The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - September 10, 2025

NORTH CAROLINA ATTACKER FACES FEDERAL CHARGES

The repeat offender who fatally stabbed 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train now faces federal charges. President Donald Trump denounced the murder yesterday, noting 24 of America's 25 most dangerous cities are Democrat-run. “We cannot allow a depraved criminal element of violent repeat offenders to continue spreading destruction and death throughout our country,” he said.

POPE CALLS FOR PRAYER AFTER ISRAEL STRIKES QATAR

After Israel carried out its first-ever airstrike in Qatar and ordered residents of Gaza City, Palestine, to evacuate ahead of a separate major assault yesterday, Pope Leo XIV called upon Catholics to pray for peace. “We must pray a lot and keep working, searching, insisting on peace,” the Pope said. He said he tried calling Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic parish after Israel dropped evacuation leaflets but could not reach its priest.

CRACKER BARREL STICKS WITH ITS CLASSIC RESTAURANT LOOK

Cracker Barrel announced this week that it will stop redesigning its restaurants to have a modernized look, saying that public feedback made it clear that the new style was not reflective of what is beloved about the restaurant among its patrons.

ALIGN YOUR CATHOLIC VALUES WITH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

Want a mutual fund that respects your pro-life, pro-family beliefs? All seven Ave Maria Funds share your Catholic values. They don’t invest in companies that support abortion, pornography, or embryonic stem cell research, or make corporate contributions to Planned Parenthood. about Ave Maria, the nation’s largest Catholic mutual fund family.

WILL MINNEAPOLIS CHURCH VICTIMS BE DECLARED MARTYRS?

Two children fatally shot during Mass at a Catholic church in Minneapolis may one day be recognized by the Vatican among contemporary Christian martyrs.

WHY THE FOUNDER OF THE NEWMAN GUIDE CHOSE CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE

Patrick Reilly, founder of the Cardinal Newman Society and Christendom parent, explains why he believes Christendom College “has everything” Catholic parents should be looking for in a faithful college. Watch his endorsement now—and don’t miss him as a featured speaker at our Open House on September 20.

ALABAMA MAN MAY FACE DEATH PENALTY IN PROFESSOR'S MURDER

A man accused of killing retired Auburn University professor and mother Dr. Julee Gard Schnuelle is facing capital murder charges in Alabama, where prosecutors say they intend to pursue the death penalty.

LOU HOLTZ SHARES A MESSAGE!

See what Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz says is one of his favorite all-time quotes, and why it leads him to invest with Ave Maria Mutual.

CHARLOTTE BISHOP REMOVES ALTAR RAILS FROM SCHOOLS

Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte, North Carolina, has implemented new liturgical guidelines at the three Catholic high schools he oversees that include the removal of altar rails and kneelers during Communion.

ST CARLO ACUTIS CHURCH OPENS IN INDIA

A Catholic church in Kerala, India, was dedicated to St. Carlo Acutis on the day of his canonization, marking a milestone as the country’s first church named after the teenage saint. The new parish houses a first-class relic of the saint and has already drawn large crowds.

NOT TO BE MISSED

Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • The Senate majority leader moves to accelerate Trump nominee approvals. • What do Americans think is the ideal family size? A new poll tells us. • A Washington Post op-ed is urging Trump and Britain to free Catholic hero Jimmy Lai from a Hong Kong prison.

LIFE AFTER DEATH

Socrates was a pretty amazing guy. Without divine revelation, he was able to form a worldview and understanding of life that inspires Christians. How much more capable are we, then, of living through a true and beautiful worldview? Here's a dive into Socrates' thoughts on that we can integrate into our own thoughts.

CATHOLIC 101

A good examination of conscience doesn't only include pointing out our sins of the day. Here is the BAKER method for a fuller, richer version. It will help you recognize your poverty and need, but also shape you into a posture of gratitude.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church honors Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. Born in 1246 in Sant' Angelo, Italy, he became an Augustinian friar at the age of 18 after hearing an Augustinian hermit preach. He was ordained seven years later and quickly gained a reputation as a great preacher and confessor.

DAILY PSALM

"The Lord is compassionate toward all his works." (Psalm 145)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

TESTIMONY

For 35 years, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati has drawn Michigan-based IT expert Marco DeCapite closer to Christ. This week, DeCapite shared how the newly canonized saint transformed his life — and why others need to discover him.