The LOOP

The Friday Loop - September 25, 2026

FULTON SHEEN DECLARED BLESSED

After years of anticipation, Archbishop Fulton Sheen was declared Blessed during a special Mass Sept. 24 attended by more than 50,000 people. He is the first U.S.-born bishop to be declared Blessed. The Vatican-approved miracle attributed to Sheen’s intercession involved the life-saving healing of a newborn named James Fulton Engstrom 16 years ago. During the beatification Mass, James Fulton brought up a relic of Blessed Sheen to the altar.

REPORT: STATES MAY HAVE ADDED MORE THAN 30K NONCITIZENS TO VOTER ROLLS

States may have registered more than 30,000 people who identified themselves as noncitizens since 2000, according to official records reviewed by Reuters. The errors reported across 12 states come as Republicans continue pushing to require proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote — a policy they argue Americans overwhelmingly support. WATCH &

THE ROAD TO SAINTHOOD FOR FULTON SHEEN

Shortly before the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Bishop Louis Tylka, Monsignor Jason Gray, and Bonnie Engstrom of Peoria, Illinois, reflected on Sheen's path to being called "Blessed" and looked ahead to his potential future canonization.

AD: CATHOLIC MARKETING PROFESSIONALS NEEDED

Sól Recruiting, Coaching & Consulting helps good people find good work for the Kingdom, the Catholic church, the common good, & human flourishing. We urgently seek (1) Senior Digital Marketing Manager in Colorado (2) Senior Account Manager in Marketing in Colorado. LEARN MORE

JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE PRESS BAN

A federal judge yesterday ordered the Trump administration to restore CNN, MS NOW, and Politico’s press passes, finding that the outlets were likely to succeed on their due process claim. The administration cited national security concerns, but the judge said it had offered little evidence that revoking the passes would protect the country.

COURT LETS OHIO ENFORCE PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP FOR VOTER REGISTRATION

With midterm elections just over a month away, the nation’s courts are considering a handful of cases related to citizenship requirements for voting. In one such case, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Sept. 23 that Ohio can require citizenship documentation be provided before offering voter registration to people who are getting their driver’s license or renewing one.

TRUMP ADMIN SEEKS SUPREME COURT RELIEF ON THIRD-COUNTRY DEPORTATION POLICY

The Trump administration will immediately seek Supreme Court relief after a federal appeals court blocked its current process for deporting illegal immigrants to third countries, Attorney General Todd Blanche announced yesterday. The dispute centers on whether people facing removal must first have a “meaningful opportunity” to raise fears of persecution or torture in their destination country.

AD: GET YOUR NEW BLESSED FULTON J. SHEEN MAGNET!

Celebrate Fulton J. Sheen’s beatification with our new Mini Saint Magnets! These flexible, wiggly little saints bring joyful Catholic reminders to refrigerators, lockers, classrooms, and more. Choose from 10 designs—including Fulton Sheen, Padre Pio, St. Michael, and others—and pair each with a matching metal prayer card. SEE THEM ALL

BISHOP DRAWS ON BENEDICTINE WISDOM TO CHART A PATH ON MIGRATION

As much of the world grapples with multiple uncertainties ranging from technological advances to migration surges, Bishop Erik Varden, president of the Nordic Bishops’ Conference, drew upon his Benedictine spirituality to suggest a way that countries and individuals can build “a true society, where, in God’s name, all can build a life together.”

TRUMP MARKS BEATIFICATION OF ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN

President Donald Trump marked Blessed Fulton Sheen’s beatification yesterday with a message celebrating the Catholic broadcaster who drew millions of viewers to his television show. The White House message also highlighted Sheen’s call for Americans to turn from violence and build a society centered on God.

WEDDING GUEST ETIQUETTE

As fall weddings kick into high gear, bridezillas aren’t the only people who can ruin a beautiful day. Make sure you are prepared to be a thoughtful and welcome guest with these tips for adding to, not detracting from, the joyous occasion.

CATHOLIC 101

Despite being small and extremely old, the town of the beloved St. Francis of Assisi offers an incredible number of opportunities to enjoy beautiful churches, breathtaking views, and encounters with saints. Here’s what to prioritize if you have only one day to visit this quiet Umbrian town.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today, the Church honors Saints Louis Martin and Zélie Guérin, the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The holy couple endured both joys and sorrows in their lives, but stayed close to Christ through it all.

DAILY PSALM

"Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!" (Psalm 144)