… any posts here will drop only once a week at most, on Mondays, except in the event of extraordinary events, or to retrofit occasional essays which I didn’t have time to place. JMJ. Thank You, Stephen Hand |sthand@email.com
Month: November 2025
The Philosopher of Antifa
How we came to where we are today. By Dinesh D’Souza “The typical socialist today is not a union guy who wants higher wages; it’s a transsexual eco-feminist who marches in Antifa and Black Lives Matter rallies and throws cement blocks at her political opponents. We see it in the riots and looting sweeping the country… Read More The Philosopher of Antifa
Dismal Liturgies
Mass. June 2025. Now You See Him. Now You Don’t. Who or what here is front and Center at Mass the whole time? And Who is casually picked up – with one hand! – put back down and de-emphasized quickly, then passed around in what appears to be the real climax of the present liturgical… Read More Dismal Liturgies
Suicide in Modern Ireland. Fr. Brendan Kilcoyne
Fr. Brendan Kilcoyne for episode 239 of ‘The Brendan Option’ where he discusses the rise of suicides in Ireland, articulated through the recent homily by Fr. Mark Quinn (below) from the Archdiocese of Tuam. —->Listen to Fr. Mark Quinn on the Sad Topic + Irish Catholic Schools lost
Judas, The Third Temptation, and the Social Gospel — Fulton J. Sheen
2 Corinthians 11:3 “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if some one comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received,… Read More Judas, The Third Temptation, and the Social Gospel — Fulton J. Sheen
Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange on The Symphony of the Universe
“… the balance is fully realized in Christ” “Imagine the universe as a “perpetual symphony”—a vast, harmonious order where each being, from the tiniest atom to the grandest star, plays its unique role in a cosmic masterpiece. Garrigou-Lagrange describes this divine symphony as intentional and directed by God, the ultimate Symphony Director, whose wisdom guides… Read More Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange on The Symphony of the Universe
Saint Francis de Sales’ Consoling Words on Forgiveness and Self knowledge
We immerse ourselves daily in news, in reports, in never-ending drama and events. We see or hear the sins of many, many others, endlessly; but do we neglect our own souls, our own need for healing? Thomas a Kempis teaches, “Rest from the inordinate desire of knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit.… Read More Saint Francis de Sales’ Consoling Words on Forgiveness and Self knowledge
Catholicism, Tradition and Protestantism
One body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Father of us all” — Eph. 4: 4-6 Every ecclesial community brings its tradition(s) to bear in the exegesis and understanding of Scripture. Even independent Protestant Fundamentalist pastors and larger Protestant denominations(1) employ their traditions [i.e., their received community understanding of texts] as a… Read More Catholicism, Tradition and Protestantism
Corralled Into The Digital Panopticon. Being Farmed.
You really should read this. It’s The … Easiest thing in the world to get in. But try to get out. They have made it practically the only game in town. It could be deployed as an astonishing educational resource, for research and reference, minus so much that is obviously harmful to the body, soul… Read More Corralled Into The Digital Panopticon. Being Farmed.
The “Dangerous Deception Behind Candace’s Method.”
When emotions prevail. “This video breaks down how Candace Owens persuades millions—not with evidence, but with a powerful psychological formula that turns questions into conviction and outrage into certainty.”
The Falls of Albert Camus
I’ve always loved Camus. But his shadow side must be faced. In his novella, The Fall, the Algerian-French philosopher and novelist Albert Camus stops lamenting social injustice for a moment as well as the “meaninglessness” and “absurdity” of an empty Nietzschean universe in general, and turns instead to biography, specifically to his own cruelty. Camus was a… Read More The Falls of Albert Camus
Grok A.I. Interpretation of the Current Global Power Configuration
I asked Grok: considering the world configuration of power today how would you interpret a “Center-Right insurgency”? SH. Reply. Current Global Power Configuration As of November 2025, the world’s power structure reflects a tense multipolar order, marked by shifting economic weights, geopolitical flashpoints, and an accelerating energy transition that’s reshaping dependencies. The U.S. remains the… Read More Grok A.I. Interpretation of the Current Global Power Configuration
Communications Expert Reacts to Trump v. Mamdani Mtg.
A rare Oval Office moment: Trump and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani answer tough questions, defuse tension, and battle for control of the room. In this video the communication strategies, power moves, and framing tools both leaders use
What Changed on November 22, 1963 Besides Everything?
When Warren Commission apologist Gerald Posner (“Case Closed“) was on trial for multiple cases of plagiarism he chose the best attorney he knew: Mark Lane, the very man who most famously blew up the Warren Commission from 1964 on. And there is a reason for that. Posner at the time said that had the Warren… Read More What Changed on November 22, 1963 Besides Everything?
Women Sharing Hope for All
“For the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45 It is common today to see Progressives masking their will-to-power in the language of service, ministry. Today we see the phenomenon of women even seeking the “priestly ministry,” even… Read More Women Sharing Hope for All
Our Sunday Best.
Warning against Partiality. James Chapter 2. 2 My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and you pay attention to the one… Read More Our Sunday Best.
“Generous Exemptions” from Pope Francis’ Restrictions on The Latin Mass On Route?
This week Raymond Arroyo, Father Gerald Murray, and Robert Royal break down new reports suggesting Pope Leo may be easing the Latin Mass restrictions through broader exemptions. They examine what this means for bishops, traditional communities, and whether these changes signal the beginning of a quiet shift away from Traditionis Custodes. The Posse also unpacks… Read More “Generous Exemptions” from Pope Francis’ Restrictions on The Latin Mass On Route?
Dickens’ Little Dorrit Bleak House Circumlocution Office
Rule Britannia. Containing the whole Science of Government. “The Circumlocution Office was (as everybody knows without being told) the most important Department under Government. No public business of any kind could possibly be done at any time without the acquiescence of the Circumlocution Office. Its finger was in the largest public pie, and in the… Read More Dickens’ Little Dorrit Bleak House Circumlocution Office
“You can see God by sniffing the gas in a cotton.” — Allen Ginsberg
Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation. The phenomenon of Allen Ginsberg by Bruce Bawer, The New Criterion On Allen Ginsberg’s poetry, 1985. I’m so lucky to be nutty.—Allen Ginsberg, “Bop Lyrics” (1949) The very first poem in Allen Ginsberg’s Collected Poems 1947-1980 [1] seems, in a way, to prophesy Ginsberg’s entire career. It is titled “In Society,” and it dates… Read More “You can see God by sniffing the gas in a cotton.” — Allen Ginsberg
From Rembrandt to Picasso
When in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the avant-garde was given diverse powerful platforms to announce that traditional art forms were passé, and art galleries exchanged space for the mystic likes of Picasso, Surrealism, and, in some degree, Andy Warhol, etc., they arguably prepared the way for the denial of natural gender distinctions and the… Read More From Rembrandt to Picasso
The Gospel is Not All Sweetness & Light.
Moneychangers, hypocrites and traitors did not fare well. Jesus Rebuked and Warned Scribes and Pharisees calling the guilty “… dogs, foxes, accursed, darkness…” See also: Matthew 23:13–36 – The “Seven Woes” where Jesus calls them hypocrites, blind guides, whitewashed tombs, brood of vipers. Matthew 15:7–9 – “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy… this people honors… Read More The Gospel is Not All Sweetness & Light.
Archbishop Sheen on Those Thinking of Leaving the Church
“Today we are being tested” — Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Please Note: Archbishop Sheen had a great love for Pope Paul VI. Other traditional Catholics, who also love bishop Sheen, are more critical … But those of us who love the traditional Faith cannot forget that it was Paul who gave us Humanae Vitae and… Read More Archbishop Sheen on Those Thinking of Leaving the Church
He Challenges Like Few Others, IMO
He’s over 80 but you’d never know it. He’s highly credentialed in theology and philosophy but you’d never know it. He has written some of the most insightful, sophisticated books in theology and ecclesiology. He is not afraid to criticize (pointedly, but never arrogantly or flamboyantly.) even the Pope when the coherence of Catholic and… Read More He Challenges Like Few Others, IMO
Lincoln, the 19th Century South, and the Civil War
I have never met or known anyone in my long decades who thought slavery was a good thing. In fact I’ve never personally met or knew of a racist in the large circles I ‘ran’ with. I would immediately distance myself against anyone who thought like that. (It’s one of the reasons I think Nick… Read More Lincoln, the 19th Century South, and the Civil War
Encyclical Letter ‘Faith and Reason’. Pope John Paul II.
Fides et Ratio,” meaning “Faith and Reason,” is an encyclical by Pope John Paul II published on September 14, 1998. It emphasizes the essential relationship between faith and reason, arguing that both are necessary for understanding truth and knowing God, and warns against the dangers of separating the two. Fides et ratio: An encyclical even… Read More Encyclical Letter ‘Faith and Reason’. Pope John Paul II.
Rocco Buttiglione on Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
“Society has to defend itself to a certain extent against the tyranny of the [nihilist] state.” Rocco Buttiglione (Italian: [b. 6 June 1948) is an Italian Union of Christian and Centre Democrats politician and an academic. He was a close friend of Pope John Paul II. Buttiglione’s nomination for a post as European Commissioner with a portfolio that was to include civil… Read More Rocco Buttiglione on Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
EU countries demand seat at the table over US-Russia plan to end war in Ukraine
“Trump is NOT Russia’s “friend”. And he is not the EUs friend either. As Kissinger said, “America has no friends, it has only interests!” Ever since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Brussels and European capitals have been clear that they expect to play a role in any peace settlement European Union… Read More EU countries demand seat at the table over US-Russia plan to end war in Ukraine
Is there time to prevent the self-immolation of Candace Owens?
I don’t know Candace Owens. But I know when a sister in Christ is in trouble. She lives a very public life and has scarcely had an unpublished thought in many years. And this is part of the trouble. But it began earlier. She has always been a very articulate and ambitious young woman. And… Read More Is there time to prevent the self-immolation of Candace Owens?
Something is Fishy. Where am I?
Lemmings — even some “conservative” ones — travel in great numbers because they can’t think alone. And So-called Progressives March Forward, but always in the wrong direction.
Guide for Truth-seeking Christians
By Dr. Ralph Weimann, Forward by Robert Cardinal Sarah. The goal of this book is to provide aguide for all people of good will and to show them the way to Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. To this end, common criticisms that are leveled against the faith and the Church are examined.… Read More Guide for Truth-seeking Christians
Is the Cult of ‘Tradition’ the Birth of Fascism?
Alastair Campbell quotes Umberto Eco to that effect. And Tucker Carlson’s bizarre friendship with the notorious Nick Fuentes has made the work of more sensible people exponentially harder. Whatever gains America has made since the dark days of Joe Biden are in danger of total erosion thanks to people like Carlson, Fuentes and Candace Owen.… Read More Is the Cult of ‘Tradition’ the Birth of Fascism?
Romans 7 and our Spiritual – Existential Predicament
Originally Titled ‘A Catholic Flavored Commentary on Romans 7. By Craig Truglia, Sept. 2015. With the help of Augustine, we undergo exegeting perhaps the most confusing chapter of the Bible. Does a Christian, who is dead to sin, still sin? Can he lose his salvation? Is he even the one sinning? What is the Flesh?… Read More Romans 7 and our Spiritual – Existential Predicament
Nothing Below Can Satisfy
Except what is in Him, the head of all rule and Alpha and Omega of authority. “He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through… Read More Nothing Below Can Satisfy
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Catholics Need Not Apply. What Nick Fuentes, Candace and Tucker say about Jews…
is very similar to what WASPS in massive numbers once insisted was the truth about Catholics. After all, we Catholics are a well connected transnational Church whose raising d’etre is to preach the Gospel “to all nations” And no matter how many times the Church denied intentions of a hostile takeover or subversion the so-called… Read More Catholics Need Not Apply. What Nick Fuentes, Candace and Tucker say about Jews…
The Animus Behind the Slandering of Pius XII.
Reviewed by SH. Pope Pius XII, saving friend of the Jewish People. If you save one [Jewish] life, it is as if you’ve saved the whole world”—Jewish saying. Rabbi David G Dalin, in his 2005 book, The Myth of Hitler’s Pope, has marshaled an extensive documentation which shows to us today what the first post-war… Read More The Animus Behind the Slandering of Pius XII.
The Sacred Deposit. No Substantial Evolution of Meaning.
“What earlier generations held as sacred remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden and even considered harmful.” —Pope Benedict XVI, Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the occasion of the publication of the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, July 7, 2007. “The Holy… Read More The Sacred Deposit. No Substantial Evolution of Meaning.
Progressivist Theology. What it is.
“God is Dead; but given the way of men, there may still be caves for thousands of years in which his shadow will be shown. And we – we still have to vanquish his shadow, too. — Frederich Nietzsche, The Gay Science, 109. The Forerunners: 2015: For the Neo-modernist or Progressivist Catholic today, the traditional understanding… Read More Progressivist Theology. What it is.
JFK and Candace
In 50+ years, I’ve come to an approximately 75% certainty that Lee Harvey Oswald “probably” didn’t act alone in the murder of JFK in 1963. 75% . But Candace Owens acts like there is no room for doubt in her theories surrounding the murder of Charlie Kirk. That is either the sign of a very… Read More JFK and Candace
Susan Sontag: a Prediction by Roger Kimball. 2004
When a friend called me this morning with the news that Susan Sontag had died at the age 71, just about the first thing I thought was, “well, we’ll have a huge, hagiographical, front-page obituary tomorrow in The New York Times.” Check to see if I am correct. In the meantime, as you prepare yourself… Read More Susan Sontag: a Prediction by Roger Kimball. 2004
Catholic Critique 