John Henry Westen Out at LifeSite?

Avoiding Babylon

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Catholic media stands at a crossroads as John Henry Westen, co-founder and face of LifeSite News, has been removed from his position by a 5-4 board vote. This shocking development comes as the Catholic world adapts to the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, with LifeSite's board explicitly citing a desire to "chart a new course" following the papal transition. For traditionalist Catholics who relied on LifeSite as a faithful voice, this raises troubling questions about the future of orthodox Catholic journalism and whether critical perspectives will continue to have prominent platforms.
The conversation turns to liturgical debates when Father Dwight Longenecker's tweet about pre-Vatican II Masses reignites familiar arguments between traditionalists and supporters of the Novus Ordo. His characterization of traditional Masses as priests "mumbling through Mass as quickly as possible while the faithful prayed the rosary" represents what many see as a standardized, possibly manufactured narrative about pre-conciliar worship. Critics note how these identical criticisms often come from those too young to remember, suggesting a kind of cultural programming rather than historical accuracy. A striking contrast emerges through a video of Andrea Bocelli performing sacred music in a church filled with people in beach attire – illustrating how liturgical form shapes behavior and reverence.
Moving beyond church politics, the show addresses disturbing trends in modern parenting, particularly regarding teenage sexuality. While discussing an extreme (likely fabricated) example of a mother encouraging her 14-year-old daughter to become pregnant, the hosts confront the very real phenomenon of parents enabling teenage sexual activity through birth control and tacit approval. This abdication of moral guidance – often justified with "they're going to do it anyway" – reflects a profound failure to love children authentically by teaching them virtue and healthy boundaries. The conversation ultimately connects these symptoms to broader cultural erosion that signals the potential collapse of our current social order, drawing parallels to previous civilizational turning points. Join our growing community of listeners seeking authentic Catholic perspectives on faith, culture, and family in challenging times.

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Chapters

1. Introduction and Show Topics (00:00:00)

2. John Henry Weston Leaving LifeSite News (00:04:13)

3. Father Longenecker's Tweet on Latin Mass (00:12:56)

4. Debunking Pre-Vatican II Criticisms (00:18:16)

5. Informality and Structure of Novus Ordo (00:27:37)

6. Mother Encouraging Teen Pregnancy (00:40:36)

7. Parenting, Sex Education and Moral Decline (00:45:15)

8. Cultural Revolution and Future Societal Change (00:51:03)