The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - February 11, 2026

PERSON DETAINED FOR QUESTIONING IN NANCY GUTHRIE CASE

Authorities yesterday detained an individual for questioning in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. FBI Director Kash Patel had earlier released a surveillance video showing a masked person on Guthrie’s porch the night she went missing, and called on the public to help identify the culprit.

VP VANCE COMPLETES TRIP TO ARMENIA

Vice President JD Vance concluded a two-day visit to Armenia yesterday, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president or vice president has traveled to the country. The trip advanced U.S.-brokered peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, finalized a civil nuclear agreement, and included a solemn visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan.

COLORADO BISHOPS WARN EDUCATION BILL ATTACKS 1st AMENDMENT

Colorado's bishops are urging voters to oppose a newly introduced education bill, warning the measure would undermine free speech and religious freedom in public schools. HB 26-1141, introduced Feb. 4, would define “acts of discrimination based on disability, race, creed, sex, gender identity, and gender expression” in grades K-12 or on a higher education campus as unlawful.

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JERUSALEM'S CARDINAL PIZZABALLA ON TRUMP 'BOARD OF PEACE'

Jerusalem Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has expressed some misgivings about President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, warning that many "concrete" actions are needed for "rebuilding trust." In Gaza and the Holy Land, the "wounds are still deep," he said.

EXCLUSIVE: JIMMY LAI'S DAUGHTER DESCRIBES HIS FAITH

Hours after Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Hong Kong Court, his daughter Claire spoke with CatholicVote Vice President of Advocacy Josh Mercer about her father's deep Catholic faith – and the family's hopes that the Trump administration will intervene for his freedom.

HOUSE PASSES HOUSING BILL TO TACKLE AFFORDABILITY CRISIS

The House of Representatives this week overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan housing bill aimed at making homes more affordable. House Financial Services Committee Chair Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., said home ownership is a key part of the American dream, praising the Housing for the 21st Century Act for its "real, bipartisan solutions to expanding supply, lowering costs, and providing families with more options.”

JOIN THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC PRAYER BREAKFAST: MARCH 19, 2026

Celebrate the Catholic contribution to the US on its 250th anniversary at the 21st annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast! This 21st annual gathering of 1500+ attendees features a beautiful morning of prayer, inspiring speakers, national Catholic celebrities, and over 50 Catholic exhibitors. Outstanding sponsorship opportunities are still available.

POPE OFFERS MOVING PRAYER FOR WORLD DAY OF THE SICK

In a message for the 34th World Day of the Sick, Pope Leo invoked the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of Health of the Sick, asking her to remain close to those “in need of compassion, consolation and a listening ear.” He also offered an ancient Marian prayer that pleads for a mother who does not turn away, walks alongside the afflicted, and obtains for them the blessing of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY COMMISSION FACES QUESTIONS ON ZIONISM

During a hearing of the White House Religious Liberty Commission, commissioner Carrie Prejean Boller, a Catholic, cited multiple Catholic scholars, scripture passages, and Jewish leaders to argue that opposition to political Zionism and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza should not be labeled as antisemitism.

WHAT WEDDING REGISTRIES SAY ABOUT MARRIAGE CULTURE

While hope chests and dowries existed for centuries — collecting linens and household items in anticipation of marriage — the concept of wedding registries is surprisingly modern. Here's what our wedding registries say about our marriage culture.

CATHOLIC 101

"For God, all time is as one," writes Brother Nathaniel Labs, O.P., "and every single story ever lived in its truest form is known to him." Here's a reminder about life as God sees it.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Mary appeared to a 14-year-old peasant named Bernadette in 1858, telling her to drink from a muddy spring. The water became clear and healed a paralyzed woman. To this day, Lourdes and its holy waters continue to heal pilgrims from around the world.

DAILY PSALM

"The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom." (Psalm 37)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

LENT STARTS NEXT WEEK

Lent begins next Wednesday. Zeale brings prayer, reflections, and Catholic content to one simple place – free and easy to use – so you can prepare now and walk the season well.