Catholic Unscripted Newsletter #6
From Malta’s Sunlit Shores to the Depths of Faith — Laughter, Insight, and Uncompromising Truth
Dear friends,
Week after week, our subscribers get an incredible range of content for just a small subscription fee — thoughtful articles, in-depth interviews, daily Saints, Gospel reflections, and the occasional belly laugh. This week has been no exception: a mix of humour, serious commentary, deep theology, and moving personal witness. If you’ve been enjoying our free posts, now’s the perfect time to become a paid subscriber — you’ll unlock the full depth of what Catholic Unscripted has to offer.
1️⃣ Shakespeare, ABBA & the Angry Anglican Bishop
Gavin at his most mischievous — with a romp through literary giants, pop music, and an irate Anglican bishop. Sharp wit and laugh-out-loud moments make this a must-read.
👉 Read here
Shakespeare, ABBA & the angry Anglican bishop.
St Andrew’s in Holborn is a quaintly named church in the City of London which found itself in the international news this week courtesy of the stress and strain endured by the Anglican assistant bishop of Fulham.
2️⃣ Newman Hijacked? The Real Story
With the news that St John Henry Newman will be declared a Doctor of the Church, some fear his name will be used to justify doctrinal change. The Rev Dr Stephen Morgan, one of the world’s leading Newman scholars, delivers a definitive, brilliant rebuttal to such misuse — a must-read for anyone who loves the Church.
👉 Read here
Hijacked Development
The Rev Dr. STEPHEN MORGAN has been Rector (i.e. Vice-Chancellor or President) of the University of Saint Joseph Macao since 2020, where he is a Professor of Theology and Church History. The University of Saint Joseph is the only comprehensive Catholic university in China.
3️⃣ Gospel Reflection – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gavin’s reflection on Jesus’ words about death and desire invites us to examine what truly matters in life and eternity.
👉 Read here
4️⃣ In Conversation with the Curé d’Ars
A warm, insightful piece on St Jean Vianney — a saint whose humility and holiness continue to inspire.
👉 Watch here
In conversation with the Cure d'Ars.
One of the things we have in common at ‘Catholic Unscripted’ is that each one of us treasures St John, Vianney, the Cure d’ Ars.
5️⃣ Faith in Ireland: A Resurgence?
We spoke to Irish blogger Robert Nugent about Catholic life in Ireland, the Francis legacy, and signs of renewal in surprising places.
👉 Watch here
The Faith in Ireland Resurgent!
Robert A. Nugent runs the well watched YouTube Channel Decrevi Determined to be Catholic. A former seminarian with the Legionnaires of Christ, he has a lot of interesting connections. He speaks several languages and keeps up with events in Rome. His main interest is sharing the faith and teaching people how to deepen their relationship with Christ through what the East…
6️⃣ Heart Speaks to Heart, Mind to Mind
Mark reflects on the profound theological and spiritual dialogue between St John Henry Newman and Pope Benedict XVI — a meeting of minds that shaped the Church in our time.
👉 Read here
Heart Speaks to Heart, Mind to Mind
On a bright September morning in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI stood in Birmingham’s Cofton Park and beatified John Henry Newman before a crowd of tens of thousands. The moment was layered with symbolism: a German pope beatifying an Englishman once denounced as a traitor; a former Anglican turned Catholic cardinal honoured not in Rome, but in the very country he had once scandalised by converting. It was the first papal visit to the UK in nearly thirty years, and it coincided, by providence or design, with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. As RAF planes soared overhead in tribute to wartime heroes, Benedict honoured a different kind of warrior; one who had fought battles of the intellect and of the soul, in lecture halls, pulpits, and the quiet solitude of prayer.
7️⃣ When Horror Shatters Faith — A Response to Kemi Badenoch
After Kemi Badenoch gave a simplistic reason for rejecting belief in God, Mark reflects on the Catholic understanding of suffering — how tragedy can deepen faith rather than destroy it.
👉 Read here
When Horror Shatters Faith: A Response to Kemi Badenoch
In a recent BBC interview, Kemi Badenoch explained that her belief in God was extinguished after learning the details of the Josef Fritzl case. His daughter Elisabeth, held captive for 24 years and subjected to repeated abuse, had reportedly prayed daily for rescue. “Why,” Badenoch asked, “was God answering my prayers about buses and exam results, but not hers?”
8️⃣ How to Deal with the Problem of Pain
Katherine and Mark unpack Kemi’s interview and Mark’s personal journey through grief, in a moving and deeply human conversation.
👉 Watch here
How to deal with the problem of pain?
Mark Lambert in conversation with Katherine Bennett. Drawing on personal experience, Mark responds to questions about why God allows suffering and answers what it can tell us about the real God of scripture, rather than the God of our expectations.
9️⃣ Calypso’s Isle
Mark shares the legends, beauty, and Catholic heritage of Gozo — Malta’s gem in the Mediterranean.
👉 Watch here
Calypso's Isle
I’m on Gozo, which is a tiny island of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea just 14km long by 7.25km wide. It is a short 2 1/2 hour flight from Southend. We have been coming here since the year 2,000, albeit with a few gaps where we tried different destinations. However, wherever we try, we always seem to end up back in Gozo. If we miss a ye…
🔟 Gozo Village Festa
A joyful glimpse into Gozo’s traditional festas — a mix of Catholic devotion, music, fireworks, and community spirit.
👉 Watch here
Gozo Village Festa
Driving through the beautiful little village of San Lawrenz which is preparing for its Festa.
Hopefully I’ve got all the links right this week folks! Sorry for last week’s mistake. God bless you all and have a good week!
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Thanks for the review of recent posts. Have to seek out the very few i haven’t seen yet! Thanks Catholic Unscripted! 🫶