The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - September 6, 2025
TRUMP HOSTS BIG TECH, PHARMA EXECS AT WHITE HOUSE
President Donald Trump hosted a White House dinner Sept. 4 with leading tech executives, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, in support of First Lady Melania Trump’s artificial intelligence initiative.
DARK MOTIVES OF WOULD-BE MONASTERY ATTACKER
After authorities arrested an Alabama man for threatening a California-based Norbertine Catholic monastery, new details about his dark motives have emerged. He claimed to be an angel of death "sent to do the Lord's reaping." Police found weapons in the man's vehicle some 60 miles from the Catholic site.
FUNERAL SET FOR SHOOTING VICTIM FLETCHER MERKEL
The funeral for Fletcher Merkel, the 8-year-old boy killed in last week’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, will be held tomorrow. The funeral will be livestreamed. Fletcher is remembered especially for his love for his family and for his smile.
WILL COLORADO'S CATHOLICS PROTECT WOMEN & KIDS?
Colorado’s Catholic bishops are urgently calling on the faithful to help place three citizen-led measures on the 2026 statewide ballot. The ballot initiatives are direct counteroffensives against attacks the Democratic-controlled legislature recently made against parental rights, conscience rights, and children.
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12-YEAR-OLD SHOOTING VICTIM STILL IN CRITICAL CONDITION
"The father of a 12-year-old who is still hospitalized after being shot at Annunciation Church last week spoke publicly for the first time on Friday," KSTP reported. "Sophia Forchas is still hospitalized at Hennepin Healthcare’s pediatric ICU in critical condition."
CHRISTIAN FOSTER PARENTS SUE OVER DRACONIAN LGBT RULE
Massachusetts officials recently told foster parents they must aid the state in pushing the LGBT agenda on kids or they will lose their right to foster children. Now, Christian parents are fighting back in court.
KEEP YOUR EYE OUT FOR TOMORROW'S SPECIAL LOOP
Heads up! We will release a special edition of The LOOP Sunday (TOMORROW) featuring exclusive coverage of the historic canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. The edition will include coverage from Rome, with photos, video clips, and reporting from the canonization events, along with background pieces that explore the lives and legacies of the Church’s newest saints.
IRRESISTIBLE FOOTBALL FOOD
For many of us, the main event of game day is, shamelessly, the food. So here are 52 addictive football snacks, from a Texas taco dip platter and beer-pretzel nuggets, to football cake pops and maple-bacon crispy rice treats.
DATING ADVICE FOR YOUNG MEN
Catholic men, don't advertise on dating sites saying you're looking for a "traditional" Catholic wife, says Randall Smith at The Catholic Thing. You can't order a good wife like you order off Amazon. Now, that's not to say it's a mistake to use dating apps. But the focus needs to shift. Here is Smith's list of things you need to do and need to be to draw the right woman.
YOUR FALL FAB CATHOLIC HOME
As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, our homes naturally become a refuge. Autumn is nature’s gentle reminder to slow down, give thanks, and prepare for the seasons ahead. Just as the liturgical calendar moves toward the feasts of All Saints and Christ the King, we can use this time to make our homes little sanctuaries — places of prayer, beauty, and welcome.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Blessed Thomas Tzugi (1571-1627) was born into a noble family in Japan and educated by Jesuits. He entered the order around the age of 17 and became well known for his gift for preaching. Thomas was eventually discovered and arrested after celebrating Mass at a family’s home in 1626. Over a year later, he was burned at the stake along with two other prisoners.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
"God himself is my help." (Psalm 54)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Saturday's Mass readings.
SUNDAY'S PSALM
"In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge." (Psalm 90)
SUNDAY'S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA
Requiem
INSPIRING
Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis, parents of the soon-to-be saint Carlo Acutis, at the tomb of their son, who will be canonized tomorrow.