Catholic Nutshell News: Saturday 9/6/25
Topics include: ‘Neuralink’ vs. Imago Dei; Catholic families forced from Belfast; Sainthood for courageous student at school shooting; & New title for Mary: Our Lady of the Prairie
“We see through new tender verdant pecan leaves”
Today's news sources are Aleteia, CRUX, Catholic News Agency, National Catholic Register, First Things, and The Catholic Thing. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise their Catholic News Muscle)
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National Catholic Register
‘Neuralink’ vs. Imago Dei: What Catholic anthropology has to say
By Andrew Likoudis, September 5, 2025
Elon Musk’s latest Neuralink demo showcases whole-brain data streams that could enable humans to communicate “thousands, perhaps millions of times faster” and even restore motion to the paralyzed and sight to the blind. Last year, Neuralink became the first company to implant a brain chip in a human patient. In July, the company announced it now has seven clinical-trial patients with ALS and paralyzing spine injuries. Musk’s latest “Neuralink Update, Summer 2025” and his vision of realizing “a fundamental change to what it means to be a human” pose challenging anthropological questions for the Catholic Church to answer as the technology marches forward. Pope Leo XIV, building upon the work of his papal predecessors, has already begun to formulate a response to the advances of artificial intelligence, stressing that any technological advancement must be evaluated “in light of the integral development of the human person and society.”
Catholic News Agency
Catholic families forced from Belfast in renewed sectarian attacks
By Patrick J. Passmore, September 5, 2025
A spokesman for the Diocese of Down and Connor, Father Eddie McGee, has strongly condemned intimidation and attacks on Catholic families in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that have led all families but one to flee their homes. “The continued attacks and intimidation experienced by local residents of Annalee and Alloa Street in Belfast are cowardly and threatening faceless acts of sectarian discrimination,” McGee told CNA. The sectarian attacks in this area of north Belfast began in May when a number of Catholic family homes were targeted by masked men, with windows broken and vehicles vandalized. Only one Catholic family remains. Protestant residents were unwilling to speak to local media for fear of reprisal by loyalist paramilitary groups.
Agenzia Fides
Congress of Leaders of world and traditional religions meet again
By Agenzia Fides, September 4, 2025
On September 17 and 18, 2025, Kazakhstan will host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions once again. The event, now in its eighth year, will bring together representatives of all religions and once again take place in Astana, where the Apostolic Nunciature, in agreement with local authorities, is currently preparing the congress. According to the Kazakh government, the Congress, as an international forum, has "already become a platform where the Church, together with representatives of various religious traditions around the world, testifies to the value of peace, mutual understanding, and harmony." The discussions also addressed collaboration with the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome, a clinical facility where "joint projects in the field of pediatric neurology and epileptology" are conducted.
Aleteia
Courageous student at school shooting could be next saint
By Philip Kosloski, September 6, 2015
On May 7, 2019, two gunmen entered the Highlands Ranch STEM school, and student Kendrick Castillo didn't waste any time protecting his fellow students. Castillo immediately charged forward and pinned one of the gunmen to the wall before he was fatally shot. In August, priests from St. Mark Parish in Colorado Springs submitted a petition to open the cause for canonization of Kendrick Castillo. Bishop James Golka of the Diocese of Colorado Springs publicly stated to The Denver Post that he is reviewing the petition and will consider whether or not to open an official cause for his beatification and canonization. Before his death, Castillo had expressed interest in the Knights of Columbus and wanted to become a member. He even had his first degree ceremony marked on his calendar. Bishop Golka has stated that individuals can "privately invoke Kendrick’s intercession" as evidence is collected in Castillo's cause for canonization.
Our Sunday Visitor
Should I invite my non-Catholic friend to Mass?
By Father John LoCoco, September 6, 2025
Anyone who has tried the work of evangelization knows just how difficult it is to succeed. Even Jesus faced rejection in his own town, where, as the Gospel of Luke recounts, the people “drove him out of the town” after the proclamation of his mission (4:29). Perhaps the most prolific missionary, St. Paul was often met with skepticism and incredulity — as he was at the Areopagus in Athens. At other times, he endured violence and threats of death. These examples remind us that sharing the kingdom of heaven is not for the faint of heart. It can be incredibly challenging but equally rewarding. While Catholic liturgy might be a beautiful first encounter with the Faith for some, it could be more confusing than consoling for the uninitiated. A parish event, mission, or charitable endeavor that would allow your friend to see first how the Gospel is motivating the lives of those in your community might be a better place to start.
CRUX
Bishop warns country faces ‘bombs of youth anger’
By Ngala Killian Chimtom, September 6, 2025
Amid South Sudan’s protracted civil conflict, which recently erupted anew with fighting between government forces and militia members in early September, leaving at least 14 people dead. Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussalas said the country is sitting on “volatile bombs of youth anger, family collapse and national silence.” He said a recent gang rape in the national capital of Juba, which for many South Sudanese has come to symbolize the terror and lawlessness gripping their country, called the incident “a cry, a symptom … a signal that something deep and dangerous is unraveling in our nation’s soul.” Investigations later revealed that the girl belonged to a rival gang. “What happened is not just a crime,” the cleric wrote. Investigators report that the rape incident was a case of revenge, highlighting the scale of gang violence in the Horn of Africa country.
The PILLAR
America: The story behind Our Lady of the Prairie
By Mary Farrow, September 5, 2025
The land of the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota, consists of what some might pejoratively call “flyover country.” It has no major cities, no towering mountains, no ocean shorelines, and no many popular tourist attractions. Mostly, it is 9,000-plus square miles of Midwestern prairie and farmland. Bishop Chad Zielinski, installed to lead New Ulm in 2022, drove all four corners of his new diocese and was struck by “the loveliness of the thousands of acres of prairie land.” With a strong desire to reconsecrate the diocese to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Zielinski commissioned a new image of Mary for his diocese, with the title Our Lady of the Prairie. “It’s really helping people to see that she's our mother, she’s the mother of the diocese, of the people here. She knows us, she knows what we need,” Leonard Gutierrez, the director of evangelization for the Diocese of New Ulm, told The Pillar. “She’s helped really bring to life the person of Mary.”
CatholicVote
Alabama man’s dark motives to target, threaten Norbertine abbey
By CV News Feed, September 5, 2025
Authorities arrested Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, after a priest at St. Michael’s Abbey in Orange County, California, reported receiving “suspicious, threatening emails,” according to a Sept. 2 news release. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department stated that deputies detained Richardson 60 miles from the monastery and found body armor, high-capacity magazines, brass knuckles, and knives in his vehicle, as CatholicVote previously reported. FOX 11 reported Sept. 4 that Richardson sent an email to St. Michael’s Abbey claiming he was “sent to do the Lord’s reaping before his harvest.” “In his email, Richardson allegedly claimed to be Michael the Angel of Death and said that he chose St. Michael’s Abbey as it is one of the few churches in the nation that still practices Michaelmas,” FOX 11 reported. He then said he would travel soon to the abbey.
From CNA & Loop & Register for 9/6/25
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — September 6, 2025
The Catholic News Agency provides reliable, free, and up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, emphasizing the words of the Holy Father and the happenings of the Holy See to anyone with internet access.
‘Triumph of the Heart’ tells powerful story of St. Maximilian Kolbe - Sep 6, 2025 - By Francesca Pollio Fenton - “Triumph of the Heart,” a film about the final days of St. Maximilian Kolbe, will be released in theaters on Sept. 12.
LIVE UPDATES: Canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, the first saints of Pope Leo XIV - Sep 6, 2025 - By CNA Staff - Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be declared saints in the Catholic Church on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Church’s voice ‘vital’ in guiding AI’s future, symposium experts say - Sep 5, 2025 - By Madeleine Teahan - Entrepreneurs, academics, and clergy came together in Scotland’s capital to tackle the ethics of emerging AI technologies.
CatholicVote: Daily LOOP
Read daily news and political impact stories at the “LOOP”
Elections and politics matter. The LOOP gives you daily gems on the news that seek “to renew our country and culture.” CatholicVote’s advertised mission is “To inspire every Catholic in America to live out the truths of our faith in public life.”
WILL COLORADO'S CATHOLICS PROTECT WOMEN & KIDS? - Colorado’s Catholic bishops are urgently calling on the faithful to help place three citizen-led measures on the 2026 statewide ballot. The ballot initiatives are direct counteroffensives against attacks the Democratic-controlled legislature recently made against parental rights, conscience rights, and children.
CHRISTIAN FOSTER PARENTS SUE OVER DRACONIAN LGBT RULE - Massachusetts officials recently told foster parents they must aid the state in pushing the LGBT agenda on kids or they will lose their right to foster children. Now, Christian parents are fighting back in court.
DATING ADVICE FOR YOUNG MEN - Catholic men, don't advertise on dating sites saying you're looking for a "traditional" Catholic wife, says Randall Smith at The Catholic Thing. You can't order a good wife like you order off Amazon. Now, that's not to say it's a mistake to use dating apps. But the focus needs to shift. Here is Smith's list of things you need to do and need to be to draw the right woman.
National Catholic Register
National Catholic Register for September 6, 2025
The Register offers perspective on the news of the day as seen through the eyes of the Magisterium. We assist Catholics in engaging the culture with confidence in the saving and sanctifying Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Duchess of Kent, First Senior Royal to Become Catholic in 300 Years, Dies at 92 - Her 1994 reception into the Church by Cardinal Basil Hume marked the first public conversion of a senior British royal since the Stuart era, Edward Pentin, September 5, 2025
Belgian Bishops Announce Collection to Cover Outstanding Debt From Pope Francis’ Visit - Du Bois said the state was responsible for security on public roads, 'while everything that happens inside a venue — stadium or basilica — is the responsibility of the local Church' - Almudena Martínez-Bordiú/CNA/Aci Prensa, September 5, 2025
Holy See Warns of Risk of New Nuclear Weapons, Deplores Increase in Military Spending - The Holy See’s representative noted that since the first nuclear test, conducted on July 16, 1945, in the New Mexico desert, more than 2,000 nuclear tests have been carried out. Victoria Cardiel/CNA/Aci Prensa, Vatican September 5, 2025
Nutshell reflections for 9/6/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection - AUDIO - September 6, 2025
Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
First Things
Some political issues are not debatable for Christians
By Peter J. Leithart, September 5, 2025
Politics is important, but it’s not the first thing. What we call politics isn’t even the first political thing. The churches’ prayers, preaching, song, communion, charity, and discipline shape our national life far more deeply than any executive order or “Big Beautiful Bill.” For Christians, the most sacred political act isn’t voting but worship. Every Sunday, we exalt and petition the King who rules nations and summons all legislators, judges, and presidents to bow to him. Christians always stand slightly askew from the power plays of worldly politics. Yes, of course, I’m talking about Trump 2.0. Christians shouldn’t fall prey to either a Trump Messiah Complex or a Trump Derangement Syndrome. We don’t have to tweet “This is what I voted for” every time Trump brandishes an executive order. Nearly everything I’ve written is debatable, but that’s just the point. Some political issues are not debatable for Christians: abortion, gay marriage, transgender ideology, protection of the innocent, and just punishment of criminals.
The Catholic Thing
Learn how to see again
By Andrew Shivone, September 6, 2025
What struck me about seeing a recent baseball game was how hard it was to watch the game. Unless the ball was actively in play, the video boards and speakers were constantly either “entertaining” the crowd or selling a product. There was – and I mean this quite literally – not a moment of silence throughout the whole evening. The slow drama of baseball, which can only be enjoyed when one pays close attention, was drowned in a tsunami of noise. It is curious that all of this activity, which is supposed to create an atmosphere of excitement and engagement, had a sedative effect on the crowd. Hardly anyone seemed entertained. After the game, I was reminded of a small but insightful essay by philosopher Josef Pieper, “Learning How to See Again,” in his book Only the Lover Sings: Art and Contemplation. There, he makes the point that the incessant onslaught of images and noise dulls our sensitivity to reality.
Bishop Barron
Jesus declares himself ‘lord of the sabbath’
By Bishop Robert Barron, September 6, 2025
Friends, again and again in the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as violating the sacred command to rest on the seventh day. For example, he often cures on the Sabbath, much to the dismay of the protectors of Jewish law. And then in today’s Gospel, after his disciples pick grain on the Sabbath, Jesus declares himself “lord of the sabbath.” It’s hard to express how breathtaking this claim would be for a first-century Jew to make. Yahweh alone could be assigned the title “lord of the sabbath,” so what is Jesus implying? In short, he is claiming that he is above their rituals, even perhaps the defining practice of pious Jews, because he is the Lord. Thus the rules must be placed in subordination to the kingdom of God, the kingdom that the Lord Jesus is ushering in even here and now.
Exaudi
The future symbolizes a ‘crisis of hope’
By Laetare, September 5, 2025
In Europe and Latin America, marked by a “demographic winter,” the Catholic Church raises a voice of hope and action. Faced with worrying figures—such as fertility rates below the replacement level—human life remains a sacred gift and a driving force for the future. In this context, families open to life embody a luminous witness: not only as biological reproduction, but as a vocation full of meaning and self-giving. Bishop José Ignacio Munilla of San Sebastián warns that there are more deaths than births in Spain, with a fertility rate that has fallen by 30% in the last decade and a rate of approximately 1.25 children per couple. This situation not only hinders the demographic future but also symbolizes a “crisis of hope,” in his words. On the occasion of the Day for Life, the Spanish bishops insisted that motherhood is a vocation that deserves to be celebrated and protected.
Image of Pecans by tseiu from Pixabay
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