The LOOP
The Monday Loop - February 2, 2026
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
TRUMP SAYS LATEST EPSTEIN DOCUMENTS 'ABSOLVE' HIM, THREATENS LAWSUIT
President Donald Trump said newly released Epstein-related records “absolve” him of wrongdoing and suggested he may sue author Michael Wolff and the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, arguing the documents show efforts to damage him politically.
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN LIKELY TO DRAG ON
A partial government shutdown is expected to last until at least Tuesday after House Democrats declined to fast-track a funding package, forcing GOP leaders to move through the regular rules process with a razor-thin majority.
CANONIZATION CAUSE BEGINS FOR OUR LADY OF CHAMPION VISIONARY
A new cause for canonization has been opened for Adele Brice, the Marian visionary to whom Our Lady of Champion appeared. The Diocese of Green Bay formally named her a Servant of God and has begun an official investigation into her life and holiness.
NOTRE DAME PRIEST URGES UNIVERSITY TO REVERSE PRO-ABORTION APPOINTMENT
A senior Notre Dame historian and priest urged university leaders to reverse the appointment of a pro-abortion academic to head a campus institute, warning it represents a “crisis of Catholic fidelity” and undermines the school’s Catholic mission.
IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER WARNS 'REGIONAL WAR' IF US STRIKES
Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack ordered by President Donald Trump would trigger a wider regional conflict, as military tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz.
CANADA HATE SPEECH BILL THREATENS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, ADF WARNS
Legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom warned that Canada’s proposed Bill C-9 could chill religious expression by removing long-standing safeguards for good-faith religious speech under the country’s hate-crime laws.
CANDLEMAS: CHRIST AS 'A LIGHT FOR REVELATION'
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord — also known as Candlemas — highlighting Christ as the Light of the World through candle blessings, Simeon’s prophecy, and prayers for consecrated religious.
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NEW OFFICIAL 2026 APOSTOLIC PARDON HOLY CARD ENGLISH TRANSLATION FROM THE USCCB
This special blessing and plenary indulgence granted by a Catholic priest at the hour of death gives complete remission of all temporal punishment due to sin already forgiven in the sacrament of confession. The new English translation goes into effect February 11, 2026 and must be used by Easter Sunday. Get your newly revised Apostolic Pardon holy cards today.
POPE LEO: THE BEATITUDES REVEAL GOD’S PLAN FOR SALVATION
Pope Leo XIV said the Beatitudes illuminate God’s saving plan and redefine true happiness, urging Christians to see them not as paradoxes but as the law of life revealed in Christ.
THE CHURCH'S MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTIONS ANNOUNCED FOR 2027
Pope Leo XIV formally entrusted his 2027 monthly prayer intentions to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, inviting Catholics to unite in prayer for the Church and the world’s most urgent spiritual and moral needs.
SOURDOUGH STARTER: WHERE TO BEGIN
If you’re looking to start making this delicious, wholesome bread but don’t know where to start, Lindsey Fedyk breaks down the process step-by-step!
CATHOLIC 101
Engaged couples, meet your patron saint! Well-known as a patron saint of chastity, St. Agnes is also the patron saint of couples who are engaged.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, commemorating Jesus’ offering in the Temple and the Church’s long-standing traditions of procession, prayer, and the Canticle of Simeon prayed nightly at Compline.
DAILY PSALM
"Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!" (Psalm 24)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
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