6, 2013 Catholic News Service story: "While the fight to preserve life . . .


The nun who kissed Elvis
Matt C. Abbott
May 7, 2013

In 2011, I had the opportunity to hear a talk given by Hollywood actress-turned- Benedictine nun Dolores Hart at St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago. It was, . . .


Paul Ryan and gay adoption; 'The Church and the Usurers'
Matt C. Abbott
May 3, 2013

The latest GOP culture war casualty is none other than Rep. Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney's pro-life running mate in 2012. Ryan now says he supports gay adoption  . . .


Jason Collins, Tim Tebow and the culture war
Matt C. Abbott
May 1, 2013

(A version of the following column originally appeared at American Thinker.) Two sports stories made headlines the other day: The New York Jets released . . .


Obama's devilspeak; Islam and terrorism; Monsignor Stephen Rossetti
Matt C. Abbott
April 28, 2013

Before getting into some very serious stuff, I offer the following bit of good Christian humor courtesy of the bulletin of St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago:  . . .


The same-sex 'marriage,' contraception connection
Matt C. Abbott
April 23, 2013

The following article, written by Father Brian W. Harrison, appears in the current issue of The Remnant Catholic newspaper. Click here for the publication's . . .


Catholic mother reflects on Gosnell case; Michigan: several abortion clinics have closed in last 18 months
Matt C. Abbott
April 19, 2013

Kermit Gosnell is a moral monster. The terrorist-abortionist, currently on trial, "faces 43 criminal counts, including eight counts of murder in the death of . . .


Discriminating against homosexual persons
Matt C. Abbott
April 13, 2013

In light of the recent story (click here) about a Christian florist who faces significant fines for refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding, I asked . . .


'Loved, Lost, Found'; Surfer-priest's latest book
Matt C. Abbott
April 6, 2013

As we approach Divine Mercy Sunday (April 7), I think it's fitting to feature two recently-released books by Marian Press. The first is Loved, Lost, Found: 1 . . .


'Excommunication and the Catholic Church'
Matt C. Abbott
April 4, 2013

Canon lawyer Edward Peters is no stranger to Catholic media. (Click here to see his blog; click here to see his homepage and resource center.) A brief bio of . . .


'Who is the Devil?'; 'Message of Hope: Confessions of an Ex-Satanist'
Matt C. Abbott
March 30, 2013

First, to all my readers: Happy Easter! Please keep me in your prayers. In his March 14 homily, Pope Francis said: "He who does not pray to the Lord prays . . .


Gay 'Day of Silence' in public schools
Matt C. Abbott
March 27, 2013

'They [the regime] have total power and we cannot overturn them. Electorally we are now a minority. In terms of armed force, they have overwhelming superiority. . . .


So what's wrong with 'gay rights'?
Matt C. Abbott
March 26, 2013

The purpose of a man is to love a woman, And the purpose of a woman is to love a man.... – Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, "The Game Of Love" (1965)  . . .


'Don't mistake compassion for weakness'
Matt C. Abbott
March 22, 2013

Sadly, but not surprisingly, Vice President Joe Biden and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, two prominent pro-abortion, pro-homosexual marriage "Catholics," . . .


Pope Francis and Vatican II
Matt C. Abbott
March 19, 2013

I think it's safe to say that many liberal Catholics – if they're even practicing their faith – like to misrepresent the teachings of the Second . . .


Pope Francis
Matt C. Abbott
March 14, 2013

'My Jesus, by the compassion which You felt for Your Mother, have compassion on me, and permit me to share in her intercession with You. O Mary, afflicted . . .


'A Tale of Two Cardinals'; German and Swiss bishops; Catholics and gay marriage; Father Alfred Kunz
Matt C. Abbott
March 10, 2013

Believe it or not, The New York Times recently published a letter of mine – short and pithy, of course – on Cardinals Keith O'Brien and Roger Mahony . . .


The church and graphic abortion images
Matt C. Abbott
March 8, 2013

Are church employees (Catholic and Protestant) hindering pro-life activism? Well, yes, at least in one respect, writes Father Frank Pavone, national director . . .


The religion of Barack (Saul) Hussein (David) Obama (Alinsky)
Matt C. Abbott
March 2, 2013

Catholic researcher and writer Stephanie Block has put together a dossier on the followers and sympathizers of Lucifer-loving leftist community organizer Saul . . .


'Am I alone?'
Matt C. Abbott
February 15, 2013

'I decided to resign from the ministry that the Lord had entrusted me on April 19, 2005. I did this in full freedom for the good of the Church after having . . .


Renegade priest is suing LifeSiteNews
Matt C. Abbott
February 12, 2013

The following article is from the Feb. 7 issue of The Wanderer Catholic newspaper. It was written by the paper's news editor, Paul Likoudis. To subscribe to the . . .


Priest: Boy Scouts should keep gays out; Killer Carhart kills mom, baby
Matt C. Abbott
February 9, 2013

Regarding the brouhaha over the Boy Scouts possibly accepting leaders who identify as gay or lesbian, I've asked Father Richard Perozich, a priest of the . . .


Priest: ex-sniper Chris Kyle was 'American hero'
Matt C. Abbott
February 5, 2013

In light of the recent news that retired Navy SEAL sniper, best-selling author and reality TV personality Chris Kyle was shot and killed by a troubled former . . .


Learning from the bizarre
Matt C. Abbott
February 1, 2013

If it isn't the crazy realm of politics, violence and bloodshed throughout the world (outside and inside the womb), celebrities being celebrities, and the . . .


'Meet Mary'
Matt C. Abbott
January 28, 2013

Below are excerpts from the first chapter of the book Meet Mary: Getting to Know the Mother of God, by Dr. Mark Miravalle, professor of theology at Franciscan . . .


Catholic hospital: unborn child is not a person; Diocesan-paid abortions?
Matt C. Abbott
January 25, 2013

We Christian pro-lifers are rightly in "battle mode" with the Obama administration; however, it's clear that we still need to clean up our own house, so to . . .


The March for Life, 'Doonby,' and Justin Bieber's mom
Matt C. Abbott
January 23, 2013

So here we are ... 40 years after Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Well over 50 million lives lost to abortion; virtually no prospect of overturning Roe in the . . .


Catholics and gun ownership
Matt C. Abbott
January 17, 2013

Given that the issue of gun ownership and "gun control" is permeating the news, I'm devoting this particular column to Catholic moral teaching and gun ownership . . .


Abortion and the cannibal; Bitter Twitter spittle battle
Matt C. Abbott
January 14, 2013

As we approach the 40th anniversary of the abominable Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions that have led to the slaughter of more than 53 million tiny . . .


Brent Musburger and 'the masculine aspect of sports'; When 'pretty' gets you fired
Matt C. Abbott
January 11, 2013

(The following commentary originally appeared on the blog of American Thinker.) Talk about going overboard! No, I'm not referring to Brent Musburger's on . . .


Good mental health, good spiritual health
Matt C. Abbott
January 9, 2013

In my Dec. 16, 2012 column on the Newtown tragedy, Father Phillip De Vous is quoted as follows: "...Many studies indicate, and my own pastoral experience . . .


Abortionist Robert L. Alexander
Matt C. Abbott
January 8, 2013

The following is a recent news release (slightly edited) by Monica Migliorino Miller, director of the Michigan-based Citizens for a Pro-Life Society and author . . .


Lots of support for Newtown priests; One darn good 'Hobby'
Matt C. Abbott
January 3, 2013

Happy New Year, everyone! Last month, a letter was circulated online asking for prayers and cards of support for Father Luke Suarez, parochial vicar at St. . . .


Pray for the Philippines
Matt C. Abbott
December 19, 2012

It's not just the U.S. that needs many prayers; so does the Philippines. From LifeSiteNews.com: "After a 14-year and often-heated battle, the Philippines . . .


Priests reflect on Connecticut tragedy, gun control
Matt C. Abbott
December 16, 2012

The following are commentaries by two Catholic priests on the horrific mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Father Phillip De Vous wrote (slightly edited)  . . .


Promoting conjugal chastity and NFP
Matt C. Abbott
December 13, 2012

From John F. Kippley, co-founder of Natural Family Planning International, Inc. (edited): "Maybe God is telling us something. Millions of prayers and . . .


Terrance Williams on death row
Matt C. Abbott
December 7, 2012

A reader wrote (edited): "Recently I saw a newspaper item that troubled me deeply. I'm asking you [directed to the reader's friends] to write to the governor . . .


On the 'fiscal cliff,' same-sex 'marriage' controversies
Matt C. Abbott
December 5, 2012

Two stories very much in the news right now are the so-called fiscal cliff and same-sex "marriage" controversies. I've asked Catholic attorney-professor . . .


The triumph of Jesus Christ
Matt C. Abbott
December 3, 2012

The book The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life, authored by Father Charles Arminjon, was completed in 1881 — yet it's still a . . .


Two books by Father Joseph Esper
Matt C. Abbott
November 29, 2012

The following are the introductions to two books authored by the Rev. Joseph M. Esper, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and published by Queenship . . .


James Bond: heroic spy or womanizing killer?
Matt C. Abbott
November 25, 2012

Yes, there are far more pressing matters in the world than the escapades of the fictional 007, but, hey, if the Vatican's official newspaper can devote five . . .


'Christianity, Islam, and Atheism'; 'Adam and Eve after the Pill'
Matt C. Abbott
November 23, 2012

The following is the introduction (sans footnotes) to the book Christianity, Islam, and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West, by William Kilpatrick. . . .


Father Pfleger's Facebook flapdoodle; Nativity Scene displays; Gay clubs flourishing at Catholic schools
Matt C. Abbott
November 22, 2012

A friend alerted me to Father Michael Pfleger's public Facebook page. A sad and scary sight, I must say (click here to see it, but make sure you have a strong . . .


Noted priest weighs in on Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Matt C. Abbott
November 20, 2012

I asked priest-author-theologian Father John Trigilio Jr., president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and a contributor to this column, to comment on the . . .


Ireland and abortion; A pro-life minority in the US?; Ann Coulter OK with killing babies conceived by rape
Matt C. Abbott
November 16, 2012

The "culture of death" advocates are out in full force in Ireland. They have been for quite some time, it seems. They want baby-killing-on-demand in Ireland and . . .


Remembering Mary Stachowicz, modern-day martyr
Matt C. Abbott
November 13, 2012

Ten years ago, on Nov. 13, 2002, Mary Stachowicz was martyred. In 2006, Bishop Thomas Paprocki, now bishop of Springfield, Ill., gave a presentation titled  . . .


The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Pope Pius XII
Matt C. Abbott
November 9, 2012

I recently paid a visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center here in the Chicago area. An interesting, albeit somber, museum, I must say. Its . . .


No crow-eating for me; Priest's post-election reflection; Kudos to ICE-PAC!
Matt C. Abbott
November 7, 2012

In my August 14, 2012 column, I wrote: "I've already resigned myself to another four years of President Obama. But then, I'm a pessimist. I'll gladly eat . . .


Vote your (pro-life) conscience!
Matt C. Abbott
November 2, 2012

...Roe v. Wade was based on the premise — indeed, on the philosophy — that the woman stands alone. Abortion isolates the woman from all other human . . .


241 reasons not to vote for Obama; 'Parish WebStore'
Matt C. Abbott
October 24, 2012

Yes, there are at least 241 reasons not to vote for President Obama next month. I'm sure there are many more, but I'll leave the task of coming up with the . . .


'Prayers, Promises, and Devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory'
Matt C. Abbott
October 20, 2012

The following is the preface (written by Cardinal Ivan Dias) to the book Prayers, Promises, and Devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, by Susan Tassone. . . .


Abortion: a matter of religious freedom?
Matt C. Abbott
October 18, 2012

The Catholic bishops, who rightly oppose the Obama administration's grossly unjust HHS mandate, are united in promoting freedom of religion. And on Oct. 20, pro . . .


Tequila, dissent, and Vatican III; 'Give Cures' campaign
Matt C. Abbott
October 16, 2012

A reader wrote (edited): "Friday, I spent eight hours with a former priest who was booted for doing something nasty with an adolescent years ago. (Why? . . .


'Breaking Through: Catholic Women Speak for Themselves'
Matt C. Abbott
October 12, 2012

Below is the introduction to the book Breaking Through: Catholic Women Speak for Themselves, edited by Helen M. Alvaré, an associate professor of law at George . . .


Women's misogynistic health care
Matt C. Abbott
October 9, 2012

An Oct. 4 blog post on CNN.com titled "Free contraception may prevent abortions" is excerpted below (click here to read the post in its entirety):  . . .


Opposing Obama in Romney, W.Va.; 'Letters Between a Catholic and an Evangelical'
Matt C. Abbott
October 7, 2012

Randall Terry, veteran pro-life activist and current presidential candidate, has a new 30-second television ad that's likely to irk, if not enrage, supporters . . .


Preventing child sexual abuse
Matt C. Abbott
October 2, 2012

I've written about the Truth Alliance Foundation previously, but it's worth revisiting. Thomas R. Hampson, an Illinois licensed private investigator and . . .


Politics and culture; the real St. Francis of Assisi; the hate-spewing SPLC; Children of Mary
Matt C. Abbott
October 1, 2012

Excerpts from a very good piece by Dr. Jeff Mirus of CatholicCulture.org: "In the United States, throughout my entire lifetime, there have been only the most . . .


The post-abortive Monica Lewinsky
Matt C. Abbott
September 25, 2012

Get this: Monica Lewinsky is back in the news. Well, sort of. From LifeNews.com: "The new tell-all book that Monica Lewinsky is currently writing will . . .


Did Chick-fil-A really chicken out?
Matt C. Abbott
September 22, 2012

Yes, I realize there are more pressing matters in the world, but still... From the most recent MassResistance.org . . .


On outlawing abortion, contraception, and sodomy
Matt C. Abbott
September 21, 2012

I posed the following question to Father John Trigilio Jr., president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, author, and my column's resident theologian:  . . .


Do you 'believe in' the devil?
Matt C. Abbott
September 12, 2012

The devil never sleeps — even if you don't believe in him. Or, more accurately, recognize his existence and (evil) works. Below is the introduction to . . .


Martini and modernism
Matt C. Abbott
September 4, 2012

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, S.J., the retired archbishop of Milan known for his liberal views on matters Catholic, died Aug. 31 from complications of . . .


Peaceful pro-lifers perplexed by police
Matt C. Abbott
September 2, 2012

First, please pray for the repose of the souls of two dedicated pro-lifers who died recently: Richard Herner, of Aurora, Ill., and James Vincent Connelly, . . .


Priest experiences gay activists' 'tolerance'; Triune Health Group
Matt C. Abbott
August 26, 2012

Father Gerald O'Reilly, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and devoted defender of the unborn, recently prayed the rosary among several homosexual activists . . .


On Todd Akin and a gay wedding's priest
Matt C. Abbott
August 21, 2012

By the time you read this, U.S. Senate hopeful Todd Akin (R-Missouri) may have dropped out of the race. Or perhaps not. We'll see. In expressing the logical, . . .


'The Emotions God Gave You'
Matt C. Abbott
August 17, 2012

A priest I met with recently for spiritual direction recommended I read The Emotions God Gave You: A Guide for Catholics to Healthy and Holy Living, a book by . . .


Pavone: Romney-Ryan better than Obama
Matt C. Abbott
August 14, 2012

I've already resigned myself to another four years of President Obama. But then, I'm a pessimist. I'll gladly eat crow if I'm wrong. If. We'll see. I . . .


How 'bout Chick-fil-A at Al Smith Dinner?; Catholic chaplain and military registry
Matt C. Abbott
August 9, 2012

In response to the 2012 Al Smith Dinner controversy, an Archdiocese of New York official, Ed Mechmann, has posted a blog entry titled "Controversies and Dinners . . .


Catholic Charities and Obama
Matt C. Abbott
August 3, 2012

First, I ask you, dear readers, to please keep me in your prayers. Many thanks! Perhaps I'm missing the boat, so to speak, but I must say that I'm . . .


Abandoned: '...the best book ever written on abortion'
Matt C. Abbott
July 29, 2012

Veteran pro-life activist and Catholic author-theologian-professor — and mother — Monica Migliorino Miller, Ph.D., has authored a soon-to-be . . .


Where was God in Colorado?
Matt C. Abbott
July 26, 2012

Every time a senseless tragedy of violence and death occurs, such as what recently took place at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater, many people ask the . . .


'Havin' my baby'--God's way!
Matt C. Abbott
July 13, 2012

Dr. Anthony J. Caruso is a Chicago-area Catholic physician who has an ambitious and praiseworthy plan: to establish the St. Anne Center for Reproductive Health, . . .


Priests differ on SCOTUS Obamacare decision
Matt C. Abbott
July 5, 2012

I asked two respected, politically astute Catholic priests — Fathers John Trigilio and Phillip De Vous — to comment on the recent U.S. Supreme Court . . .


A priest's light-hearted reflection
Matt C. Abbott
July 2, 2012

With all the depressing news and events of recent days (and years, for that matter), I thought it might be nice to reprint the following light-hearted . . .


Homosexual parenting
Matt C. Abbott
June 22, 2012

From the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute: "A groundbreaking study reveals that adult children of homosexual and lesbian parents experience far . . .


Biblical arguments against 'Bible only'
Matt C. Abbott
June 20, 2012

Catholic apologist Dave Armstrong has authored a book titled 100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura, the introduction to which is reprinted below (sans . . .


'Liberty, the God That Failed'
Matt C. Abbott
June 17, 2012

Attorney-author Christopher A. Ferrara, president and chief counsel of the American Catholic Lawyers Association, Inc., and contributor to traditionalist . . .


'40'
Matt C. Abbott
June 13, 2012

First, kudos to all those who organized and participated in the June 8 Stand Up for Religious Freedom nationwide rallies! Click here for news and updates . . .


Internist disputes New York Times story on morning-after pill
Matt C. Abbott
June 8, 2012

In a June 5 New York Times story titled "Abortion Qualms on Morning-After Pill May Be Unfounded," reporter Pam Belluck wrote: "...Based on the belief that a . . .


Viva Cristo Rey!
Matt C. Abbott
June 3, 2012

There's a been a loud hum in the Catholic blogosphere in recent days surrounding the release of the feature film For Greater Glory, in large part due to its . . .


Chrissie's calling
Matt C. Abbott
May 28, 2012

Christina Skelley, known to her friends as Chrissie, is a sweet, dedicated pro-lifer and devout Catholic who recently announced that she has decided to enter . . .


More on the divorce-annulment controversy
Matt C. Abbott
May 25, 2012

Father Charles Zmudzinski, C.P.M., J.C.L., writes (slightly edited): It has come to my attention from my religious superior that my comments [included in . . .


Anguish over the bishops and Obamacare; Father Norman Weslin R.I.P.
Matt C. Abbott
May 17, 2012

The following commentary (slightly edited) was written by Michael Smith: "I write this on the even of my beloved bride Linda's funeral, in a feeble attempt . . .


TIME's sexual exploitation of a child
Matt C. Abbott
May 14, 2012

There is controversy surrounding a very recent TIME magazine cover featuring a woman breastfeeding her 3-year-old (or 4-year-old, depending on the report) son. . . .


Priests comment on 'openly gay' student, same-sex 'marriage' controversies
Matt C. Abbott
May 11, 2012

From a May 8 Catholic News Service story: "Keaton Fuller, a senior at Prince of Peace, is one of eight recipients of a Matthew Shepard Scholarship from the . . .


The tragedy of suicide
Matt C. Abbott
May 3, 2012

As one who has battled depression for a number of years, it bothers me when I hear of a death by suicide. Very sad. A priest-friend of mine once said, when it . . .


Examples of outstanding Christian women
Matt C. Abbott
April 24, 2012

God bless all the outstanding pro-life, pro-family Christian women among us. You know who you are! Don't worry — I'm not forgetting about all the . . .


'Catholics and the New Age'
Matt C. Abbott
April 23, 2012

The following are excerpts from the introduction to Father Mitch Pacwa's book Catholics and the New . . .


Noted priest: Come November, Catholics should vote for...
Matt C. Abbott
April 16, 2012

I asked noted Catholic priest-author-EWTN personality — and president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy — Father John Trigilio Jr. (who . . .


Healing sexual wounds
Matt C. Abbott
April 11, 2012

Catholic author, speaker and journalist Dawn Eden has a new book out titled My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints, published by . . .


Catholic attorney to USD: cancel drag show
Matt C. Abbott
April 7, 2012

I first want to wish all my readers — yes, even those who might hate my guts — a blessed Easter! I will keep you in my prayers; please keep me in . . .


Cardinal Schönborn; More on the Father Guarnizo case (from a priest-canonist's perspective)
Matt C. Abbott
April 3, 2012

From CatholicCulture.org: "Overruling one of his parish priests, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna has permitted a homosexual in a registered domestic . . .


Priest to parishioners: oppose IVF clinic
Matt C. Abbott
March 31, 2012

Kudos to Father Thomas Milota, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville, Ill., for recently sending a letter to his parishioners encouraging them to . . .


Priest's perspective on Trayvon Martin case
Matt C. Abbott
March 28, 2012

I asked Father Angel Sotelo, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Fresno, for his perspective on the Trayvon Martin tragedy. Father Sotelo's comments are as . . .


Priest sounds alarm on Obamacare, 'statist aggression'
Matt C. Abbott
March 25, 2012

I first want to ask for prayers for Father John Trigilio, the priest-author and EWTN personality who's also been a contributor to this column. According to a . . .


'My Soul Pants for The Living God'
Matt C. Abbott
March 20, 2012

The following article, written by Father Scott A. Haynes, S.J.C., appears in the March 2012 issue of Challenge Magazine, a Catholic publication based in Canada. . . .


40 Days for Life; Nationwide Rally for Religious Freedom
Matt C. Abbott
March 17, 2012

Dedicated pro-lifers across the country are in the midst of the 40 Days for Life campaign, which has already saved quite a few lives! Of course, you wouldn't . . .


When Irish eyes are ... dying: Soros, Feeney, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs pushing death culture in Ireland
Matt C. Abbott
March 15, 2012

(A version of this column first appeared at American Thinker.) St. Patrick must be rolling over in his grave — and I can say that because I'm part . . .


Break the (Day of) Silence!; Priestly victims of the homosexual network
Matt C. Abbott
March 12, 2012

From Mission: America and the Illinois Family Institute: On April 20, 2012, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is once again exploiting . . .


Priest-artist: 'Art is meant to be a prayer'
Matt C. Abbott
March 10, 2012

At the entrance to the [Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles] is a suspended 8-foot bronze Madonna with computerized enhanced facial . . .


Rush Limbaugh's apology and the liberals' latest 'Fluke'
Matt C. Abbott
March 5, 2012

Leave it to the politically-incorrect Rush Limbaugh to use a not-so-nice word (which, by the way, is not in the same category as a racial slur) to describe an . . .


A lesbian's wrath
Matt C. Abbott
March 1, 2012

From a Feb. 29 story at LifeSiteNews.com: "A parish priest in Maryland, who denied communion to a woman who identified herself as a lesbian, has been . . .


Pro-life internist likes Santorum, but pleads for consistency on Title X
Matt C. Abbott
February 29, 2012

Chris Kahlenborn, M.D., respected internist and founder/president of The Polycarp Research Institute, writes (slightly edited): "I like Rick Santorum a lot. . . .


Tackling the 'taboo': Catholicism and divorce
Matt C. Abbott
February 24, 2012

Let's talk about divorce, shall we? More specifically, Catholicism and divorce. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "Divorce is a grave offense . . .


(Peacefully) protesting the Obama administration's mandate
Matt C. Abbott
February 19, 2012

Catholic author Steve Kellmeyer writes: "'On August 1, 2011, Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed that all employers . . .


'Obama's Africa'
Matt C. Abbott
February 12, 2012

(As I was putting this column together, news broke that pop-singer Whitney Houston has died at the young age of 48. In her prime, Houston had a fabulous voice . . .


Komen almost aborted by Planned Parenthood
Matt C. Abbott
February 4, 2012

(A version of this column originally appeared on American Thinker.) Supporters of Planned Parenthood were furious about the recent decision by Susan G. Komen . . .


Priests' tragic deaths need closure
Matt C. Abbott
February 2, 2012

The mysterious and tragic deaths of two priests — Father Waclaw Jamroz of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Father Alfred Kunz of the Diocese of Madison  . . .


Declaring (spiritual) war on the Obama administration
Matt C. Abbott
January 30, 2012

(A shorter version of the following column originally appeared on American Thinker.) On Jan. 20, the Obama administration, specifically Health and Human . . .


'The Tears of God'
Matt C. Abbott
January 27, 2012

...For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they have comforted me. You . . .


'Mitt Romney's Deception' and the homosexual lobby
Matt C. Abbott
January 20, 2012

I know, I know — no politician is perfect. Heck, none of us is perfect, obviously. Far from it. That said, the main thing that bothers me about GOP . . .


Father Joseph Klee--no fan of Obama--supports Randall Terry's pro-life activism, as does Father Frank Pavone (and me, three)
Matt C. Abbott
January 18, 2012

Veteran pro-life activist and current presidential candidate Randall Terry plans to run Super Bowl ads that will feature the gruesome reality of abortion. Click . . .


Kinsey and 'Sexual Sabotage'
Matt C. Abbott
January 16, 2012

One need only look around to see the disastrous effects of the so-called sexual revolution: pornography at every turn, widespread sexual abuse, rampant . . .


The Divine Mercy and 'A Mother's Plea'
Matt C. Abbott
January 13, 2012

Jesus, I trust in you. A simple yet profound prayer, one at the heart of The Divine Mercy devotion. From EWTN . . .


The cardinal's apology
Matt C. Abbott
January 7, 2012

Let's say a bishop or priest gives an interview to a newspaper or television/radio station and says something that can be construed as inflammatory. He then has . . .


California priest defends Cardinal George
Matt C. Abbott
January 4, 2012

Homosexual activists and their sympathizers are having an absolute hissy-fit over remarks made by Cardinal Francis George in a recently-televised interview  . . .


'Almost A Mother'
Matt C. Abbott
January 3, 2012

Susan Stafford had a turbulent childhood. And the transition to adulthood wasn't any bed of roses, either. Far from it. The product of a broken home, . . .


GOP presidential primary: Santorum, Gingrich, Paul, Bachmann, Romney are favorites of (orthodox) Catholics
Matt C. Abbott
December 31, 2011

I asked several practicing, orthodox Catholics — whom I know to be knowledgeable of Church teaching and the political process — to comment on their . . .


On fatherhood and homeschooling
Matt C. Abbott
December 28, 2011

Below is the Introduction to the recently-published book Who's Got You? Observations of a Homeschooling Father, authored by John Clark, a businessman and father . . .


The difference between boys and girls...
Matt C. Abbott
December 17, 2011

The following article is reprinted from the Christmas 2011 issue of Catholic Men's Quarterly magazine. Thanks to John Moorehouse, publisher of CMQ, for allowing . . .


Fathers Landry, Pavone on 'Tebow phenomenon'
Matt C. Abbott
December 14, 2011

Tim Tebow has sure made the sports headlines as of late. The popular quarterback of the Denver Broncos, known for being unapologetic about his Christian faith  . . .


'The great deceiver, divider, and the devil'; Obama regime's notion of global 'gay' rights
Matt C. Abbott
December 10, 2011

"The great deceiver, divider, and the devil." Those are the words of a priest-monsignor here in Chicago who was referring to someone whose name is . . .


Obama's jobless rate drop?; False accusations and bishop-enablers
Matt C. Abbott
December 3, 2011

I asked (via email) Brian M. McCall, associate professor of law at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, to comment on the apparent drop in the U.S. . . .


Of womyn priest(ess) wannabes
Matt C. Abbott
November 30, 2011

'Women are trained to be priests. Many women have their masters in theology so there's no reason why they couldn't be priests. We should have women deacons. We . . .


More 'gay' Catholic controversies
Matt C. Abbott
November 23, 2011

More "gay" Catholic controversies. Golly gee. First, the East Coast — specifically, Boston. Dr. Jeff Mirus, president of CatholicCulture.org, . . .


Beware of 'Saint Death'
Matt C. Abbott
November 21, 2011

The following is an edited version of an article from a recent issue of The Remnant Catholic newspaper. Many thanks to Remnant editor Michael J. Matt for . . .


The scandal that won't go away
Matt C. Abbott
November 18, 2011

Thomas R. Hampson, an Illinois licensed private investigator and founder of the Truth Alliance Foundation, is determined to expose corruption — in the . . .


Of saints, sinners, and purgatorial souls
Matt C. Abbott
November 14, 2011

Below is the Preface to the book Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, authored by Susan Tassone, whose writings I highly recommend. The . . .


Penn State president's 'moral reign of terror'
Matt C. Abbott
November 7, 2011

My goodness: a sex abuse scandal in the headlines that doesn't involve a Catholic diocese or religious order. Wonders never cease. According to a Nov. 5 . . .


Brown, Pavone and the 'Personhood' controversy
Matt C. Abbott
November 4, 2011

From an Oct. 31 opinion piece in The New York Times, written by I. Glenn Cohen and Jonathan F. Will (click here to read the full commentary): "'On Nov. 8, . . .


Overpopulation? Climate change?
Matt C. Abbott
November 1, 2011

In an Oct. 28 opinion piece in the Chicago Tribune, Robert J. Walker, executive vice president of the Population Institute, wrote (excerpted; click here to read . . .


'Heather's House'
Matt C. Abbott
October 30, 2011

The following article is from the fall 2011 newsletter of Aid for Women, a Chicago-area pregnancy counseling center. "'Aid for Women counsels thousands of . . .


Gaddafi and 'mob justice'
Matt C. Abbott
October 23, 2011

Michael Tripoli, a Catholic, sent those on his email list (including yours truly) the following insightful comments (slightly edited) regarding the violent . . .


A Muslim's view of Fatima and Christianity
Matt C. Abbott
October 19, 2011

I was a bit surprised to receive the following email from a Muslim, Salah H. (slightly edited): "'As a Muslim, let me add another perspective to your . . .


Of abortion images and the 'third path' to hell
Matt C. Abbott
October 12, 2011

A couple of pro-life items in this column... Catholic author and veteran pro-life activist Monica Migliorino Miller, Ph.D., director of the Michigan-based . . .


'Love for Littletons'; Author says economy has violated tenets of Catholicism
Matt C. Abbott
October 8, 2011

A pro-life stalwart needs our prayers: Jim Littleton. For a number of years, the husband and father of 14 spent his Saturday mornings sidewalk counseling in . . .


Praying for Gary Harvey
Matt C. Abbott
October 2, 2011

In an article in the fall 2010 issue of American Life League's Celebrate Life magazine, Bobby Schindler, brother of the late Terri Schiavo and co-executive . . .


Mission Capodanno on DADT repeal; Father Frank Pavone
Matt C. Abbott
September 23, 2011

In light of the recent end to the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, I sought comment from Mission Capodanno, an organization dedicated to assisting . . .


SNAP critic accuses group of 'dishonesty'
Matt C. Abbott
September 12, 2011

I recently received the following email (slightly edited) from Dave Pierre, creator of TheMediaReport.com: "'I've been following the Survivors Network of . . .


Noted priest reflects on 9/11, denounces conspiracy theories
Matt C. Abbott
September 11, 2011

On this 10th anniversary of 9/11, I asked noted Catholic author and theologian Father John Trigilio Jr., president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, to . . .


Two Catholic women granted, grateful for annulments
Matt C. Abbott
September 1, 2011

This particular column features reflections from two Catholic women (their real names are used) who experienced divorce and were subsequently granted annulments . . .


Readers sound off on Mass attire
Matt C. Abbott
August 26, 2011

The following are selected (edited) emails I've received in recent days in response to my Aug. 20 column "When attending Mass becomes an occasion of sin . . .


Michael Voris, 'Catholic News Agency' clash
Matt C. Abbott
August 22, 2011

On August 17, Catholic News Agency ran a controversial story about Michael Voris and RealCatholicTV.com. Click here to read the story. Below is the text of . . .


When attending Mass becomes an occasion of sin
Matt C. Abbott
August 20, 2011

From Jim Baltrinic (slightly edited): "'This post consists of excerpts from a letter I wrote to the pastor of a Catholic parish about a certain incident that . . .


The pro-pedophilia conference
Matt C. Abbott
August 17, 2011

How's this for disgusting? From an August 15 article in The Daily Caller: "'If a small group of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals have . . .


The Latin Mass and one priest's 'science fiction'
Matt C. Abbott
August 14, 2011

In a recent parish bulletin, Father Bill Conway, pastor of Divine Savior Parish in the Diocese of Joliet, Ill., wrote (excerpted and slightly edited; click here . . .


A Catholic husband's painful divorce
Matt C. Abbott
August 10, 2011

The following is a reflection (slightly edited) from a practicing Catholic husband and father on the pain of divorce — unwanted on his part. For . . .


Human trafficking: the new slavery
Matt C. Abbott
August 7, 2011

Earlier this year, I attended a talk given by Sister Jean Okroi, IBVM, on the evil of human trafficking. Quite an eye-opener, I must say. Sister has graciously . . .


National debt: an immoral deception
Matt C. Abbott
July 24, 2011

In his latest e-column, Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula, interim president of Human Life International, writes (excerpted): "'As August 2nd nears; that . . .


Preparing for the 'new' Mass
Matt C. Abbott
July 18, 2011

Many Catholics have heard by now that certain changes will be instituted later this year in the ordinary form of the Mass. Pastors across the country may want . . .


Reflecting on the Casey Anthony, John Corapi stories
Matt C. Abbott
July 6, 2011

Two unrelated current events had rather unfortunate developments on July 5: the Casey "Tot Mom" Anthony murder trial (she was acquitted by a jury) and "The . . .


Website tracks 'pro-choice' violence
Matt C. Abbott
July 5, 2011

(A version of the following article, written by Brian W. Clowes, Ph.D., appeared in a recent issue of The Wanderer.) Human Life International Launches New  . . .


Chicago priest decries homosexualist agenda
Matt C. Abbott
June 26, 2011

A Chicago priest has spoken out on a controversial, politically-incorrect topic. And, no, it isn't Father Michael Pfleger. It's Father Anthony Brankin, . . .


Fondly remembering Father Poppa
Matt C. Abbott
June 21, 2011

In my April 10, 2010 column, I reprinted a reflection about a relatively obscure and faithful Catholic priest in Broadus, Montana by the name of Chester Poppa. . . .


Reactions to John Corapi's bombshell
Matt C. Abbott
June 19, 2011

The man formerly known as Father John Corapi, celebrity Catholic priest, is "not going to be involved in public ministry as a priest any longer" and now wants . . .


The minor miracle of Mrs. Mac
Matt C. Abbott
June 14, 2011

I firmly believe that living as a true Christian is the toughest vocation of all. — Father Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R. The following is an . . .


Pregnancy resource centers and praising God
Matt C. Abbott
June 8, 2011

Most pro-lifers know about the very important work that pregnancy resource centers do on a regular basis: They save babies from abortion and help mothers in . . .


Is Michele Bachmann an anti-Catholic crank?; Thomas F. Roeser, 1928 - 2011
Matt C. Abbott
June 4, 2011

I got a kick out of a June 2 article titled "Michele Bachmann thinks the world is ending and the pope is the antichrist," written by Alex Pareene, posted on the . . .


A 'queer' America?
Matt C. Abbott
May 31, 2011

The following is the Introduction to Michael L. Brown's latest book A Queer Thing Happened to America: And What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been. Thanks to Dr. . . .


Catholic clergy clash over home schooling
Matt C. Abbott
May 28, 2011

Although I wasn't home-schooled, I fully support parents who are in a position to do so. Thus, I'm perplexed and disappointed in remarks made by Catholic author . . .


Thank you, Damian Goddard!
Matt C. Abbott
May 25, 2011

I received the following email on May 24 (slightly edited): "'My name is Damian Goddard. I am a cradle-Catholic and TV sports broadcaster up here in Canada . . .


Liberal women rule Rochester diocese
Matt C. Abbott
May 23, 2011

The following article is reprinted from the May 19 issue of The Wanderer Catholic newspaper. To support the publication through subscriptions and/or advertising . . .


Gimme' some John Jay money, and I'll guarantee you get raptured...
Matt C. Abbott
May 21, 2011

Well, golly gee, there have been a few interesting stories making headlines recently: Osama bin Laden was killed by Navy SEALs; Arnold Schwarzenegger has . . .


'Death is awesome'
Matt C. Abbott
May 17, 2011

For good spiritual reading, my favorite (still living) priest-author is Father Benedict Groeschel, whose gentle orthodoxy and sound psychology are both edifying . . .


Woman recounts horror of abortion pill, clinic
Matt C. Abbott
May 12, 2011

Father Peter West, associate director of Priests for Life, has provided me with the following affidavit of Jane Doe, who underwent a complete hysterectomy in . . .


Get serious!
Matt C. Abbott
May 11, 2011

Father James Farfaglia is no stranger to this column. He's been featured and quoted several times over the last few years, and I'm happy to report that I agree . . .


That 'gay priest' debate...
Matt C. Abbott
May 7, 2011

A reader recently sent me a link to a commentary titled "Are Gay Priests the Problem?" by author and ABC News religion contributor Father Edward L. Beck, C.P.  . . .


Ken 'Hutch' Hutcherson on making a better America
Matt C. Abbott
May 5, 2011

Ken Hutcherson — affectionately known as "Hutch" — is senior pastor of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, Wash. He's a former middle linebacker for . . .


John Paul II's influence on birth control encyclical, pro-life movement
Matt C. Abbott
April 30, 2011

An interesting angle on soon-to-be Blessed John Paul II, courtesy of Australian Catholic journalist Andrew Rabel (edited): "'With the beatification of John . . .


The story behind an upcoming pro-life conference
Matt C. Abbott
April 29, 2011

Dr. Brian Kopp wrote (slightly edited): "'I first met Father Smith Jones (not his real name) in 1998 while doing a house call for his mother, Jane (not her . . .


The priest who got away with (financing) murder
Matt C. Abbott
April 21, 2011

What can I do but shake my head in disgust? And pray, of course. I'm referring to Father Manel Pousa of the Archdiocese of Barcelona, who, according to an . . .


Ex-priest Ellis Harsham 'returns'
Matt C. Abbott
April 19, 2011

Former Catholic priest-turned-Protestant (or so it seems) Ellis Harsham, who was accused of sexual abuse in the 1990s and subsequently left the priesthood, is . . .


Ex-seminarian 'deeply troubled' by abuse scandal; SNAP, Catholic League clash
Matt C. Abbott
April 15, 2011

I received the following email (slightly edited) from Roger Grant: "'I enjoy reading your columns on RenewAmerica.com (and some of the other writers as well) . . .


'Under the Weight'
Matt C. Abbott
April 12, 2011

The following is a Christian poem composed by a friend of mine, L.A. . . .


Michael Voris persecuted: singin' the blues in Motown
Matt C. Abbott
April 8, 2011

Michael Voris of RealCatholicTV.com is becoming persona non grata among the Church establishment. A talk he was scheduled to give on the property of the Diocese . . .


'Heroic News,' heroic activist
Matt C. Abbott
April 6, 2011

From a news release: Heroic Media has announced the establishment of 'Heroic News,' a pro-life news website featuring key moral and cultural issues, namely, . . .


Catholic parish warns against using social network sites
Matt C. Abbott
April 4, 2011

I used to have a Facebook account. Not anymore, though. I closed it a while back. Yeah, I admit that I sorta' miss it at times — but not a whole lot. (I . . .


Pro-life hospice care
Matt C. Abbott
April 2, 2011

Below is an edited e-mail in response to my April 1 column on hospice care. It's followed by a response from Ron Panzer, president of the strongly pro-life . . .


Catholic nurse recounts hospice horror, says doctor euthanized priest
Matt C. Abbott
April 1, 2011

Some will recall that March 31 was the sixth anniversary of the court-ordered murder of Terri Schiavo. (Click here to read about the tragedy.) Terri's . . .


Benedict XVI and the Jews
Matt C. Abbott
March 29, 2011

Pope Benedict's latest book, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, is causing a bit of a stir because of his comments about the Church and the Jews' conversion. (Source . . .


'Catholic Lane'; Chicago area events
Matt C. Abbott
March 28, 2011

From a press release (edited): "It's a breath of fresh air. I love it!" That's been the reaction of reader after reader to Catholic Lane, a website debuting . . .


Priest's 'Theology of the Body' -- or 'holy' pornography?
Matt C. Abbott
March 26, 2011

In my observation, the most discussed and debated theological work of the late John Paul II has been Theology of the Body. In fact, certain interpretations of . . .


New York priest wouldn't say pedophilia is a sin
Matt C. Abbott
March 16, 2011

Father Robert Kennedy of the Diocese of Rochester, who's presently in public ministry and presumably a priest "in good standing" [click here], wouldn't say that . . .


'Litany for Japan'; Christian martyrs and Muslim barbarism
Matt C. Abbott
March 14, 2011

My Catholic readers might appreciate the "Litany for Japan"; click here to read (and pray) it. From Australian Catholic journalist Andrew Rabel (edited . . .


'Cleansing Fire': Islam, diversity, and anti-Christian sentiment
Matt C. Abbott
March 7, 2011

In past columns — here, here and here — I reprinted substantial excerpts from Catholic attorney and scholar Peter B. Kelly's "factional" novel . . .


Catholic academe could learn from BYU; Westboro Baptist Church controversy; Archbishop OKs cross-dressing?
Matt C. Abbott
March 4, 2011

Brigham Young University, affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has suspended its star basketball player, Brandon Davies, for . . .


Professor: 'Most colleges' curricula are trash...'
Matt C. Abbott
March 2, 2011

Ah, the college years... Hedonism. Relativism. Progressivism. Modernism. Scientism. Fundamentalism. Radical feminism. Multiculturalism. Consumerism. . . .


Professor Charles Rice on Obama's 'eligibility'
Matt C. Abbott
February 27, 2011

There's been a lot of discussion in certain circles on the topic of President Obama's "eligibility." (Incidentally, Dr. William Oddie cogently argues in a . . .


Pro-life 'bits and pieces'
Matt C. Abbott
February 26, 2011

A reader wrote (edited): "'Gov. Cuomo and his girlfriend receiving Holy Communion while in the state of [objective] mortal sin and the bishop approving it . . .


The canonist's 'no Communion for Cuomo' controversy
Matt C. Abbott
February 24, 2011

From a Feb. 23 Associated Press story (excerpted; click here for the full article): "'A consultant for the Vatican's high court says he believes New York Gov . . .


Dying with Jesus and Mary
Matt C. Abbott
February 21, 2011

I never had the pleasure of meeting Claudia Avignone, but I know she was a woman of deep faith. That faith, however, was tested when she was diagnosed with . . .


Planned Parenthood's predator problem
Matt C. Abbott
February 17, 2011

I have nothing but contempt for Planned Parenthood and all that it stands for. Not that I believe every person associated with the abortion giant is evil &mdash . . .


The scandal that keeps on 'giving'
Matt C. Abbott
February 16, 2011

Here it is 2011, and the clergy abuse scandal, which "broke" in 2002, is still making headlines. What a shame. In addition to the victims, with whom I have a . . .


Homosexual activists protest in front of Holy Name Cathedral
Matt C. Abbott
February 14, 2011

On Sunday, Feb. 13, in front of Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral, a group of homosexual activists protested Cardinal Francis George's opposition to "civil unions" . . .


Brief interview with diocesan exorcist
Matt C. Abbott
February 7, 2011

The following is a brief interview with a priest who's the official exorcist of a Midwestern diocese. He wishes to remain anonymous. 1) When were you . . .


'The Splendor of a Catholic Education'
Matt C. Abbott
February 4, 2011

The following commentary (slightly edited) was written by Father Phillip De Vous, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Crescent Springs, Kentucky. The Splendor . . .


Thank you!; Pray for Derek Thomas
Matt C. Abbott
February 1, 2011

First, I just want to express my deep gratitude to all those who sent me messages of support in response to my Jan. 29 column. I'm amazed by the numerous . . .


The Achilles' heel of the pro-life movement
Matt C. Abbott
January 28, 2011

Just what is the Achilles' heel of the pro-life movement? I'll give you a hint: It begins with the letter "c." Contraception. Michael Voris of . . .


Bishop clarifies stance on Vatican II
Matt C. Abbott
January 25, 2011

It made Catholic news headlines in recent days when Bishop Athanasius Schneider, an auxiliary of the Diocese of Karaganda, "suggested the preparation of an . . .


Attention March for Life attendees: I'm with you in spirit!
Matt C. Abbott
January 22, 2011

Very soon tens of thousands — perhaps hundreds of thousands — of pro-lifers will gather in Washington, D.C. to proclaim respect for the sanctity of . . .


Reaction to John Paul II's upcoming beatification
Matt C. Abbott
January 20, 2011

In wake of the news that the late Pope John Paul II will be beatified on May 1, Father James Farfaglia, parish priest and author of two books (one of which, Get . . .


Exorcism-mania
Matt C. Abbott
January 18, 2011

Do you know what happens when you don't pay your exorcist? You get repossessed! Ha! A little Catholic humor. Sorry. Couldn't resist. I can't take credit . . .


Quo vadis, Marquette University (and the majority of Catholic schools, for that matter)?
Matt C. Abbott
January 11, 2011

First, I'd like to ask my readers to pray for the repose of the souls of (as well as the families of) pro-life activists Daniel T. Zanoza and Mary Jo Heiland. . . .


Priest-author, SNAP 'answer' Chicago monsignor
Matt C. Abbott
January 7, 2011

In a recent bulletin, Monsignor Dan Mayall, pastor of Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral, wrote the following (excerpted; emphasis mine): "'December 29, Wednesday . . .


Homosexual unions, adoptions; False abuse allegations?; Contraception, abortion in Spain; Bishop Hubbard; 'Father Oprah'
Matt C. Abbott
January 5, 2011

This particular column is going to be a mishmash of sorts, with several links to pertinent articles. First, in light of the inroads made by the homosexual . . .


Readers respond to 'The Catholic who's anti-Catholic'
Matt C. Abbott
January 3, 2011

As expected, I've received both angry and complimentary responses to my Dec. 30 column. One person even wrote, "Nuke the Vatican ASAP." Nice, huh? Please . . .


Remembering two courageous priests; Protesting a Pepsi/Doritos (potential) Super Bowl ad
Matt C. Abbott
January 1, 2011

My Australian Catholic journalist-friend Andrew Rabel, who contributes to Inside the Vatican magazine, wrote (edited): "'It is with a touch of sadness that I . . .


The Catholic who's anti-Catholic
Matt C. Abbott
December 30, 2010

One thing that's irked me in recent times is seeing self-identified Catholics bashing, and leaving, the Church using the clergy abuse scandal as an excuse to do . . .


Obama's 'death panels': what lies ahead
Matt C. Abbott
December 28, 2010

From a Dec. 27 blog post by Philip Klein of the American Spectator: "'The New York Times reports that the administration has brought back the end-of-life . . .


Revisited: A Christmas poem
Matt C. Abbott
December 24, 2010

The following is a Christmas poem that originally appeared in my Dec. 22, 2006 column. It was composed by Illinoisan Susan E. Gorski, a friend of . . .


Bravo, Bishop Olmsted!; Archbishop Dolan defends Catholic League
Matt C. Abbott
December 22, 2010

Gee, is there any way we can make Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted bishop of, say, 90 percent of the U.S. dioceses? He definitely "walks the walk," which is more . . .


Congress infects military with 'spiritual AIDS'
Matt C. Abbott
December 19, 2010

Sad to say, I'm afraid Congress has just infected our military with "spiritual AIDS," if you will, by repealing DADT — much to the delight of the . . .


Defending Christmas in a secular world
Matt C. Abbott
December 18, 2010

The following is a brief interview with Christian public relations expert Tom Ciesielka on how we Christians should defend the true message of Christmas in our . . .


Disgraceful diocesan dirty deeds; Readers sound off on JFK, Christmas joy
Matt C. Abbott
December 15, 2010

It's rare — very rare — that I actually agree with a secular newspaper's editorial regarding some aspect of the Church. But I do in this case.  . . .


Holiday blues; Opus Dei priest endorses condom use?
Matt C. Abbott
December 9, 2010

So we're in the midst of, to quote the old Christmas song, "the most wonderful time of the year"? Well, religiously speaking, Christmas is indeed a wonderful . . .


Is Sarah Palin anti-Catholic?
Matt C. Abbott
December 7, 2010

No. In fact, even though Palin is Protestant, she's actually more Catholic, morally speaking, than Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, Pat Quinn and Father Michael Pfleger . . .


WikiLeaks' actions are immoral, says priest-author
Matt C. Abbott
November 30, 2010

I asked priest-author Father John Trigilio Jr., president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy — and one of my favorite priests to quote in this column . . .


'Heroic Media': helping to build a culture of life
Matt C. Abbott
November 24, 2010

The following is a brief e-mail interview I recently conducted with Kimberly Guidry Speirs, director of communication for Heroic Media. Matt C. Abbott: Would . . .


Is another Notre Dame scandal brewing?
Matt C. Abbott
November 22, 2010

A female student who attended St. Mary's College committed suicide after she was allegedly sexually attacked by one of Notre Dame's football players — and . . .


The pope and 'condom-mania'
Matt C. Abbott
November 21, 2010

The news about Pope Benedict's latest remarks on condom use has indeed caused a stir, but it's really not what I'd consider a major story. Notice he did not say . . .


Woman sympathizes with convicted murderer Justin Boulay; More on CCHD controversy
Matt C. Abbott
November 19, 2010

Wouldn't you know, one of two e-mails I've received thus far in response to my Nov. 17 column on convicted — but just set free — murderer Justin  . . .


When a murderer (Justin Boulay) goes free; A new USCCB president
Matt C. Abbott
November 17, 2010

Get this: A 33-year-old murderer, Justin Boulay, walks out of prison after serving only 12 years and plans to move to Hawaii with his wife, Rachel Rivers Boulay . . .


KIDS: Keep Infants with Down Syndrome
Matt C. Abbott
November 16, 2010

The following is a guest commentary by Leticia Velasquez, co-founder of Keep Infants with Down Syndrome (KIDS). "The mentally disabled: words and meaning"  . . .


'Gay Catholic' group wants Kicanas to be new USCCB president
Matt C. Abbott
November 15, 2010

A group of homosexual activists claiming to be Catholic wants Bishop Gerald Kicanas elected as the new president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. And . . .


Bishop Kicanas the next USCCB president? I hope not
Matt C. Abbott
November 12, 2010

I don't think much of the bureaucracy known as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In fact, some days I think it should simply be disbanded. True . . .


Silencing Christians in the political process
Matt C. Abbott
November 10, 2010

It seems at least a few liberals were infuriated by Father Richard Perozich's pre-Election 2010 call for Catholics to stop voting stupidly (see my Oct. 9 column . . .


Jesuit criticizes clergy abuse researchers
Matt C. Abbott
November 9, 2010

One of the e-mails I received in response to my Nov. 6 column, "No, the pope doesn't have a 'sex problem,'" was from Father Eric Albert Zimmer, S.J., Ph.D., . . .


No, the pope doesn't have a 'sex problem'
Matt C. Abbott
November 6, 2010

As an advocate of clergy and religious abuse survivors (and all abuse survivors, for that matter), I highly respect the work of journalists Joe Rigert and . . .


A pro-life economic agenda
Matt C. Abbott
November 5, 2010

Morally speaking, there can be no compromise when it comes to protecting the unborn from death through abortion. Period. That said, I'm no expert in the . . .


Priest-author: regulate alcohol, keep pot (and 'hard' drugs) illegal
Matt C. Abbott
November 3, 2010

In light of a new British study asserting that alcohol is more dangerous than "hard" drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine, I asked Father John Trigilio Jr., . . .


'The Catholic Church in the Obama Era'
Matt C. Abbott
October 23, 2010

Below is the text of Dr. Charles E. Rice's keynote address to the national meeting of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, held Oct. 22 at Holy Cross . . .


Pro-life media relations
Matt C. Abbott
October 21, 2010

Getting favorable, or even fair, coverage in the mainstream media is something the pro-life movement has struggled mightily with for many years. Is it . . .


TIME belittles Catholic teaching; The New York Times belittles crisis pregnancy centers, dismisses abortion-breast cancer link
Matt C. Abbott
October 19, 2010

Two related news items that will shock absolutely no one... First, TIME Magazine strikes again. In an Oct. 8 article titled "Is the Catholic Church's . . .


Freed miners: a lesson from Chile
Matt C. Abbott
October 14, 2010

Reader Carlos Caso-Rosendi wrote (slightly edited): "You may look at the time-stamp on this message and wonder, what am I doing sending e-mails at this . . .


Priest to Catholic voters: Stop being stupid!
Matt C. Abbott
October 9, 2010

The following is a message from Father Richard Perozich, a priest of the Diocese of San Diego: Elections are coming up November 2, 2010. Catholics must . . .


Readers sound off on 'gay' teen suicides, church closings, fundraising issues, clergy corruption
Matt C. Abbott
October 8, 2010

The following is a selection of (edited) e-mails I've received in recent days. (Please say a prayer for the repose of the soul of Father L. Dudley Day, a fine, . . .


Alarmist fundraising
Matt C. Abbott
October 6, 2010

When was the last time you received from a non-profit organization an e-mail or 'snail mail' letter begging for money in an alarmist fashion? For many of you . . .


The libertarian candidate
Matt C. Abbott
October 5, 2010

If you're a social conservative who lives in Illinois — like, say, yours truly — for whom do you vote when you have a pro-abortion, special-rights . . .


Catholic mom-blogger threatened by 'Catholic' students
Matt C. Abbott
October 2, 2010

Catholic blogger and mother Carol McKinley is being threatened by certain male students who attend Sacred Heart School in Kingston, Mass. And they're doing so . . .


Is Notre Dame Obama-cursed?
Matt C. Abbott
October 1, 2010

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is 1–3 so far this season. Not exactly what Notre Dame fans were hoping for, particularly with new head coach . . .


Catholics sound off on the homosexualist agenda, modest dress
Matt C. Abbott
September 30, 2010

The following is a selection of (edited) e-mails I've received in recent days. Michael Hecker: "I read your Sept. 22 column and am saddened to say that I . . .


Is the Vatican Bank morally bankrupt?
Matt C. Abbott
September 25, 2010

I must say, the Vatican Bank has a rather shady history — and it's making headlines yet again. Catholic author and journalist Michael Brown of SpiritDaily . . .


The homosexualist agenda in Catholic schools
Matt C. Abbott
September 22, 2010

Michael Patrick recently wrote (edited): "I read your excellent article 'Joseph Farah is right about the homosexualist agenda...' Thank you for publicizing . . .


Boston priest had 'very positive meeting' with cardinal
Matt C. Abbott
September 21, 2010

Below is a report of a meeting that took place on Sept. 18 between Father David J. Mullen and Cardinal Seán O'Malley. Father Mullen had expressed concern over . . .


On love for the pope
Matt C. Abbott
September 16, 2010

As Pope Benedict XVI travels to hostile territory for the next few days, I recall an allocution by Pope St. Pius X (delivered in 1912) on love for the pope — . . .


Notre Dame Law School professor emeritus unhappy with niece Kathleen Rice's campaign statement
Matt C. Abbott
September 13, 2010

Noted Catholic scholar and Notre Dame Law School professor emeritus Charles Rice is not happy about a Labor Day e-mail statement issued by his niece, Kathleen . . .


Readers sound off on Ground Zero mosque, political terminology, and a Pa. political race
Matt C. Abbott
September 12, 2010

The following is a selection of (edited) e-mails I've received in recent days. Thanks to all who send me thoughtful and insightful responses to my . . .


Joseph Farah is right about the homosexualist agenda...
Matt C. Abbott
September 9, 2010

Although I've been critical of WorldNetDaily in the past (for running an anti-Catholic commentary), I have to commend WND's Joseph Farah for recognizing the sad . . .


Glenn Beck and the religion dilemma
Matt C. Abbott
September 8, 2010

For those not already familiar with RealCatholicTV.com, Catholic journalist Michael Voris regularly delivers insightful commentaries on matters pertaining to . . .


SNAP director criticizes Jesuit university
Matt C. Abbott
September 5, 2010

The following is a guest commentary written by David Clohessy, executive director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP). Several weeks . . .


Miley Cyrus and the Planned Parenthood culture
Matt C. Abbott
September 3, 2010

The evening of September 2, I was walking in downtown Chicago — on my way to an ICE-PAC event — crossing one of the bridges over the Chicago River, when I . . .


Black author asks: Is Obama truly Christian?
Matt C. Abbott
September 1, 2010

The following is an excerpt from chapter 12 of black commentator and author Ron Miller's new book SELLOUT: Musings from Uncle Tom's Porch. You can read about Mr . . .


CBN and the dubious Christian outreach to homosexuals
Matt C. Abbott
August 26, 2010

The Christian Broadcasting Network, commonly known as CBN, recently had a segment featuring Chicagoan Andrew Marin's outreach to homosexuals. To watch and/or . . .


The mind of a pederast
Matt C. Abbott
August 22, 2010

In my August 12 column, I printed an e-mail by homosexual activist David Thorstad, a founding member of the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). . . .


Wannabe a state executioner?
Matt C. Abbott
August 20, 2010

With regard to capital punishment, does an executioner sin when he or she "flips the switch," so to speak? That's the question I posed to Father John . . .


Blagojevich the scoundrel
Matt C. Abbott
August 18, 2010

Disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been convicted on one of 24 counts levied against him by the feds. Not great, but at least they got the foul . . .


Nun abuse at hell's orphanage
Matt C. Abbott
August 14, 2010

Although I'm a staunch, orthodox Catholic, I still consider myself an advocate for clergy/religious abuse survivors, for which I make no apologies. I was able . . .


Admitted pederast accuses me of spreading a lie; 'Theology of the Body' debate rages
Matt C. Abbott
August 12, 2010

I've received some rather bizarre e-mails over the years, but the one that takes the cake was recently sent to me by David Thorstad, a founding member of the  . . .


Readers sound off on 'Late Nite Catechism,' Islam, pro-life witness
Matt C. Abbott
August 9, 2010

The following is a selection of (edited) e-mails I've received in recent days. Please note that I do not necessarily agree with every single point of every . . .


The Evangelical Christian case against contraception
Matt C. Abbott
August 4, 2010

The (im)morality of contraception is something the majority of Christians are either uncomfortable discussing or, in some cases, simply not interested in . . .


Anne Rice e-mailed me...
Matt C. Abbott
August 2, 2010

Author Anne Rice e-mailed me in response to my July 30 column. She wrote: "Forgive me but Michael Rowe says it all better than I can. Thank you for addressing . . .


Does 'Late Nite Catechism' mock Catholicism?; Anne Rice's 'vampire logic'
Matt C. Abbott
July 30, 2010

Although I haven't seen it — and I really have no desire to see it — I think it's safe to say that the play Late Nite Catechism has been at least somewhat . . .


Readers sound off on Mel Gibson, psychological suffering, pro-adoption license plates, and the Jesuits
Matt C. Abbott
July 22, 2010

The following are e-mails I've received in response to recent columns of mine (certain e-mails are edited and do not necessarily reflect my opinions . . .


Yes, life is a highway--so support 'Choose Life' license plates!
Matt C. Abbott
July 20, 2010

Veteran pro-life activist Jim Finnegan, president of Illinois Choose Life, would never think of waving the white flag when it comes to fighting the pervasive . . .


Mel Gibson's (and my) demons
Matt C. Abbott
July 18, 2010

Mel Gibson's demons are my demons and my demons are Mel's demons. Well, sort of. Allow me to explain. I don't wish to per se defend Mel's behavior in recent . . .


Supporting those 'in the trenches'
Matt C. Abbott
July 5, 2010

A reader recently wrote (edited): "In my personal humble opinion, there are bigger fish to fry than to pay attention to what is going on at the Rockford . . .


Despicable abortionists, Notre Dame's hypocrisy, beating the ACLU, Obama's counterfeit Catholics
Matt C. Abbott
June 29, 2010

Here's the latest from Ann Scheidler and the Thomas More Society: On May 29, 2010, the abortionists stooped to a new low, even for them. Here's what happened . . .


Noted priest: John Paul II was fooled by Maciel
Matt C. Abbott
June 25, 2010

The stench of the late Father Marcial Maciel's rotting corpse still permeates the air and continues to make headlines, so to speak. What struck (and . . .


'Bomb-throwing Jesuits'
Matt C. Abbott
June 23, 2010

The following article, written by Catholic attorney John M. DeJak, is reprinted (with permission) from the June 24, 2010 issue of The . . .


'The Impact of Homosexual Parenting'
Matt C. Abbott
June 14, 2010

I recently had the pleasure of having a lengthy telephone conversation with Dawn Stefanowicz, author of the book Out from Under: The Impact of Homosexual . . .


Why I'm disappointed in Rush Limbaugh
Matt C. Abbott
June 7, 2010

This column may open up a can of worms, but here it goes... I guess we conservatives (and, for the record, I don't consider "socially moderate" Republicans . . .


Ex-priest Kennedy exemplifies the left's arrogance
Matt C. Abbott
June 5, 2010

Former priest Eugene Cullen Kennedy, the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin's close friend and biographer, likes to mock anyone and anything orthodox. Even yours . . .


Memorial Day 2010
Matt C. Abbott
May 29, 2010

The following is the text of a speech to be delivered by Clark Sowers of Belle Fourche, S. D., during a Memorial Day service at Pineslope Cemetery in Belle . . .


Fighting child pornography, sexual predators
Matt C. Abbott
May 28, 2010

Attorney Jeff Anderson is no friend of the Catholic Church, for sure (although if there hadn't been so many morally corrupt and grossly negligent clergy, . . .


Priest, university persecuted by Ukrainian government
Matt C. Abbott
May 27, 2010

(First, I'd like to ask my readers to pray for U.S. seminarian Philip Gerard Johnson, who's battling brain cancer; and for pro-life activist Randall Terry's . . .


Gay activists (thankfully) denied Communion in Chicago; Readers share thoughts on journalist's book, Corazon Aquino
Matt C. Abbott
May 25, 2010

From a Rainbow Sash Movement news release: "The Rainbow Sash Movement gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender Catholics and supporters entered Catholic cathedrals . . .


Arizona and illegal immigration -- I'm torn; Jewish CEO donates to Chesterton Academy; Actor hosts Latino pro-life congress
Matt C. Abbott
May 19, 2010

I'm genuinely torn on the issue of illegal immigration in general and Arizona's new law in particular. Perhaps I shouldn't be, but I am. In 2004 I wrote a . . .


'Animal rights' versus good stewardship
Matt C. Abbott
May 18, 2010

The other day I received a brief e-mail from Laurel, who was responding to a past column of mine regarding PETA and so-called animal rights. "You're pretty . . .


Catholics still debating Obamacare
Matt C. Abbott
May 13, 2010

The debate over Obamacare continues — at least among some Catholics. To wit: Michael Sean Winters has posted on America magazine's website a commentary in . . .


Man remembers nun's kindness
Matt C. Abbott
May 11, 2010

The following (edited) reflection was provided to me by Jim Boushay. Nuns and knuckles By Jim Boushay Sister Joseph Marita — who now goes by the name . . .


Has 'the pill' caused drive-by shootings?
Matt C. Abbott
May 9, 2010

Judging by the laudatory articles on the birth control pill popping up all over the Web in recent days, one might conclude that the pill was in fact the . . .


Readers sound off on illegal immigration, 'quiet euthanasia,' anti-Catholic bigotry
Matt C. Abbott
May 6, 2010

The following is a selection of (edited) readers' responses to recent columns of mine. Philip C. Onochié: "I have been following the illegal immigration . . .


Vatican statement on Legion of Christ leaves unanswered questions, says ex-Legionary priest
Matt C. Abbott
May 5, 2010

Father James Farfaglia, a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi for nine years, was formerly with the Legion of Christ for 21 years. His response to the . . .


Two priests differ on Arizona immigration law
Matt C. Abbott
May 3, 2010

The immigration law recently enacted in Arizona has, not surprisingly, caused quite a firestorm of controversy. Also not surprising: The United States . . .


Quiet euthanasia
Matt C. Abbott
April 29, 2010

"Hundreds of thousands of patients are killed in the world each year in this manner, and no police or district attorney will act to investigate or prosecute."  . . .


Anti-Catholic bigotry
Matt C. Abbott
April 27, 2010

Perhaps the term "bigot" is overused these days, particularly by the libertine left when referring to those of us who oppose the homosexual lobby, which in turn . . .


The Traditional Mass in D.C.--the bishop's homily
Matt C. Abbott
April 25, 2010

The following is the text of Tulsa Bishop Edward James Slattery's homily delivered on April 24 during the Traditional Latin Solemn High Pontifical Mass at the . . .


'Homosexuality and the Church Crisis'
Matt C. Abbott
April 24, 2010

The following is an essay written by Brian W. Clowes, Ph.D., director of research for Human Life International . . .


The sacrosanct seal of confession
Matt C. Abbott
April 23, 2010

With current news stories involving priests and the seal of confession (see here and here), I'm reprinting the following excerpts from the book Go in Peace: . . .


Readers sound off on Obama, 'excessive criticism,' clergy abuse scandal, dissenters
Matt C. Abbott
April 22, 2010

The following is a selection of (slightly edited) e-mails recently received by yours truly. Nancy Donaldson of Kansas: "'Matt, speaking personally, . . .


The media appreciate dissident Catholics, just not the Church
Matt C. Abbott
April 21, 2010

Leave it to most in the leftist secular media to make themselves the Catholic Church's public enemy number one. Not the enemy of all Catholics, mind you — . . .


Beware of excessive criticism, says priest
Matt C. Abbott
April 20, 2010

Author Thomas M. Santa, C.Ss.R., writes good material for spiritual reading. While you won't find him publicly commenting on the issues of the day, his . . .


Father Trigilio takes on 'U.S. Catholic'
Matt C. Abbott
April 14, 2010

A rather fatuous commentary titled "Take a pass on the Latin Mass" on the Web site of the leftist U.S. Catholic magazine led me to ask Father John Trigilio Jr., . . .


Praising Father Poppa
Matt C. Abbott
April 10, 2010

With all the bad clergy-related news as of late, the following reflection, recently provided to me by Clark Sowers of Belle Fourche, S.D., is a dose of the . . .


Bishop: Catholic Church among 'safest places' for children
Matt C. Abbott
April 8, 2010

The following is the text of the homily given on Easter Sunday 2010 by Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Joseph N. Perry at St. John Cantius Parish. Many thanks to . . .


A tale of two Catholic churches
Matt C. Abbott
April 7, 2010

As a practicing Catholic, it's getting very, very difficult not to be cynical about what's going on in the Church today. And I'm not just talking about the . . .


Priest defends pope, papal preacher
Matt C. Abbott
April 3, 2010

Father James Farfaglia, a priest of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas — and author of Man to Man: A Real Priest Speaks to Real Men about Marriage, . . .


'Is Usury Still a Sin?'
Matt C. Abbott
March 31, 2010

The following is a reprint of an essay titled "Is Usury Still a Sin?" by Thomas Storck. The essay originally appeared in the fall 2009 issue of Communio: . . .


'The Fourth Secret of Fatima': Is Pope Benedict's life in danger?
Matt C. Abbott
March 30, 2010

The following are excerpts from the book The Fourth Secret of Fatima, authored by Italian journalist Antonio Socci. Many thanks to RCS Libri (publisher of the . . .


Two authors, two unresolved Catholic scandals
Matt C. Abbott
March 26, 2010

As some in the secular media continue their attempt to take down Pope Benedict (Phil Lawler has a good commentary on these developments here, by the way), I'd . . .


'Spiritual Dangers of the 21st Century'
Matt C. Abbott
March 25, 2010

Below is the introduction to the book Spiritual Dangers of the 21st Century, by Father Joseph Esper, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Thanks to Father . . .


My two cents on Tiger Woods; Is your church 'Ugly as Sin'?
Matt C. Abbott
March 17, 2010

On Aug. 29, 2006 — well before the Tiger Woods sex scandals came to light, of course — the Chicago Tribune printed the following letter to the editor by . . .


'Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat'
Matt C. Abbott
March 16, 2010

The following is an excerpt from the book Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat, written by Father Michael Gaitley, M.I.C. (used with . . .


New York priest's tragic and bizarre death
Matt C. Abbott
March 15, 2010

The clergy abuse scandal continues to make headlines worldwide (some of the coverage has been fair and accurate, but some of it has not, in my view). Years . . .


Chicago bishop: abortion 'quietly' decimating black community
Matt C. Abbott
March 12, 2010

Lamenting the news early this year that "the number of abortions performed in Illinois reached a 10-year high in 2008," Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Perry . . .


Seminary professor speaks on Marian apparitions and the Catholic Church
Matt C. Abbott
March 10, 2010

The following is the text of a talk — unedited and without commentary — given on March 8, 2010 by Father Emery de Gaál, Ph.D., chairman and associate . . .


Pro-abortion terrorism (outside the womb); Notre Dame saga continues; Toyota and the Catholic Church
Matt C. Abbott
March 7, 2010

From the Thomas More Society: "'Let me tell you about another shocking development in Aurora. On December 16, 2009, one of our sidewalk counselors — a . . .


The Ave Maria University, Tom Golisano controversy: Deal Hudson, Keith Fournier vs. 'The Wanderer'
Matt C. Abbott
March 5, 2010

Controversy is nothing new for Ave Maria University — otherwise known as the Tom Monaghan Empire. Recently, Deal Hudson of InsideCatholic.com wrote (the . . .


'The Price of Economic Injustice...'
Matt C. Abbott
March 4, 2010

The following is a reprint of an article from The Latin Mass journal. The article, "The Price of Economic Injustice: Rediscovering Catholic Just Price Doctrine, . . .


12 years later: the Father Alfred Kunz (unsolved) murder
Matt C. Abbott
March 3, 2010

Father Alfred Kunz's life came to a tragic end either late March 3 or very early March 4, 1998. His body was discovered the morning of March 4, the victim of a . . .


Boston priest's near-tragic 'Toyota experience'
Matt C. Abbott
March 1, 2010

I doubt Father Kevin McGrade of the Archdiocese of Boston will be singing the "Oh what a feeling — Toyota!" jingle any time soon. A few weeks ago, the . . .


Health care: an alternative to 'no'
Matt C. Abbott
February 27, 2010

John F. Kippley, Catholic author and co-founder of Natural Family Planning International, Inc., offered the following commentary on the current health care . . .


Washington Times editor's 'Days of Fire and Glory'
Matt C. Abbott
February 26, 2010

Julia Duin, assistant national editor and religion writer for the Washington Times, is one of the few secular journalists who had the guts to write about the . . .


Grey area: the morality of investigative journalism
Matt C. Abbott
February 25, 2010

I asked noted Catholic priest-author-theologian Father John Trigilio to weigh in on the morality of "undercover"/investigative journalism, a topic featured in . . .


'No Turning Back' for surfer-priest
Matt C. Abbott
February 23, 2010

Below is the Introduction to Father Donald Calloway's 2010 book No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy — a book Peter Kreeft, Ph.D., calls "an amazing, . . .


Why I'm not jumping on the Palin bandwagon
Matt C. Abbott
February 21, 2010

I know Sarah Palin is popular among many conservatives, and, all things considered, I can understand why. She's attractive, smart (despite how the liberals and . . .


Two Catholic authors at odds over economics, while another grieves loss in sense of sin
Matt C. Abbott
February 16, 2010

Catholic authors Thomas Woods and Christopher Ferrara used to be of like mind. They even co-authored a book several years ago. But they have since parted . . .


Dawn Eden: 'Live Action' uses lying, deception
Matt C. Abbott
February 14, 2010

Dawn Eden, author of The Thrill of the Chaste: Finding Fulfillment While Keeping Your Clothes On, was featured and quoted in my Feb. 10 column. She wanted to . . .


'Bubble' trouble: Planned Parenthood called S.W.A.T. team on pro-lifers
Matt C. Abbott
February 12, 2010

From Joe Scheidler, national director of the Pro-Life Action League: "'It's been three months since the City of Chicago began enforcing the hideous new  . . .


O'Keefe arrest: conservatives' 'love affair' with Alinsky?
Matt C. Abbott
February 11, 2010

Catholic writers Dawn Eden and William Doino Jr. have penned an interesting commentary that appears on BustedHalo.com (excerpted below; click here for the full . . .


At war with the USCCB II: the follow-up
Matt C. Abbott
February 10, 2010

The following statement, provided to me by Stephen Phelan, communications director of Human Life International and spokesman for the Reform CCHD Now coalition, . . .


At war with the USCCB; Pro-life reaction to Tebow Super Bowl ad
Matt C. Abbott
February 9, 2010

Would it be best for the Catholic Church in the U.S. (and Rome, for that matter) if the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops were to be dismantled? I . . .


More pro-life (dis)unity: Is Randall Terry helping the pro-life movement?
Matt C. Abbott
February 6, 2010

He's baaaaack. Actually, he's been back for a while now. Randall Terry, I mean. Two things are certain regarding Terry: 1) He makes the news and 2) he doesn . . .


Illinois politics: a sign of hope in Palatine; PersonhoodMississippi.com
Matt C. Abbott
February 4, 2010

Sometimes the pro-life candidate does win, even in the blue State of Illinois. On Feb. 2, in the Chicago suburb of Palatine, staunch pro-lifer Tom Morrison . . .


Personhood?
Matt C. Abbott
February 2, 2010

Food for thought for pro-lifers... In the January-February 2010 issue of the New Oxford Review, in an article titled "Is It Time to Dump the Term 'Pro-life'? . . .


'Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna'
Matt C. Abbott
February 1, 2010

The following is the Preface and an additional excerpt (minus footnotes) from the book Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna, authored by Kenneth J. Howell.  . . .


Tim Tebow, Gloria Allred, Scott Roeder, and a Catholic parish that caved to an abortionist
Matt C. Abbott
January 30, 2010

A potpourri of pro-life items today... Feminist attorney Gloria Allred is crying foul over the much-hyped upcoming Tim Tebow Super Bowl commercial. Writes . . .


'Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer'
Matt C. Abbott
January 28, 2010

The following is a true — and quite moving — story (minus footnotes) from the book Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer, authored by Jeff Cavins and Matthew . . .


'Sacrilege: Liberation Enters the Church'
Matt C. Abbott
January 24, 2010

The following is a lengthy excerpt from the book Sacrilege: Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church, authored by Leon J. Podles, Ph.D. Many thanks to Mr. Podles and . . .


What hath 'the spirit of Vatican II' wrought?
Matt C. Abbott
January 19, 2010

The following is a reprint of a chapter (minus endnotes) from Catholic attorney/scholar Peter B. Kelly's book Cleansing Fire (which I've featured in previous . . .


Jesus, the Teacher of always
Matt C. Abbott
January 16, 2010

The following is a lengthy excerpt (minus footnotes) from the In Conversation with God book series, authored by Father Francis Fernandez-Carvajal. Thanks to . . .


'Hungry Souls'
Matt C. Abbott
January 15, 2010

The following is the Introduction (minus endnotes) to the book Hungry Souls: Supernatural Visits, Messages, and Warnings from Purgatory, by Gerard J.M. van den . . .


An uplifting story about love and marriage
Matt C. Abbott
January 11, 2010

The other day while looking through some Facebook posts, I came across what I think is a very thoughtful and inspiring reflection by Mary Cate Bratcher of South . . .


Tuning out media 'Noise'; Illinois abortions: 10-year high!
Matt C. Abbott
January 4, 2010

The following are the Preface and the Introduction (minus the endnotes) to Catholic journalist Teresa Tomeo's book Noise, published in 2007. Thanks to Matthew . . .


A productive decade for pro-life law firm
Matt C. Abbott
December 31, 2009

The Thomas More Society had quite a productive decade. Founded in 1997, the Chicago-based pro-life law firm has been working quietly but diligently to defend . . .


'The Bible Compass'
Matt C. Abbott
December 28, 2009

The following are substantial excerpts from the 2009 book The Bible Compass, authored by Dr. Edward Sri. Thanks to Matthew Pinto and Mike Flickinger of . . .


More priestly Christmas reflections
Matt C. Abbott
December 24, 2009

This column is a "sequel" to my Dec. 10 column "Seven priest share Christmas memories." Thanks again to those priests who contributed their reflections. I also . . .


Recently-received readers' e-mails
Matt C. Abbott
December 23, 2009

In response to "Pro-life (dis)unity," Terry Carroll wrote: "'I'm with you (I think) on pro-life purity. On principle, I reject 'no abortions except in cases . . .


'The effects of divorce on children'
Matt C. Abbott
December 18, 2009

The following is a reprint of an article from the December 2009 issue of Homiletic & Pastoral Review titled "The effects of divorce on children," by Barbara . . .


Two recent 'miracles' on Eighth Avenue
Matt C. Abbott
December 16, 2009

Miracles do happen. I suppose in this case it would be two "minor miracles," but, hey, what the heck? It's a positive. To wit: an Oct. 9 story in The New . . .


Pro-life (dis)unity
Matt C. Abbott
December 15, 2009

Newsflash! Hold on to your seats, folks...ready? (Breathe easy, now.) There's division in the right-to-life movement. There. I said it. Actually, there . . .


Seven priests share Christmas memories
Matt C. Abbott
December 10, 2009

I wanted to do a column — perhaps more than one — featuring favorite Christmas memories of Catholic priests. I invited a number of priests to participate, . . .


'Homosexuality and the Catholic Church'
Matt C. Abbott
December 4, 2009

The following are substantial excerpts from the book Homosexuality and the Catholic Church, authored by Father John Harvey. The book's Foreword, written by . . .


When Israeli Jews spit on Christians, Muhammad's depravity, and the reeling Catholic Church in Ireland
Matt C. Abbott
December 2, 2009

Here's a little potpourri of icky religion news stories to cleanse your palate... From a Nov. 26 story in The Jerusalem Post (excerpted; click here for the . . .


'Interview with an Exorcist'
Matt C. Abbott
November 30, 2009

The following are substantial excerpts from the book Interview with an Exorcist: An Insider's Look at the Devil, Demonic Possession, and the Path to Deliverance . . .


Priest-canonist supports Bishop Tobin in Kennedy flap
Matt C. Abbott
November 25, 2009

First, a background of the story, courtesy of LifeSiteNews.com (excerpt; click here for the full article): "'U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) said . . .


Expert: health care system, government pushing fear, death
Matt C. Abbott
November 19, 2009

From a Nov. 2 story on nwi.com (excerpted; for the full article, click here): "'Some cancer patients, heart attack sufferers and burn victims would be . . .


The ministry of sidewalk counseling
Matt C. Abbott
November 17, 2009

This past weekend, I attended a short seminar on the ministry of sidewalk counseling. The seminar was organized by the Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League (a . . .


Church officials, critics clash over Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Matt C. Abbott
November 13, 2009

The latest in the Catholic Campaign for Human Development controversy... "'Letter from the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office of Peace and Justice and the . . .


'Inside Islam: A Guide for Catholics'
Matt C. Abbott
November 12, 2009

The following are excerpts from Inside Islam: A Guide for Catholics, authored by Daniel Ali and Robert Spencer. The first excerpt is the book's foreword, . . .


Which group is more violent -- pro-aborts or gay activists?
Matt C. Abbott
November 10, 2009

The simplistic answer to the above question: The pro-aborts are more violent — by far. See this Web site. (Of course, it must be said that many gay . . .


The teacher, with the knife, in the (Catholic) parish school?
Matt C. Abbott
November 5, 2009

In response to my Oct. 22 column about the suspicious suicide of Father Waclaw Jamroz, whose body was found bearing more than 20 stab wounds, two readers . . .


Catholic weddings and...simony?
Matt C. Abbott
November 4, 2009

I received the following e-mail in response to my Nov. 1 column: "'Not to worry. Some priests have no difficulty in charging what they think the sacrament is . . .


Planning a Catholic wedding? Read this...
Matt C. Abbott
November 1, 2009

I got some good laughs from the following column (slightly edited) that appeared in the Oct. 4 bulletin of St. Lambert Parish in Skokie, Ill., whose pastor is . . .


Pro-abort pol honored at Chicago parish school
Matt C. Abbott
October 30, 2009

Here we go again... The Lakeview Action Coalition, reportedly a grant recipient of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, on Oct. 22 gave an award to . . .


Matt Barber's 'Right Hook' a KO
Matt C. Abbott
October 29, 2009

Fellow RenewAmerica.com columnist Matt Barber has a new book out — The Right Hook: From the Ring to the Culture War. Matt made headlines a few years ago . . .


(Sister) Donna Quinn's 'ungodly rage'
Matt C. Abbott
October 28, 2009

In light of the recent story about notorious pro-abortion nun Donna Quinn's "moonlighting" as an abortion mill escort — deathscort would be a more appropriate . . .


Go to St. Joseph
Matt C. Abbott
October 23, 2009

If you're in the mood for edifying and enlightening reading, check out Go to Joseph, a newly-published little book (literally: 4 1/8" x 6 1/4" paperback, 160 . . .


Chicago priest's suspicious suicide
Matt C. Abbott
October 22, 2009

Yet another bizarre case in the Windy City. From an Oct. 21 I-Team report by ABC7 investigative reporter Chuck Goudie: "'A Chicago pastor was found in his . . .


King Richard M. Daley should go back to school -- to Belmont Abbey College, if it'll have him
Matt C. Abbott
October 13, 2009

Gosh darn it. Just when I thought (not really) I would be commending Catholic Mayor Richard M. Daley for defending the free speech rights of peaceful pro . . .


'The Privilege of Being a Man'
Matt C. Abbott
October 8, 2009

The following is a reprint of an article titled "The Privilege of Being a Man," written by Catholic author and professor Mitchell Kalpakgian, that appears in . . .


Astrology: 'spiritual lust'
Matt C. Abbott
October 5, 2009

Over the last few decades, the New Age Movement has ensnared a number of nominal and lapsed Catholics. Part of the blame for this falls on those clergy and . . .


No 2016 Olympics for murder (abortion) capital of the Midwest; Letterman's a jerk
Matt C. Abbott
October 3, 2009

So much for the usual suspects in Chicago — my "windy" place of residence — bragging about hosting the 2016 Olympics. Not happenin.' Now our . . .


The battle of Lepanto; Readers' e-mails
Matt C. Abbott
September 28, 2009

From the Sept. 27 bulletin of St. John Cantius Parish: "'On October 7, 1571, a great victory over the mighty Turkish fleet was won by Catholic naval forces . . .


'Abortion addict' author Irene Vilar is no victim; An open letter to Father John Jenkins of Notre Dame
Matt C. Abbott
September 22, 2009

From a Sept. 21 story on ABCNews.com: "'Irene Vilar worries that her self-described 'abortion addiction' will be misunderstood, twisted by the pro-life . . .


'What (the hell) Happened to Notre Dame?' (and no, it ain't Charlie Weis)
Matt C. Abbott
September 18, 2009

Noted Catholic scholar/writer Charles E. Rice, professor emeritus of law at the University of Notre Dame Law School, has authored a new book titled What . . .


Jim Pouillon, RIP; Priest suing archbishop, monsignor
Matt C. Abbott
September 12, 2009

Some sad news to report: Michigan pro-life activist Jim Pouillon was shot to death on the morning of Sept. 11. The perpetrator of the murder, Harlan Drake, 3 . . .


Fatima
Matt C. Abbott
September 9, 2009

This is my third, and most lengthy, installment of Peter B. Kelly's "factional" novel Cleansing Fire — and this time the featured chapters are about one of . . .


Our Lady of Akita: '...bishops against other bishops...'
Matt C. Abbott
September 2, 2009

In my Aug. 7 column, I reprinted a chapter from Catholic scholar/attorney Peter B. Kelly's "factional" novel Cleansing Fire. The following is another chapter  . . .


Chicago archdiocesan agency lauds Ted Kennedy
Matt C. Abbott
September 1, 2009

Just when I thought the Ted Kennedy story was falling off the radar — and it is, but too slowly — I received the following notice from a source (edited):  . . .


Mom of three: abortion, rape not evil for everyone
Matt C. Abbott
August 30, 2009

Certain e-mails I receive are simply mind-boggling. Consider the following unedited e-mail from Amy, a seemingly sincere yet terribly misguided mother of three, . . .


Responding to a Ted Kennedy fan
Matt C. Abbott
August 29, 2009

I'd like to respond to an e-mail I received regarding my Aug. 27 column — not to dwell on Ted Kennedy's life per se, but to show the cultural and spiritual . . .


Ted Kennedy's sad legacy
Matt C. Abbott
August 27, 2009

It's quite sad to think that the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, a Catholic, was once pro-life but became an ardent supporter of abortion "rights" and the death . . .


'The Virtuous One'
Matt C. Abbott
August 26, 2009

The following is an excerpt from The Virtuous One, a self-published "factional" Catholic novelette that makes for a good, albeit fast, read. An interesting and . . .


Pope Benedict, John Paul II, and Medjugorje
Matt C. Abbott
August 21, 2009

Does Pope Benedict view the alleged Marian apparitions of Medjugorje differently than Pope John Paul II did? Yes, according to a recent interview featuring E . . .


Catholics in the military
Matt C. Abbott
August 18, 2009

The first "Catholics in the military" item is courtesy of CatholicMil.org: "'Spiritual armor is as mission essential as body armor. Combat readiness demands . . .


Legionaries of Christ scandal continues
Matt C. Abbott
August 13, 2009

Several years ago, at a benefit dinner for a school affiliated with the Legionaries of Christ, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Patrick Madrid, one of my . . .


Illinois: America's 'paradise' for child rapists
Matt C. Abbott
August 9, 2009

The Thomas More Society, whose president and chief counsel is Thomas Brejcha, is one of my favorite pro-life organizations. (Incidentally, Peter Breen, . . .


'Cleansing Fire: Welcome to the New Springtime'
Matt C. Abbott
August 7, 2009

Catholic scholar and attorney Peter B. Kelly, JD, MTS, MS(nrp), MS(ce), is passionate about the Catholic Faith. A former radio personality, Mr. Kelly resides in . . .


Imprisoned priest, clergy abuse victim clash
Matt C. Abbott
August 6, 2009

The first article below, written by imprisoned priest Gordon MacRae, was originally published by the Catholic League and is reproduced in its entirety. The . . .


ALL president apologizes to Family Research Council; Catholic activist calls it quits
Matt C. Abbott
July 31, 2009

I asked Judie Brown, president of American Life League, to comment on the latest media release from the Obama-loving, vomit-inducing Catholics United calling on . . .


Obama 'birthgate' ain't goin' nowhere
Matt C. Abbott
July 29, 2009

For the past several weeks, I've been deluged with e-mails — most from the same person — about the Obama "birthgate" controversy. To be honest, I've paid . . .


Novelist-detective vs. priest-killer
Matt C. Abbott
July 21, 2009

Interestingly, Detective Kevin Hughes of the Dane County Sheriff's Office — the chief investigator of the unsolved 1998 murder of Father Alfred Kunz — is a . . .


Ginsburg should see 'Maafa 21'; 'Face the Truth 2009'
Matt C. Abbott
July 12, 2009

From the Catholic League: "'Catholic League president Bill Donohue says U.S. Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg needs to explain her recent comment on . . .


Carol Marin's Catholicism -- and, yes, I went to school with Alexi Giannoulias
Matt C. Abbott
July 5, 2009

A reader wrote (edited): "'I read this article [by Catholic commentator and political analyst Tom Roeser] and became curious about some details — not so . . .


A priest reflects on his anniversary of ordination
Matt C. Abbott
July 3, 2009

Thanks to Father J. Patrick Serna and John Moorehouse, editor of Catholic Men's Quarterly, for allowing me to reprint the following article from the spring 2009 . . .


Did San Francisco nurse kill her patient?; 'Have we lost our outrage?'
Matt C. Abbott
June 27, 2009

A reader from Concord, Calif., sent me the following e-mail: "'You may wish to discuss in your column this story featured on KPIX-TV, San Francisco, last . . .


Want more Nixon racism? See 'Maafa 21'
Matt C. Abbott
June 25, 2009

Interesting that the Nixon Presidential Library has just released recordings showing that the former U.S. president "believed legal abortion was 'necessary' in . . .


'The UnChoice'
Matt C. Abbott
June 24, 2009

I received the following e-mail from the Elliot Institute in response to my June 16 column: "'Maybe clergy and others who are reluctant to speak about . . .


Full lawsuit text: Catholic Answers sues IRS
Matt C. Abbott
June 19, 2009

As you may have heard by now, Catholic Answers, the California-based apologetics organization headed by Karl Keating and featuring notable apologists Jimmy Akin . . .


'Maafa 21: Black Genocide in 21st Century America'
Matt C. Abbott
June 18, 2009

"'They were stolen from their homes, locked in chains and taken across an ocean. And for more than 200 years, their blood and sweat would help to build the . . .


Priest: words of encouragement help
Matt C. Abbott
June 16, 2009

I received the following (edited) e-mail from a priest who wishes to remain anonymous: "'A week after President Obama spoke at Notre Dame, I preached about . . .


Bishop Robert Lynch, Komen, and Planned Parenthood
Matt C. Abbott
June 13, 2009

A reader alerted me to a June 7 post on the blog of Bishop Robert Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Here's the portion of the bishop's post that raised my . . .


Aftermath: University of Notre Dame's disgraceful treatment of pro-life protesters
Matt C. Abbott
June 10, 2009

Brian Kindzia reports (edited): "'I was among those arrested at Notre Dame a few weeks ago when the university decided to honor President Obama with a law . . .


Olbermann: Stanek is 'Worst Person in the World'
Matt C. Abbott
June 6, 2009

MSNBC personality Keith Olbermann has named pro-life nurse/activist/commentator Jill Stanek as his "Worst Person in the World." Huh . . .


Using handbooks, not handguns, to fight abortion; 'The Pill Kills'
Matt C. Abbott
June 4, 2009

I first want to highlight two e-mails I've received in the last 24 hours. From Steven Conroy, media relations manager for Southern California . . .


Tiller supporter: 'You people disgust me'
Matt C. Abbott
June 3, 2009

I love it when a reader decides to send a nasty e-mail from his company e-mail address in response to one of my columns. In this case, the e-mail came from . . .


Sharing a cab with Dr. Tiller
Matt C. Abbott
June 2, 2009

Most pro-life leaders have rightly condemned the murder of Kansas abortionist George Tiller. I'd like to highlight the (slightly edited) reactions of two of my . . .


Christopher West: supporters vs. critics
Matt C. Abbott
May 31, 2009

The debate over Christopher West's analysis and teaching of John Paul II's Theology of the Body continues, and it's gotten somewhat heated. I've compiled quotes . . .


Pro-life attorney reacts to Sotomayor nomination; Abortion worker honored at White House
Matt C. Abbott
May 27, 2009

Pro-life attorney Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society, a national public interest law firm based in Chicago, offered the . . .


Weakland's demons
Matt C. Abbott
May 20, 2009

Disgraced Archbishop Rembert Weakland is in the news again. Actually, his autobiography is what's making headlines. In A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church: Memoirs . . .


TIME for the 'Bad Vatican' to go
Matt C. Abbott
May 19, 2009

A while back, an acquaintance of mine repeated something she had heard: There is the "Good Vatican" and the "Bad Vatican." I must admit, at the time, I was a . . .


Obama praised Bernardin -- go figure
Matt C. Abbott
May 18, 2009

In his speech at the University of Notre Dame, President Obama praised the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, the patron saint (ahem) of Catholic dissenters and, . . .


May 17, 2009
Matt C. Abbott
May 16, 2009

On May 17, pro-abortion President Barack Obama will deliver the commencement address — and will receive an honorary law degree — at the University of Notre . . .


Christopher West, Hugh Hefner, and the 'Theology of the Body' controversy
Matt C. Abbott
May 9, 2009

(Just a heads-up to readers: Some of the information pertaining to this topic is of a frank nature and is not suitable for children. Then again, most of my . . .


'Pope Fiction': Pius XII and the Jews
Matt C. Abbott
May 7, 2009

Many thanks to Patrick Madrid for granting me permission to reprint in my column the section of his book Pope Fiction titled "Pope Pius XII and the Jews" (pp. 2 . . .


Revisited: Father Gordon MacRae
Matt C. Abbott
May 5, 2009

I very recently received the following (slightly edited) e-mail, from Ryan Anthony MacDonald, in response to a 2007 column of mine: "'Dear Mr. Abbott: "'A . . .


Swine flu, abortion photos at Notre Dame
Matt C. Abbott
April 29, 2009

Is the swine flu "at" the University of Notre Dame? Apparently so. There is also a spiritual sickness among many (though not all, of course) at the . . .


Yes, Virginia, Plan B is an abortifacient!
Matt C. Abbott
April 25, 2009

I received the following e-mail from "Jane," a student at William Mitchell College of Law in Saint Paul, Minn. (I should note that she is not speaking on behalf . . .


Plan B and the 'contraception will reduce abortions' myth
Matt C. Abbott
April 23, 2009

With the news that the FDA will now allow the "morning-after" pill, known as Plan B, to be sold over-the-counter to 17-year-old girls, I'm sure the abortion . . .


'...to go the way of Rod Dreher'
Matt C. Abbott
April 15, 2009

I received the following (edited) e-mail from John C. Hathaway: "'Thank you for taking up the cause of Robert Kumpel as you've previously taken up the cause . . .


Suffering mothers keep the faith
Matt C. Abbott
April 14, 2009

First, I'd like to wish all my readers a very blessed Easter season, and I ask for your prayers for my family members and me. A reader in San Diego sent me . . .


Joliet bishop to priests: Don't invite Medjugorje speakers
Matt C. Abbott
April 11, 2009

The following notice (e-mailed to me) is from the April 2009 Joliet Official Bulletin — a directive from Joliet Bishop Peter . . .


One Catholic journalist's cross
Matt C. Abbott
April 10, 2009

I'd like to start off this column by asking for prayers for the repose of the souls of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, 22, and two of his friends  . . .


'Average' Catholics, abortion, and the Notre Dame scandal
Matt C. Abbott
April 8, 2009

It seems the crux of the controversy involving the University of Notre Dame's decision to invite President Obama to be its commencement speaker — and to . . .


Monsignor defends 'gay chorus'
Matt C. Abbott
March 29, 2009

At least some of my readers might recall the relatively recent controversy of a parish in the Archdiocese of Miami, St. Patrick Miami Beach, that hosted a . . .


African-American priest to Jenkins, Obama: Shame on you!
Matt C. Abbott
March 25, 2009

The following is a letter from University of Notre Dame alumnus Father John J. Raphael, S.S.J., addressed to ND president Father John . . .


African pro-life leader welcomed, lauded pope; 'Condom Exposé'
Matt C. Abbott
March 23, 2009

From an (edited) HLI news release: Yaoundé, Cameroon — Pope Benedict XVI's plane had not yet touched down in Africa before his trip was defined by the . . .


Controversies: Notre Dame, Joliet diocese
Matt C. Abbott
March 22, 2009

I'm covering two controversies in today's column. I'll begin with the major controversy — scandal is probably a better term — involving the University of . . .


Priests speak out on morality of gun ownership, use; Pro-life words of wisdom
Matt C. Abbott
March 18, 2009

I've asked selected priests — those loyal to the Magisterium — about their thoughts regarding the morality of gun ownership and use. Here are the responses . . .


Eamonn Keane on Dignitas Personae
Matt C. Abbott
March 12, 2009

The following essay, written by Catholic author Eamonn Keane, is set to be published soon in LifeLines, a publication of Family Life International . . .


Giroux: 'Brownback is a coward'; Are graphic abortion images effective?
Matt C. Abbott
March 10, 2009

I received the following (slightly edited) e-mail from Jennifer Giroux, executive director of Women Influencing the Nation, in response to my March 7 column on . . .


Archbishop, Catholic activist spar via e-mail; Rod Blagojevich's favorite priest?
Matt C. Abbott
March 3, 2009

One controversy that has yet to subside is how Canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law applies to pro-abortion Catholic politicians and how the bishops should . . .


Illinois' frightful FOCA
Matt C. Abbott
March 2, 2009

Little by little, in an insidious fashion, the pro-abortion agenda is being put into play. The following has to do specifically with Illinois, but I think it . . .


Cardinal O'Malley and the Jewish community
Matt C. Abbott
February 25, 2009

According to a Feb. 24 story by Boston Globe religion writer Michael Paulson: "'Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, facing a group of local Jewish leaders upset by . . .


University of Notre Dame's new pro-life fund
Matt C. Abbott
February 21, 2009

Some good news out of the University of Notre Dame... From a news release: "'A new fund has been established at Notre Dame, under the auspices of the . . .


Text of sexually-harassed firefighters' lawsuit; Chris Korzen vs. Bill Donohue (Donohue wins)
Matt C. Abbott
February 20, 2009

According to a Feb. 17 AP story: "'A jury determined Tuesday that four San Diego firefighters were sexually harassed for being ordered to participate in a . . .


Ray Comfort's ignorance, Father John Pawlikowski's liberalism, and Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor's...territorialism?
Matt C. Abbott
February 18, 2009

''The Vatican, in essence, is saying, 'Don't believe Jesus or Genesis. Believe Darwin instead,'' [Ray] Comfort said. 'God made man in his own image, and God is . . .


Catholic anarchist reminisces about running for office; Tom Woods' economic 'Meltdown'; Canonist: Maciel wanted 'access to victims'
Matt C. Abbott
February 16, 2009

"Like being coercively in the military, it was a million dollar experience you wouldn't give a nickel for." That's how William P. Grossklas describes the . . .


Judith Reisman: beware of David Ogden
Matt C. Abbott
February 14, 2009

Long-time pornography foe Dr. Judith A. Reisman sounds the alarm regarding David W. Ogden, President Obama's nominee for Deputy Attorney General, in the . . .


Priests sound off on octuplet controversy
Matt C. Abbott
February 12, 2009

I sought comments from several reputable and orthodox Catholic priests on the controversy surrounding the woman who recently gave birth to . . .


'The Faithful Departed...'
Matt C. Abbott
February 11, 2009

The following is an excerpt from Philip F. Lawler's book The Faithful Departed: The Collapse of Boston's Catholic Culture. It is reprinted from the Winter 2009 . . .


Priest: 'Profound sadness' regarding Maciel scandal
Matt C. Abbott
February 10, 2009

I asked Father John Trigilio, president of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, for his take on the recent developments involving Legionaries of Christ founder . . .


Arson strikes parish of molester priest, slain choir director
Matt C. Abbott
February 7, 2009

According to a story in the Feb. 6 Chicago Sun-Times: "'A former Catholic priest who molested at least three children worked at a Bridgeport church where a . . .


Catholic Demo-rats chide pope; Legionaries' latest scandal; 'Never Again'
Matt C. Abbott
February 4, 2009

From a Feb. 2 Catholic League news release: "'On January 29, nearly 50 Catholic Democratic congressmen sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI stating their . . .


The excommunication controversy
Matt C. Abbott
February 2, 2009

Some "WomenPriests" aren't too happy that Pope Benedict XVI hasn't lifted their excommunications like he has for the four bishops of the Society of St. Pius X.  . . .


Yes, Speaker Pelosi, contraceptives do indeed cause drive-by shootings
Matt C. Abbott
January 27, 2009

Leave it to "Catholic" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to rationalize the government spending hundreds of millions of dollars on so-called family planning services  . . .


Revisited: Reducing abortions in the U.S.
Matt C. Abbott
January 21, 2009

My Sept. 23, 2006 column featured a chapter of Lime 5: Exploited by Choice, authored by Mark Crutcher, founder and president of Life Dynamics, which provided me . . .


Catholic legislator is Master Mason; Fighting FOCA; Jesuits sued
Matt C. Abbott
January 17, 2009

A reader sent me an e-mail regarding Catholic legislators who are, or were, Freemasons. One example: "Nevada state assembly member Jerry D. Claborn is . . .


'Matt Abbott is a bit fat idiot'
Matt C. Abbott
January 14, 2009

At least two individuals didn't particularly care for my Jan. 12 column regarding Al Franken. Matthew Huber wrote (in addition to including "Matt Abbott is a . . .


The origin of the Christmas tree; 'Beauty in their gravel roads'
Matt C. Abbott
December 22, 2008

From the bulletin of St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago: "Father Francis Weiser, S.J., in The Christmas Book, tells the story of the Christmas . . .


Inside the Vatican on Fatima, consecration of Russia
Matt C. Abbott
December 10, 2008

Thanks to Dr. Robert Moynihan, editor of Inside the Vatican, for providing me with, and granting me permission to reprint, an article (written by Cathy Pearson) . . .


'The Thrill of the Chaste'
Matt C. Abbott
December 8, 2008

Catholic author and blogger Dawn Eden graciously provided me with an excerpt from her 2006 book The Thrill of the Chaste: Finding Fulfillment While Keeping Your . . .


Thomas Groome's assault on Catholicism; Ex-seminarian rekindles faith; Sour 'Milk'
Matt C. Abbott
December 7, 2008

Eamonn Keane wrote: "'I have noticed for some time your uncompromising defense of the Catholic Faith and pray that God will strengthen you in your resolve to . . .


Priest (not ACLU) criticizes Nativity Scene display
Matt C. Abbott
December 4, 2008

How's this for the weekly "Say what?!" The criticism of the first-ever Nativity Scene display in the Illinois state capitol building comes not from the ACLU, . . .


Register editor responds to columns; A new pro-life Web site; A seminarian and condoms
Matt C. Abbott
December 2, 2008

Tom Hoopes, executive editor of the National Catholic Register, sent me the following e-mail in response to my Dec. 1 and Nov. 30 columns. "'I've been . . .


Priest blasts Register, Legionaries; 'Margaret Sanger, an American Adolph Hitler'
Matt C. Abbott
November 30, 2008

Father James Farfaglia, a priest of the Corpus Christi, Tex., Catholic diocese, was appalled by a Nov. 5 editorial in the National Catholic Register, a . . .


Andrew Greeley: then and now
Matt C. Abbott
November 29, 2008

As Father Andrew Greeley continues to recover from a serious head injury suffered earlier this month, I thought I'd feature images from two of his (out-of-print . . .


Obama-supporting priest responds to critic(s)
Matt C. Abbott
November 27, 2008

In my Oct. 29 column, I featured a Southern California Catholic priest, Father Art Holquin, who had donated to the Obama campaign. (Keep in mind that if Father . . .


Pro-life 'compromise': dancing with the devil; E-mails from Christian-bashers, detractors
Matt C. Abbott
November 22, 2008

USA Today has published an online editorial — their view — praising "longtime abortion foes" (ahem) Douglas Kmiec and Joel Hunter, and other (unnamed) sell . . .


Catholic social teaching
Matt C. Abbott
November 20, 2008

The following essay, written by Dr. Peter Kwasniewski, is reprinted (with permission) from the summer 2008 issue of Catholic Men's . . .


Catholic-themed children's books
Matt C. Abbott
November 19, 2008

And now for a brief break from the not-so-nice news of the day.... I always appreciate receiving complimentary e-mails from readers, so I was quite pleased . . .


Pa. priest compliments, criticizes (sort of) Father Jay Scott Newman
Matt C. Abbott
November 18, 2008

By now, many Catholics (and non-Catholics) are familiar with the recent controversy surrounding South Carolina priest Father Jay Scott Newman. The following . . .


Bishop Matthew Clark sued
Matt C. Abbott
November 17, 2008

The following is the text of a complaint recently filed against Bishop Matthew Clark and the Rochester Catholic diocese. (Warning: contains graphic descriptions . . .


Are gay activists declaring war on Christians, Mormons?
Matt C. Abbott
November 16, 2008

It sure seems that way. Like a bad sexually-transmitted disease, protests against California Proposition 8 are spreading rapidly to other states, including . . .


Prayers for Andrew Greeley; Study paints bleak picture of Catholic higher education
Matt C. Abbott
November 9, 2008

In recent years, I've been a vocal critic — perhaps the most vocal critic — of Father Andrew Greeley. Despite that, I was saddened to learn of his . . .


L.A. bishop's troubling distinction
Matt C. Abbott
November 7, 2008

A reader sent me some recent correspondence between herself and Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Edward Clark. A very brief background of the matter: The reader, . . .


(Non-liberal) Catholics respond to election results
Matt C. Abbott
November 6, 2008

The following is a sampling of what some relatively prominent, non-liberal Catholics had to say about the Nov. 4 election results. Father Frank Pavone:  . . .


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