The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - April 19, 2025
SATURDAY, APRIL 19 - HOLY SATURDAY
VANCE TO MEET WITH TOP VATICAN OFFICIAL
Vice President JD Vance will meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin in Rome this weekend. It remains unclear whether Vance will have an audience with Pope Francis.
DEPORTEE NO LONGER IN DANGEROUS SALVADORIAN PRISON
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration recently deported from Maryland to El Salvador, is no longer being housed in a notorious megaprison, according to a Democratic US senator who flew to the Central American country to meet with the man.
TRUMP ADMIN REPLACES GOVERNMENT COVID SITE
The Trump administration on Friday published a new version of the COVID.gov website. The new site details the "true origins" of COVID-19, calls out those who suppressed the finding that it likely leaked from a lab, and denounces draconian lockdowns and mandates.
Advertisement
LENTEN LESSONS: HOW CAN YOU INSURE YOUR MARRIAGE?
Relevant Radio CEO Fr. Rocky outlines his 12 rules for a happy and successful marriage. Learn more in today’s Lenten Lesson on the Sacraments video.
WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT HOLY SATURDAY
Holy Saturday, the quiet bridge between Good Friday’s sorrow and Easter Sunday’s joy, often passes unnoticed in the modern Catholic rhythm. Yet this day, which is rich in silence, symbolism, and sacred waiting, is a vital part of the Paschal Triduum.
Advertisement
SWITCH TO CHARITY MOBILE, THE PRO-LIFE CELL PHONE COMPANY
Tired of doing business with companies that don’t share your beliefs? With Charity Mobile, 5% of your monthly plan price goes to the pro-life, pro-family charity of your choice—at no extra cost! All plans start under $50 before taxes and surcharges, and you can save even more with every line you add. Free phone offer for new customers with promo code LOOP.
IT DOESN'T GET BIGGER THAN THE EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil is described in the Roman Missal as the “greatest and most noble of all solemnities.” It does not get bigger than this! Here's everything you need to know before the big night.
POPE FRANCIS VISITS PRISONERS ON HOLY THURSDAY
In keeping with his tradition, Pope Francis visited the inmates of Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday to minister to them and offer his encouragement and support ahead of the Easter season. After the visit, Pope Francis reflected, "Every time I enter a place like this, I ask myself, ‘Why them and not me?’”
A SACRED BEGINNING
"From all of us here at CatholicVote, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed and holy Triduum." CatholicVote Vice President Joshua Mercer offered a reflection at the beginning of these three holy days.
EASTER DESSERTS
Celebrate the end of fasting with extra special like meringue cups, layered sherbet, Easter nest torte, and tons more!
TIMELESS EASTER DECOR
There’s no need to fill our homes with cheap plastic Easter decor from the seasonal section at Walmart. Here are a variety of timeless and elegant ways to decorate for the holiday, whether you lean towards traditional, cottage-core, kid-friendly, minimalist, or eclectic.
A MOTHER'S REFLECTION ON MARY'S HOLY SATURDAY
Scripture veils the Blessed Mother’s experience of Holy Saturday with a reverent silence. But the very silence of her grief while her Son was in the tomb invites people, especially mothers, into a deep stillness and an acceptance of suffering that is not without hope.
CATHOLIC 101
Pope Francis' meditations on the Way of the Cross, which he wrote for this Good Friday, offered a deeply personal and prophetic invitation to conversion, compassion, and renewed hope amid the challenges of modern life. about his insights here.
SAINT OF THE DAY
If April 19 were not the Easter Vigil this year, the Church would celebrate the feast of Blessed James Oldo. This intensely penitent Franciscan tertiary and later priest lived a worldly life of pleasure-seeking before his radical conversion. As a preacher, he received the gift of prophecy – foretelling wars and, eventually, the date of his own death.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
“Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth." (Psalm 104:30)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Saturday's Mass readings.
SUNDAY’S PSALM
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad." (Psalm 118:24)
SUNDAY’S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA
Baptism, confirmation, and holy orders.
PRAYER
The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee called for prayers after a mass shooting at Florida State University left two dead and others injured on Holy Thursday.