Catholic Nutshell News: Friday 10/3/25
Topics include: Company wants to ‘normalize abortion’; New Vatican Observatory head; ‘Fight against assisted suicide is not over’; & Hamas fosters aid flotilla
Fridays, "Living that coconut kinda life."
Today's sources: National Catholic Register, Catholic News Agency, Word on Fire, Our Sunday Visitor, ChurchPOP, & Aleteia. (Catholic Nutshell is a FREE subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise their Catholic News Muscle)
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Catholic News Agency
New abortion pill: Company wants to ‘normalize abortion’
By Daniel Payne, October 2, 2025
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved a new abortion pill made by a company that explicitly says it seeks to “normalize” abortion. A Sept. 30 letter obtained from the office of Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, said the FDA approved the abbreviated new drug application for “mifepristone tablets” from Evita Solutions, a Virginia-based pharmaceutical company. The FDA said in the letter that it had “concluded that adequate information has been presented to demonstrate that the drug meets the requirements for approval” under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. On its website as of Oct. 2, Evita Solutions was advertising a “new generic mifepristone product” coming to the U.S. Mifepristone constitutes one of the major components of abortion pill prescriptions.
The Pillar
Vatican Observatory’s head talks war, galaxies, & humanity’s fate
By Luke Coppen, September 27, 2025
After Fr. Richard D’Souza had joined the Jesuits straight from school, he found himself studying physics in Heidelberg, Germany. He did his master’s thesis at the city’s Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. It was then that he discovered what he calls his “vocation for astronomy within my religious vocation.” D’Souza describes himself today as a “galactic archaeologist,” a specialist who studies how galaxies form over time, with a particular focus on how they merge. On Sept. 19, he succeeded the Detroit-born Br. Guy Consolmagno as director of the Vatican Observatory, becoming the first Indian to hold the post — a source of great pride in his homeland. D’Souza discussed his war-torn boyhood, humanity’s long-term prospects, and what it feels like to have an asteroid named after him.
CatholicVote
Brooklyn bishop says ‘fight against assisted suicide is not over’
By McKenna Snow, October 2, 2025
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn is urging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto a bill that would legalize assisted suicide in the state and thereby remain consistent with efforts of the suicide prevention program she has invested millions of dollars in. “That groundbreaking program has worked to provide the right training and crisis intervention measures to prevent suicides, offering hope to those who are most in need,” Bishop Brennan said in a Sept. 27 video message posted on X.Bishop Brennan said the bill both contradicts Hochul’s life-saving efforts and “targets high-risk populations.” “How can we justify preventing suicide while helping others to die?” he asked. Turning to the faithful who are watching, Bishop Brennan urged them to contact Hochul “and to ask her to stay consistent on this issue.”
National Catholic Register
France marks St. Michael’s apparitions to young St. Joan of Arc
By Solène Tadié, October 1, 2025
Six centuries ago, in the summer of 1425, St. Michael the Archangel descended upon the quiet French village of Domrémy, appearing to a young peasant girl named Joan of Arc. She was only 12 or 13 years old, in her father’s garden, when she first saw him. With him were angels of paradise, St. Catherine and St. Margaret, calling her to be a “good and holy girl,” to respect “God’s will,” and to seek the salvation of her soul. Introducing himself as “Michael, protector of France,” he entrusted Joan with a mission that would transcend her age and rank. These apparitions, repeated during the Hundred Years’ War, gave her courage and even inspired the design of her banner — bearing the names of Jesus and Mary — under which she fought, leading her to lift the siege of Orléans and accompany King Charles VII to his coronation at Reims in 1429. To commemorate this decisive anniversary, the Universal Association of the Friends of Joan of Arc organized the two-day “Pilgrimage of Hope,” Sept. 27-28. The initiative gathered nearly 2,000 faithful.
The Times of Israel
Hamas’s ‘direct involvement’ with aid flotilla, Israel claims
By Emanuel Fabian, October 1, 2025
Hamas documents recovered by Israeli troops in Gaza allegedly reveal the terror group’s “direct involvement” in an activist mission currently sailing dozens of boats to challenge Israel’s blockade of the Strip, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. In a statement, the ministry claimed that the documents “show a direct link between the flotilla leaders and the Hamas terrorist organization,” especially the group’s foreign arm, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians, or PCPA. The PCPA was established in 2018, and according to Israel, “functions as Hamas’ representative body abroad, operating de facto as Hamas’ embassies.” PCPA was designated by Israel as a terror group in 2021, due to its being a Hamas arm.
Catholic World Report
Challenge of being Catholic in the world’s largest Muslim country
By R. Cavanaugh, September 19, 2025
Indonesia stays somewhat under the international radar, considering it has the world’s fourth-largest population and the largest of any Muslim-majority nation. Approximately 87% of its population adheres to Islam (over 240 million). Still, one-tenth of all Indonesians are Christian, and roughly one-third of these Christians are Catholic (about 3% of the entire population). Though often touted as a place that successfully maintains religious diversity, Indonesia is no stranger to lethal outbreaks of Islamic extremism. And in much of the country, there is significant opposition to anyone seeking to build a new church. Even in locations that are not entirely opposed to a new church, Indonesian Christians have claimed they must bribe not only local officials but also residents to prevent them from sabotaging the construction in some way.
CRUX
Two priests beaten, India church looted in anti-Christian assault
By Nirmala Carvalho, October 3, 2025
Two Catholic priests were seized by unknown parties and beaten in western India in the early morning hours of Wednesday, in what many observers see as part of a growing pattern of harassment and assault against Christians in the country. According to local reports, roughly 12 unidentified assailants wielding sticks forcibly entered St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Tumdegi, a small village in the state of Jharkhand, around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 1. They looted the church and then attacked the two priests in residence, Father Dean Thomas Soreng, the pastor, and Father Emmanuel Baghwar, his young associate. Both priests sustained serious injuries and were immediately taken to a nearby health center for medical attention. After receiving treatment, both were eventually released and returned to the presbytery.
Vatican News
Anglican Bishop Sarah Mullally named Archbishop of Canterbury
By Vatican News, October 3, 2025
The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally will become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury since Saint Augustine arrived in Kent from Rome in 597. She will be the first woman to hold the office. Her installation is scheduled to take place at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. She replaces Archbishop Justin Welby, who resigned almost a year ago. The announcement by the Church of England also stated that “Bishop Sarah has served as Bishop of London since 2018, becoming the first woman to hold that post. She previously served as Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Before her ordination in 2001, she was the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England, appointed at the age of 37, the youngest person to serve in that role. Earlier in her career, she specialised as a cancer nurse. She has described nursing as “an opportunity to reflect the love of God.”
Big Pulpit, CNA & ChurchPOP for 10/3/25
Big Pulpit
Tito Edwards Catholic site: October 3, 2025
The Big Pulpit website is a news aggregator that gathers quality insights and analysis on the Catholic Church worldwide.
Here Are The American Dioceses With The Most Catholic Converts – Ch. Rousselle at Aleteia
Leo Restores Custom Of Christmas Day Mass – Hannah Brockhaus at Catholic News Agency
What Is This?!? (Blessing A ‘Climate Change’ Ice Cube) – Fr. Z’s Blog
Why We Should Consecrate Ourselves to Our Guardian Angels – Peter A. Kwasniewski, Ph.D.
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — October 3, 2025
Catholic News Agency provides reliable and free up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, with updates on the words of the Holy Father and the Holy See.
Patriarch Raï praises Lebanon border communities for staying on their land - Oct 3, 2025 - By Madalaine Elhabbal - Presiding over Mass in Marjeyoun, Raï praised local communities for their resilience and unwavering attachment to their land. “The south reminds Lebanon that salvation is for those who endure to the end,” he said, urging unity and strength in the face of loss.
Relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux begin U.S. tour at basilica named in her honor - Oct 2, 2025 - By Martin Barillas - The relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux are scheduled to visit Michigan, California; Washington, D.C.; Texas; Wisconsin; and various Carmelite locations.
Italian bishops, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to undertake joint Gaza hospital project - Oct 2, 2025 - By ACI Stampa - Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi announced a major joint project between Italy’s bishops and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem: the opening of a hospital in Gaza.
ChurchPOP Trending
ChurchPOP provides fun, informative, and authentically Catholic news and culture - October 3, 2025
Pregnant, Nursing, or Struggling with Infertility? Pray the Novena to Our Lady of La Leche - It Started Oct. 2 - For centuries, mothers have turned to her tender intercession, especially at the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem, where tradition holds that a drop of Mary’s milk turned the stone white.
3 Conditions Catholics Must Meet Before Receiving Holy Communion - Many people sometimes forget the essentials when receiving Jesus in the Eucharist
3 Simple Actions Saint Thérèse Practiced in Her Daily Life That Can Help You Become a Saint - 1) Don’t Complain; 2) Strengthen the Will; & 3) Prioritize Others
Nutshell reflections for 10/3/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection: AUDIO - October 3, 2025
Friday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Catholic Weekly
Children’s silence can be louder than any word
By Dr. Christoper West, October 1, 2025
I have been a speech pathologist for over two decades, and yet my greatest teachers have always been the children themselves. Among them, one silent child changed everything for me. I met children whose silence was louder than any word. Their eyes spoke of stories untold, their behaviours reflected deep needs, and their silence called me to listen in a way I never had before. The research is clear: parent–child interaction changes the brain. It shapes lifelong learning, literacy, relationships, and mental health. Yet in our world of quick fixes, we often look for programs, therapies, or devices to replace what only presence and love can give. The silent child was my greatest teacher. And the teachings of Theology of the Body gave me the framework to integrate it all—truth, beauty, love, and relationship. This is not just my professional path—it is my vocation.
Aleteia
‘The Chosen’ announces premiere date of new animated series
By Christine Rousselle, October 3, 2025
The Chosen Adventures, a new animated series telling the stories of Jesus from the viewpoint of two young children who met him, will begin streaming on Prime Video on October 17, Prime Video and 5&2 Studios announced in an August press release. The first season of The Chosen Adventures consists of 14 11-minute episodes, said the release, and all episodes will be released on the same day. While the episodes will initially be available exclusively on Prime Video, they will be released on YouTube later in 2025, said the press release. The series centers on two nine-year-old children, Abby and Joshua, who live in Capernum, and their animal sidekicks. “When the children encounter a wise craftsman and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, he changes the way they see the world,” said a release from The Chosen.
Word on Fire
St. Thérèse and the lesson of love
By Fr. Steve Grunow, October 1, 2025
Wednesday, the Church celebrated the witness of a cloistered, Carmelite nun who became one of the most powerful and influential women in the history of the Church: St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Born in the year 1873, Thérèse Martin would enter the Carmelite community at the age of fifteen in the year 1888. For those who are unfamiliar with the Carmelite way of life, it is a life of austerity and utter simplicity through which by living in the most radical way—vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience—one cultivates detachment from worldly desires so as to serve Christ alone. Death should have extinguished any memory of Thérèse Martin, but within a few years she was renowned throughout the world. By 1925, she would be canonized a saint. The cause of St. Thérèse’s renown was the publication of her journal in the year 1898. Thérèse began this journal at the advice of her superiors in religious life in the year 1895, and it witnesses to her relationship with Christ.
Catholic365
Jesus born sinless, without Original Sin, from Mary without sin
By Charles Gruich, October 2, 2025
A few decades ago they discovered that the ovaries of a female fetus contains all the eggs that she will produce for reproduction in her entire life. There are no new eggs formed during her lifetime. You were formed yet from a particular egg in your mother’s ovary, yet when she was still a fetus herself. This becomes rather interesting when you consider the mother of Jesus of Nazareth. If as a Christian believer you understand Mary to have birthed Jesus Christ, then you must agree that she contributed 23 chromosomes to his human body. Of course she did not contribute the Y chromosome that makes the child a male, this having been provided by the Holy Spirit. If we can imagine performing a DNA analysis on our Lord after he was born, we would find 23 chromosomes having been contributed by his mother, Mary — those same chromosomes present when she was herself in her mother’s womb.
Image of Coconut by Celio Nicoli from Pixabay
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