The LOOP
The Monday Loop - October 13, 2025
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13
Columbus Day
TRUMP HONORED IN ISRAEL AS REMAINING HOSTAGES RELEASED
Israel celebrated this morning as Hamas returned 20 surviving Israeli hostages after 738 days in captivity. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel, where he addressed the Knesset and received the nation's highest civil award. There, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog told Trump, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” in an unusual quotation of the New Testament from an Israeli leader.
POPE ENCOURAGES PATH TO PEACE IN ISRAEL & GAZA
Pope Leo yesterday expressed profound compassion for those suffering amid the violence in Gaza. “With the entire Church," he said, "I am close to your immense pain.” Referencing the U.S.-backed deal to end the conflict, he urged all parties “to continue courageously on the path they have chosen, towards a just and lasting peace that respects the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples."
TRUMP DECLARES COLUMBUS DAY: 'WE'RE BACK!'
Trump signed a proclamation last week officially restoring Columbus Day, declaring Oct. 13 as the holiday this year. “Columbus Day, we’re back,” Trump said at the Oct. 9 signing ceremony. “We’re back, Italians.”
NOR'EASTER POUNDS NORTHEASTERN STATES
New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across New York City and much of the metro area as a Nor'easter blew in Sunday. The entirety of New Jersey was placed under a State of Emergency as well, and Delaware's National Guard was activated to tackle flooding and dangerous winds.
COURTS: NATIONAL GUARD MAY NOT DEPLOY IN CHICAGO
"A federal appeals court on Saturday temporarily lifted a judge’s order blocking White House efforts to federalize National Guard troops for use in Chicago, but left her block on their deployment in the city," POLITICO reported.
FIRST LITURGICAL CELEBRATION OF SAINT CARLO ACUTIS
The ancient city of Assisi witnessed a historic moment as the Holy See’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, presided over the yesterday on his newly established feast day of Oct. 12. Carlo's parents were present, and Cardinal Parolin in his homily called the first Millennial saint a "master of beauty and goodness."
TRUMP DIRECTS HEGSETH TO GET TROOPS PAID DESPITE SHUTDOWN
Trump on Saturday announced he would not let U.S. military service members go without wages this week despite the ongoing government shutdown. "I am using my authority, as Commander in Chief, to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th," Trump announced.
JOIN NOW IN PRAYING TO TURN HEARTS BACK TO GOD IN OUR WORLD!
Our Lady says we can conquer the darkness with prayer AND fasting! Join The International Week of Prayer & Fasting (IWOPF) Conference Nov 15-23 to turn people’s hearts back to God. Remember, Pope St. John Paul II told us: “Jesus Himself has shown us by His own example that prayer AND fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil."
TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL ABORTIONS
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, has indicted and arrested eight people who he says illegally performed abortions and practiced medicine without licenses in Houston medical clinics.
CARDINAL BURKE LAUNCHES NEW MARIAN LAY MINISTRY
For years, Cardinal Raymond Burke has spread devotion to Our Lady. Now, the cardinal is inviting the faithful to become a part of these efforts by joining a group called Our Lady’s Messengers.
ATHENS, ROME, NAMELESS NORTH
Classical education is making a comeback, and it's a tradition that people often say is rooted in Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem. But there's something missing from this picture, says Dr. Ben Reinhard. It's the "nameless north," or the Anglo-Saxon and Germanic roots of our culture.
CATHOLIC 101
In an era marked by conflict and despair, the Church calls us to hope through Christ Jesus, whose grace — especially through Our Lady, Queen of Peace — heals hearts, reconciles enemies, and renews societies with divine strength.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today is the feast of Saint Edward the Confessor. Born in the 11th century to the Duke of Normandy, St. Edward was the nephew of the King of England. Though he grew up in exile, St. Edward was eventually called upon to serve as king. He cured people with his touch, abolished unjust taxes, and rebuilt St. Peter’s Abbey in Westminster, where he is now buried.
DAILY PSALM
"The Lord has made known his salvation." (Psalm 98)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
STAY TUNED!
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