The LOOP

The Tuesday Loop - July 21, 2026

DEPT OF ED DEFENDS HOMESCHOOLERS FROM LEFT-WING SMEAR

The U.S. Department of Education defended homeschooling after "I’ve Had It" hostess Jennifer Welch called it "trickle-down stupidity" and a "crazy Christian problem." In a social media post, the department wrote in part: "The only thing that is stupid is your ignorance."

US BISHOPS: RESPECT BOTH IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Following two deadly immigration-enforcement encounters, Bishops Daniel Garcia and Brendan Cahill issued a statement reasserting the dignity of immigrants. The statement also affirmed the government’s authority to enforce U.S. law, however, and condemned the "vilification" of law enforcement officers.

DARLINE GRAHAM SEEKS FULL TERM IN LATE BROTHER’S SENATE SEAT

Darline Graham yesterday announced she is launching a bid for a full six-year Senate term after being appointed to fill the seat of her late brother, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.

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POPE URGED TO RETHINK VATICAN-CHINA DEAL AS CRACKDOWN DEEPENS

An op-ed urged Pope Leo XIV to review the Vatican’s secretive agreement with Beijing as Chinese authorities intensify pressure on underground Catholics to join the state-controlled Church. Rights advocates say the arrangement has enabled surveillance, detention, disappearances, and Communist Party control over Catholic life.

EXCLUSIVE: PLUGGING STUDENTS INTO FAITH BEFORE THEY REACH CAMPUS

For many young Catholics, the move from high school to college can become a spiritual breaking point as they encounter an increasingly secular culture. The Associates of St. John Bosco in northern Virginia is working to ensure students arrive on campus with faithful communities, mentors, and spiritual resources before classes even begin.

TRUMP SHUTS DOWN MAMDANI PLAN TO ARREST NETANYAHU

President Donald Trump promised that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America" after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was exploring whether New York could detain Netanyahu.

LIFE INSURANCE RATES ARE NOW AT ALL-TIME LOWS

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HAWLEY REFERS ABORTION-PILL GROUP PLAN C TO DOJ

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department alleging that Plan C illegally mailed abortion drugs and conspired to evade federal and state law. CatholicVote’s Tom McClusky praised Hawley and urged the administration to hold the alleged lawbreakers accountable.

NIGERIAN PRIEST’S SUICIDE DEVASTATES MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY

Content warning: suicide. Father Benjamin Madu died days before he was required to leave the U.S. amid a visa dispute. Parishioners remember the beloved hospital chaplain and priest for his joy and generosity, while Church officials say they tried every available avenue to help him.

EVANGELIZATION ETIQUETTE: WITNESS WITHOUT DRIVING PEOPLE AWAY

Everyone knows evangelization is not about winning an argument. It's about helping another person encounter Christ. But how? This practical guide explains why warmth, genuine listening, respect for boundaries, and knowing when to step back can make Catholic witness more fruitful.

CATHOLIC 101

Speaking of evangelization and etiquette, young Catholic men can help transform the culture — but not through the rigid, arrogant "traditude" that mistakes gatekeeping for holiness. Real strength begins with humility, joyful witness, and the willingness to guide others toward Christ without making the faith a private club.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church remembers St. Lawrence of Brindisi, a Capuchin Franciscan, gifted linguist, missionary, and Doctor of the Church whose preaching and diplomacy carried him throughout Europe.

DAILY PSALM

"Lord, show us your mercy and love.” (Psalm 85)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

WHOLESOME

After Spain’s World Cup victory, Nico Williams gave his gold medal to his mother. WATCH & SHARE