Catholic Nutshell News: Friday 9/19/25
Topics include: Feds cancel grants for fetal human tissue; Anthrax scare was 'anti-Catholic'; ‘Monasticamp’ for college students; & Pope Leo XIV signals shift on China
Fridays, "Living that coconut kinda life."
Today's sources: National Catholic Register, Catholic News Agency, Word on Fire, Our Sunday Visitor, & Missio Dei, & 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
Feds cancel grants for fetal human tissue research
By Daniel Payne, September 18, 2025
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is refusing to renew more than a dozen grants related to human fetal tissue research. The federal agency told Breitbart News that multiple grants involving human fetal remains “will not be renewed.” The funding was originally launched under the Biden administration, the NIH told the conservative news outlet. The agency revealed the decision shortly after a report from the watchdog group White Coat Waste exposed the ongoing funding. The NIH told Breitbart that it is “guided by a commitment to valuing human life and ensuring that federally funded research is conducted responsibly and transparently.”
The Pillar
‘Anti-Catholic motivation’ in anthrax scare
By Luke Coppen, September 18, 2025
David Quinn, a columnist for Ireland’s Sunday Independent and Irish Catholic newspapers, was targeted in an anthrax scare this week. He opened a suspicious package Sept. 16 at the Dublin offices of the Iona Institute, a thinktank he founded in 2006. Quinn said he believed there was an “anti-Catholic motivation” behind the incident. The package contained a white powder and an anonymous message that read “Happy Anthrax Mr David Quinn [and] Bitch O’Brein.” The last two words appeared to refer to Irish Times columnist Breda O’Brien, a patron of the Iona Institute, which promotes “the advancement and promotion of the Christian religion, its social and moral values.” Quinn said, “I’d be amazed if it’s not somebody with a big dislike of the Church. It named both me and Breda O’Brien, who tends to write from a pro-Catholic perspective like me.”
CatholicVote
Senate declares Oct.14 as Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk
By Rachel Quackenbush, September 18, 2025
The US Senate unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 18 that establishes October 14, 2025, as the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.” The measure, introduced by Senator Rick Scott of Florida, honors the late conservative leader’s contributions to civic life, faith, and public discourse. The resolution describes Kirk as a “champion of free speech, civil dialogue, and faith” recognizing his consistent promotion of “individual liberty, open debate, the importance of civic engagement, and the defense of constitutional principles.” It further states that “Charlie Kirk was recognized as one of the leading voices among young leaders in the United States, creating opportunities for civic education, fostering youth leadership, and promoting principles of liberty and democracy across the United States.”
National Catholic Register
‘Monasticamp’ prompts college students to pray and ponder
By Susan Klemond, September 18, 2025
University of St. Thomas (UST) in St. Paul, Minnesota, held its first “Monasticamp” on Sept. 13. Between prayers, participants attended Mass celebrated by a Benedictine priest and workshops given by UST faculty and Benedictine monks and nuns on prayer, illuminated manuscripts, monastic life and vows, social justice, and monastic authors — plus, Gregorian chant. Canon law requires clergy and members of religious communities, considered official representatives of the Church, to pray some of the hours, but many in the laity also pray them. Religious in monastic life often pray additional “hours” throughout the day. Monasticamp was designed, in part, to give students exposure to an entire monastic day, praying together the distinct periods of prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours, something not always possible for most busy students, including those attending Wehr’s Catholic Studies Department course this fall, “The Spirit and Art of the Medieval Monastery.”
The Times of Israel
US vetoes ‘unacceptable’ UN resolution on Gaza
By Agencies & ToI Staff, September 19, 2025
The United States once again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Thursday that had demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages after saying that the effort did not go far enough in condemning Hamas. All 14 other members of the United Nations’ most powerful body voted in favor of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory. “Colleagues, US opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise,” Morgan Ortagus, a senior US policy adviser, said before the vote took place. “It fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimizes the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council.”
Related: UN Refugee Chief: Global human rights at risk, Speaking to Vatican News following a private audience with Pope Leo XIV, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says he is “tremendously encouraged” by the Holy Father’s support for his mission, By Francesca Sabatinelli and Linda Bordoni, Sep. 18, 2025
Catholic News Agency
Pope Leo XIV signals potential shift on China, talks Trump & Gaza
By Courtney Mares, September 18, 2025
Pope Leo XIV, in his first interview since his election with Elise Allen at CRUX, signaled he may be open to future changes to the Vatican’s controversial deal with China, saying that he is in dialogue with persecuted Chinese Catholics as he weighs the future of Vatican policy toward Beijing. Pope Leo said he is listening to “a significant group of Chinese Catholics who for many years have lived some kind of oppression or difficulty in living their faith freely” as he seeks “a clearer understanding of how the Church can continue the Church’s mission.” Leo’s comments indicate openness to a possible shift from the status quo on China since 2018, when the Holy See signed a power-sharing agreement with Beijing on the appointment of bishops. “It’s a very difficult situation. In the long term, I don’t pretend to say this is what I will and will not do,” he said.
CRUX
Two Christians arrested in India for ‘illegal conversions’
By Nirmala Carvalho, September 19, 2025
Harjeet and Sunita Masih were arrested in Sitapur in the state of Uttar Pradesh on September 15 after police alleged they were trapping people under the guise of curing diseases and claimed that they recovered religious literature from them. “In recent weeks, two similar cases were detected in Sidhauli and one in Nigohi, where people linked to Christian missionary activities were arrested and sent to jail,” said Rajesh Dwivedi, Superintendent of Police, according to PressTrust of India. Hindu nationalists often accuse Christians of using force and surreptitious tactics in pursuing conversions, storming into villages and leading “reconversion” ceremonies in which Christians are compelled to perform Hindu rituals. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, with nearly 200 million people. However, only about 350,000 Christians live in the state, a minuscule 0.18% of the population.
Our Sunday Visitor
We desperately need our Catholic societies
By Father Dominic Bouck, September 18, 2025
It is well publicized that we in America live in the loneliest society of all time. Strangers raise our children, and our ancestors are alienated. Relentless activity, like travel sports, has spoiled the sabbath and fractured families. The parish used to be a hub of community, where many Catholic groups were rooted in faith, service, social life, and entertainment. There were altar societies, ladies auxiliaries, and Catholic Daughters; there were Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis clubs. Children were in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, youth auxiliaries, and various camps. The root of the word “culture” is “cult.” Worship leads to all the ancillary things that bring joy and variety to life; it roots them in a deeper purpose. The concept of the nuclear family, while seeming traditional, is much more modern than most think. “Family” once included all your grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles — who likely lived in the same town as you and where your kids would grow up as well. There were no such things as daycares or nursing homes — just home.
Big Pulpit, CNA & ChurchPOP for 9/19/25
Big Pulpit
Tito Edwards Catholic site: September 19, 2025
The Big Pulpit website is a news aggregator that gathers quality insights and analysis on the Catholic Church worldwide.
Sister Clare Crockett’s Powerful Letter on the Dangers of People-Pleasing – Church Pop
USCCB Quiet on Charlie Kirk Compared to Lavish Response to George Floyd’s Death – SOTC
Age of Spiritual Warfare is Here: America’s Descent Into Demonic Politics – John Mac Ghlionn
Live Action’s Lila Rose Wins Yale Debate Against Former ‘Catholics For Choice’ President – LAN
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — September 19, 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.
Gaza churches provide shelter and hope amid escalating conflict - Sep 19, 2025 - By Sanad Sahelia - Amid military escalation, Holy Family Catholic Church in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood of southern Gaza has become a refuge, sheltering about 600 people from both Christian and Muslim families.
Vatican expects 15,000 attendees for Jubilee of Justice - Sep 19, 2025 - By Nicolás de Cárdenas - The Jubilee of Justice, to be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 20, will bring together some 15,000 pilgrims from around the world.
Cardinal Müller calls Charlie Kirk a ‘martyr’ for Christ, rebukes ‘satanic celebration’ of death - Sep 18, 2025 - By Tyler Arnold - Müller referred to Charlie Kirk as “a martyr for Jesus Christ” and condemned the “satanic celebration” of his death by some detractors in an interview published one week after the conservative Christian activist was assassinated.
ChurchPOP Trending
ChurchPOP provides fun, informative, and authentically Catholic news and culture - September 19, 2025
Is it Wrong to Write in Your Bible? Jeff Cavins Explains Why You Should - “The Bible is the Word of God, but the Bible is also my meeting place with the Lord. It’s very personal."
Catholic Doctor Reveals the Incredible Health Benefits of Praying the Rosary - “If you are going through a difficult situation... don’t hesitate to entrust it to God: pray a Rosary every day and let Mother Mary answer for you.”
'The Real Cause of Violence': Father Mike Schmitz's Powerful Response to Charlie Kirk's Death - What is the real cause of violence? Father Mike Schmitz answers this question in a recent video responding to Charlie Kirk's death.
Nutshell reflections for 9/19/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection: AUDIO - September 19, 2025
Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Catholic Weekly
Are your strong opinions causing you to cut off relationships?
By Dr Philippa Martyr, September 18, 2025
Should Catholics have political and other kinds of opinions? Of course they should. I understand that good Catholic people feel strongly about the war in Gaza from both sides. I know many of them also feel/think strongly about uncontrolled immigration, the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, and vaccination. Have at it, folks. Have as many opinions as you like. But remember that none of this has anything to do with your mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ where you live and work. And if your strong opinions are causing you to fight with and cut off relationships with people who have done nothing wrong except politely disagree with you, I’d say it’s working in the opposite direction. We want to see our pundits “destroy” their opponents (or in some cases, their interviewers). Jesus promised us the exact opposite. He told us we would be hated, persecuted, betrayed, hunted down, and killed – just like he was.
Aleteia
Looking to make new friends? Try church
By Theresa Civantos Barber, September 19, 2025
I’ve got at least a half dozen stories of becoming friends with someone by striking up a conversation with them after Mass, and many more stories of meeting friends through church-related activities. In fact, when I stop to think about it, I realize that I’ve met most of my friends through church. I'd venture to say that churches can be part of the solution to our culture's epidemic of loneliness. Many people meet their significant others through church activities, so church can also be a place to meet someone to date. Something I especially appreciate about my “church friends” is that their company is uplifting because they strive to live in a saintly and Christlike way. They make an extra effort to be kind and charitable, and are quicker to pray for someone than to criticize. It’s a community where I feel very cared for, accepted, and comfortable.
Word on Fire
‘By the death of martyrs, religion has been defended’
By Congressman Riley Moore, September 18, 2025
The Lord himself told us in the gospel of Matthew, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12). From the very beginning, the Church has understood this: that the way of discipleship is the way of the Cross, and that the witness of suffering for Christ is the seed of faith. The great bishop of Milan, Saint Ambrose, said it this way in the fourth century: “By the death of martyrs, religion has been defended, faith increased, the Church strengthened; the dead have conquered, the persecutors have been overcome. The death itself of the martyrs is the prize of their life.” Ambrose’s words ring with eternal truth. The blood of the martyrs is not wasted; it is the very foundation of the Church’s strength.
Missio Dei
Follow the Lord more closely
By Lexis Challen, September 19, 2025
‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions (Mt. 19:16:22 NABRE). He had given so much of himself to living for God and following His commands, but when asked by Jesus to sell all of his possessions and to follow Him, the young man backed away, unwilling to let go of what was asked of him. Whether it be the outcome of a particular situation, the condition of various relationships in our lives, our finances, or decisions we have to make, we often find it difficult to give everything to God and to surrender to His will. By doing so, we will be able to follow the Lord more closely and live for Him more fully and unreservedly.
Image of Coconut by Celio Nicoli from Pixabay
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