The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - February 18, 2026

ASH WEDNESDAY

CATHOLICVOTE, CARDINAL BURKE LAUNCH AMERICA 250 PRAYERS

CatholicVote is calling on everyone to observe Lent with a daily prayer for the nation’s renewal during its 250th year. The initiative was developed in partnership with Cardinal Raymond L. Burke. CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt said in an announcement that “Sin causes suffering,” and argued that societies, like individuals, must repent to be renewed. “When sin is normalized,” she said, “nations suffer.”

PRO-LIFE LEADERS EXPRESS 'SADNESS' IN LETTER TO NOTRE DAME

Several recipients of the University of Notre Dame’s pro-life Evangelium Vitae Award sent a letter this week to the school’s president, lamenting the decision to appoint a pro-abortion professor to lead one of Notre Dame's institutes. “Numerous justified reactions to the tragic appointment of Professor Susan Ostermann have already reached your desk: shock, scandal, disbelief and outrage among them. We would like to add one more: profound sadness,” the letter stated.

EXCLUSIVE: HOPE FOR 'TRANS' TIDE TO TURN

Detransitioner Soren Aldaco’s lawsuit against her former therapist reached the Texas Supreme Court last week as she seeks justice after being subjected to sexual surgery on the therapist’s recommendation. In this exclusive interview with Zeale News, she explains why she is hopeful that the cultural tide is turning away from gender ideology.

MAKE THE PRO-LIFE CHOICE THIS LENTEN SEASON

When you switch to Charity Mobile, you can support the lifesaving work of your favorite pro-life charity with your everyday cell phone use. All monthly plans are under $50 before taxes and surcharges, and every new line gets a free phone offer with promo code LOOP. With Charity Mobile, you don’t have to make sacrifices with your phone service or your values!

JESSE JACKSON, REQUIESCAT IN PACE

Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr., died yesterday at age 84. Widely lauded for his generosity and public-spiritedness, he also leaves behind a mixed legacy.

NEW YORK ARCHBISHOP PRAYS FOR GUTHRIE ON NATIONAL TV

Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York made a national television appearance yesterday that turned into a powerful moment of spontaneous prayer and witness. At the end of his brief interview on NBC’s “Today,” Archbishop Hicks led his hosts in a prayer for the family of the network’s own Savannah Guthrie, including her mother, who is still missing.

BISHOPS' RELIGIOUS LIBERTY REPORT NAMES AREAS OF 'CRITICAL CONCERN'

The U.S. Bishops' Committee for Religious Liberty yesterday released its annual report, reviewing federal legislative, executive, and Supreme Court developments in 2025. The 62-page report also outlined six “areas of critical concern — threats and opportunities — for religious liberty in 2026.”

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.

US CATHOLIC SCHOOL MEETS POPE WEEKS AFTER VANDALISM

Just weeks after their school was vandalized by people seemingly intent on destroying sacred objects, the senior class at Holy Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach, California, met Pope Leo XIV Feb. 11. "Since we believe that God uses bad for good, I don’t think it was a coincidence that happened right before [the planned senior trip] to Rome," said one of the school's students.

ASSISI TO HOST FIRST-EVER EXPOSITION OF ST FRANCIS' REMAINS

This year marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’ death, and from Feb. 22 to March 22, pilgrims will be able to view the saint’s earthly remains for the first time in the lower church of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

ARTWORK TO TAKE YOU THROUGH LENT

Use beautiful artwork to guide your daily Lenten reflections this year. This Lenten art calendar provides a way to turn your heart toward beauty, even if just for a moment, each day until Easter.

CATHOLIC 101

What is "lectio divina" and how can you use it this Lent? Dan Burke from the Avila Institute laid it out for us a few years ago, and his introduction is worth revisiting: "Any Christian seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ will no doubt be blessed through this time-tested monastic prayer method."

SAINT OF THE DAY

A relative of Jesus and witness to the early Church’s first persecutions, St. Simon of Jerusalem succeeded St. James as bishop and led Christians to safety before Rome destroyed the city. He later returned to rebuild the flock — and was crucified at age 120 for confessing Christ.

DAILY PSALM

"Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned." (Psalm 51)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

A LENTEN CALL TO PRAYER FOR AMERICA

Falling within America 250, this Lent is a special time to implore the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the renewal only God can bring to our country. Join Cardinal Raymond Burke and CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt in making this powerful prayer part of your daily Lenten program.