The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - April 16, 2025

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 - SPY WEDNESDAY

CATHOLICVOTE BACKS PLAN TO DEFUND NPR, PBS

CatholicVote endorsed the Trump administration’s proposal to end taxpayer funding for NPR and PBS, arguing the networks should rely on private support instead. “There’s no reason to continue borrowing money from China to keep media companies on the dole,” said CatholicVote Vice President Joshua Mercer.

ADMIN PULLS BILLIONS OF DOLLARS FROM HARVARD

The Trump administration is freezing $2.2 billion in federal grants to Harvard University. The decision came after Harvard refused to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSINGS HIT RECORD LOW

Illegal crossings at the southern border fell to record lows in March 2025, according to newly released data from US Customs and Border Protection. The Border Patrol recorded fewer apprehensions during the entire month than in just the first two days of March 2024 under the Biden administration.

LENTEN LESSONS: WHY IS MARRIAGE SO VITAL TO OUR SURVIVAL?

Relevant Radio CEO Fr. Rocky cites Pope Saint John Paul II, who stressed the absolute importance of marriage and family in our society. Watch and learn more about the sacrament of Matrimony in today’s Lenten Lesson on the Sacraments.

WASHINGTON DEMS PASS RADICAL PRO-ABORTION BILL

Washington Democratic legislators have sent to the governor’s desk a bill to make it more difficult to investigate infanticide and sex trafficking. One conservative pundit is warning that it effectively legalizes infanticide and late-term abortions in the state.

CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVES OUT THE FAITH IN A BIG WAY

Along a busy stretch of I-71 in northern Kentucky, thousands of commuters are encountering a striking sight: a Catholic flag flying high above a waste facility, visible from one of the highest points between Cincinnati and Louisville. Here's the story of the five-generation Catholic family that flies these monthly devotional flags.

OKLAHOMA OFFICIALS VIE OVER CATHOLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

As attorneys prepare to advocate before the Supreme Court for a Catholic charter school’s right to open in Oklahoma, some state officials – including Republicans – are publicly arguing against it. St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Charter School would be the first Catholic charter school in US history, providing a free alternative to public schools.

SO MUCH NEWS

Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Hungary's new amendment protects children from "pride" parades. • Young Catholics put on a Way of the Cross in Wilmington. • A priest explains how "green" funerals can violate human dignity.

UDALLAS STANDS WITH ALUMNUS BRIAN BURCH

"A man of deep Catholic faith, strong character and genuine prudence, Brian Burch is a truly outstanding selection to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. We look forward to the great work he will perform in this vitally important role, and could not be prouder of him.” - UDallas President Jonathan J. Sanford. Join us in prayer for Brian.

POPE FRANCIS MOVES ARCHITECT TOWARD SAINTHOOD

Pope Francis has declared 19th-century architect Antoni Gaudí “Venerable,” a crucial step on the path to being declared a saint. Gaudi designed the magnificent Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona.

BLESSED CARLO'S PARENTS WRITE PERSONAL ACCOUNT

The parents of Blessed Carlo Acutis have penned a personal account of the saintly witness of their son in a recent book, "God’s Influencer." Set to become the first millennial saint, Acutis lived from 1991 to 2006 and will be canonized April 27.

'THE REVENGE OF CHRIST'

Mel Gibson’s sequel to "The Passion of the Christ" could be called "The Revenge of Christ," suggests Brother Louis Bethea. Vengeance is not always bad, as Christ himself asked, “Will not God revenge his elect who cry to him day and night?” But what's the difference between good and bad revenge? Br. Louis explains.

CATHOLIC 101

Why is today called Spy Wednesday? Because it's the day Judas sneaked out to arrange Christ's betrayal. There are many ways to commemorate it. In Poland, young people throw an effigy of Judas from the top of a church steeple, drag it through town, and then drown it.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today is the feast of Saint Bernadette, who first witnessed her Marian apparitions in Lourdes at age 14. Despite opposition, she remained steadfast, became a nun, and is now a patron saint of those ridiculed for their faith.

DAILY PSALM

“Lord, in your great love, answer me." (Psalm 69:14)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

BESTING BABE

In 1961, a humble Catholic farm boy from North Dakota broke Babe Ruth’s home-run record. Though Roger Maris was largely rejected by baseball fans during his career, the way he lived his life cemented his status as a true all-star.