The LOOP
The Friday Loop - May 16, 2025
SUPREME COURT HEARS PIVOTAL BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP CASE
The Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a pivotal case over whether lower courts can block President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. Just before the hearing, Trump argued on social media that the legal purpose of birthright citizenship never had anything "to do with Illegal Immigration for people wanting to SCAM our Country, from all parts of the World, which they have done for many years.”
TRUMP DELIVERS MAJOR SPEECH PRAISING SAUDI PROGRESS
In a major address this week at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum 2025, Trump marked a turning point in US-Saudi relations, lauding the kingdom's transformation and reaffirming America's long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia. He received a standing ovation.
FDA MAY REMOVE COVID SHOTS FROM CHILD VACCINE SCHEDULE
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said this week the evidence to support giving healthy children the mRNA COVID shot “does not exist.” The issue is “being discussed right now," he said, adding: “I think you’re going to see some announcement on that in the coming weeks."
BISHOP BARRON EXPLAINS NEED FOR RENEWED OPPOSITION TO PORN
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop Robert Barron has put out a statement explaining why they released a new edition of “Create in Me a Pure Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.” his thoughts here.
MINORITY OF REPUBLICANS THREATEN TO SCUTTLE BUDGET BILL
"Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' appears to be in peril as of late Thursday afternoon, ahead of a critical meeting by the House Budget Committee to bring the legislation close to a House-wide vote," FOX News reported yesterday.
CATHOLIC TRANSPORT SEC GIVING JESUS PRIDE OF PLACE US
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, a Catholic, officially announced yesterday that he is moving a historic painting of Jesus back to its place of prominence at the Merchant Marine Academy after Biden administration officials relegated it to the basement two years ago.
PREVENTION EXPERT ON CHURCH SEX ABUSE: 'CANNOT RUN AWAY FROM THIS'
In a wide-ranging interview, Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, one of the Catholic Church’s foremost experts in safeguarding and clerical sexual abuse prevention, offered an insightful assessment of both the spiritual and institutional challenges facing the Church as it continues to reckon with the sexual abuse crimes committed by some of its own.
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BISHOP CONLEY SHARES STRUGGLES WITH MENTAL HEALTH
Calling attention to Mental Health Awareness Month, Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, opened up about his own struggles with mental health and shared recommendations for cultivating a healthy mind, reminding the faithful that they are not alone.
VERMONT ABUSE VICTIMS TESTIFY IN COURT PRESENTATION
Survivors of clergy abuse by priests in the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, shared their experiences at a special federal court presentation this week, following the filing of more than 100 claims of abuse.
'WHY I LOVE AMERICA'
Refine's Tessa Gervasini interviewed Americans of all ages and walks of life to ask them: Why do you love the USA? Their heartfelt answers are a beautiful reminder of why this country, nearly 250 years after its founding, is still worth celebrating, cherishing, and defending.
CATHOLIC 101
A major characteristic of our new Pope is his membership in the Augustinian Order. Though we are all one in the same faith, different orders and charisms offer special dimensions, the way a diamond looks different from every angle. What is the unique angle, personality, and theme we can expect from an Augustinian pontificate?
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Catholic Church remembers Saint Simon Stock, a twelfth- and thirteenth-century Carmelite monk whose vision of the Virgin Mary is the source of the Brown Scapular devotion.
DAILY PSALM
"You are my Son; this day I have begotten you." (Psalm 2:7)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
THE POLITICAL LIGHTNING ROD
When Phyllis Schlafly received an honorary doctorate from Washington University in May, 2008, one-third of the students and faculty members in attendance stood and turned their backs on her in protest. However, the Catholic mother of six and conservative activist had faced far worse before. From leading the charge to defeat the Equal Rights Amendment to her effective political organizing through Eagle Forum, Schlafly was a political lightning rod who remained unfazed by the constant tumult surrounding her defense of traditional values.