The LOOP
The Friday Loop - March 13, 2026
THE LATEST IN THE IRAN WAR
Conflicting reports and escalating tensions surrounding the Iran war continued March 12, as the White House rejected claims of an Iranian drone threat on U.S. soil, Iran’s new supreme leader issued his first public message, and U.S. officials signaled plans to protect global oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz. Here are the latest updates.
OP-ED: TRUMP CAN FULFILL PRO-LIFE CAMPAIGN PROMISES
A recent Federalist op-ed argued that President Donald Trump could follow through on several campaign pledges by restoring federal safeguards on the chemical abortion drug mifepristone.
ARMED MAN RAMS VEHICLE INTO SYNAGOGUE
An armed man rammed a vehicle into one of the nation’s largest Reform Jewish synagogues in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, on March 12, before being fatally shot by security personnel. No staff or children were injured, but eight first responders were reportedly hospitalized.
FBI INVESTIGATES VIRGINIA SHOOTING AS TERRORISM
The FBI is investigating a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University as terrorism after a gunman killed a retired Army instructor and wounded two others before students stopped him. The gunman, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, was a former Virginia National Guardsman who pleaded guilty in 2016 to “attempting to provide material support to the terror group ISIS."
INCREASED SETTLER VIOLENCE IN HOLY LAND AMID WAR
The European Union is calling on Israeli authorities to take swift action to protect West Bank communities suffering amid a reported wave of increased attacks by Israeli settlers. The death toll of Palestinians has risen to six in the past week, prompting outcry from human rights activists and international organizations who warn that the outbreak of the Iran war could be linked to the increased settler attacks.
THE SAINTS WHO SHAPED CATHOLIC AMERICA
Reflecting on the remarkable lives of bold Catholic figures, those attending a diocesan men’s conference earlier this month were encouraged to draw inspiration from the enduring witness of saints and leaders who helped shape “the great American Catholic story.”
CATHOLICVOTE'S LEGAL FUND JOINS COALITION TO FIGHT ASSISTED SUICIDE
A coalition of pro-life, medical, and religious organizations, including CatholicVote's Legal Fund, has filed an amicus brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, urging the court to strike down Delaware’s End of Life Options Act, a law that permits physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.
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BEFORE HIM, WE ARE MADE WHOLE
‘Holy Hours of Meditation and Healing’ invites you into a sacred encounter with the living Christ through guided reflections and prayerful meditations. Within the stillness of Adoration, you are led to surrender deep wounds, confront fear with hope, and rediscover the unshakable love of God.
US RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENT STAYS LOW
A new Gallup survey found that Americans’ engagement with religion continues to linger at much lower levels than in past decades, and a record share now say they have no religious affiliation. Here are the numbers.
TRUMP OUSTS CATHOLIC FROM RELIGIOUS LIBERTY COMMISSION
Trump has officially removed Carrie Prejean Boller, a Catholic, from the White House Religious Liberty Commission. The decision comes more than a month after a contentious hearing on antisemitism, Zionism, and religious liberty. Prejean Boller cast the move as an affront to religious freedom and defended her work on the commission.
HOW TO PASS DOWN RECIPES
The beauty of tradition and family heirloom recipes — Your grandmother may not have any of her favorite recipes written down, but that doesn't mean those recipes are lost to posterity! Here's how to translate her cooking-by-instinct into recipes that your family will continue to cherish for generations.
CATHOLIC 101
St. John Chrysostom invites Christians to picture their spiritual life as preparing a beautiful house for God — decorating it with virtues so the heart becomes a worthy dwelling for the Lord.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Roderick, a 9th-century Spanish priest and martyr of Córdoba, who was betrayed by his own brothers during the Moorish persecution of Christians. Roderick was accused of apostasy under Sharia law and ultimately beheaded after refusing to deny his Catholic faith.
DAILY PSALM
"I am the Lord your God: hear my voice." (Psalm 81)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH WITH ZEALE
A major national prayer movement has begun. Zeale for America 250 is a nationwide campaign led by Cardinal Raymond L. Burke to prepare our nation spiritually for America’s 250th anniversary. Join Catholics across the country in prayer for the renewal of the United States.
