Rome’s Church of St. Nicholas of Tolentino.
BONUS SHOT
Rome’s “statue parlanti… talking statues” were ancient sculptures used from the 16th c. century as anonymous public noticeboards. Romans attached satirical verses, complaints, and political attacks to them, allowing the statues to “speak” to each other. The most famous was Pasquino, whose lampoons became known as pasquinate. His companions included Madama Lucrezia (above) Marforio, Abate Luigi, Il Facchino, and Il Babuino. 16th c. Twitter, but smarter.
Okay… it’s late, but this is a stitch.
Happy Wednesday ? pic.twitter.com/zilVjOXsXH
— MedievalistMatt (@medievalistmatt) September 9, 2026
There is some sanity left.
Obispo Mutsaerts, Países Bajos: “la Iglesia católica no necesita un sínodo permanente sobre sí misma. Necesita santos. Obispos que enseñen. Sacerdotes que recen. Religiosos que vivan radicalmente para Dios. Padres que transmitan la fe. Jóvenes que descubran que la verdad es más… pic.twitter.com/xt2D628Hm5
— UNA VOCE SEVILLA – Misa Tradicional (@UnaVoceSevilla) September 9, 2026
Remember. It’s not just that they hate the traditional rites. They hate the people who want the traditional rites. It’s the people.
NEW: SSPX superiors have protested at double standards in Assisi after being banned from entering the basilica:
“Once again, there is a welcoming attitude toward everyone, even the most remote pagans of the globe, but not toward those who wish to remain children of the Roman… pic.twitter.com/BinU2BaNpZ
— Michael Haynes ?? (@MLJHaynes) September 9, 2026
Pride of place….
La voce del silenzio. pic.twitter.com/tRQ107dnQQ
— AriannadaTodi (@AriannadaTodi) September 9, 2026
And…
NEW: Cardinal Müller has warned that — “the Christian West is no longer merely threatened by external forces, but is being eroded by an internal apostasy”
On Islam, he adds: “Muslims do not respect a weak Christianity that is ashamed of the Cross & reduces itself to a charity… pic.twitter.com/t2WwYFEtFg
— Michael Haynes ?? (@MLJHaynes) September 10, 2026
White to move. Mate in 4.
NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.
1. h6-h7+ . . K-h8
2. N-f7+ . . . R×f7
3. R-d8+ . . . R-f8
4. R×f8#
.
1. … h7+
2. Kh8 Nf7+
3. Rxf7 Rd8+
4. Rf8 Rxf8#
Those of us who came of age during or just after The Council™ remember well the mania – not necessarily confined to the Church – for parishes and other hip and modern organization to have a “Mission Statement”… e.g. “We the People of God, gathered at St. Annibal’s Parish, led by the Spirit… welcoming… healing…” etc. etc. etc.
To the extent that such things are useful or desirable, it seems like Bishop Mutsaerts’s words quoted above would make a great “Mission Statement” for the Church ca. 2026!
Bishop Mutsaers (his car accident doesn’t seem to keep him from writing, thankfully) and Cardinal Müller are spot on. Both are unafraid to tell truth to power, and I am grateful for it.