The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - May 24, 2025
COURT BLOCKS TRUMP BAN ON HARVARD
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s ban on Harvard admitting international students, ruling the policy could cause “immediate and irreparable injury.”
LEADERS REACT TO CATHOLIC CHARTER SCHOOL RULING
Oklahoma leaders reacted sharply to the Supreme Court’s tie that halted the state’s first Catholic charter school. “This is far from a settled issue. We are going to keep fighting for parents’ rights to instill their values in their children against religious discrimination," said Gov. Stitt.
UKRAINE, RUSSIA LAUNCH PRISONER SWAP
Ukraine and Russia conducted a major prisoner swap May 23, releasing 390 individuals in the first phase of a broader "1000-for-1000" exchange.
TRUMP THREATENS NEW TARIFFS
President Donald Trump threatened Apple with a 25% tariff on foreign-made iPhones and proposed a 50% tariff on EU imports, criticizing trade imbalances and signaling a renewed push for domestic manufacturing.
POPE DECLARES THREE NEW 'VENERABLES'
Pope Leo XIV advanced the sainthood causes for three Servants of God this week, recognizing their heroic virtue and naming them “Venerables." Among them are two martyred missionaries from Ecuador and a faithful bishop from India.
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TX APPROVES VIRGIN MARY STATUE AT STATE CAPITOL
Texas lawmakers passed a resolution for a monument of the Virgin Mary bearing the unborn Christ child at the state Capitol, crafted by sculptor Timothy Schmalz. The "Texas Life Monument," highlighting pro-life values, awaits Gov. Abbott's signature.
CHARLOTTE DIOCESE TO END PARISH LATIN MASSES
Bishop Michael Martin of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, announced May 23 that parish churches will no longer host the Traditional Latin Mass, completing the diocese’s transition under Traditionis Custodes.
LOOPcast
Coming to you live from the Courage Under Fire conference in Nashville with this special edition of the, featuring guest appearances from Fr. Mike Schmitz, Michael Knowles, Matt Walsh, and Harrison Butker!
MEMORIAL DAY GRILL GUIDE
Memorial Day is a grill day, and this is your definitive guide. We’ve got appetizers like grilled peach salsa, all the meats from ribs to kabobs, sides such as grilled sweet potato fries, and even desserts like grilled cinnamon sugar pineapple. Pair with one of our favorite refreshing drinks, and you’ll kick off the summer with a bang.
HELPING BOYS WITH LAZINESS
As boys grow into men, a common obstacle that hinders this transition is laziness. Teenage boys want freedom, but true freedom is self-dominion. Here’s how you can help your son find the source of his laziness, identify abetting habits, and ultimately overcome this hindrance to manhood.
POPE FOR THE AI ERA
Pope Leo XIII responded to the Industrial Revolution’s impact on society. Pope Leo XIV is shaping himself to respond to A.I.’s impact on human identity, the nature of human creativity and labor, and human beings’ subservience to “the machine.” Here are the conversations we can expect to have during this papacy.
CATHOLIC 101
Christians are indistinguishable from other people either by nationality, language, or customs. And yet, there is something extraordinary about them. Something mysterious and beautiful. But it leads others to hate them. Why is that?
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church celebrates Saints Donatian and Rogatian, third-century brothers martyred for their faith. Rogatian, inspired by Donatian’s conversion, was baptized by blood when both were executed for refusing to deny Christ.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
"Let all the earth cry out to God with joy." (Psalm 100:2)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Saturday's Mass readings.
SUNDAY’S PSALM
"O God, let all the nations praise you!" (Psalm 67:4)
SUNDAY’S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA
"Six."
A PRIEST AT GETTYSBURG
On July 2, 1863, in the heat of the Civil War battle at Gettysburg, PA, a Catholic priest stepped into the line of fire to offer the apostolic blessing to a regiment of Irish Catholic soldiers. His fearless act of faith was later immortalized in Paul Henry Wood's Absolution Under Fire (1891).