Indicted Dem Rep LaMonica McIver Accuses Acting ICE Director of Having Blood on His Hands, Asks Him If He’s Going to Hell (VIDEO) – Indicted Democrat Rep. The post Indicted Dem Rep LaMonica McIver Accuses Acting ICE Director of Having Blood on His Hands, Asks Him If He’s Going to Hell (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Indicted Dem Rep LaMonica McIver Accuses Acting ICE Director of Having Blood on His Hands, Asks Him If He’s Going to Hell (VIDEO) – Indicted Democrat Rep. The post Indicted Dem Rep LaMonica McIver Accuses Acting ICE Director of Having Blood on His Hands, Asks Him If He’s Going to Hell (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Diverse group of lawmakers engaged in a discussion during a legislative session, with one member presenting documents at the table.

Diverse group of lawmakers engaged in a discussion during a legislative session, with one member presenting documents at the table.

Indicted Democrat Rep.

The post Indicted Dem Rep LaMonica McIver Accuses Acting ICE Director of Having Blood on His Hands, Asks Him If He’s Going to Hell (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Documents Show Epstein Bought 330 GALLONS of Sulfuric Acid in 2018, ON THE SAME DAY the FBI Launched Sex Trafficking Probe on Him – Not a ‘conspiracy theory’ anymore. The post Documents Show Epstein Bought 330 GALLONS of Sulfuric Acid in 2018, ON THE SAME DAY the FBI Launched Sex Trafficking Probe on Him appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Documents Show Epstein Bought 330 GALLONS of Sulfuric Acid in 2018, ON THE SAME DAY the FBI Launched Sex Trafficking Probe on Him – Not a ‘conspiracy theory’ anymore. The post Documents Show Epstein Bought 330 GALLONS of Sulfuric Acid in 2018, ON THE SAME DAY the FBI Launched Sex Trafficking Probe on Him appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Image of two individuals in a fitness setting, one sitting with a stability ball, while the other leans close, both in athletic attire.

Image of two individuals in a fitness setting, one sitting with a stability ball, while the other leans close, both in athletic attire.

Not a ‘conspiracy theory’ anymore.

The post Documents Show Epstein Bought 330 GALLONS of Sulfuric Acid in 2018, ON THE SAME DAY the FBI Launched Sex Trafficking Probe on Him appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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U.S., Hungarian thought leaders share ethical concerns over mass migration #Catholic “The Crisis of Migration for Families and Nations” was the subject of a Feb. 4 symposium that brought together American and Hungarian thought leaders who share concerns about the phenomenon of mass migration and its impact on the common good of their respective nations. The event coincided with the release of a new paper titled “Migration and Ethics: The Axioms of a Christian Migration Policy” by the Budapest-based Axioma Center, a Christian think tank. The Catholic University of America’s Chad Pecknold (left) endorses the Hungarian think tank’s approach to Christian migration policy. | Credit: Ken Oliver-Méndez/EWTN News The paper, which was endorsed by Chad Pecknold, associate professor of systematic theology at The Catholic University of America, notes that “the Christian perspective on immigration has historically emphasized compassion and solidarity with refugees, along with a welcoming attitude towards foreigners.”However, the paper continues, the Christian perspective on immigration “also calls for a prudent balance between these values and the legitimate responsibility of rulers to protect their people.” In this context, the paper explains, “national security, cultural and moral traditions, the rule of law, public order, and social cohesion are all essential components of what constitutes the common good.” In the face of illegal immigration, the authors assert that “mass deportations may be a legitimate response to mass migration.”At the event, Samuel Samson, a senior adviser at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, said he does not see large-scale migration as a “moral necessity” but rather the opposite.“It is actually fundamentally disordered and impacts the well-being and the common good of society,” he said. Samson said the Trump administration has sought to “shift the general narrative” about migration to bring this awareness to the fore.In the United States, more than 14% of the population was born outside the country. In the European Union (EU), nearly 10% of the population was born in a country that is not an EU member. The panel was moderated by the America First Policy Institute’s Kristen Ziccarelli (left) and included the participation of Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian (right). | Credit: Ken Oliver-Méndez/EWTN News For his part, Heritage Foundation Vice President for Economic and Domestic Policy Roger Severino contended that the United States is not essentially a “nation of immigrants” but “a country of pioneers who took on immigrants who bought into the ethos of the United States.”Addressing the issue of the assimilation of immigrants, Severino, who is Catholic and the son of Colombian immigrants, lamented that the “salad bowl” (as opposed to “melting pot”) concept of immigration encourages “separate independent cultures that, in practice, don’t even end up talking to each other.”Severino also faulted the largesse and abuses of the modern welfare state for not serving the interests of either the nation or immigrants.In his remarks, Pecknold reflected on the corrosion of the understanding of the family and the understanding of the nation. “A nation comes from a commonwealth of families that bring life,” he said.Pecknold said the wealth of nations is not simply the GDP but rather, in Christian terms, has been “providentially given” by God and said the erosion of borders, heritage, language, customs, and religion is an “attempt to deconstruct the very belief of God as the providential provider” of families and nations.Pecknold also contended that mass migration has negative impacts on family for both the immigrants and the native-born population.For migrants, he said “it almost inevitably breaks up the family,” with some leaving their home country and others staying behind or sometimes trying to enter illegally. He said it also hurts the American family by filling the workforce with cheap labor, saying: “You actually are taking jobs away from … young Americans who deserve those jobs.”Pecknold encouraged Christians to take into account the faith’s long tradition on the subject of immigration, citing St. Thomas Aquinas as a prime example. In the Summa Theologiae, Aquinas speaks about the need for assimilation and that danger could otherwise arise if someone who does “not yet having the common good firmly at heart” is given full citizenship.“Christians have to take some of these principles and think outside of the bounds of liberalism,” he said.USCCB approachThe United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has recently raised concerns on immigration that markedly differ from those presented at the Hungarian embassy symposium, particularly when it comes to the Trump administration’s mass deportation program.In November 2025, the bishops voted 216-5 to issue a special message rejecting “the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.” It noted that Scripture commands Christians to care for vulnerable people, including “the stranger,” and said Catholic teaching instructs nations “to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.”The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs prosperous nations “to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner.” It also instructs immigrants “to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.”According to the catechism, political authorities can regulate immigration “for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible.”
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U.S., Hungarian thought leaders share ethical concerns over mass migration #Catholic “The Crisis of Migration for Families and Nations” was the subject of a Feb. 4 symposium that brought together American and Hungarian thought leaders who share concerns about the phenomenon of mass migration and its impact on the common good of their respective nations. The event coincided with the release of a new paper titled “Migration and Ethics: The Axioms of a Christian Migration Policy” by the Budapest-based Axioma Center, a Christian think tank. The Catholic University of America’s Chad Pecknold (left) endorses the Hungarian think tank’s approach to Christian migration policy. | Credit: Ken Oliver-Méndez/EWTN News The paper, which was endorsed by Chad Pecknold, associate professor of systematic theology at The Catholic University of America, notes that “the Christian perspective on immigration has historically emphasized compassion and solidarity with refugees, along with a welcoming attitude towards foreigners.”However, the paper continues, the Christian perspective on immigration “also calls for a prudent balance between these values and the legitimate responsibility of rulers to protect their people.” In this context, the paper explains, “national security, cultural and moral traditions, the rule of law, public order, and social cohesion are all essential components of what constitutes the common good.” In the face of illegal immigration, the authors assert that “mass deportations may be a legitimate response to mass migration.”At the event, Samuel Samson, a senior adviser at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, said he does not see large-scale migration as a “moral necessity” but rather the opposite.“It is actually fundamentally disordered and impacts the well-being and the common good of society,” he said. Samson said the Trump administration has sought to “shift the general narrative” about migration to bring this awareness to the fore.In the United States, more than 14% of the population was born outside the country. In the European Union (EU), nearly 10% of the population was born in a country that is not an EU member. The panel was moderated by the America First Policy Institute’s Kristen Ziccarelli (left) and included the participation of Center for Immigration Studies Executive Director Mark Krikorian (right). | Credit: Ken Oliver-Méndez/EWTN News For his part, Heritage Foundation Vice President for Economic and Domestic Policy Roger Severino contended that the United States is not essentially a “nation of immigrants” but “a country of pioneers who took on immigrants who bought into the ethos of the United States.”Addressing the issue of the assimilation of immigrants, Severino, who is Catholic and the son of Colombian immigrants, lamented that the “salad bowl” (as opposed to “melting pot”) concept of immigration encourages “separate independent cultures that, in practice, don’t even end up talking to each other.”Severino also faulted the largesse and abuses of the modern welfare state for not serving the interests of either the nation or immigrants.In his remarks, Pecknold reflected on the corrosion of the understanding of the family and the understanding of the nation. “A nation comes from a commonwealth of families that bring life,” he said.Pecknold said the wealth of nations is not simply the GDP but rather, in Christian terms, has been “providentially given” by God and said the erosion of borders, heritage, language, customs, and religion is an “attempt to deconstruct the very belief of God as the providential provider” of families and nations.Pecknold also contended that mass migration has negative impacts on family for both the immigrants and the native-born population.For migrants, he said “it almost inevitably breaks up the family,” with some leaving their home country and others staying behind or sometimes trying to enter illegally. He said it also hurts the American family by filling the workforce with cheap labor, saying: “You actually are taking jobs away from … young Americans who deserve those jobs.”Pecknold encouraged Christians to take into account the faith’s long tradition on the subject of immigration, citing St. Thomas Aquinas as a prime example. In the Summa Theologiae, Aquinas speaks about the need for assimilation and that danger could otherwise arise if someone who does “not yet having the common good firmly at heart” is given full citizenship.“Christians have to take some of these principles and think outside of the bounds of liberalism,” he said.USCCB approachThe United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has recently raised concerns on immigration that markedly differ from those presented at the Hungarian embassy symposium, particularly when it comes to the Trump administration’s mass deportation program.In November 2025, the bishops voted 216-5 to issue a special message rejecting “the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.” It noted that Scripture commands Christians to care for vulnerable people, including “the stranger,” and said Catholic teaching instructs nations “to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.”The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs prosperous nations “to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner.” It also instructs immigrants “to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.”According to the catechism, political authorities can regulate immigration “for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible.”

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A Hungarian think tank’s new paper “Migration and Ethics: The Axioms of a Christian Migration Policy” prompts a meeting of the minds.

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Pope Leo XIV to visit Australia in 2028, Sydney bishop says – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV has indicated he will visit Sydney in the spring of 2028 to preside over the International Eucharistic Congress, Bishop Richard Umbers, CEO of the organizing body, announced Feb. 9.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited the pope to visit Sydney for the International Eucharistic Congress on the day after his installation in May 2025. Since Pope Leo is the head of a foreign government, the Holy See, diplomatic protocol requires that the Australian government extend a formal invitation and that he respond to it.In the strongest indication yet that the pope will come to Sydney, Pope Leo told Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher of his intention to attend the International Eucharistic Congress.Umbers, CEO of Eucharist28, told a Feb. 9 press conference at St. Mary’s Cathedral: “Archbishop Anthony Fisher was in Rome speaking to Pope Leo. He said to him, ‘Look, we’re counting down the days for you to come to the International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held here in 2028’ and the pope said, ‘Well, it’s still a way off, but I’ll be there.’”The year 2028 will mark the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first International Eucharistic Congress — in Melbourne in 1928. Melbourne also hosted the quadrennial event in 1973. That congress was attended by two saints — Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, now St. John Paul II, and Mother Teresa, now St. Teresa of Calcutta. Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, Vatican says With the massive event still two-and-a-half years away, many logistical issues still need to be resolved. But Umbers sketched out the International Eucharistic Congress’ main features.“The congress itself will be run for a week. There’ll be an opening Mass,” he said.“And then one would expect, if the pope is able to make it, which we really hope he does, in the latter part of that week he will be involved in a very, very long and large Eucharistic procession, which will be very exciting.“And then there will be a final Mass. As we’ve seen with previous papal visits, it also brings people all over the world.”Umbers was reluctant to forecast attendance at the final Mass. But he said: “Given that there are 5 million Catholics in Australia, we expect hundreds of thousands to attend the Mass and to be at the conference and many to come from overseas.”A visit in 2028 will be the fifth time that a reigning pope has visited Australia. Pope Paul VI was the first, in 1970. Pope John Paul II visited twice — in 1986 and in 1995, when he beatified Mother Mary MacKillop. Benedict XVI came to Sydney for World Youth Day in 2008. All of them said Mass at Randwick Racecourse. In 2008, 400,000 attended the Mass — the largest crowd in Australia’s history.Of course, the most important metrics are the spiritual ones, Umbers emphasized.“We hope that Eucharist28 will invigorate people in their faith, to appreciate the presence of Jesus among us, and through spiritual conversion, return to their parish renewed and on fire with love for the Lord.”In practical terms, this hopefully means a substantial uptick in Sunday Mass attendance.“All Catholics are invited to Sunday Mass,” Umbers told The Catholic Weekly, “and we would love to see more. We would love to see everyone in church. All are welcome!”The presence of Pope Leo XIV should make the event even more attractive. “It will be a tremendous boost to the faith of the faithful and to seekers,” Umbers said, “because the opportunity it presents to hear directly from the successor of Peter will move hearts with the help of the Holy Spirit.”As Father Robert Prevost, the pope visited Australia several times. “He knows that it is a place where there are many Catholics from communities that represent the whole world,” Umbers said. “And this will be an opportunity to speak to the world of the saving message of Jesus Christ.”While dates are yet to be announced, there has been some suggestion that Eucharist28 could coincide with the Rugby League Grand Final.But Umbers is optimistic that this logistical wrinkle can be ironed out. “Sydney is a great international city, and will do everything we can to facilitate attendance at the Mass. A lot of Catholics love their footy — and if the Doggies were to make it into the Grand Final, I could have trouble trying to get some of my priests along to the final Mass,” he quipped.This story was first published by The Catholic Weekly and has been adapted and reprinted by EWTN News with permission.
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Pope Leo XIV to visit Australia in 2028, Sydney bishop says – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV has indicated he will visit Sydney in the spring of 2028 to preside over the International Eucharistic Congress, Bishop Richard Umbers, CEO of the organizing body, announced Feb. 9.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited the pope to visit Sydney for the International Eucharistic Congress on the day after his installation in May 2025. Since Pope Leo is the head of a foreign government, the Holy See, diplomatic protocol requires that the Australian government extend a formal invitation and that he respond to it.In the strongest indication yet that the pope will come to Sydney, Pope Leo told Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher of his intention to attend the International Eucharistic Congress.Umbers, CEO of Eucharist28, told a Feb. 9 press conference at St. Mary’s Cathedral: “Archbishop Anthony Fisher was in Rome speaking to Pope Leo. He said to him, ‘Look, we’re counting down the days for you to come to the International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held here in 2028’ and the pope said, ‘Well, it’s still a way off, but I’ll be there.’”The year 2028 will mark the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first International Eucharistic Congress — in Melbourne in 1928. Melbourne also hosted the quadrennial event in 1973. That congress was attended by two saints — Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, now St. John Paul II, and Mother Teresa, now St. Teresa of Calcutta. Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, Vatican says With the massive event still two-and-a-half years away, many logistical issues still need to be resolved. But Umbers sketched out the International Eucharistic Congress’ main features.“The congress itself will be run for a week. There’ll be an opening Mass,” he said.“And then one would expect, if the pope is able to make it, which we really hope he does, in the latter part of that week he will be involved in a very, very long and large Eucharistic procession, which will be very exciting.“And then there will be a final Mass. As we’ve seen with previous papal visits, it also brings people all over the world.”Umbers was reluctant to forecast attendance at the final Mass. But he said: “Given that there are 5 million Catholics in Australia, we expect hundreds of thousands to attend the Mass and to be at the conference and many to come from overseas.”A visit in 2028 will be the fifth time that a reigning pope has visited Australia. Pope Paul VI was the first, in 1970. Pope John Paul II visited twice — in 1986 and in 1995, when he beatified Mother Mary MacKillop. Benedict XVI came to Sydney for World Youth Day in 2008. All of them said Mass at Randwick Racecourse. In 2008, 400,000 attended the Mass — the largest crowd in Australia’s history.Of course, the most important metrics are the spiritual ones, Umbers emphasized.“We hope that Eucharist28 will invigorate people in their faith, to appreciate the presence of Jesus among us, and through spiritual conversion, return to their parish renewed and on fire with love for the Lord.”In practical terms, this hopefully means a substantial uptick in Sunday Mass attendance.“All Catholics are invited to Sunday Mass,” Umbers told The Catholic Weekly, “and we would love to see more. We would love to see everyone in church. All are welcome!”The presence of Pope Leo XIV should make the event even more attractive. “It will be a tremendous boost to the faith of the faithful and to seekers,” Umbers said, “because the opportunity it presents to hear directly from the successor of Peter will move hearts with the help of the Holy Spirit.”As Father Robert Prevost, the pope visited Australia several times. “He knows that it is a place where there are many Catholics from communities that represent the whole world,” Umbers said. “And this will be an opportunity to speak to the world of the saving message of Jesus Christ.”While dates are yet to be announced, there has been some suggestion that Eucharist28 could coincide with the Rugby League Grand Final.But Umbers is optimistic that this logistical wrinkle can be ironed out. “Sydney is a great international city, and will do everything we can to facilitate attendance at the Mass. A lot of Catholics love their footy — and if the Doggies were to make it into the Grand Final, I could have trouble trying to get some of my priests along to the final Mass,” he quipped.This story was first published by The Catholic Weekly and has been adapted and reprinted by EWTN News with permission.

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Pope Leo XIV has indicated he intends to travel to Sydney in 2028 to preside over the International Eucharistic Congress, which will mark the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first such gathering.

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‘He did his best for Jesus’ #Catholic - Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, the Sisters of Mary, and an invitation “In 1989, he (Father Aloysius Schwartz) was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — a fatal, degenerative condition. This cross marked his final years with patience and humility. In 1984, he had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but as he was wasting away, he told his sister he would be happy if his gravestone read, “Here lies Father Al. He tried his best for Jesus.” He died at the Girlstown in Manila on March 16, 1992, and was declared venerable by Pope Francis on Jan. 22, 2015.” Ven. Aloysius Schwartz: Modern Missionary to Korea BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY In late October of 2023, I wrote a column entitled: “Priest and Beggar: Have you ever heard of Fr. Aloysius Schwartz?.” I concluded that column with the quote (above) from an article about “Father Al”, written by Megan O’Neill and published in the National Catholic Reporter in December 2020. I wrote about Father Al and the Sisters of Mary again, in August of 2024, as I was preparing to visit an orphanage and school, “Villa de las Ninas” (Girlstown), run by the Sisters of Mary in Chalco, Mexico. Chalco is just outside Mexico City, so a visit to Chalco also provides an opportunity to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most popular (and beautiful) pilgrimage sites in the world, marking the place where our Blessed Mother, identifying herself as “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” appeared to St. Juan Diego in December of 1531. As I was preparing to visit Chalco, I encouraged readers to read an article about Father Al and the Sisters of Mary, written by Kevin Wells, author of the powerful biography, “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz.” I was very blessed to join Kevin and a group of pilgrims to visit Girlstown in Chalco and the Basilica of Guadalupe in August of 2024. It was so inspiring to see the ways in which the Gospel is lived out, day by day, in community, as 40 Sisters, along with staff and teachers, care for 3,000 young girls ages 12 to 18. It was also amazing and inspiring for me to see the similarities between the life and ministry of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her Missionaries of Charity and the life and ministry of Father Al, which continues to be present in the loving, healing, and prayerful ministry of the Sisters of Mary. To learn and see more about the lives and ministry of the Sisters of Mary, I once again recommend Kevin Wells’ article, “Eight Apparitions, One Priest, and the Endless Miracle of the Sisters of Mary,” published in The Catholic World Report on August 9, 2024. You can also learn a great deal more about Father Al, the Sisters, and their work by going to the website of “World Villages for Children” where you can learn that: “World Villages for Children supports the Sisters of Mary Boystowns and Girlstowns in the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania. At these live-in schools, the Sisters educate and care for more than 20,000 children living in extreme poverty. This support is provided at no cost to their families.​” In addition, and, I believe, much more importantly than learning information and data, at the “World Villages” website, you can see the smiling faces of the Sisters and the children they care for, educate, and help to heal. Kevin Wells was recently a guest on our “Beyond the Beacon” podcast and he speaks eloquently of the ways in which the young girls, many of whom have suffered greatly from physical abuse, trauma, poverty and/or neglect, are “brought back to life” by the care and love they receive from the Sisters. One of the reasons that Kevin was on the podcast was to offer an invitation to listeners and viewers, the same invitation that I would like to extend to you, dear reader. Kevin and I, along with Kevin’s younger brother, Father David Wells, will be making a “return trip” to Girlstown in Chalco and to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe this coming Sept. 18-21, 2026. Those who join us for this pilgrimage will be able to see what I and all those who visit Girlstown in Chalco are able to see: the Sisters of Mary continuing the life-saving ministry of Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz. Spending one day at Girlstown, Chalco, is a spiritual experience that can stand alone. However, the experience of being able to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Girlstown on back-to-back days has the potential to be a life-changing experience. It will surely be an experience of the Joy and Peace of the Gospel. For more information and to register for the Pilgrimage, you can go to A Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe.  As I return again to the story and witness of Father Al, the Sisters of Mary, their vocations and ministry, in closing, I would ask that you take a moment to pray for the Beatification and Canonization of Father Al: PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF VENERABLE ALOYSIUS SCHWARTZ Almighty, ever living God, giver of all good gifts, You have filled Venerable Al with an ardent love for you and for souls. You have inspired him to dedicate his life to relieve the sufferings of the orphans, the abandoned, the sick and the poor especially the youth, which he did with all humility and courage until the end of his life. May his holy life of love and service to the poor be recognized by the Church through his beatification and canonization. For Your honor and glory, we pray that the life of Venerable Al will be an inspiration for us in striving for perfection in the love of God and service to others. Bestow on us, through his intercession.. (mention the favors or intentions here). We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and the maternal aid of Mary, the Virgin of the Poor. Amen. [Please, Pray and Share this Beautiful Prayer]    
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‘He did his best for Jesus’ #Catholic – Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, the Sisters of Mary, and an invitation “In 1989, he (Father Aloysius Schwartz) was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — a fatal, degenerative condition. This cross marked his final years with patience and humility. In 1984, he had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but as he was wasting away, he told his sister he would be happy if his gravestone read, “Here lies Father Al. He tried his best for Jesus.” He died at the Girlstown in Manila on March 16, 1992, and was declared venerable by Pope Francis on Jan. 22, 2015.” Ven. Aloysius Schwartz: Modern Missionary to Korea BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY In late October of 2023, I wrote a column entitled: “Priest and Beggar: Have you ever heard of Fr. Aloysius Schwartz?.” I concluded that column with the quote (above) from an article about “Father Al”, written by Megan O’Neill and published in the National Catholic Reporter in December 2020. I wrote about Father Al and the Sisters of Mary again, in August of 2024, as I was preparing to visit an orphanage and school, “Villa de las Ninas” (Girlstown), run by the Sisters of Mary in Chalco, Mexico. Chalco is just outside Mexico City, so a visit to Chalco also provides an opportunity to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most popular (and beautiful) pilgrimage sites in the world, marking the place where our Blessed Mother, identifying herself as “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” appeared to St. Juan Diego in December of 1531. As I was preparing to visit Chalco, I encouraged readers to read an article about Father Al and the Sisters of Mary, written by Kevin Wells, author of the powerful biography, “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz.” I was very blessed to join Kevin and a group of pilgrims to visit Girlstown in Chalco and the Basilica of Guadalupe in August of 2024. It was so inspiring to see the ways in which the Gospel is lived out, day by day, in community, as 40 Sisters, along with staff and teachers, care for 3,000 young girls ages 12 to 18. It was also amazing and inspiring for me to see the similarities between the life and ministry of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her Missionaries of Charity and the life and ministry of Father Al, which continues to be present in the loving, healing, and prayerful ministry of the Sisters of Mary. To learn and see more about the lives and ministry of the Sisters of Mary, I once again recommend Kevin Wells’ article, “Eight Apparitions, One Priest, and the Endless Miracle of the Sisters of Mary,” published in The Catholic World Report on August 9, 2024. You can also learn a great deal more about Father Al, the Sisters, and their work by going to the website of “World Villages for Children” where you can learn that: “World Villages for Children supports the Sisters of Mary Boystowns and Girlstowns in the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania. At these live-in schools, the Sisters educate and care for more than 20,000 children living in extreme poverty. This support is provided at no cost to their families.​” In addition, and, I believe, much more importantly than learning information and data, at the “World Villages” website, you can see the smiling faces of the Sisters and the children they care for, educate, and help to heal. Kevin Wells was recently a guest on our “Beyond the Beacon” podcast and he speaks eloquently of the ways in which the young girls, many of whom have suffered greatly from physical abuse, trauma, poverty and/or neglect, are “brought back to life” by the care and love they receive from the Sisters. One of the reasons that Kevin was on the podcast was to offer an invitation to listeners and viewers, the same invitation that I would like to extend to you, dear reader. Kevin and I, along with Kevin’s younger brother, Father David Wells, will be making a “return trip” to Girlstown in Chalco and to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe this coming Sept. 18-21, 2026. Those who join us for this pilgrimage will be able to see what I and all those who visit Girlstown in Chalco are able to see: the Sisters of Mary continuing the life-saving ministry of Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz. Spending one day at Girlstown, Chalco, is a spiritual experience that can stand alone. However, the experience of being able to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Girlstown on back-to-back days has the potential to be a life-changing experience. It will surely be an experience of the Joy and Peace of the Gospel. For more information and to register for the Pilgrimage, you can go to A Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe.  As I return again to the story and witness of Father Al, the Sisters of Mary, their vocations and ministry, in closing, I would ask that you take a moment to pray for the Beatification and Canonization of Father Al: PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF VENERABLE ALOYSIUS SCHWARTZ Almighty, ever living God, giver of all good gifts, You have filled Venerable Al with an ardent love for you and for souls. You have inspired him to dedicate his life to relieve the sufferings of the orphans, the abandoned, the sick and the poor especially the youth, which he did with all humility and courage until the end of his life. May his holy life of love and service to the poor be recognized by the Church through his beatification and canonization. For Your honor and glory, we pray that the life of Venerable Al will be an inspiration for us in striving for perfection in the love of God and service to others. Bestow on us, through his intercession.. (mention the favors or intentions here). We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and the maternal aid of Mary, the Virgin of the Poor. Amen. [Please, Pray and Share this Beautiful Prayer]    

unitedyam

‘He did his best for Jesus’ #Catholic –

Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, the Sisters of Mary, and an invitation

“In 1989, he (Father Aloysius Schwartz) was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — a fatal, degenerative condition. This cross marked his final years with patience and humility. In 1984, he had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but as he was wasting away, he told his sister he would be happy if his gravestone read, “Here lies Father Al. He tried his best for Jesus.” He died at the Girlstown in Manila on March 16, 1992, and was declared venerable by Pope Francis on Jan. 22, 2015.”

Ven. Aloysius Schwartz: Modern Missionary to Korea

BISHOP KEVIN J. SWEENEY

In late October of 2023, I wrote a column entitled: “Priest and Beggar: Have you ever heard of Fr. Aloysius Schwartz?.” I concluded that column with the quote (above) from an article about “Father Al”, written by Megan O’Neill and published in the National Catholic Reporter in December 2020. I wrote about Father Al and the Sisters of Mary again, in August of 2024, as I was preparing to visit an orphanage and school, “Villa de las Ninas” (Girlstown), run by the Sisters of Mary in Chalco, Mexico. Chalco is just outside Mexico City, so a visit to Chalco also provides an opportunity to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most popular (and beautiful) pilgrimage sites in the world, marking the place where our Blessed Mother, identifying herself as “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” appeared to St. Juan Diego in December of 1531.

As I was preparing to visit Chalco, I encouraged readers to read an article about Father Al and the Sisters of Mary, written by Kevin Wells, author of the powerful biography, “Priest and Beggar: The Heroic Life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz.” I was very blessed to join Kevin and a group of pilgrims to visit Girlstown in Chalco and the Basilica of Guadalupe in August of 2024. It was so inspiring to see the ways in which the Gospel is lived out, day by day, in community, as 40 Sisters, along with staff and teachers, care for 3,000 young girls ages 12 to 18.

It was also amazing and inspiring for me to see the similarities between the life and ministry of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her Missionaries of Charity and the life and ministry of Father Al, which continues to be present in the loving, healing, and prayerful ministry of the Sisters of Mary. To learn and see more about the lives and ministry of the Sisters of Mary, I once again recommend Kevin Wells’ article, “Eight Apparitions, One Priest, and the Endless Miracle of the Sisters of Mary,” published in The Catholic World Report on August 9, 2024. You can also learn a great deal more about Father Al, the Sisters, and their work by going to the website of “World Villages for Children” where you can learn that:

“World Villages for Children supports the Sisters of Mary Boystowns and Girlstowns in the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania. At these live-in schools, the Sisters educate and care for more than 20,000 children living in extreme poverty. This support is provided at no cost to their families.​”

In addition, and, I believe, much more importantly than learning information and data, at the “World Villages” website, you can see the smiling faces of the Sisters and the children they care for, educate, and help to heal.

Kevin Wells was recently a guest on our “Beyond the Beacon” podcast and he speaks eloquently of the ways in which the young girls, many of whom have suffered greatly from physical abuse, trauma, poverty and/or neglect, are “brought back to life” by the care and love they receive from the Sisters. One of the reasons that Kevin was on the podcast was to offer an invitation to listeners and viewers, the same invitation that I would like to extend to you, dear reader.

Kevin and I, along with Kevin’s younger brother, Father David Wells, will be making a “return trip” to Girlstown in Chalco and to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe this coming Sept. 18-21, 2026. Those who join us for this pilgrimage will be able to see what I and all those who visit Girlstown in Chalco are able to see: the Sisters of Mary continuing the life-saving ministry of Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz. Spending one day at Girlstown, Chalco, is a spiritual experience that can stand alone. However, the experience of being able to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Girlstown on back-to-back days has the potential to be a life-changing experience. It will surely be an experience of the Joy and Peace of the Gospel. For more information and to register for the Pilgrimage, you can go to A Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

As I return again to the story and witness of Father Al, the Sisters of Mary, their vocations and ministry, in closing, I would ask that you take a moment to pray for the Beatification and Canonization of Father Al:

PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF VENERABLE ALOYSIUS SCHWARTZ

Almighty, ever living God, giver of all good gifts, You have filled Venerable Al with an ardent love for you and for souls. You have inspired him to dedicate his life to relieve the sufferings of the orphans, the abandoned, the sick and the poor especially the youth, which he did with all humility and courage until the end of his life. May his holy life of love and service to the poor be recognized by the Church through his beatification and canonization.

For Your honor and glory, we pray that the life of Venerable Al will be an inspiration for us in striving for perfection in the love of God and service to others.

Bestow on us, through his intercession.. (mention the favors or intentions here). We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son and the maternal aid of Mary, the Virgin of the Poor. Amen.

[Please, Pray and Share this Beautiful Prayer]

 

 

– Venerable Father Aloysius Schwartz, the Sisters of Mary, and an invitation “In 1989, he (Father Aloysius Schwartz) was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — a fatal, degenerative condition. This cross marked his final years with patience and humility. In 1984, he had been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but as he was wasting away, he told his sister he would be happy if his gravestone read, “Here lies Father Al. He tried his best for Jesus.” He died at the Girlstown in Manila on March 16, 1992, and was declared venerable by

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Prayer of the Church Concerning St. Gabriel: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – #Prayer – May the offering of our service and the prayer of the blessed Archangel Gabriel be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord; that he whom we venerate on earth, may be our advocate before Thee in heaven. Through Our Lord. Amen.

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May the offering of our service and the prayer of the blessed Archangel Gabriel be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord; that he whom we venerate on earth, may be our advocate before Thee in heaven. Through Our Lord. Amen.

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Pope Leo XIV approves new statutes of Pontifical International Marian Academy – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV approved the new statutes of the Pontifical International Marian Academy, an organization founded 80 years ago to promote and coordinate Mariological and Marian studies worldwide.According to the Vatican Press Office, the Holy Father approved the new statutes during an audience with Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State.The updating of the statutes is intended to adapt the academy’s organization to the development of its mission and to the current structure of the institutions of the Roman Curia.The Pontifical International Marian Academy was founded in 1946 by the Order of Friars Minor together with the Franciscan Marian Commission, institutions entrusted to the direction of the priest who inspired them, Father Charles Balić, then-rector magnificus (highest official) of the Pontifical Antonianum University and holder of the chair of Mariology.Since 1950, the Holy See has entrusted the Marian Academy with the organization of the International Mariological-Marian Congresses.In 1959, Pope John XXIII, recognizing that the academy, through its activities, had contributed to the progress of Marian doctrine and piety, added the title of “Pontifical.”Originally dependent on the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, it now falls under the Dicastery for Culture and Education, following the reform implemented by Pope Francis with the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium.The new statutes consist of a preamble and 22 articles. Article 4 specifies that the academy “has the task of promoting and supporting Mariological-Marian research at all levels and of coordinating its studies within the context of an ever-renewed evangelization, taking into account the language of different cultures and the Marian manifestations specific to each people,” with a view to fostering “sound popular piety and avoiding any form of maximalism or minimalism.”The academy’s ordinary members cannot exceed 90 in number and may include nonbelievers and representatives of other religions and other Christian communities.The academy is headed by the president, appointed by the pope, assisted by the council, which in turn is composed of the secretary, the treasurer — these two appointed by the minister general of the Order of Friars Minor — the director of the office of promotion and development, and seven members elected from among the ordinary members.The appointment of ordinary members requires authorization from the Secretariat of State. Upon reaching the age of 75, they become emeritus members.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Pope Leo XIV approves new statutes of Pontifical International Marian Academy – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV approved the new statutes of the Pontifical International Marian Academy, an organization founded 80 years ago to promote and coordinate Mariological and Marian studies worldwide.According to the Vatican Press Office, the Holy Father approved the new statutes during an audience with Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, substitute for general affairs of the Secretariat of State.The updating of the statutes is intended to adapt the academy’s organization to the development of its mission and to the current structure of the institutions of the Roman Curia.The Pontifical International Marian Academy was founded in 1946 by the Order of Friars Minor together with the Franciscan Marian Commission, institutions entrusted to the direction of the priest who inspired them, Father Charles Balić, then-rector magnificus (highest official) of the Pontifical Antonianum University and holder of the chair of Mariology.Since 1950, the Holy See has entrusted the Marian Academy with the organization of the International Mariological-Marian Congresses.In 1959, Pope John XXIII, recognizing that the academy, through its activities, had contributed to the progress of Marian doctrine and piety, added the title of “Pontifical.”Originally dependent on the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, it now falls under the Dicastery for Culture and Education, following the reform implemented by Pope Francis with the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium.The new statutes consist of a preamble and 22 articles. Article 4 specifies that the academy “has the task of promoting and supporting Mariological-Marian research at all levels and of coordinating its studies within the context of an ever-renewed evangelization, taking into account the language of different cultures and the Marian manifestations specific to each people,” with a view to fostering “sound popular piety and avoiding any form of maximalism or minimalism.”The academy’s ordinary members cannot exceed 90 in number and may include nonbelievers and representatives of other religions and other Christian communities.The academy is headed by the president, appointed by the pope, assisted by the council, which in turn is composed of the secretary, the treasurer — these two appointed by the minister general of the Order of Friars Minor — the director of the office of promotion and development, and seven members elected from among the ordinary members.The appointment of ordinary members requires authorization from the Secretariat of State. Upon reaching the age of 75, they become emeritus members.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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Pope Leo XIV approved the new statutes of the Pontifical International Marian Academy, founded to promote and coordinate Mariological and Marian studies worldwide.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 10 February 2026 – A reading from the Fisrt Book of Kings 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of the whole community of Israel, and stretching forth his hands toward heaven, he said, “LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below; you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart. “Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built! Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant, utter before you this day. May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored; may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”From the Gospel according to Mark 7:1-13 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition." He went on to say, "How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, "Any support you might have had from me is qorban"’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things."Clear and emphatic words! ‘Hypocrite’ is, so to speak, one of the strongest adjectives that Jesus uses in the Gospel, and he speaks them as he addresses the teachers of religion: doctors of the law, scribes…. ‘Hypocrite’, Jesus says. Indeed, Jesus wants to rouse the scribes and Pharisees from the error they have fallen into, and what is this error? That of distorting God’s will, neglecting his commandments in order to observe human traditions. Jesus’ reaction is severe because something great is at stake: it concerns the truth of the relationship between man and God, the authenticity of religious life. A hypocrite is a liar; he is not authentic. Today too, the Lord invites us to avoid the danger of giving more importance to form than to substance. He calls us to recognize, ever anew, what is the true core of the experience of faith, that is, love of God and love of neighbour, by purifying it of the hypocrisy of legalism and ritualism. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 2 September 2018)

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A reading from the Fisrt Book of Kings
1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30

Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD
in the presence of the whole community of Israel,
and stretching forth his hands toward heaven,
he said, “LORD, God of Israel,
there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below;
you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants
who are faithful to you with their whole heart.

“Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth?
If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you,
how much less this temple which I have built!
Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God,
and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant,
utter before you this day.
May your eyes watch night and day over this temple,
the place where you have decreed you shall be honored;
may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place.
Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel
which they offer in this place.
Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”

From the Gospel according to Mark
7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus,
they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals
with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.
(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,
do not eat without carefully washing their hands,
keeping the tradition of the elders.
And on coming from the marketplace
they do not eat without purifying themselves.
And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,
the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,
"Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders
but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?"
He responded,
"Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites,
as it is written:

This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
In vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition."
He went on to say,
"How well you have set aside the commandment of God
in order to uphold your tradition!
For Moses said,
Honor your father and your mother,
and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.
Yet you say,
‘If someone says to father or mother,
"Any support you might have had from me is qorban"’
(meaning, dedicated to God),
you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother.
You nullify the word of God
in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.
And you do many such things."

Clear and emphatic words! ‘Hypocrite’ is, so to speak, one of the strongest adjectives that Jesus uses in the Gospel, and he speaks them as he addresses the teachers of religion: doctors of the law, scribes…. ‘Hypocrite’, Jesus says.

Indeed, Jesus wants to rouse the scribes and Pharisees from the error they have fallen into, and what is this error? That of distorting God’s will, neglecting his commandments in order to observe human traditions. Jesus’ reaction is severe because something great is at stake: it concerns the truth of the relationship between man and God, the authenticity of religious life. A hypocrite is a liar; he is not authentic.

Today too, the Lord invites us to avoid the danger of giving more importance to form than to substance. He calls us to recognize, ever anew, what is the true core of the experience of faith, that is, love of God and love of neighbour, by purifying it of the hypocrisy of legalism and ritualism. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 2 September 2018)

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Catholic leaders express sorrow over racist Trump post; bishops demand apology – #Catholic – U.S. Catholic bishops condemned President Donald Trump’s social media post that showed the faces of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama superimposed on cartoon apes.Trump has since deleted the Feb. 5 Truth Social post, said he did not intend to post a depiction of the Obamas as apes, and condemned the racist part of the video. He refused to apologize for posting it.In a statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on X, Bishop Daniel Garcia, chair of the Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, said he was “glad to see that the egregious post has been taken down” and reposted part of the USCCB’s 2018 pastoral letter against racism.“Every racist act — every such comment, every joke, every disparaging look as a reaction to the color of skin, ethnicity, or place of origin — is a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God,” the 2018 statement said.Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, issued a statement Feb. 9 calling on Trump to immediately issue an apology, regardless of whether it was intentional, saying the post showed that “such blatant racism is not merely a practice of the past.”“Either way he should apologize,” he said. “Our shock is real. So is our outrage. Nothing less than an unequivocal apology — to the nation and to the persons demeaned — is acceptable. And it must come immediately.”Cupich said the trope of “portraying human beings as animals — less than human — is not new” and that it was commonly used to “demean immigrant groups.” He said it “immunized the national conscience when we turned away shiploads of refugees, lynched thousands, and doomed generations to poverty.”“If the president intentionally approved the message containing viciously racist images, he should admit it. If he did not know of it originally, he should explain why he let his staff describe the public outcry over their transmission as fake outrage,” Cupich said.Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger issued a statement calling the depiction “a racist meme” and said it’s “disturbing” if either Trump or a staff member views racist memes “as humorous or appropriate expressions of political discourse.”“They are deeply offensive and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said. “I join my voice to the many calling for a public apology with full acceptance of responsibility, and I also bristle at claims from the White House that the rage many of us feel is ‘fake.’”“Beyond the necessary apology, I also believe that we all must examine our conscience, individually and collectively,” he said. “We need to recognize and acknowledge how prevalent racism continues to be in our society and commit ourselves to vigilance in counteracting its harm.”Sister Josephine Garrett of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth posted on Instagram that the depiction is “an age-old racist trope” and said “what a time to be alive,” in reference to the president posting it on social media.Garrett, who is Black, said she is not Democrat or Republican and posted a photo of Barack and Michelle Obama, saying: “Since these faces will be degraded in the timelines today, I’m adding something to the timeline that honors the dignity of this couple and their family — and also, it’s Black History Month.”The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish-American Catholic fraternal organization, also issued a statement against Trump’s social media post, saying: “We recognize this tactic because it was used against us as Irish Americans.”“The claim that this video was merely an ‘internet meme’ or that critics were engaging in ‘fake outrage’ is both morally bankrupt and historically ignorant,” the statement said. “There is nothing lighthearted about reducing any people to apes. This imagery has been used for centuries as a tool of oppression, designed to dehumanize and justify subjugation. It is not humor; it is bigotry.”Trump’s social media postLate Thursday, Feb. 5, around 11:45 p.m. ET, Trump posted a video that was one minute and two seconds long.The bulk of the video reiterated claims of election fraud in the 2020 election. At the 59-second mark, it depicts the Obamas as apes.When reporters asked him about it, Trump said: “I just looked at the first part” about voter fraud and “I didn’t see the whole thing.” When asked whether he condemns the racist part of the video, he said “of course I do.”“I guess during the end of it, there was some picture that people don’t like,” he said. “I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it.”Trump refused to apologize for the post when asked, saying: “No; I didn’t make a mistake.” He said he looks at “thousands of things” and only “looked at the beginning of it [and that part] was fine.”The Obamas have not publicly commented on the video.
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Catholic leaders express sorrow over racist Trump post; bishops demand apology – #Catholic – U.S. Catholic bishops condemned President Donald Trump’s social media post that showed the faces of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama superimposed on cartoon apes.Trump has since deleted the Feb. 5 Truth Social post, said he did not intend to post a depiction of the Obamas as apes, and condemned the racist part of the video. He refused to apologize for posting it.In a statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on X, Bishop Daniel Garcia, chair of the Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, said he was “glad to see that the egregious post has been taken down” and reposted part of the USCCB’s 2018 pastoral letter against racism.“Every racist act — every such comment, every joke, every disparaging look as a reaction to the color of skin, ethnicity, or place of origin — is a failure to acknowledge another person as a brother or sister, created in the image of God,” the 2018 statement said.Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, issued a statement Feb. 9 calling on Trump to immediately issue an apology, regardless of whether it was intentional, saying the post showed that “such blatant racism is not merely a practice of the past.”“Either way he should apologize,” he said. “Our shock is real. So is our outrage. Nothing less than an unequivocal apology — to the nation and to the persons demeaned — is acceptable. And it must come immediately.”Cupich said the trope of “portraying human beings as animals — less than human — is not new” and that it was commonly used to “demean immigrant groups.” He said it “immunized the national conscience when we turned away shiploads of refugees, lynched thousands, and doomed generations to poverty.”“If the president intentionally approved the message containing viciously racist images, he should admit it. If he did not know of it originally, he should explain why he let his staff describe the public outcry over their transmission as fake outrage,” Cupich said.Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger issued a statement calling the depiction “a racist meme” and said it’s “disturbing” if either Trump or a staff member views racist memes “as humorous or appropriate expressions of political discourse.”“They are deeply offensive and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said. “I join my voice to the many calling for a public apology with full acceptance of responsibility, and I also bristle at claims from the White House that the rage many of us feel is ‘fake.’”“Beyond the necessary apology, I also believe that we all must examine our conscience, individually and collectively,” he said. “We need to recognize and acknowledge how prevalent racism continues to be in our society and commit ourselves to vigilance in counteracting its harm.”Sister Josephine Garrett of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth posted on Instagram that the depiction is “an age-old racist trope” and said “what a time to be alive,” in reference to the president posting it on social media.Garrett, who is Black, said she is not Democrat or Republican and posted a photo of Barack and Michelle Obama, saying: “Since these faces will be degraded in the timelines today, I’m adding something to the timeline that honors the dignity of this couple and their family — and also, it’s Black History Month.”The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish-American Catholic fraternal organization, also issued a statement against Trump’s social media post, saying: “We recognize this tactic because it was used against us as Irish Americans.”“The claim that this video was merely an ‘internet meme’ or that critics were engaging in ‘fake outrage’ is both morally bankrupt and historically ignorant,” the statement said. “There is nothing lighthearted about reducing any people to apes. This imagery has been used for centuries as a tool of oppression, designed to dehumanize and justify subjugation. It is not humor; it is bigotry.”Trump’s social media postLate Thursday, Feb. 5, around 11:45 p.m. ET, Trump posted a video that was one minute and two seconds long.The bulk of the video reiterated claims of election fraud in the 2020 election. At the 59-second mark, it depicts the Obamas as apes.When reporters asked him about it, Trump said: “I just looked at the first part” about voter fraud and “I didn’t see the whole thing.” When asked whether he condemns the racist part of the video, he said “of course I do.”“I guess during the end of it, there was some picture that people don’t like,” he said. “I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it.”Trump refused to apologize for the post when asked, saying: “No; I didn’t make a mistake.” He said he looks at “thousands of things” and only “looked at the beginning of it [and that part] was fine.”The Obamas have not publicly commented on the video.

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U.S. Catholic Bishops Garcia and Weisenburger, with Cardinal Cupich, condemned President Trump’s social media post. Trump denied it was intentional and refused to apologize.

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Musk in about-face says SpaceX ‘shifted focus’ from Mars to Moon

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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday told “those unaware” — which would seem to be anyone outside the company, its investors, and perhaps Musk’s inner circle — that SpaceX has “already shifted focus” away from colonizing Mars in favor of building a “self-growing city” on the Moon. The Wall Street Journal on Friday reported that SpaceX told investors itContinue reading “Musk in about-face says SpaceX ‘shifted focus’ from Mars to Moon”

The post Musk in about-face says SpaceX ‘shifted focus’ from Mars to Moon appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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After Relationship Between Parent And Child Irreparably Broken, Math Homework Is Done #BabylonBee – ROCHESTER, MN — The relationship between Dave Fromm and his daughter Lucille may have been irreparably annihilated, but at least the math homework is finally finished, say sources close to the situation.
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After Relationship Between Parent And Child Irreparably Broken, Math Homework Is Done #BabylonBee – ROCHESTER, MN — The relationship between Dave Fromm and his daughter Lucille may have been irreparably annihilated, but at least the math homework is finally finished, say sources close to the situation.

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ROCHESTER, MN — The relationship between Dave Fromm and his daughter Lucille may have been irreparably annihilated, but at least the math homework is finally finished, say sources close to the situation.

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Patient advocate on passage of New York assisted suicide bill: ‘Reexamine your consciences’ #Catholic In spite of opposition from Catholic bishops and patient advocate groups, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Feb. 6 signed a bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the Empire State.Assisted suicide is already legal in California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C.Hochul, a Catholic, had already announced she would sign the bill once “guardrails” were added — specifically, laws to allow faith-based hospice providers to opt out of offering assisted suicide.The Catholic bishops had urged Hochul not to pass the bill, saying that it undermined her own work on anti-suicide programs.“How can any society have credibility to tell young people or people with depression that suicide is never the answer, while at the same time telling elderly and sick people that it is a compassionate choice to be celebrated?” the bishops said in a recent statement.The Catholic Church is outspokenly opposed to euthanasia and assisted suicide. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Church condemns assisted suicide and euthanasia, instead encouraging palliative care, which means supporting patients with pain management and care as the end of their lives approaches. Additionally, the Church advocates for a “special respect” for anyone with a disability or serious health condition (CCC, 2276).Any action or lack of action that intentionally “causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator” (CCC, 2277).“We call on Catholics and all New Yorkers to reject physician-assisted suicide for themselves, their loved ones, and those in their care,” the bishops continued. “And we pray that our state turn away from its promotion of a culture of death and invest instead in life-affirming, compassionate hospice and palliative care, which is seriously underutilized.”“While physician-assisted suicide will soon be legal here in New York, we must clearly reiterate that it is in direct conflict with Catholic teaching on the sacredness and dignity of all human life from conception until natural death and is a grave moral evil on par with other direct attacks on human life,” the New York bishops said.Hochul said the law, which goes into effect 180 days after its signing, gives New Yorkers “the choice to endure less suffering.”“Our state will always stand firm in safeguarding New Yorkers’ freedoms and right to bodily autonomy, which includes the right for the terminally ill to peacefully and comfortably end their lives with dignity and compassion,” Hochul said in the Feb. 6 statement.“I firmly believe we made the right decision,” she concluded.A national disability rights group, the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, along with the New York Alliance Against Assisted Suicide, advocated against the law.Jessica Rodgers, a spokeswoman for the Patients Rights Action Fund, urged those behind the new law “to reexamine your consciences.”“New York’s assisted suicide law will turn some doctors and pharmacists into executioners,” Rodgers said in a statement shared with EWTN News. “It will turn coroners into liars by requiring them to provide false information about the cause of death for each person who chooses assisted suicide.”Rodgers noted that the bill “will do nothing to address New York’s low rates of hospice care use.”“Instead of doing the difficult work of making hospice care more accessible and helping to ease the pain of terminal illnesses, the governor has chosen to enact a law that will, likely, result in some New Yorkers’ premature deaths,” she said.“It will stigmatize and endanger the terminally ill, whose lives are deemed of so little worth by our governor that other New Yorkers will now be allowed to help them expedite their own deaths,” Rodgers continued.“It will encourage vulnerable people to view suicide as a legitimate response to suffering of all kinds; it could even raise the overall suicide rate,” she said. “It opens the door to future expansions of doctor-assisted death, like those we have seen in Canada in recent years.”“Finally, it willfully ignores the fact that physicians’ estimates of their patients’ life expectancies can be mistaken, and that such mistakes could lead people to choose assisted suicide when they could otherwise have gone on living for years,” Rodgers concluded.
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Patient advocate on passage of New York assisted suicide bill: ‘Reexamine your consciences’ #Catholic In spite of opposition from Catholic bishops and patient advocate groups, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Feb. 6 signed a bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the Empire State.Assisted suicide is already legal in California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C.Hochul, a Catholic, had already announced she would sign the bill once “guardrails” were added — specifically, laws to allow faith-based hospice providers to opt out of offering assisted suicide.The Catholic bishops had urged Hochul not to pass the bill, saying that it undermined her own work on anti-suicide programs.“How can any society have credibility to tell young people or people with depression that suicide is never the answer, while at the same time telling elderly and sick people that it is a compassionate choice to be celebrated?” the bishops said in a recent statement.The Catholic Church is outspokenly opposed to euthanasia and assisted suicide. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Church condemns assisted suicide and euthanasia, instead encouraging palliative care, which means supporting patients with pain management and care as the end of their lives approaches. Additionally, the Church advocates for a “special respect” for anyone with a disability or serious health condition (CCC, 2276).Any action or lack of action that intentionally “causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator” (CCC, 2277).“We call on Catholics and all New Yorkers to reject physician-assisted suicide for themselves, their loved ones, and those in their care,” the bishops continued. “And we pray that our state turn away from its promotion of a culture of death and invest instead in life-affirming, compassionate hospice and palliative care, which is seriously underutilized.”“While physician-assisted suicide will soon be legal here in New York, we must clearly reiterate that it is in direct conflict with Catholic teaching on the sacredness and dignity of all human life from conception until natural death and is a grave moral evil on par with other direct attacks on human life,” the New York bishops said.Hochul said the law, which goes into effect 180 days after its signing, gives New Yorkers “the choice to endure less suffering.”“Our state will always stand firm in safeguarding New Yorkers’ freedoms and right to bodily autonomy, which includes the right for the terminally ill to peacefully and comfortably end their lives with dignity and compassion,” Hochul said in the Feb. 6 statement.“I firmly believe we made the right decision,” she concluded.A national disability rights group, the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, along with the New York Alliance Against Assisted Suicide, advocated against the law.Jessica Rodgers, a spokeswoman for the Patients Rights Action Fund, urged those behind the new law “to reexamine your consciences.”“New York’s assisted suicide law will turn some doctors and pharmacists into executioners,” Rodgers said in a statement shared with EWTN News. “It will turn coroners into liars by requiring them to provide false information about the cause of death for each person who chooses assisted suicide.”Rodgers noted that the bill “will do nothing to address New York’s low rates of hospice care use.”“Instead of doing the difficult work of making hospice care more accessible and helping to ease the pain of terminal illnesses, the governor has chosen to enact a law that will, likely, result in some New Yorkers’ premature deaths,” she said.“It will stigmatize and endanger the terminally ill, whose lives are deemed of so little worth by our governor that other New Yorkers will now be allowed to help them expedite their own deaths,” Rodgers continued.“It will encourage vulnerable people to view suicide as a legitimate response to suffering of all kinds; it could even raise the overall suicide rate,” she said. “It opens the door to future expansions of doctor-assisted death, like those we have seen in Canada in recent years.”“Finally, it willfully ignores the fact that physicians’ estimates of their patients’ life expectancies can be mistaken, and that such mistakes could lead people to choose assisted suicide when they could otherwise have gone on living for years,” Rodgers concluded.

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In spite of opposition from Catholic bishops and patient advocate groups, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law physician-assisted suicide in New York.

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St. Therese School celebrates community service during Catholic Schools Week #Catholic – On Feb. 2, students and faculty at St. Therese School in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., celebrated community service as part of Catholic Schools Week. The students, who wore blue to show their support for law enforcement, collected donations for Troopers United, a non-profit organization that brings together families, friends, supporters, and law-enforcement personnel to assist those in need. In addition, several students were selected to have lunch with Roxbury Police Department members Chief Matt Holland, Captain Sean Hefferon, Lieutenant Billy Manisa, and Detective Nicole Parichuck. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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St. Therese School celebrates community service during Catholic Schools Week #Catholic – On Feb. 2, students and faculty at St. Therese School in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., celebrated community service as part of Catholic Schools Week. The students, who wore blue to show their support for law enforcement, collected donations for Troopers United, a non-profit organization that brings together families, friends, supporters, and law-enforcement personnel to assist those in need. In addition, several students were selected to have lunch with Roxbury Police Department members Chief Matt Holland, Captain Sean Hefferon, Lieutenant Billy Manisa, and Detective Nicole Parichuck. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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St. Therese School celebrates community service during Catholic Schools Week #Catholic –

On Feb. 2, students and faculty at St. Therese School in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., celebrated community service as part of Catholic Schools Week. The students, who wore blue to show their support for law enforcement, collected donations for Troopers United, a non-profit organization that brings together families, friends, supporters, and law-enforcement personnel to assist those in need. In addition, several students were selected to have lunch with Roxbury Police Department members Chief Matt Holland, Captain Sean Hefferon, Lieutenant Billy Manisa, and Detective Nicole Parichuck.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

– On Feb. 2, students and faculty at St. Therese School in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., celebrated community service as part of Catholic Schools Week. The students, who wore blue to show their support for law enforcement, collected donations for Troopers United, a non-profit organization that brings together families, friends, supporters, and law-enforcement personnel to assist those in need. In addition, several students were selected to have lunch with Roxbury Police Department members Chief Matt Holland, Captain Sean Hefferon, Lieutenant Billy Manisa, and Detective Nicole Parichuck. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

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Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads the Fifth, Refuses to Answer Questions in Epstein Probe – Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions during a deposition in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein probe. The post Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads the Fifth, Refuses to Answer Questions in Epstein Probe appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads the Fifth, Refuses to Answer Questions in Epstein Probe – Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions during a deposition in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein probe. The post Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads the Fifth, Refuses to Answer Questions in Epstein Probe appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions during a deposition in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein probe.

The post Ghislaine Maxwell Pleads the Fifth, Refuses to Answer Questions in Epstein Probe appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Lawyer Fired by Letitia James for Speaking Out Against “Gender-Affirming Care” Hired by Trump’s FTC (Video) – Glenna Goldis, who worked for radical New York Attorney General Letitia James, was fired for speaking out against “gender-affirming care.” Now, she has been hired by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under President Trump. The post Lawyer Fired by Letitia James for Speaking Out Against “Gender-Affirming Care” Hired by Trump’s FTC (Video) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Lawyer Fired by Letitia James for Speaking Out Against “Gender-Affirming Care” Hired by Trump’s FTC (Video) – Glenna Goldis, who worked for radical New York Attorney General Letitia James, was fired for speaking out against “gender-affirming care.” Now, she has been hired by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under President Trump. The post Lawyer Fired by Letitia James for Speaking Out Against “Gender-Affirming Care” Hired by Trump’s FTC (Video) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Person with short hair wearing earbuds, speaking in front of a modern art piece and a light-colored wall, conveying a professional atmosphere.

Person with short hair wearing earbuds, speaking in front of a modern art piece and a light-colored wall, conveying a professional atmosphere.

Glenna Goldis, who worked for radical New York Attorney General Letitia James, was fired for speaking out against “gender-affirming care.” Now, she has been hired by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under President Trump.

The post Lawyer Fired by Letitia James for Speaking Out Against “Gender-Affirming Care” Hired by Trump’s FTC (Video) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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White House Insider Warns: Prepare for Public Law 63-43 – (Note: Thank you for supporting businesses like those presenting a sponsored message below and ordering through the links below, which benefits Gateway Pundit. The post White House Insider Warns: Prepare for Public Law 63-43 appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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White House Insider Warns: Prepare for Public Law 63-43 – (Note: Thank you for supporting businesses like those presenting a sponsored message below and ordering through the links below, which benefits Gateway Pundit. The post White House Insider Warns: Prepare for Public Law 63-43 appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Interview with Donald Trump in a formal setting, discussing key topics while seated across from a female interviewer with notes.

Interview with Donald Trump in a formal setting, discussing key topics while seated across from a female interviewer with notes.

(Note: Thank you for supporting businesses like those presenting a sponsored message below and ordering through the links below, which benefits Gateway Pundit.

The post White House Insider Warns: Prepare for Public Law 63-43 appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Seton Hall receives .4M state grant to transform STEM, law and student life facilities #Catholic – With the support of an .4 million New Jersey Higher Education Capital Facilities Grant, Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., is reinvigorating its campus through several modernizations and improvements in the coming months. In August 2025, the State of New Jersey announced that 0 million in capital grant funding is being committed to higher education facility upgrades. The grant aims to address deferred maintenance while improving infrastructure across public and private colleges, including county colleges. Last month, the state awarded 4.4 million for 92 projects across 23 institutions, including Seton Hall University. Funding will be directed toward infrastructure overhauls throughout the campus. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. This funding is distributed through two key programs, the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) and the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT). CIF designates 0 million for four-year public and private institutions to support renovation, construction and technology upgrades. HEFT allocates 0 million for both public and private institutions, including county colleges, to enhance communication, laboratory, instructional and communication facilities. Seton Hall and its students will begin seeing the results of these investments as early as fall 2026.
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Seton Hall receives $8.4M state grant to transform STEM, law and student life facilities #Catholic – With the support of an $8.4 million New Jersey Higher Education Capital Facilities Grant, Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., is reinvigorating its campus through several modernizations and improvements in the coming months. In August 2025, the State of New Jersey announced that $250 million in capital grant funding is being committed to higher education facility upgrades. The grant aims to address deferred maintenance while improving infrastructure across public and private colleges, including county colleges. Last month, the state awarded $244.4 million for 92 projects across 23 institutions, including Seton Hall University. Funding will be directed toward infrastructure overhauls throughout the campus. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. This funding is distributed through two key programs, the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) and the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT). CIF designates $110 million for four-year public and private institutions to support renovation, construction and technology upgrades. HEFT allocates $140 million for both public and private institutions, including county colleges, to enhance communication, laboratory, instructional and communication facilities. Seton Hall and its students will begin seeing the results of these investments as early as fall 2026.

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Seton Hall receives $8.4M state grant to transform STEM, law and student life facilities #Catholic –

With the support of an $8.4 million New Jersey Higher Education Capital Facilities Grant, Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., is reinvigorating its campus through several modernizations and improvements in the coming months.

In August 2025, the State of New Jersey announced that $250 million in capital grant funding is being committed to higher education facility upgrades. The grant aims to address deferred maintenance while improving infrastructure across public and private colleges, including county colleges.

Last month, the state awarded $244.4 million for 92 projects across 23 institutions, including Seton Hall University. Funding will be directed toward infrastructure overhauls throughout the campus.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

This funding is distributed through two key programs, the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) and the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT). CIF designates $110 million for four-year public and private institutions to support renovation, construction and technology upgrades. HEFT allocates $140 million for both public and private institutions, including county colleges, to enhance communication, laboratory, instructional and communication facilities.

Seton Hall and its students will begin seeing the results of these investments as early as fall 2026.

– With the support of an $8.4 million New Jersey Higher Education Capital Facilities Grant, Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., is reinvigorating its campus through several modernizations and improvements in the coming months. In August 2025, the State of New Jersey announced that $250 million in capital grant funding is being committed to higher education facility upgrades. The grant aims to address deferred maintenance while improving infrastructure across public and private colleges, including county colleges. Last month, the state awarded $244.4 million for 92 projects across 23 institutions, including Seton Hall University. Funding will be directed toward infrastructure overhauls throughout the

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Catholic activist Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong national security trial – #Catholic – Jimmy Lai, the human rights advocate and outspoken Catholic who has faced what supporters say has been years of politicized prosecution and conviction in Hong Kong, was sentenced on Feb. 9 to 20 years in prison over what Chinese officials claim were national security violations. The sentencing comes after Lai's December conviction under China's wide-reaching security law, which capped a years-long legal process during which he was found guilty on multiple other charges including fraud and unlawful assembly. Lai, who was known for years as the publisher of the outspoken pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, was first arrested in 2020 after alleged violations of Chinese national security policy.The government has charged him multiple times since then, holding him without bail and sentencing him to lengthy prison stretches, including a 69-month sentence in December 2022 for a fraud conviction. Lai's plight has drawn support from around the world, including from high-ranking national leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated for Lai's release and who reportedly spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping about the issue in October 2025. Lai has also drawn support from lawmakers, activists, religious leaders and civil rights leaders around the world. In 2025 he was named an honorary recipient of the Bradley Prize. That award is meant to honor individuals who in part espouse "the ideals of the Western tradition.”Catholic faith a central part of Lai's lifeThough known for his decades of pro-democracy activism, Lai is also an outspoken Catholic whose faith has continued to sustain him during his imprisonment. Having converted to Catholicism in 1997, Lai — along with his wife Teresa — raised his son Sebastien and daughter Claire in what Claire described as "a very loving Catholic family." Claire told EWTN News in December 2025 that Lai's incarceration "has just deepened his faith." He has regularly read the Gospel when permitted by his prison guards, she said, and he "wants to be remembered [as] a faithful servant of Our Lord."In February 2024 the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., installed a drawing of the Crucifixion made by Lai. Father Robert Sirico, the founder of the Acton Institute and a supporter and friend of Lai’s, told EWTN News at the time that Lai sees his imprisonment as a way of joining in Christ’s passion on the cross.In November 2023 a group of 10 Catholic bishops and archbishops called on the Hong Kong government to release Lai, arguing that his "persecution … has gone on long enough." “There is no place for such cruelty and oppression in a territory that claims to uphold the rule of law and respect the right to freedom of expression,” the prelates said.Long known for its greater respect for civil rights and freedom of speech relative to the Chinese mainland, the special administrative region of Hong Kong in recent years has seen a crackdown from the Chinese Communist Party government, which has tightened its hold on the region including with the strict national security law. In 2022 Father Vincent Woo, a priest of the Diocese of Hong Kong, told EWTN News that religious leaders in the region face "tremendous consequences" if they criticize the government, with many priests or bishops consequently refusing to speak out publicly against the Communist Party. At a 2025 hearing of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, advocates warned of "severe violations of religious freedom" by the Chinese Communist Party, with the government having reportedly “forcibly eradicated religious elements that are not in line with the CCP’s agenda.”Claire Lai admitted in January that her father's "physical body is breaking down" in his protracted confinement, and he has been denied regular access to the Eucharist, she said.  But, she told EWTN News Nightly, he continues to “read the Gospel every morning" and spends his time “praying and drawing the Crucifixion and the Blessed Mother.”His faith "is what protects his mind and soul," she said.
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Catholic activist Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong national security trial – #Catholic – Jimmy Lai, the human rights advocate and outspoken Catholic who has faced what supporters say has been years of politicized prosecution and conviction in Hong Kong, was sentenced on Feb. 9 to 20 years in prison over what Chinese officials claim were national security violations. The sentencing comes after Lai's December conviction under China's wide-reaching security law, which capped a years-long legal process during which he was found guilty on multiple other charges including fraud and unlawful assembly. Lai, who was known for years as the publisher of the outspoken pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, was first arrested in 2020 after alleged violations of Chinese national security policy.The government has charged him multiple times since then, holding him without bail and sentencing him to lengthy prison stretches, including a 69-month sentence in December 2022 for a fraud conviction. Lai's plight has drawn support from around the world, including from high-ranking national leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, who has advocated for Lai's release and who reportedly spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping about the issue in October 2025. Lai has also drawn support from lawmakers, activists, religious leaders and civil rights leaders around the world. In 2025 he was named an honorary recipient of the Bradley Prize. That award is meant to honor individuals who in part espouse "the ideals of the Western tradition.”Catholic faith a central part of Lai's lifeThough known for his decades of pro-democracy activism, Lai is also an outspoken Catholic whose faith has continued to sustain him during his imprisonment. Having converted to Catholicism in 1997, Lai — along with his wife Teresa — raised his son Sebastien and daughter Claire in what Claire described as "a very loving Catholic family." Claire told EWTN News in December 2025 that Lai's incarceration "has just deepened his faith." He has regularly read the Gospel when permitted by his prison guards, she said, and he "wants to be remembered [as] a faithful servant of Our Lord."In February 2024 the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., installed a drawing of the Crucifixion made by Lai. Father Robert Sirico, the founder of the Acton Institute and a supporter and friend of Lai’s, told EWTN News at the time that Lai sees his imprisonment as a way of joining in Christ’s passion on the cross.In November 2023 a group of 10 Catholic bishops and archbishops called on the Hong Kong government to release Lai, arguing that his "persecution … has gone on long enough." “There is no place for such cruelty and oppression in a territory that claims to uphold the rule of law and respect the right to freedom of expression,” the prelates said.Long known for its greater respect for civil rights and freedom of speech relative to the Chinese mainland, the special administrative region of Hong Kong in recent years has seen a crackdown from the Chinese Communist Party government, which has tightened its hold on the region including with the strict national security law. In 2022 Father Vincent Woo, a priest of the Diocese of Hong Kong, told EWTN News that religious leaders in the region face "tremendous consequences" if they criticize the government, with many priests or bishops consequently refusing to speak out publicly against the Communist Party. At a 2025 hearing of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, advocates warned of "severe violations of religious freedom" by the Chinese Communist Party, with the government having reportedly “forcibly eradicated religious elements that are not in line with the CCP’s agenda.”Claire Lai admitted in January that her father's "physical body is breaking down" in his protracted confinement, and he has been denied regular access to the Eucharist, she said.  But, she told EWTN News Nightly, he continues to “read the Gospel every morning" and spends his time “praying and drawing the Crucifixion and the Blessed Mother.”His faith "is what protects his mind and soul," she said.

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The human rights advocate has been convicted and sentenced multiple times since 2020.

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Act of Hope: Prayer of the Day for Monday, February 09, 2026 – #Prayer – O my God, relying on your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

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O my God, relying on your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 09 February 2026 – A reading from the First Book of Kings 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 The elders of Israel and all the leaders of the tribes, the princes in the ancestral houses of the children of Israel, came to King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant from the City of David, which is Zion. All the people of Israel assembled before King Solomon during the festival in the month of Ethanim (the seventh month). When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark; they carried the ark of the LORD and the meeting tent with all the sacred vessels that were in the tent. (The priests and Levites carried them.) King Solomon and the entire community of Israel present for the occasion sacrificed before the ark sheep and oxen too many to number or count. The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place beneath the wings of the cherubim in the sanctuary, the holy of holies of the temple. The cherubim had their wings spread out over the place of the ark, sheltering the ark and its poles from above. There was nothing in the ark but the two stone tablets which Moses had put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel at their departure from the land of Egypt. When the priests left the holy place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD so that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud, since the LORD’s glory had filled the temple of the LORD. Then Solomon said, “The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud; I have truly built you a princely house, a dwelling where you may abide forever.”From the Gospel according to Mark 6:53-56 After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.All are permitted on the Lord’s path: no one should feel as an intruder, an interloper or one who has no right. To have access to His heart, to Jesus’ heart, there is only one requirement: to feel in need of healing and to entrust yourself to Him. I ask you: do each of you feel that you need to be healed? Of something, of some sin, of some problem? And, if you feel this, do you have faith in Jesus? These are the two requirements in order to be healed, in order to have access to his heart: to feel in need of healing and to entrust yourself to Him. Jesus goes to discover these people among the crowd and removes them from anonymity, frees them from the fear of living and of taking risks. He does so with a look and a word which sets them back on the path after much suffering and humiliation. We too are called to learn and to imitate these freeing words and this gaze which restores the will to live to those who lack it. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 1 July 2018)

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A reading from the First Book of Kings
1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13

The elders of Israel and all the leaders of the tribes,
the princes in the ancestral houses of the children of Israel,
came to King Solomon in Jerusalem,
to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant
from the City of David, which is Zion.
All the people of Israel assembled before King Solomon
during the festival in the month of Ethanim (the seventh month).
When all the elders of Israel had arrived,
the priests took up the ark;
they carried the ark of the LORD
and the meeting tent with all the sacred vessels
that were in the tent.
(The priests and Levites carried them.)

King Solomon and the entire community of Israel
present for the occasion
sacrificed before the ark sheep and oxen
too many to number or count.
The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD
to its place beneath the wings of the cherubim in the sanctuary,
the holy of holies of the temple.
The cherubim had their wings spread out over the place of the ark,
sheltering the ark and its poles from above.
There was nothing in the ark but the two stone tablets
which Moses had put there at Horeb,
when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel
at their departure from the land of Egypt.

When the priests left the holy place,
the cloud filled the temple of the LORD
so that the priests could no longer minister because of the cloud,
since the LORD’s glory had filled the temple of the LORD.
Then Solomon said, “The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud;
I have truly built you a princely house,
a dwelling where you may abide forever.”

From the Gospel according to Mark
6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea,
Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret
and tied up there.
As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.
They scurried about the surrounding country
and began to bring in the sick on mats
to wherever they heard he was.
Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered,
they laid the sick in the marketplaces
and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak;
and as many as touched it were healed.

All are permitted on the Lord’s path: no one should feel as an intruder, an interloper or one who has no right. To have access to His heart, to Jesus’ heart, there is only one requirement: to feel in need of healing and to entrust yourself to Him. I ask you: do each of you feel that you need to be healed? Of something, of some sin, of some problem? And, if you feel this, do you have faith in Jesus? These are the two requirements in order to be healed, in order to have access to his heart: to feel in need of healing and to entrust yourself to Him. Jesus goes to discover these people among the crowd and removes them from anonymity, frees them from the fear of living and of taking risks. He does so with a look and a word which sets them back on the path after much suffering and humiliation. We too are called to learn and to imitate these freeing words and this gaze which restores the will to live to those who lack it. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 1 July 2018)

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8 Things To Double-Check Before Posting A Video To The President’s Social Media Account #BabylonBee – Posting social media content for the President of the United States comes with tremendous responsibility, so it’s critical to give posts a once-over before sending them out to the masses. Here are eight things you should always double-check before posting a video on the President’s account:
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8 Things To Double-Check Before Posting A Video To The President’s Social Media Account #BabylonBee – Posting social media content for the President of the United States comes with tremendous responsibility, so it’s critical to give posts a once-over before sending them out to the masses. Here are eight things you should always double-check before posting a video on the President’s account:

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Posting social media content for the President of the United States comes with tremendous responsibility, so it’s critical to give posts a once-over before sending them out to the masses. Here are eight things you should always double-check before posting a video on the President’s account:

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Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, Vatican says – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said Sunday, denying circulating reports that the pontiff might make an apostolic trip to his native country.A U.S. visit had been anticipated by some American Catholics ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026.At the same time, papal travel elsewhere is taking shape. Local church authorities in Africa have said Leo will visit several countries on the continent — with Angola and Equatorial Guinea among the destinations publicly confirmed by local authorities, and Cameroon also widely anticipated as part of the itinerary — with timing broadly described as after Easter.In South America, Peruvian bishops have said the pope will visit the country — where he previously served as a bishop — later this year, with local church leaders pointing to a timeframe in November or early December.A visit to Spain is also expected this summer, with Spanish church authorities indicating stops including Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.Popes have visited the United States multiple times, beginning with Pope Paul VI’s October 1965 trip, which included a visit to the United Nations.St. John Paul II traveled to the U.S. on several occasions, first visiting in October 1979 with stops in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Des Moines, Chicago, and Washington, where he met then-President Jimmy Carter. Among his later visits, he returned in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and made his final U.S. trip to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1999.Pope Benedict XVI also visited the United States, traveling in April 2008. During that trip, he marked his 81st birthday on April 16 at the White House with President George W. Bush, and he later visited New York, including a time of prayer at Ground Zero in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.The most recent pope to visit the United States was Pope Francis, who traveled there from Sept. 22–27, 2015. During the visit, he went to Washington, D.C., where he canonized Junípero Serra and addressed the U.S. Congress. He then traveled to New York, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, before concluding the trip in Philadelphia, where he presided over events marking the close of the Eighth World Meeting of Families.
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Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, Vatican says – #Catholic – Pope Leo XIV will not travel to the United States in 2026, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said Sunday, denying circulating reports that the pontiff might make an apostolic trip to his native country.A U.S. visit had been anticipated by some American Catholics ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026.At the same time, papal travel elsewhere is taking shape. Local church authorities in Africa have said Leo will visit several countries on the continent — with Angola and Equatorial Guinea among the destinations publicly confirmed by local authorities, and Cameroon also widely anticipated as part of the itinerary — with timing broadly described as after Easter.In South America, Peruvian bishops have said the pope will visit the country — where he previously served as a bishop — later this year, with local church leaders pointing to a timeframe in November or early December.A visit to Spain is also expected this summer, with Spanish church authorities indicating stops including Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.Popes have visited the United States multiple times, beginning with Pope Paul VI’s October 1965 trip, which included a visit to the United Nations.St. John Paul II traveled to the U.S. on several occasions, first visiting in October 1979 with stops in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Des Moines, Chicago, and Washington, where he met then-President Jimmy Carter. Among his later visits, he returned in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and made his final U.S. trip to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1999.Pope Benedict XVI also visited the United States, traveling in April 2008. During that trip, he marked his 81st birthday on April 16 at the White House with President George W. Bush, and he later visited New York, including a time of prayer at Ground Zero in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.The most recent pope to visit the United States was Pope Francis, who traveled there from Sept. 22–27, 2015. During the visit, he went to Washington, D.C., where he canonized Junípero Serra and addressed the U.S. Congress. He then traveled to New York, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, before concluding the trip in Philadelphia, where he presided over events marking the close of the Eighth World Meeting of Families.

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The pontiff is expected to travel to Africa in April, visit Peru later this year, and make a summer stop in Spain.

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Feb. 8, 1969: The Allende meteorite falls

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On Feb. 8, 1969, a massive meteorite rained a couple of tons of stones on the Mexican town of Allende, not far from the Texas border. The fireball scattered thousands of stones over a huge area. Over 2 tons were recovered, giving researchers — already primed by the impending Apollo missions — an abundance ofContinue reading “Feb. 8, 1969: The Allende meteorite falls”

The post Feb. 8, 1969: The Allende meteorite falls appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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PREDICTABLE: After British Ambassador’s Connections to Epstein Unearthed, Christopher Steele Blames Russia – This is no surprise.  After the British Ambassador was found connected to Jeffrey Epstein, Christopher Steele came out and blamed Russia.  These people have no shame.  We learned last week … Read more The post PREDICTABLE: After British Ambassador’s Connections to Epstein Unearthed, Christopher Steele Blames Russia appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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PREDICTABLE: After British Ambassador’s Connections to Epstein Unearthed, Christopher Steele Blames Russia – This is no surprise.  After the British Ambassador was found connected to Jeffrey Epstein, Christopher Steele came out and blamed Russia.  These people have no shame.  We learned last week … Read more The post PREDICTABLE: After British Ambassador’s Connections to Epstein Unearthed, Christopher Steele Blames Russia appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Donald Trump seated in the Oval Office with advisors during a press event, surrounded by U.S. flags and presidential memorabilia.

Donald Trump seated in the Oval Office with advisors during a press event, surrounded by U.S. flags and presidential memorabilia.

This is no surprise.  After the British Ambassador was found connected to Jeffrey Epstein, Christopher Steele came out and blamed Russia.  These people have no shame.  We learned last week … Read more

The post PREDICTABLE: After British Ambassador’s Connections to Epstein Unearthed, Christopher Steele Blames Russia appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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University student from England being considered for canonization - #Catholic - A young man from Manchester, England, who “committed himself totally to God” could one day be included among the ranks of Sts. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati as calls continue for him to be named a saint.Pedro Ballester died on Jan. 13, 2018, at the age of 21 of bone cancer after a life of prayer, sacrifice, and virtue. Vatican representatives are now in the process of interviewing his family and friends to gauge whether a cause should be formally opened for the former university student. Through his illness, Pedro Ballester “was uniting himself to the suffering of Christ,” Father Joseph Evans, who accompanied Ballester, told EWTN News. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Opus Dei Communications Office Father Joseph Evans, chaplain of Greygarth Hall, Manchester, who accompanied Ballester during the last year of his life, told EWTN News: “People like Pedro and Carlo Acutis, they didn’t keep their options open. They committed themselves totally to God. They found happiness in deep self-giving and deep suffering.” Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian, died in 2006 and was canonized a saint in 2025.Evans told EWTN News that “young people are attracted to self-giving and self-sacrifice and practice because of our soft, consumerist world.”A gift for friendship and commitment to God Ballester was born into a Catholic family and his Spanish parents are married members of Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church founded in Spain by St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1928. Ballester himself joined Opus Dei in 2013 as a “numerary” member — meaning he made a commitment to celibacy for life and living out the charism of Opus Dei in the world. After winning a place at Imperial College in London to study chemical engineering, Ballester experienced intense back pain during his first semester, after which he was diagnosed with advanced cancer of the pelvis.During his illness, he would often go to Christie’s Hospital in Manchester for cancer treatment where his holiness and kindness were noted by many. He befriended his fellow patients and the nurses, showing a deep interest in their lives outside the hospital. “He made really good friends with them,” Evans told EWTN News. “He was genuinely interested in you. He really inspired people in a very, very natural way. He got through to people and spoke to them about God.” On one occasion, Ballester wrote a card to Pope Francis, signed by his fellow cancer patients, and delivered it in person to the pontiff in Rome in November 2015. His father, also named Pedro, recounted how his son told Pope Francis: “I just wanted to let you know that I got cancer, and I offer all the sufferings for you and for the Church." Pedro Ballester met Pope Francis in 2015 and told him: “I just wanted to let you know that I got cancer, and I offer all the sufferings for you and for the Church.” | Credit: Photo courtesy of Opus Dei Communications Office From that point on, the young man’s suffering worsened and he regularly experienced acute pain leading up to his death. Paying tribute to the way Ballester responded to his disease, Evans said: “He was uniting himself to the suffering of Christ. The pain he was going through was a much bigger share in the passion of Christ, offering that suffering to Christ for souls, for salvation. Above all, he would say the best form of prayer was offering up our suffering.”Opus Dei, which is promoting Ballester’s cause for sainthood, is hoping the impressive young adult will follow in the footsteps of Carlo Acutis and Pier Georgio Frassati, who was famous for serving the poor in Milan. Speaking to EWTN News about the impact of such young people, Jack Valero from Opus Dei said: “There seems to be a whole collection of people, [a] new generation of Catholics who are going to lead the way. God is saying that, now in the 21st century, ‘I’m going to give you a whole load of people that are going to be models for the young.’”He added: “[Pedro] could be somebody who can teach us to be happy with whatever our circumstances are, and that to be close to God is to be happy.”Valero also described Ballester as a “special” person who was “a really friendly guy throughout his life, and he continued to be a very friendly guy in his sickness.” Pinpointing Ballester’s “ability to make friends” as a strong evangelistic tool, he said: “He realized that he didn’t have much long to live. So he asked people: ‘Are you going to Mass? Are you OK with God? Are you being good to people?’ This ability to make friends was directed to bring them close to God.” Pedro Ballester is greeted by the former archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Opus Dei Communications Office Accounts of Ballester’s impact on people have spread around the world to places such as Mexico, Spain, and Kenya, while a prayer card asking for his intercession has now been translated into 28 languages. Additionally, a documentary called “A Friend in Heaven” has been released that highlights the impact of Ballester‘s short life, describing him as a “student with a gift of friendship and a love for God.”Looking to the future, Evans urged caution while the Church “makes its mind up” about Ballester becoming a saint, but he told EWTN News: “He loved chatting with people. He was very generous. There’s a tremendous spontaneous phenomenon of devotion to him in all sorts of places throughout the world.”
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University student from England being considered for canonization – #Catholic – A young man from Manchester, England, who “committed himself totally to God” could one day be included among the ranks of Sts. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati as calls continue for him to be named a saint.Pedro Ballester died on Jan. 13, 2018, at the age of 21 of bone cancer after a life of prayer, sacrifice, and virtue. Vatican representatives are now in the process of interviewing his family and friends to gauge whether a cause should be formally opened for the former university student. Through his illness, Pedro Ballester “was uniting himself to the suffering of Christ,” Father Joseph Evans, who accompanied Ballester, told EWTN News. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Opus Dei Communications Office Father Joseph Evans, chaplain of Greygarth Hall, Manchester, who accompanied Ballester during the last year of his life, told EWTN News: “People like Pedro and Carlo Acutis, they didn’t keep their options open. They committed themselves totally to God. They found happiness in deep self-giving and deep suffering.” Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian, died in 2006 and was canonized a saint in 2025.Evans told EWTN News that “young people are attracted to self-giving and self-sacrifice and practice because of our soft, consumerist world.”A gift for friendship and commitment to God Ballester was born into a Catholic family and his Spanish parents are married members of Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church founded in Spain by St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1928. Ballester himself joined Opus Dei in 2013 as a “numerary” member — meaning he made a commitment to celibacy for life and living out the charism of Opus Dei in the world. After winning a place at Imperial College in London to study chemical engineering, Ballester experienced intense back pain during his first semester, after which he was diagnosed with advanced cancer of the pelvis.During his illness, he would often go to Christie’s Hospital in Manchester for cancer treatment where his holiness and kindness were noted by many. He befriended his fellow patients and the nurses, showing a deep interest in their lives outside the hospital. “He made really good friends with them,” Evans told EWTN News. “He was genuinely interested in you. He really inspired people in a very, very natural way. He got through to people and spoke to them about God.” On one occasion, Ballester wrote a card to Pope Francis, signed by his fellow cancer patients, and delivered it in person to the pontiff in Rome in November 2015. His father, also named Pedro, recounted how his son told Pope Francis: “I just wanted to let you know that I got cancer, and I offer all the sufferings for you and for the Church." Pedro Ballester met Pope Francis in 2015 and told him: “I just wanted to let you know that I got cancer, and I offer all the sufferings for you and for the Church.” | Credit: Photo courtesy of Opus Dei Communications Office From that point on, the young man’s suffering worsened and he regularly experienced acute pain leading up to his death. Paying tribute to the way Ballester responded to his disease, Evans said: “He was uniting himself to the suffering of Christ. The pain he was going through was a much bigger share in the passion of Christ, offering that suffering to Christ for souls, for salvation. Above all, he would say the best form of prayer was offering up our suffering.”Opus Dei, which is promoting Ballester’s cause for sainthood, is hoping the impressive young adult will follow in the footsteps of Carlo Acutis and Pier Georgio Frassati, who was famous for serving the poor in Milan. Speaking to EWTN News about the impact of such young people, Jack Valero from Opus Dei said: “There seems to be a whole collection of people, [a] new generation of Catholics who are going to lead the way. God is saying that, now in the 21st century, ‘I’m going to give you a whole load of people that are going to be models for the young.’”He added: “[Pedro] could be somebody who can teach us to be happy with whatever our circumstances are, and that to be close to God is to be happy.”Valero also described Ballester as a “special” person who was “a really friendly guy throughout his life, and he continued to be a very friendly guy in his sickness.” Pinpointing Ballester’s “ability to make friends” as a strong evangelistic tool, he said: “He realized that he didn’t have much long to live. So he asked people: ‘Are you going to Mass? Are you OK with God? Are you being good to people?’ This ability to make friends was directed to bring them close to God.” Pedro Ballester is greeted by the former archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. | Credit: Photo courtesy of Opus Dei Communications Office Accounts of Ballester’s impact on people have spread around the world to places such as Mexico, Spain, and Kenya, while a prayer card asking for his intercession has now been translated into 28 languages. Additionally, a documentary called “A Friend in Heaven” has been released that highlights the impact of Ballester‘s short life, describing him as a “student with a gift of friendship and a love for God.”Looking to the future, Evans urged caution while the Church “makes its mind up” about Ballester becoming a saint, but he told EWTN News: “He loved chatting with people. He was very generous. There’s a tremendous spontaneous phenomenon of devotion to him in all sorts of places throughout the world.”

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Vatican representatives are in the process of reviewing the life of Pedro Ballester, a British university student who died of cancer in 2018, to gauge whether his canonization cause should be opened.

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LAUGHABLE: Jasmine Crockett Tells MSNOW That Republicans Will ‘Absolutely’ Vote for Her in a General Election (VIDEO) – Far left Rep. The post LAUGHABLE: Jasmine Crockett Tells MSNOW That Republicans Will ‘Absolutely’ Vote for Her in a General Election (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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LAUGHABLE: Jasmine Crockett Tells MSNOW That Republicans Will ‘Absolutely’ Vote for Her in a General Election (VIDEO) – Far left Rep. The post LAUGHABLE: Jasmine Crockett Tells MSNOW That Republicans Will ‘Absolutely’ Vote for Her in a General Election (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Far left Rep.

The post LAUGHABLE: Jasmine Crockett Tells MSNOW That Republicans Will ‘Absolutely’ Vote for Her in a General Election (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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DELUSIONAL: Former Washington Post Editor Suggests Paper’s Problems Come From Going Too Soft on Trump (VIDEO) – The total meltdown of the left over the recent layoffs at the Washington Post continue to prove that the media class just doesn’t get what’s happening. The post DELUSIONAL: Former Washington Post Editor Suggests Paper’s Problems Come From Going Too Soft on Trump (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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DELUSIONAL: Former Washington Post Editor Suggests Paper’s Problems Come From Going Too Soft on Trump (VIDEO) – The total meltdown of the left over the recent layoffs at the Washington Post continue to prove that the media class just doesn’t get what’s happening. The post DELUSIONAL: Former Washington Post Editor Suggests Paper’s Problems Come From Going Too Soft on Trump (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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The total meltdown of the left over the recent layoffs at the Washington Post continue to prove that the media class just doesn’t get what’s happening.

The post DELUSIONAL: Former Washington Post Editor Suggests Paper’s Problems Come From Going Too Soft on Trump (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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A Prayer For a Family: Prayer of the Day for Sunday, February 08, 2026 – #Prayer – O dear Jesus, I humbly implore You to grant Your special graces to our family. May our home be the shrine of peace, purity, love, labor and faith. I beg You, dear Jesus, to protect and bless all of us, absent and present, living and dead. O Mary, loving Mother of Jesus, and our Mother, pray to Jesus for our family, for all the families of the world, to guard the cradle of the newborn, the schools of the young and their vocations. Blessed Saint Joseph, holy …

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O dear Jesus,
I humbly implore You to grant Your special graces to our family.
May our home be the shrine of peace, purity, love, labor and faith.
I beg You, dear Jesus,
to protect and bless all of us,
absent and present,
living and dead.

O Mary,
loving Mother of Jesus,
and our Mother,
pray to Jesus for our family,
for all the families of the world,
to guard the cradle of the newborn,
the schools of the young and their vocations.
Blessed Saint Joseph,
holy …

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Gospel and Word of the Day – 08 February 2026 – First reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 58:7-10 Thus says the LORD: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday.   Second reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.From the Gospel according to Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."“You are the light of the world”. Light disperses darkness and enables us to see. Jesus is the light that has dispelled the darkness, but it [darkness] still remains in the world and in individuals. It is the task of Christians to disperse it by radiating the light of Christ and proclaiming his Gospel. It is a radiance that can also come from our words, but it must flow above all from our “good works” (v. 16). A disciple and a Christian community are light in the world when they direct others to God, helping each one to experience his goodness and his mercy. The disciple of Jesus is light when he knows how to live his faith outside narrow spaces, when he helps to eliminate prejudice, to eliminate slander, and to bring the light of truth into situations vitiated by hypocrisy and lies. To shed light. But it is not my light, it is the light of Jesus: we are instruments to enable Jesus’ light to reach everyone. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 9 February 2020)

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First reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah
58:7-10

Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
If you remove from your midst
oppression, false accusation and malicious speech;
if you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday.

 

Second reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians
1 Corinthians 2:1-5

When I came to you, brothers and sisters,
proclaiming the mystery of God,
I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of Spirit and power,
so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.

From the Gospel according to Matthew
5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father."

“You are the light of the world”. Light disperses darkness and enables us to see. Jesus is the light that has dispelled the darkness, but it [darkness] still remains in the world and in individuals. It is the task of Christians to disperse it by radiating the light of Christ and proclaiming his Gospel. It is a radiance that can also come from our words, but it must flow above all from our “good works” (v. 16). A disciple and a Christian community are light in the world when they direct others to God, helping each one to experience his goodness and his mercy. The disciple of Jesus is light when he knows how to live his faith outside narrow spaces, when he helps to eliminate prejudice, to eliminate slander, and to bring the light of truth into situations vitiated by hypocrisy and lies. To shed light. But it is not my light, it is the light of Jesus: we are instruments to enable Jesus’ light to reach everyone. (Pope Francis, Angelus, 9 February 2020)

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Hunter Biden Launches HunterRx From Back Of Van #BabylonBee – MALIBU, CA — In direct competition with President Trump’s new TrumpRx website, Hunter Biden announced the launch of HunterRx, a brand new low-price pharmacy he runs out of the back of his van.
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Hunter Biden Launches HunterRx From Back Of Van #BabylonBee – MALIBU, CA — In direct competition with President Trump’s new TrumpRx website, Hunter Biden announced the launch of HunterRx, a brand new low-price pharmacy he runs out of the back of his van.

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MALIBU, CA — In direct competition with President Trump’s new TrumpRx website, Hunter Biden announced the launch of HunterRx, a brand new low-price pharmacy he runs out of the back of his van.

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7 Least-Gay Winter Olympics Events #BabylonBee – While the Summer Olympics are often lauded for their impressive displays of elite athletic prowess, the Winter Olympics are often (rightfully or wrongfully) seen as the "gay" version of the Olympic Games. Upon investigation, however, there may be a few not-quite-as-gay events.
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7 Least-Gay Winter Olympics Events #BabylonBee – While the Summer Olympics are often lauded for their impressive displays of elite athletic prowess, the Winter Olympics are often (rightfully or wrongfully) seen as the "gay" version of the Olympic Games. Upon investigation, however, there may be a few not-quite-as-gay events.

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While the Summer Olympics are often lauded for their impressive displays of elite athletic prowess, the Winter Olympics are often (rightfully or wrongfully) seen as the "gay" version of the Olympic Games. Upon investigation, however, there may be a few not-quite-as-gay events.

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Cuba’s bishops headed to Vatican this month to meet with Pope Leo XIV – #Catholic – Cuba’s bishops are scheduled to travel to Rome later this month to meet with Vatican dicasteries and present Pope Leo XIV with a report on the state of the dioceses on the island.In a message that will be read at Masses this weekend, the bishops will announce that they have been “called to Rome during Feb. 16–20 to pray in the four major basilicas, to meet for the first time with the Holy Father Leo XIV, and to share with him and with the heads of the Holy See’s dicasteries the vicissitudes, sorrows, joys, and hopes of the Church in Cuba.”The Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops (COCC, by its Spanish acronym) states that the trip is part of the ad limina visit that bishops must make every five years to the See of St. Peter.“Every five years, the diocesan bishop must have a personal meeting with the Holy Father, present him with a report on the state of his diocese, and make a pilgrimage to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul,” the announcement states, citing the Code of Canon Law.The COCC reports that the meeting with Leo XIV will take place on the morning of Friday, Feb. 20. “We are filled with anticipation to listen to and converse with someone who, in a way, knows us, since he visited our country twice when he was the superior general of the Augustinian Fathers,” the announcement notes.The trip comes as the Catholic Church is the sole distributor of humanitarian aid sent by the United States government to people affected by Hurricane Melissa — a distribution that is taking place without the intervention of the Cuban government.This is in addition to the meetings that some bishops have held in recent days with the chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer.On Sunday, Feb. 1, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over “reports of increased tensions between Cuba and the United States of America.”The pontiff expressed his support for the bishops’ message of Jan. 31 and urged “all those responsible to promote a sincere and effective dialogue, to avoid violence and any action that could increase the sufferings of the dear Cuban people.”Prayer for their ad limina visit On the occasion of their trip to the Vatican, the bishops have asked the faithful to accompany them with their prayers and have published the following prayer on their website:Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd,who guide your Church along the paths of history,we pray for our bishops,who are making a pilgrimage to Rometo participate in the Ad Limina Apostolorum visit:May this visit be for them a time of grace and renewal in faith,of strengthening in communion with the successor of the Apostle Peter, Pope Leo XIV.Lord, assist our bishops with your grace,make this visit for thema moment of attentive listening and sincere conversion,of profound encounter with you and with their brotherswith Pope Leo and all his closest collaborators,so that upon their return, they may continue to inspire our life of faithand accompany the daily lives of our communities and people.May they, as they kneel before the tombs of the holy apostles,carry in their hearts the joys and sorrows,the hopes and wounds of this Church on pilgrimage in Cuba,and of all the Cuban people,especially the weakest and most weary,those who live in despair and poverty,violence or loneliness.Holy Mary, Virgin of charity,Mother of the Church and queen of the apostles,receive our bishops under your mantleand accompany them on this pilgrimage to Rome,so that, strengthened by the faith of Peter,they may return to our Church with renewed apostolic and missionary zeal.Amen.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Cuba’s bishops headed to Vatican this month to meet with Pope Leo XIV – #Catholic – Cuba’s bishops are scheduled to travel to Rome later this month to meet with Vatican dicasteries and present Pope Leo XIV with a report on the state of the dioceses on the island.In a message that will be read at Masses this weekend, the bishops will announce that they have been “called to Rome during Feb. 16–20 to pray in the four major basilicas, to meet for the first time with the Holy Father Leo XIV, and to share with him and with the heads of the Holy See’s dicasteries the vicissitudes, sorrows, joys, and hopes of the Church in Cuba.”The Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops (COCC, by its Spanish acronym) states that the trip is part of the ad limina visit that bishops must make every five years to the See of St. Peter.“Every five years, the diocesan bishop must have a personal meeting with the Holy Father, present him with a report on the state of his diocese, and make a pilgrimage to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul,” the announcement states, citing the Code of Canon Law.The COCC reports that the meeting with Leo XIV will take place on the morning of Friday, Feb. 20. “We are filled with anticipation to listen to and converse with someone who, in a way, knows us, since he visited our country twice when he was the superior general of the Augustinian Fathers,” the announcement notes.The trip comes as the Catholic Church is the sole distributor of humanitarian aid sent by the United States government to people affected by Hurricane Melissa — a distribution that is taking place without the intervention of the Cuban government.This is in addition to the meetings that some bishops have held in recent days with the chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer.On Sunday, Feb. 1, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over “reports of increased tensions between Cuba and the United States of America.”The pontiff expressed his support for the bishops’ message of Jan. 31 and urged “all those responsible to promote a sincere and effective dialogue, to avoid violence and any action that could increase the sufferings of the dear Cuban people.”Prayer for their ad limina visit On the occasion of their trip to the Vatican, the bishops have asked the faithful to accompany them with their prayers and have published the following prayer on their website:Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd,who guide your Church along the paths of history,we pray for our bishops,who are making a pilgrimage to Rometo participate in the Ad Limina Apostolorum visit:May this visit be for them a time of grace and renewal in faith,of strengthening in communion with the successor of the Apostle Peter, Pope Leo XIV.Lord, assist our bishops with your grace,make this visit for thema moment of attentive listening and sincere conversion,of profound encounter with you and with their brotherswith Pope Leo and all his closest collaborators,so that upon their return, they may continue to inspire our life of faithand accompany the daily lives of our communities and people.May they, as they kneel before the tombs of the holy apostles,carry in their hearts the joys and sorrows,the hopes and wounds of this Church on pilgrimage in Cuba,and of all the Cuban people,especially the weakest and most weary,those who live in despair and poverty,violence or loneliness.Holy Mary, Virgin of charity,Mother of the Church and queen of the apostles,receive our bishops under your mantleand accompany them on this pilgrimage to Rome,so that, strengthened by the faith of Peter,they may return to our Church with renewed apostolic and missionary zeal.Amen.This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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The country’s bishops will travel to Rome from Feb. 16–20 to present to Pope Leo XIV “the vicissitudes, sorrows, joys, and hopes of the Church in Cuba.”

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Zambia bishops instruct clergy and faithful to stay out of partisan politics – #Catholic – Here is a roundup of world news you may have missed this past week:Zambia bishops instruct clergy and faithful to stay out of partisan politicsCatholic bishops in Zambia issued a pastoral letter this past week telling priests to refrain from engaging in party politics as preparations for the country’s August presidential and general elections begin.“The Church is not and must never be a mouthpiece for any political party or candidate. Our duty is to form consciences, promote the common good, and speak truth to power,” the letter stated, adding that “clergy who align themselves with political interests risk compromising their sacred vocation.” The bishops further emphasized that Church property should never be used for political campaigns or meetings, that priests should never accept political donations in exchange for influence, and that preaching from the pulpit remain centered on the Gospel rather than politics.Vietnam has an abundance of priests, lack of missionaries, report saysThe Catholic Church in Vietnam is facing a critical lack in missionaries despite having massive vocational growth, a report this week said.There is “a dire shortage of the missionary spirit required to reach the ‘peripheries’” in Vietnam, according to a UCA News article on Tuesday by Catholic commentator Petrus Po. Though the country in January welcomed 76 new transitional deacons, who are all expected to be ordained in the next year to the priesthood, Po observed that Vietnam’s clergy are heavily concentrated in urban centers, leaving areas such as the Central Highlands and northwestern areas to “wait months for a single Mass.” Amid shortages in rural areas, Po said the local Church should “embrace” the Vietnamese bishops’ designation of 2026 as the year of “Every Christian as a Missionary Disciple” by sending more priests to live in rural areas rather than merely “lending” them.Rising violence in Pakistan prompts increased worry among ChristiansCatholics in Pakistan are experiencing heightened anxiety as conflict between armed militant separatist groups and Pakistan’s security forces continues to strike closer to home.Amar Mansoor Bhatti, a 35-year old Catholic man, told UCA news that he awoke to the sound of gunfire and explosions this past week from the armed clash that has left more than 190 people dead including civilians. “The firing continued for more than eight hours until late afternoon. We stayed inside. We were afraid to step outside the house until Sunday morning [Feb. 1],” he said.The ongoing violence has included suicide bombing attacks, grenade strikes, gunfire, and more. A Christian woman, Maria Shamoon, was abducted from her home in Balochistan by separatists before being later rescued, the report noted.Kenya bishop cautions politicians against disrespecting places of worshipThe auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wote, Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, has cautioned politicians against showing disrespect to places of worship, warning that such actions amount to mocking God and undermining the sanctity of the churches in Kenya, ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, reported Wednesday.Kamomoe issued a stern rebuke of political figures during his homily on Sunday following an attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Sunday church service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, saying: “The leaders of this country don’t respect the sanctuaries of the Lord … That is mocking God, that is contempt, which is very unfortunate, and if they don’t change, they will see the results.”Filipino priest tapped to serve as new auxiliary bishop for Perth ArchdiocesePope Leo XIV has appointed Philippine-born priest Father Nelson Po to serve as an auxiliary bishop to the Archdiocese of Perth.“It was a big surprise to me. It was overwhelming and surreal because I have never dreamed of becoming a bishop. I went straight to the chapel and became very emotional. I felt so inadequate and unworthy, but I know that God’s strength will carry me through,” Nelson said regarding the news of his appointment, according to a Feb. 2 press release.Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, SDB, welcomed the announcement, saying Nelson is “greeted with great joy and excitement by the whole Catholic community of the archdiocese.”Shifts in Syria’s Jazira region: Calm returns, crises remainThe entry of Syrian security forces into Qamishli, following similar deployments in Hasakah and Ayn al-Arab, marks a tangible step in implementing understandings between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces under international pressure, ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, reported Wednesday.For local Christians and other communities, the move has brought cautious relief, particularly with the end of compulsory service previously imposed under the label of “self-defense duty.” Yet stability on paper contrasts sharply with daily realities. Church sources report that around 12% of Jazira’s Christians emigrated in 2025, driven by insecurity and crushing costs, while those who remain face severe water shortages, near-total groundwater depletion, prolonged power cuts, environmental pollution, and persistent security incidents. Eastern Christian youth thrive in the Australian diasporaFrom Melbourne to Auckland, young people from Eastern Churches are finding creative ways to live their faith far from their ancestral homelands, ACI MENA recently reported.The Syriac Catholic youth festival in Australia combined prayer, theater, and open discussion on anxiety, technology, and Christian identity, drawing strong participation.Meanwhile, Chaldean youth gatherings in Australia and New Zealand focused on strengthening communion, daily liturgical life, and reflection on faith within multicultural societies. These initiatives show that, even in the diaspora, Eastern Christian youth are not merely preserving tradition but actively reshaping it for new contexts.
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Zambia bishops instruct clergy and faithful to stay out of partisan politics – #Catholic – Here is a roundup of world news you may have missed this past week:Zambia bishops instruct clergy and faithful to stay out of partisan politicsCatholic bishops in Zambia issued a pastoral letter this past week telling priests to refrain from engaging in party politics as preparations for the country’s August presidential and general elections begin.“The Church is not and must never be a mouthpiece for any political party or candidate. Our duty is to form consciences, promote the common good, and speak truth to power,” the letter stated, adding that “clergy who align themselves with political interests risk compromising their sacred vocation.” The bishops further emphasized that Church property should never be used for political campaigns or meetings, that priests should never accept political donations in exchange for influence, and that preaching from the pulpit remain centered on the Gospel rather than politics.Vietnam has an abundance of priests, lack of missionaries, report saysThe Catholic Church in Vietnam is facing a critical lack in missionaries despite having massive vocational growth, a report this week said.There is “a dire shortage of the missionary spirit required to reach the ‘peripheries’” in Vietnam, according to a UCA News article on Tuesday by Catholic commentator Petrus Po. Though the country in January welcomed 76 new transitional deacons, who are all expected to be ordained in the next year to the priesthood, Po observed that Vietnam’s clergy are heavily concentrated in urban centers, leaving areas such as the Central Highlands and northwestern areas to “wait months for a single Mass.” Amid shortages in rural areas, Po said the local Church should “embrace” the Vietnamese bishops’ designation of 2026 as the year of “Every Christian as a Missionary Disciple” by sending more priests to live in rural areas rather than merely “lending” them.Rising violence in Pakistan prompts increased worry among ChristiansCatholics in Pakistan are experiencing heightened anxiety as conflict between armed militant separatist groups and Pakistan’s security forces continues to strike closer to home.Amar Mansoor Bhatti, a 35-year old Catholic man, told UCA news that he awoke to the sound of gunfire and explosions this past week from the armed clash that has left more than 190 people dead including civilians. “The firing continued for more than eight hours until late afternoon. We stayed inside. We were afraid to step outside the house until Sunday morning [Feb. 1],” he said.The ongoing violence has included suicide bombing attacks, grenade strikes, gunfire, and more. A Christian woman, Maria Shamoon, was abducted from her home in Balochistan by separatists before being later rescued, the report noted.Kenya bishop cautions politicians against disrespecting places of worshipThe auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wote, Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, has cautioned politicians against showing disrespect to places of worship, warning that such actions amount to mocking God and undermining the sanctity of the churches in Kenya, ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, reported Wednesday.Kamomoe issued a stern rebuke of political figures during his homily on Sunday following an attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Sunday church service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, saying: “The leaders of this country don’t respect the sanctuaries of the Lord … That is mocking God, that is contempt, which is very unfortunate, and if they don’t change, they will see the results.”Filipino priest tapped to serve as new auxiliary bishop for Perth ArchdiocesePope Leo XIV has appointed Philippine-born priest Father Nelson Po to serve as an auxiliary bishop to the Archdiocese of Perth.“It was a big surprise to me. It was overwhelming and surreal because I have never dreamed of becoming a bishop. I went straight to the chapel and became very emotional. I felt so inadequate and unworthy, but I know that God’s strength will carry me through,” Nelson said regarding the news of his appointment, according to a Feb. 2 press release.Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, SDB, welcomed the announcement, saying Nelson is “greeted with great joy and excitement by the whole Catholic community of the archdiocese.”Shifts in Syria’s Jazira region: Calm returns, crises remainThe entry of Syrian security forces into Qamishli, following similar deployments in Hasakah and Ayn al-Arab, marks a tangible step in implementing understandings between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces under international pressure, ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, reported Wednesday.For local Christians and other communities, the move has brought cautious relief, particularly with the end of compulsory service previously imposed under the label of “self-defense duty.” Yet stability on paper contrasts sharply with daily realities. Church sources report that around 12% of Jazira’s Christians emigrated in 2025, driven by insecurity and crushing costs, while those who remain face severe water shortages, near-total groundwater depletion, prolonged power cuts, environmental pollution, and persistent security incidents. Eastern Christian youth thrive in the Australian diasporaFrom Melbourne to Auckland, young people from Eastern Churches are finding creative ways to live their faith far from their ancestral homelands, ACI MENA recently reported.The Syriac Catholic youth festival in Australia combined prayer, theater, and open discussion on anxiety, technology, and Christian identity, drawing strong participation.Meanwhile, Chaldean youth gatherings in Australia and New Zealand focused on strengthening communion, daily liturgical life, and reflection on faith within multicultural societies. These initiatives show that, even in the diaspora, Eastern Christian youth are not merely preserving tradition but actively reshaping it for new contexts.

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“The Church is not and must never be a mouthpiece for any political party or candidate,” the Zambian bishops stated. Read more in this roundup of world news that you may have missed this past week.

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Hubble images globular cluster M72

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Lurking in the southwestern corner of Aquarius the Water-bearer, globular cluster M72 doesn’t stand out. At magnitude 9.4, it ranks among the dimmest globulars Charles Messier included in his celebrated catalog. But M72 also lies farther away than most Messier clusters. Its 100,000 stars shine across 55,000 light-years of intragalactic space. M72 appears to beContinue reading “Hubble images globular cluster M72”

The post Hubble images globular cluster M72 appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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Canadian Catholic bishops join members of Parliament in push to restrict medical aid in dying – #Catholic – Two legislative efforts to limit Canada’s medical aid in dying (MAID) framework converged Thursday, with Conservative member of Parliament (MP) Garnett Genuis announcing a bill focused on MAID coercion and the Catholic bishops supporting legislation to prohibit assisted dying for mental illness.Genuis introduced a private member’s bill Feb. 5 that would amend the Criminal Code to prohibit any federal or provincial government employee in a position of authority, other than a doctor or nurse, from initiating a discussion about medical aid in dying.Genuis said Bill C-260, “An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying — protection against coercion),” comes in response to numerous stories of counselors suggesting MAID to persons such as military veterans or disabled men and women who are seeking support, not death.Meanwhile, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a statement the same day strongly supporting Langley MP Tamara Jansen’s private member’s Bill C-218, which would prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (MAID).The statement from the CCCB’s permanent council, its most authoritative body between annual plenary assemblies, said Bill C-218 “would be a constructive step” toward limiting euthanasia and protecting individuals with mental illness.The bishops noted the U.N. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has called on Canada to rescind “Track 2 MAID,” which allows euthanasia for those whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, and to permanently exclude MAID for persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness.The bishops also called on the federal government “to allow free conscience voting on this matter, given its profound moral and social implications.”They said current research indicates mental illness is “not necessarily irremediable” and called for improved access to mental illness treatment and palliative care.At a news conference in Ottawa, Genuis said his Bill C-260 would clarify MAID laws by explicitly covering coercive situations such as counseling sessions.The member of Parliament for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan said the bill is aimed at countering the “discrimination and coercion” that “undermine the experience of persons trying to access supports that they are entitled to.”He cited the example of Nicolas Bergeron, a 46-year-old Quebec man who was not interested in medically-facilitated death. “But a social worker, who came to his house for an entirely different reason, repeatedly tried to push him to change his mind,” Genuis said.Genuis said the counselor presented Bergeron with “a very bleak, worst-case scenario for his illness and told him that sometimes you just have to stop fighting … This is wrong and this is not a one-off. This MAID coercion by nonexperts in positions of authority is part of a troubling pattern.”The bill states: “Every person who, being an officer or employee of the government of Canada or of a province, other than a medical practitioner or a registered nurse, including a nurse practitioner, initiates a discussion with a person about the availability to that person of medical assistance in dying is guilty of an offense punishable on summary conviction if they (a) by virtue of their profession, are in a position of trust or authority towards that person; and(b) know that the person has not specifically requested to have such a discussion with them.”While current law requires that a request for MAID be voluntary and free from external pressure, supporters of the bill argue that consent can be compromised when individuals feel they have no meaningful alternatives to relieve their suffering. Supporters say inadequate access to palliative care, disability supports, mental health treatment, or stable housing amounts to “systemic coercion.”The Criminal Code in Canada currently requires that individuals requesting MAID give informed consent and be advised of available means to relieve suffering, including palliative care. Proponents of Bill C-260 argue that explicitly naming coercion in the MAID context would make it a more enforceable criminal consideration rather than relying primarily on administrative checks and professional judgment.Genuis has repeatedly argued that MAID cannot be considered a genuine choice when people lack access to life-affirming supports. That concern was underscored during a House of Commons committee exchange last fall with Krista Carr, chief executive officer of Inclusion Canada.Appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, Carr told MPs that people with disabilities are already being placed at a disadvantage by public policy decisions that erode supports. Asked by Genuis whether people with disabilities would be “net worse off” as a result of proposed changes to disability tax credits, Carr replied: “Yes. I think it’s an unintended consequence of a bill meant to make life more affordable for Canadians. As a consequence of that, yes, in a net position they will be worse off than they are now.”The bill is being introduced amid ongoing debate over the scope and safeguards of Canada’s MAID regime, particularly for people whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable. Disability advocates and organizations, including Inclusion Canada, have repeatedly warned that the expansion of MAID has outpaced the development of adequate social supports, placing people in precarious living situations at risk.As a private member’s bill, Bill C-260 must pass second reading in the House of Commons before proceeding to committee study.This story was first published by The B.C. Catholic on Feb. 5, 2026, and is reprinted here with permission.
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Canadian Catholic bishops join members of Parliament in push to restrict medical aid in dying – #Catholic – Two legislative efforts to limit Canada’s medical aid in dying (MAID) framework converged Thursday, with Conservative member of Parliament (MP) Garnett Genuis announcing a bill focused on MAID coercion and the Catholic bishops supporting legislation to prohibit assisted dying for mental illness.Genuis introduced a private member’s bill Feb. 5 that would amend the Criminal Code to prohibit any federal or provincial government employee in a position of authority, other than a doctor or nurse, from initiating a discussion about medical aid in dying.Genuis said Bill C-260, “An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying — protection against coercion),” comes in response to numerous stories of counselors suggesting MAID to persons such as military veterans or disabled men and women who are seeking support, not death.Meanwhile, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a statement the same day strongly supporting Langley MP Tamara Jansen’s private member’s Bill C-218, which would prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (MAID).The statement from the CCCB’s permanent council, its most authoritative body between annual plenary assemblies, said Bill C-218 “would be a constructive step” toward limiting euthanasia and protecting individuals with mental illness.The bishops noted the U.N. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has called on Canada to rescind “Track 2 MAID,” which allows euthanasia for those whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, and to permanently exclude MAID for persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness.The bishops also called on the federal government “to allow free conscience voting on this matter, given its profound moral and social implications.”They said current research indicates mental illness is “not necessarily irremediable” and called for improved access to mental illness treatment and palliative care.At a news conference in Ottawa, Genuis said his Bill C-260 would clarify MAID laws by explicitly covering coercive situations such as counseling sessions.The member of Parliament for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan said the bill is aimed at countering the “discrimination and coercion” that “undermine the experience of persons trying to access supports that they are entitled to.”He cited the example of Nicolas Bergeron, a 46-year-old Quebec man who was not interested in medically-facilitated death. “But a social worker, who came to his house for an entirely different reason, repeatedly tried to push him to change his mind,” Genuis said.Genuis said the counselor presented Bergeron with “a very bleak, worst-case scenario for his illness and told him that sometimes you just have to stop fighting … This is wrong and this is not a one-off. This MAID coercion by nonexperts in positions of authority is part of a troubling pattern.”The bill states: “Every person who, being an officer or employee of the government of Canada or of a province, other than a medical practitioner or a registered nurse, including a nurse practitioner, initiates a discussion with a person about the availability to that person of medical assistance in dying is guilty of an offense punishable on summary conviction if they (a) by virtue of their profession, are in a position of trust or authority towards that person; and(b) know that the person has not specifically requested to have such a discussion with them.”While current law requires that a request for MAID be voluntary and free from external pressure, supporters of the bill argue that consent can be compromised when individuals feel they have no meaningful alternatives to relieve their suffering. Supporters say inadequate access to palliative care, disability supports, mental health treatment, or stable housing amounts to “systemic coercion.”The Criminal Code in Canada currently requires that individuals requesting MAID give informed consent and be advised of available means to relieve suffering, including palliative care. Proponents of Bill C-260 argue that explicitly naming coercion in the MAID context would make it a more enforceable criminal consideration rather than relying primarily on administrative checks and professional judgment.Genuis has repeatedly argued that MAID cannot be considered a genuine choice when people lack access to life-affirming supports. That concern was underscored during a House of Commons committee exchange last fall with Krista Carr, chief executive officer of Inclusion Canada.Appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, Carr told MPs that people with disabilities are already being placed at a disadvantage by public policy decisions that erode supports. Asked by Genuis whether people with disabilities would be “net worse off” as a result of proposed changes to disability tax credits, Carr replied: “Yes. I think it’s an unintended consequence of a bill meant to make life more affordable for Canadians. As a consequence of that, yes, in a net position they will be worse off than they are now.”The bill is being introduced amid ongoing debate over the scope and safeguards of Canada’s MAID regime, particularly for people whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable. Disability advocates and organizations, including Inclusion Canada, have repeatedly warned that the expansion of MAID has outpaced the development of adequate social supports, placing people in precarious living situations at risk.As a private member’s bill, Bill C-260 must pass second reading in the House of Commons before proceeding to committee study.This story was first published by The B.C. Catholic on Feb. 5, 2026, and is reprinted here with permission.

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The Canadian bishops issued a statement Feb. 5 supporting Bill C-218, which would prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing physician-assisted suicide.

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Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop James Golka to lead Archdiocese of Denver #Catholic Colorado Springs Bishop James Golka will lead the Archdiocese of Denver after Archbishop Samuel Aquila steps down from the post, the Vatican announced on Feb. 7.Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — has led the Colorado archdiocese since 2012, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He was ordained in that archdiocese in 1976 and previously served as the bishop of Fargo, North Dakota.In a “farewell thank you” letter published on Feb. 7, Aquila said his heart was “filled above all with gratitude” as he prepares to enter retirement. “From the beginning of my ministry here, I have been convinced that the Lord is at work among us, calling us ever more deeply to conversion, communion, and mission,” the archbishop told the archdiocese. Aquila prayed that Golka would be “strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration, and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive.” Golka has lead the Colorado Springs Diocese since 2021 after being appointed there by Pope Francis.Born Sept. 22, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska, Golka obtained philosophy and theology degrees at Creighton University. He served as a Jesuit lay missionary volunteer for the Native American Missions in South Dakota before attending St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota. After obtaining master’s degrees in divinity and sacramental theology, he was ordained in the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994. During his time in the Grand Island Diocese he served in various capacities, including as director of diocesan youth, chair of the personnel board, director of ongoing formation of clergy, and on the presbyteral council.Upon being named as bishop of Colorado Springs in 2021, Golka said he aimed to help the faithful “become fascinated by the Lord.”“I’m fascinated by Jesus Christ,” Golka said at the time. “It’s a gift that God gave me as a boy. I remember as a second-grader getting my first children’s Bible. I loved reading the stories of Jesus.”He was consecrated as a bishop on June 29, 2021.The Archdiocese of Denver will host a press conference on Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. EST to introduce Bishop-designate Golka. Watch the press conference here.
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Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop James Golka to lead Archdiocese of Denver #Catholic Colorado Springs Bishop James Golka will lead the Archdiocese of Denver after Archbishop Samuel Aquila steps down from the post, the Vatican announced on Feb. 7.Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — has led the Colorado archdiocese since 2012, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He was ordained in that archdiocese in 1976 and previously served as the bishop of Fargo, North Dakota.In a “farewell thank you” letter published on Feb. 7, Aquila said his heart was “filled above all with gratitude” as he prepares to enter retirement. “From the beginning of my ministry here, I have been convinced that the Lord is at work among us, calling us ever more deeply to conversion, communion, and mission,” the archbishop told the archdiocese. Aquila prayed that Golka would be “strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration, and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive.” Golka has lead the Colorado Springs Diocese since 2021 after being appointed there by Pope Francis.Born Sept. 22, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska, Golka obtained philosophy and theology degrees at Creighton University. He served as a Jesuit lay missionary volunteer for the Native American Missions in South Dakota before attending St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota. After obtaining master’s degrees in divinity and sacramental theology, he was ordained in the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994. During his time in the Grand Island Diocese he served in various capacities, including as director of diocesan youth, chair of the personnel board, director of ongoing formation of clergy, and on the presbyteral council.Upon being named as bishop of Colorado Springs in 2021, Golka said he aimed to help the faithful “become fascinated by the Lord.”“I’m fascinated by Jesus Christ,” Golka said at the time. “It’s a gift that God gave me as a boy. I remember as a second-grader getting my first children’s Bible. I loved reading the stories of Jesus.”He was consecrated as a bishop on June 29, 2021.The Archdiocese of Denver will host a press conference on Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. EST to introduce Bishop-designate Golka. Watch the press conference here.

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The Holy Father accepted the resignation of Archbishop Samuel Aquila, the Holy See announced on Feb. 7.

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‘Hoodies from Heaven’ brings warmth to children in need #Catholic After retiring in 2021, Patrick McBee began subbing as an aide at local schools in Morgan County, West Virginia. He quickly realized that many children did not have the appropriate clothes to keep them warm during the winter months. Unable to wear their coats during the school day due to security reasons, McBee had an idea to help underprivileged children stay warm — hoodies.A member of the Knights of Columbus for over 20 years, McBee turned to his council for help bringing his idea to fruition. The council at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church — the only Catholic Church in Morgan Country — loved the idea and began the Hoodies from Heaven initiative, which solicits donations of new or gently used hoodies to give to children in need at local schools.Since its launch in 2024, Hoodies from Heaven has donated over 300 hoodies to children in six local schools. Each hoodie that is given to a child in need comes with a note that says “God loves you.”McBee told EWTN News that he knew something needed to be done after speaking with the school board and found out that over 1,000 families in Morgan County “identify as needy … and that’s not even counting the ones that do not go to DHHR — Department of Health and Human Resources.”McBee’s wife, Judy, added that “there wasn’t anything specific to help the school-aged children. There’s lots of support for unwed mothers or single mothers with babies and things, but there wasn’t anything for elementary, middle, and high school kids.”She added that part of the Knights’ mission is to “take care of children, widows, and orphans,” and “we knew that the babies were being taken care of. We saw that there were older children suffering and wanted to help them out and let them know that they’re not forgotten about by God.”The married couple explained that the hoodies are handed out by teachers and bus drivers “because they’re the first line of defense. … They distribute them to the kids that they see need them,” Judy said.Despite serving primarily in their local area, Hoodies from Heaven has helped others outside of their county. In September 2025, southwestern West Virginia experienced severe flooding, with many neighborhoods severely damaged or wiped out. The McBees sent over 60 hoodies and some sweatpants that were donated to the Catholic church in the area to be handed out to families in need.The McBees agreed that they would love to “plant the seeds in other Knights of Columbus councils — to do this is so easy,” Judy said.“The people, they just come forth with their generosity … I would say very rarely has a weekend passed that Patrick and I don’t go to Mass and come home with a bag or two of hoodies. It’s awesome how people just step up, but we think that if this word could get out to others, then they could start their own little programs and just specifically to help the older kids who get neglected sometimes.”Patrick shared a story he was told about a little boy who received one of the hoodies. When the boy received it, he asked if he had to give it back. When the teacher told him no and that it was for him to keep, he was “elated.”“When I heard that, that broke my heart,” Judy added.Judy shared that growing up in an affluent town in New Jersey, she “was very fortunate growing up and never wanted for anything as a kid. And I come here, here I am retired, and I see what I see and it just absolutely breaks my heart, but these children here are special.”“They’re very appreciative. They’re not spoiled. They’re not entitled. They know that they don’t come from an entitled background. They’re very humble. The kids here are just extraordinary, just absolutely extraordinary.”As for their hope for Hoodies from Heaven, Judy said: “If we could just make just a couple of kids happy and warm, feel that they’re that valued, and then the little note that goes with them telling them that God loves them too. We hope that that brings a message to them that plants a seed that as they grow older that they’ll know to rely on God, because God provides everything we need.”
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‘Hoodies from Heaven’ brings warmth to children in need #Catholic After retiring in 2021, Patrick McBee began subbing as an aide at local schools in Morgan County, West Virginia. He quickly realized that many children did not have the appropriate clothes to keep them warm during the winter months. Unable to wear their coats during the school day due to security reasons, McBee had an idea to help underprivileged children stay warm — hoodies.A member of the Knights of Columbus for over 20 years, McBee turned to his council for help bringing his idea to fruition. The council at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church — the only Catholic Church in Morgan Country — loved the idea and began the Hoodies from Heaven initiative, which solicits donations of new or gently used hoodies to give to children in need at local schools.Since its launch in 2024, Hoodies from Heaven has donated over 300 hoodies to children in six local schools. Each hoodie that is given to a child in need comes with a note that says “God loves you.”McBee told EWTN News that he knew something needed to be done after speaking with the school board and found out that over 1,000 families in Morgan County “identify as needy … and that’s not even counting the ones that do not go to DHHR — Department of Health and Human Resources.”McBee’s wife, Judy, added that “there wasn’t anything specific to help the school-aged children. There’s lots of support for unwed mothers or single mothers with babies and things, but there wasn’t anything for elementary, middle, and high school kids.”She added that part of the Knights’ mission is to “take care of children, widows, and orphans,” and “we knew that the babies were being taken care of. We saw that there were older children suffering and wanted to help them out and let them know that they’re not forgotten about by God.”The married couple explained that the hoodies are handed out by teachers and bus drivers “because they’re the first line of defense. … They distribute them to the kids that they see need them,” Judy said.Despite serving primarily in their local area, Hoodies from Heaven has helped others outside of their county. In September 2025, southwestern West Virginia experienced severe flooding, with many neighborhoods severely damaged or wiped out. The McBees sent over 60 hoodies and some sweatpants that were donated to the Catholic church in the area to be handed out to families in need.The McBees agreed that they would love to “plant the seeds in other Knights of Columbus councils — to do this is so easy,” Judy said.“The people, they just come forth with their generosity … I would say very rarely has a weekend passed that Patrick and I don’t go to Mass and come home with a bag or two of hoodies. It’s awesome how people just step up, but we think that if this word could get out to others, then they could start their own little programs and just specifically to help the older kids who get neglected sometimes.”Patrick shared a story he was told about a little boy who received one of the hoodies. When the boy received it, he asked if he had to give it back. When the teacher told him no and that it was for him to keep, he was “elated.”“When I heard that, that broke my heart,” Judy added.Judy shared that growing up in an affluent town in New Jersey, she “was very fortunate growing up and never wanted for anything as a kid. And I come here, here I am retired, and I see what I see and it just absolutely breaks my heart, but these children here are special.”“They’re very appreciative. They’re not spoiled. They’re not entitled. They know that they don’t come from an entitled background. They’re very humble. The kids here are just extraordinary, just absolutely extraordinary.”As for their hope for Hoodies from Heaven, Judy said: “If we could just make just a couple of kids happy and warm, feel that they’re that valued, and then the little note that goes with them telling them that God loves them too. We hope that that brings a message to them that plants a seed that as they grow older that they’ll know to rely on God, because God provides everything we need.”

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Amid the freezing temperatures hitting many parts of the U.S., one Knights of Columbus council is providing warmth to children in need through an initiative called “Hoodies from Heaven.”

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Trump Zings Washington Post Reporter During Press Gaggle Aboard Air Force One (VIDEO) – President Trump sparred with reporters during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Mar-a-Lago on Friday evening. The post Trump Zings Washington Post Reporter During Press Gaggle Aboard Air Force One (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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Trump Zings Washington Post Reporter During Press Gaggle Aboard Air Force One (VIDEO) – President Trump sparred with reporters during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Mar-a-Lago on Friday evening. The post Trump Zings Washington Post Reporter During Press Gaggle Aboard Air Force One (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Donald Trump speaks to reporters on an airplane, surrounded by microphones during a press event.

Donald Trump speaks to reporters on an airplane, surrounded by microphones during a press event.

President Trump sparred with reporters during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One en route to Mar-a-Lago on Friday evening.

The post Trump Zings Washington Post Reporter During Press Gaggle Aboard Air Force One (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Pope Leo XIV: Peace begins with dignity, not weapons – #Catholic – As the Church marks the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, Pope Leo XIV renewed what he called the Church’s “urgent call” to end a crime that “gravely wounds human dignity” and undermines authentic peace.The annual day of prayer is observed on Feb. 8, the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave whose life has become a universal symbol of the Church’s commitment to combating human trafficking. Events in Rome this year span several days and culminate Sunday with the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.In his message for the occasion, titled “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” the pope reflects on Christ’s greeting after the Resurrection: “Peace be with you.”“These words are more than a salutation; they offer a path toward a renewed humanity,” the pope writes. “True peace begins with the recognition and protection of the God-given dignity of every person.”He warns that contemporary conflicts often erode this vision of peace, noting that “in situations of conflict, the loss of human life is too often dismissed by warmongers as ‘collateral damage,’ sacrificed in the pursuit of political or economic interests.”According to the pope, the same logic fuels human trafficking worldwide. “Geopolitical instability and armed conflicts create fertile ground for traffickers to exploit the most vulnerable, especially displaced persons, migrants, and refugees,” he writes, adding that “within this broken paradigm, women and children are the most impacted by this heinous trade.”The pope also draws attention to newer forms of exploitation, including what he calls “cyber slavery,” in which victims are coerced into criminal activities such as online fraud or drug smuggling.“In such cases, the victim is coerced into assuming the role of perpetrator, exacerbating their spiritual wounds,” he writes. “These forms of violence are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a culture that has forgotten how to love as Christ loves.”Faced with these realities, Pope Leo XIV urges prayer and concrete awareness. “Prayer is the ‘small flame’ that we must guard amidst the storm, as it gives us the strength to resist indifference to injustice,” he writes, while awareness helps uncover “the hidden mechanisms of exploitation in our neighborhoods and in digital spaces.”The pope also expresses gratitude to those working on the front lines to assist victims of trafficking, including international Catholic networks such as Talitha Kum, and acknowledges survivors who now advocate for others.In Rome, events marking the World Day include an online global pilgrimage of prayer, a youth formation day, and public awareness initiatives. The observances conclude Sunday, Feb. 8, with the Angelus prayer with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols in collaboration with the Santa Marta Group.Entrusting the initiative to the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, the pope calls Catholics to work for a peace that is more than the absence of war — a peace, he writes, that is “unarmed and disarming,” rooted in full respect for the dignity of every person.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
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Pope Leo XIV: Peace begins with dignity, not weapons – #Catholic – As the Church marks the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, Pope Leo XIV renewed what he called the Church’s “urgent call” to end a crime that “gravely wounds human dignity” and undermines authentic peace.The annual day of prayer is observed on Feb. 8, the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave whose life has become a universal symbol of the Church’s commitment to combating human trafficking. Events in Rome this year span several days and culminate Sunday with the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.In his message for the occasion, titled “Peace Begins with Dignity: A Global Call to End Human Trafficking,” the pope reflects on Christ’s greeting after the Resurrection: “Peace be with you.”“These words are more than a salutation; they offer a path toward a renewed humanity,” the pope writes. “True peace begins with the recognition and protection of the God-given dignity of every person.”He warns that contemporary conflicts often erode this vision of peace, noting that “in situations of conflict, the loss of human life is too often dismissed by warmongers as ‘collateral damage,’ sacrificed in the pursuit of political or economic interests.”According to the pope, the same logic fuels human trafficking worldwide. “Geopolitical instability and armed conflicts create fertile ground for traffickers to exploit the most vulnerable, especially displaced persons, migrants, and refugees,” he writes, adding that “within this broken paradigm, women and children are the most impacted by this heinous trade.”The pope also draws attention to newer forms of exploitation, including what he calls “cyber slavery,” in which victims are coerced into criminal activities such as online fraud or drug smuggling.“In such cases, the victim is coerced into assuming the role of perpetrator, exacerbating their spiritual wounds,” he writes. “These forms of violence are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a culture that has forgotten how to love as Christ loves.”Faced with these realities, Pope Leo XIV urges prayer and concrete awareness. “Prayer is the ‘small flame’ that we must guard amidst the storm, as it gives us the strength to resist indifference to injustice,” he writes, while awareness helps uncover “the hidden mechanisms of exploitation in our neighborhoods and in digital spaces.”The pope also expresses gratitude to those working on the front lines to assist victims of trafficking, including international Catholic networks such as Talitha Kum, and acknowledges survivors who now advocate for others.In Rome, events marking the World Day include an online global pilgrimage of prayer, a youth formation day, and public awareness initiatives. The observances conclude Sunday, Feb. 8, with the Angelus prayer with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols in collaboration with the Santa Marta Group.Entrusting the initiative to the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, the pope calls Catholics to work for a peace that is more than the absence of war — a peace, he writes, that is “unarmed and disarming,” rooted in full respect for the dignity of every person.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.

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In a message for the Church’s Feb. 8 World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, the pope warns that conflict and inequality fuel exploitation.

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