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The LOOP

The Saturday Loop - August 29, 2026

The LOOP

REP. CHRIS SMITH LEADS BIPARTISAN CALL FOR PAKISTAN TO HELP ABDUCTED CHRISTIAN WOMAN

The Catholic Republican led 10 other legislators in calling on the Pakistani government to assist in finding and protecting an 18-year-old who was allegedly abducted and forced to convert to Islam.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT SANCTIONS FIVE PARTIES ACCUSED OF SUPPORTING FAR-LEFT TERRORISM

The Aug. 26 sanctions target the UK-based Palestine Action, the leftist Italian network Autistici Inventati, and the transnational organization Masar Badil, as well as two of Masar Badil’s leaders. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “Political terrorism has no place in our society, and we will continue to cut the financial lifelines of these groups until they are eliminated.”

INSPECTOR GENERAL: FEMA DISCRIMINATED AGAINST TRUMP SUPPORTERS IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES

A report from the Office of Inspector General confirmed that disaster relief personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency knowingly avoided offering support to several households with signs or flags on display supporting then-candidate Donald Trump in 2024. Due to unavailable records, the real number of households discriminated against could be much higher.

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The LOOP

SCRANTON BISHOP REOPENS ST. PIUS X SEMINARY IN HIS HOMETOWN

Bishop Joseph Bambera entered Saint Pius X Seminary in Dalton, Pennsylvania, 48 years ago. On Aug. 23, he celebrated Mass and welcomed four new seminarians to the reopened seminary.

TENNESSEE DIOCESE REMEMBERS DOLLY PARTON, PRAYS FOR HER ETERNAL REST

The Diocese of Knoxville offered prayers for the repose of the late country music singer Dolly Parton, and for her grieving family. The diocesan statement characterized Parton as “more than a world-famous star” but as “one of our own.”

WEST VIRGINIA BISHOP APPOINTS EPISCOPAL DELEGATE FOR TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS

Bishop Evelio Menjívar of the Diocese of Charleston-Wheeling appointed Fr. Timothy Grassi, pastor of St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Charles Town, to “assist in coordinating authorized celebrations, locations, calendars, and pastoral provisions; to maintain appropriate communication with the local Episcopal Delegates and other priests appointed for the pastoral care of the faithful,” according to the diocese.

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CATHOLIC SINGLES HEAD TO FULTON SHEEN BEATIFICATION IN HOPES OF MEETING FUTURE SPOUSES

The 365 Catholic Singles Community has invited single Catholics to embark on a five-day pilgrimage to the beatification of Ven. Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Bethany Kline, the group’s founder, offered the pilgrimage as an alternative to dating apps. “We spend years filtering people out on screens by arbitrary traits, forgetting to leave room for the Holy Spirit to act as matchmaker,” she said. “God cannot work through your journey if you remain isolated at home scrolling apps alone.”

PATRIOTIC READS FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY

From the history of the American flag to the writings of the Founding Fathers, this list has recommendations for patriots of all ages.

MEMORIES, NOT MESS: HOW TO DISPLAY PRINTED PHOTOGRAPHS WITHOUT CREATING VISUAL CLUTTER

Displaying images of people and memories at home doesn't have to create tangible or visual clutter in your space. Here are tips for ways to keep memories accessible without the overwhelm.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today, the Church celebrates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, the herald and cousin of Christ.

SATURDAY'S PSALM

"Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own." (Psalm 33)

SATURDAY'S READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

SUNDAY'S PSALM

"My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God." (Psalm 63)

SUNDAY'S READINGS

Sunday's Mass readings.

ANSWER TO TRIVIA

An antiphon, a short scriptural passage read prior the psalms.

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