The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - October 1, 2026
SURVIVING THE EXCEPTIONS USED TO JUSTIFY ABORTION
Today begins Respect Life Month. Even many pro-life Americans can find themselves tempted to cede ground on the abortion debate when it comes to the most painful and difficult circumstances facing mothers and their babies. Marriana Heffner shares how surviving the tragically painful loss of three children and the reality of knowing her unborn children would die before or shortly after birth has strengthened her belief that “murder can never be mercy.”
TRUMP ANNOUNCES FINAL US TROOP WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ
President Donald Trump announced Sept. 30 that the last American forces were leaving Iraq, calling it the end of a “very expensive excursion into Hell.” The departure concludes a 12-year military mission against ISIS in Iraq. Trump described American involvement in the country as a “quagmire” that lasted “many, many years,” calling the final withdrawal “a great day for America.”
VIRGINIA BISHOP CALLS FOR PRAYER AND FASTING AGAINST ‘RADICALLY UNJUST’ AMENDMENTS
Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington is urging Catholics to pray and fast throughout October to help defeat two Virginia ballot amendments that would enshrine abortion “rights” and remove the state’s definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. He asked the faithful to pray the Stations of the Cross and fast on Fridays and to pray the rosary and abstain from social media on Sundays.
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SCOTUS ALLOWS THIRD-COUNTRY DEPORTATIONS TO CONTINUE
The Supreme Court cleared the way Sept. 29 for the Trump administration to resume deporting illegal aliens with final removal orders to countries other than their own, putting lower court restrictions on hold while the justices prepare to hear arguments over the policy’s legality in December.
DUELING POLLS PAINT DIFFERENT PICTURES OF TEXAS SENATE RACE
A new internal poll released by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign shows the Texas Republican leading Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, while public surveys favor Talarico. Paxton’s campaign says voters are souring on his opponent’s record as the election approaches.
DUBLIN CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL SAFE ABORTION DAY
Once hailed as the land of saints and scholars, Ireland’s capital city was lit up Monday to celebrate International Safe Abortion Day. The move came as Ireland’s legislature is facing calls to eliminate a mandatory three-day waiting period prior to abortions, which Irish pro-life campaigner Eilís Mulroy told Zeale News “has saved thousands of lives.”
AD: BLESSED FULTON SHEEN'S WARNING TO AMERICA
Where does tolerance of evil lead? Error. Corruption. Chaos. The scandals in Catholic education today bear out Blessed Sheen’s warning about tolerance: rejection of Church teaching, LGBTQ radicalism, gender ideology, pro-abortion activism. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Read Sheen’s “A Plea for Intolerance” with a new foreword from The Cardinal Newman Society. GET YOUR FREE E-BOOK
BISHOPS CALL CATHOLICS TO RENEW THEIR PRO-LIFE WITNESS
As Respect Life Month approaches, the U.S. bishops’ pro-life chairman is asking Catholics to continue nationwide prayer and advocacy against abortion pills. He entrusts the protection of mothers and babies to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s care.
A NEW GENERATION SIGNALS SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IN FRANCE
From a restored cathedral to growing numbers seeking Baptism, Pope Leo reflected on signs of renewal he encountered during his apostolic journey — and what they could mean for the Church and Europe.
THE LITTLE FLOWER’S HIDDEN LIFE REACHED FAR BEYOND CARMEL
St. Thérèse found a simple path to holiness within the quiet of the monastery, inspiring generations of Catholics and becoming a profound spiritual influence on Blessed Fulton Sheen.
CATHOLIC 101
More than a century after his death, a priest who spent decades serving communities across Minnesota is being considered for sainthood. His missionary approach, rooted in first knowing the people he served, remains at the heart of his witness.
SAINT OF THE DAY
St. Thérèse of Lisieux found a path to holiness in loving God through the ordinary moments of life, trusting that even the smallest acts could be offered to Him.
DAILY PSALM
“I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
NEW EPISODE
Sarah Huckabee Sanders' latest ad takes a hit on welfare and... white men? Meanwhile, Nikole Hannah-Jones’ experience with New York City public schools reignites the debate over school choice. And finally, Pope Leo XIV draws massive crowds in France. All this and more on the LOOPcast! WATCH
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