The LOOP

The Monday Loop - September 14, 2026

CATHOLIC REPUBLICAN TO CHAIR HEARING ON IMPRISONED CATHOLIC DEMOCRACY ADVOCATE JIMMY LAI

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is slated to chair a congressional hearing Sept. 16, centered on the imprisonment of media tycoon and Catholic Jimmy Lai, who was recently convicted of treason against the Chinese Communist Party.

CATHOLICVOTE ASKS SUPREME COURT TO HEAR NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS LIBERTY CASE

In an amicus brief, CatholicVote’s Education Fund urged the nation’s high court argued that the case could have broad implications for religious freedom nationwide, drawing comparisons to restrictions imposed on Catholic churches during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ADVOCATES URGE TED CRUZ COLLEGE SPORTS BILL TO PROTECT WOMEN’S SPORTS STATE LAWS

A coalition of pro-family organizations warned Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Eric Schmitt of Missouri that the current language in the Protect College Sports Act could undermine state laws protecting female athletes from competing against biological males.

ISLAMIST ATTACK IN NIGERIA KILLS 11 CHRISTIANS AND POLICE OFFICERS

According to eyewitnesses, roughly 200 armed Fulani guerillas attacked the village of Ayilamo in Benue State, leaving four police officers and at least seven Christian civilians dead, including two children.

FATHER SUES SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR DENYING RELIGIOUS OPT-OUT FROM LGBT INSTRUCTION

In a lawsuit regarding education and religious beliefs about human sexuality, a Christian father alleges that his 10-year-old son’s school district violated his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by denying repeated requests to exempt his son from LGBT curriculum materials.

REPUBLICAN CREDITS GOD FOR PLANE CRASH SURVIVAL

Rep. Tom Tiffany, Wisconsin’s Republican gubernatorial nominee, thanked God, local first responders, and his pilot after surviving an emergency crash-landing on Wisconsin’s Lake Wausau Sept. 12. “God was watching over us tonight,” the congressman said. “An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”

ANALYSIS: UNDERSTANDING THE MOST INTERESTING CASES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S DOCKET (PART II)

The upcoming U.S. Supreme Court term will see the nation’s highest judicial authority review cases ranging from immigration enforcement and detention disputes to matters of religious liberty and parental rights. Zeale News has put together a list of the most interesting cases the court will consider.

AD: DON'T MISS THE BEATIFICATION OF FULTON J. SHEEN

Be part of a historic moment in the Church. Join thousands of pilgrims at the Dome for the Beatification Mass of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Your ticket includes access to a full day of celebration featuring the Beatification Pre-Show, inspiring speakers, music, prayer, and the joy of witnessing history together. Go to CelebrateSheen.com to get your ticket GET TICKETS ASAP

POPE LEO: FORGIVENESS CAN HEAL DIVISION, DISARM RESENTMENT

In his Sept. 13 Angelus address, the Holy Father urged Christians to forgive without limits, seek Mary’s help in overcoming resentment, and pray for peace amid violence around the world. “Only forgiveness sets us free and restores the light, even where human material and moral poverty has darkened the horizon and made the path uncertain,” the Pope said.

LEGION OF MARY LEADS EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION THROUGH CLEVELAND

Members of a Catholic lay apostolate carried the Eucharist through downtown Cleveland, Ohio, during their annual procession, offering a public witness to Christ through their devotion to the Blessed Mother.

MEMORABLE KIDS’ BIRTHDAY PARTIES DON’T HAVE TO BE EXTRAVAGANT

A bounce house and $2,000 catering? Throwing a memorable and fun birthday party for your child doesn't have to stress you out or put you into debt. Here's your go-to guide for throwing a birthday party that everyone will enjoy and remember with a little planning and reasonable budget.

CATHOLIC 101

The Lord's Prayer summarizes the entire message of the Gospel, writes Allison Auth, showing us that the essential components of prayer are praise, petition, contrition, and repentance.

SAINT OF THE DAY

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross invites the faithful to look upon the Cross as a sign of hope, redemption, and eternal life.

DAILY PSALM

"Do not forget the works of the Lord!” (Psalm 78)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

"Optimization influencers," from Huberman and Clavicular to Bryan Johnson, promised to help us look better, feel better, and maybe even “not die.” Millions bought in. Now some are having second thoughts. Erika digs into the rise of optimization culture on the latest episode of The Deep. WATCH ON ZEALE

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