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Original Essays

Fr Zuhlsdorf, Michael Davies, Leo XIII—a reply on doubtful sacraments
'Father Z', aka Fr John Zuhlsdorf, recently responded to an article we published. Here's our reply.
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S.D. Wright
1
Epiphany as the manifestation of Christ’s Kingship
Fascinating links with the Roman Empire reveal Epiphany as a great feast of Christ as King, and as the eternal Bridegroom of the Church.
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S.D. Wright
St Thomas Becket died for the liberty of the Church—not for religious liberty
It is impossible to defend the liberty of the Church and the Kingship of Christ whilst simultaneously holding to the modern conception of religious…
2
Christmas as God's triumph over darkness and evil
The Roman Liturgy presents the feast of Christmas not so much about Christ's historical birth in Bethlehem, but his duel with darkness, and triumph over…
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S.D. Wright
How Advent can immunize us against the fear of tyranny
Tyrants extend their power over us by exploiting our natural hopes. Advent divests us of such hopes, by pointing us towards the final triumph of Christ.
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S.D. Wright
1
The Advent Ember Days are the antidote to a fake, secular Christmas
The world relentlessly anticipates its fake Christmas throughout December, insisting that we join in—and the Advent Ember Days offer an antidote.
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S.D. Wright
Classic study calls conditional ordination a 'measure of prudence'
In his defence of the new rites of episcopal consecration, Fr Pierre-Marie OP nonetheless refers to conditional ordination as 'the usage that seems to…
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S.D. Wright
6
Former Jesuit and pro-life stalwart conditionally ordained to the priesthood
Fr James Marshall, pro-lifer and former member of the Society of Jesus, has been conditionally ordained by Bishop Germán Fliess of Bishop Donald…
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S.D. Wright
Classic study admits invalid rites would NOT destroy hierarchy
In his classic study defending the new rites of holy orders, Fr Pierre-Marie OP himself rejected the objection that, if they were invalid, then the…
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S.D. Wright
The Close Presence of Christ in Advent
Advent is a time to revive our sense that Christ is present with us, watching over us and ready to act decisively.
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S.D. Wright
Defective ministerial intention CAN invalidate ordinations
Is it true or false that sacraments—including the rites of holy orders—can hardly ever be rendered invalid due to defect of intention? Cardinal Gasparri…
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S.D. Wright
5
The Advent Liturgy and the Second Coming
Advent does not just prepare us for Christmas, but also for the second coming of Christ.
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S.D. Wright
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