Catholic Nutshell News: Thursday 12/4/25
Topics include: Finland's church needs help; India confirms overt anti-Christian bias; Sri Lanka churches & temples now crisis camps; & Vatican says no female deacons
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Today's sources include Aleteia, CNA, National Catholic Register, The Pillar, CatholicVote, John Eldredge, and ChurchPOP. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
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Catholic News Agency
Finland’s only bishop appeals to U.S. for his ‘booming’ Church
By Amira Abuzeid, December 4, 2025
The bishop of Helsinki in Finland, Raimo Goyarrola, the only Catholic bishop in a Nordic country that shares a 1,000-mile border with Russia, has been traveling in the U.S. to raise funds to support the small Catholic population there, which has seen explosive growth in the last five years. “It’s a growing Church, but it’s very poor, and filled with immigrants and refugees,” Goyarrola told CNA. With 125 different nationalities and different rites (Maronites, Chaldeans, etc.), “It’s a richness, but also a pastoral challenge.” More than 300 unbaptized adults are preparing to enter the Catholic Church in Finland, worshipping in eight parishes, a country about the size of Montana. With Catholics making up about 0.2% of the country’s 5.6 million people, he called the growth “booming.” There are no Catholic schools in the country, so he seeks to build one in the capital city of Helsinki, along with a pastoral center to coordinate catechetical and charitable works.
Crux
India court insists Christians shouldn’t get minority benefits
By Nirmala Carvalho, December 4, 2025
In India, Allahabad High Court recently asked the Uttar Pradesh state government to crack down on people who have converted to Christianity but continue to avail benefits meant for Scheduled Castes (SC), observing that the retention of SC status after conversion amounts to a “fraud on the Constitution.” The Court said that caste-based discrimination does not exist within the Christian faith; therefore, the basis for the Scheduled Caste classification stands nullified upon conversion, irrespective of the existence of a previously issued caste certificate. A Supreme Court order cites that claiming caste-based benefits merely for the purpose of availing reservation after conversion amounts to a “fraud on the Constitution.” Only 350,000 Christians live in the state, a minuscule 0.18% of the population.
Related: Indian Catholic lawyer priests, nuns to combat Christian persecution, By UCA News, December 03, 2025
UCA News
Churches, temples now emergency camps in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka
By UCA News reporter, December 3, 2025
Churches and temples in Sri Lanka have been turned into emergency relief camps for thousands left stranded by Cyclone Ditwah, which brought heavy rains, flooding, and landslides across the island nation. The disaster, called the “most challenging” in the nation’s history by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has so far killed 465 people, while 366 are still missing. “We are sheltering some 175 Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians since the day after [Nov. 29] the deadly cyclone struck,” said Father Denzil Priyankara, the parish priest of St. Francis Xavier Church, Gurugalla, in the Diocese of Ratnapura. The parish feast scheduled for Dec. 7 has been postponed to accommodate the displaced people, Priyankara told UCA News on Dec. 3. Two relief camps were set up at the church premises and the Buddhist temple in Gurugalla.
National Catholic Reporter
Vatican commission votes against ordaining female deacons
By Justin McLellan, December 4, 2025
A Vatican commission studying the possibility of female deacons reported that the current state of historical and theological research “excludes the possibility of proceeding” toward admitting women to the diaconate, slowing momentum on one of the church’s most debated questions while stopping short of a definitive no. In a letter sharing the results of its work with Pope Leo XIV and released by the Vatican Dec. 4, the commission reported a 7-1 vote. “In light of Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and ecclesiastical teaching, this assessment is strong, although it does not allow for a definitive judgment to be formulated at this time, as in the case of priestly ordination,” said the approved statement voted on in 2022. Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, president of the commission, said, “Ultimately, the question must be decided on a doctrinal level. Therefore, issues relating to the ordination of women as deacons remain open to further theological and pastoral study.”
CatholicVote
Indian government’s denies visa to evangelist Franklin Graham
By Mary Rose, December 3, 2025
The Indian government is facing scrutiny after denying a visa to American evangelist Rev. Franklin Graham, forcing him to cancel his scheduled Nov. 30 visit to Nagaland. UCA News Agency reported Graham had been invited to Kohima, the state capital, for “Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and Revival,” a major Christian gathering organized by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF). Though the event went ahead, the absence of its principal guest cast a long shadow over the celebrations. S. N. Among Jamir, the Fellowship’s secretary, emphasized that the gathering was meant to unite believers across tribes, denominations, and social divides. Instead, it became an uncomfortable reminder of what many see as the Indian government’s increasingly heavy-handed approach to Christian visitors and ministries. New Delhi offered no explanation for the visa denial.
National Catholic Register
Leo’s trip to Turkey and Lebanon yielded tangible results
By Alberto M. Fernandez, December 3, 2025
Papal visits are always enriching to those fortunate enough to be blessed by one, and they are usually rich in symbolism. In our cold, cynical world, they can sometimes lack real consequences. That cannot be said of Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon. Turkey — for the commemoration of the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea — was all about ties with the world of Eastern Orthodoxy, with concrete steps to heal the breach of the Great Schism of 1054. This theme of closeness with the Eastern Churches carried over to Beirut, where, on Dec. 1, Pope Leo met with the four Catholic patriarchs resident in Lebanon — Maronite Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syriac Catholic, and Melkite Catholic. The dominant public papal message to Lebanon was one of peace, but an urgency, on the verge of another open-ended, destructive war within days or weeks of the Pope’s departure.
The Pillar
Appeals court sides with Catholic school in employment dispute
By Michelle La Rosa, December 3, 2025
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of a local Catholic high school that declined to renew the contract of Reyzl Grace MoChridhe, who announced plans to undergo a gender transition. MoChridhe was the librarian and media specialist at the Academy of Holy Angels, in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He announced to the school principal plans to start “the process of transitioning to live as her female self,” according to legal documents. MoChridhe objected to the principles in the “Guiding Principles for Catholic Schools and Religious Education Concerning Human Sexuality and Sexual Identity,” to which all archdiocesan schools and employees are required to adhere. He expressed an inability to follow the principles. The district court initially found that the school’s decision was protected under religious freedom provisions in both the U.S. and Minnesota constitutions, and the appeals court agreed with the district court’s ruling.
Aleteia
Oxford’s Word of the Year is ‘rage bait’: Last year, ‘brain rot’
By Cerith Gardiner, December 1, 2025
Oxford University Press has just revealed its Word of the Year: Rage bait. It is defined as “online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive” -- the term may feel all too familiar to anyone who’s spent five minutes scrolling this year. According to Oxford’s data, usage of rage bait has tripled in the past 12 months — and sadly, we’re not surprised. From social media hot takes to manipulative headlines, the internet can sometimes feel like it’s poking your soul with a stick. A lot of it is on purpose: Outrage gets clicks. Fury fuels engagement. And let’s be honest: It’s easier to be angry than to be kind, especially when we’re tired or afraid. Aleteia, which means “truth” in Greek, is built around a very different principle: that goodness is worth sharing. That faith deserves beauty. That truth can be told without being toxic.
CatholicVote, CNA & ChurchPOP for 12/4/25
CatholicVote - The Loop
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FOREIGN ANTI-CHRISTIANS TO LOSE VISA PRIVILEGES - The State Department yesterday announced the U.S. will impose new visa restrictions on anyone accused of orchestrating or enabling religious violence against Christians abroad. The move comes in response to ongoing anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria and elsewhere.
HHS CONFRONTS SCHOOL OVER VIOLATING RELIGIOUS VAX EXEMPTION - The Department of Health and Human Services has opened a civil rights investigation into allegations that a Midwestern school vaccinated a student without parental consent, ignoring the family’s religious exemption. The investigation is part of the agency’s broader push to reinforce parental authority in children’s medical care.
MILITARY ABP. REMINDS ADMIN OF ETHICS IN NARCO STRIKES - Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who leads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, issued a statement yesterday urging U.S. officials to ensure that all military efforts to stop drug trafficking remain firmly grounded in morality, legality, and respect for human dignity. The Catholic leader’s statement comes amid mounting criticism of the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on ships in the Caribbean.
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — December 4, 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 activities of the Holy See, available to anyone with internet access.
‘You leave or we’ll kick you out’ can’t be only answer for migrants, Chilean archbishop says - Dec 4, 2025 - By Julieta Villar - In a climate marked by insecurity, rising crime rates, and the migration crisis, Chile’s citizens are closely watching the proposals of two presidential candidates to address migration problems.
Lilly Endowment announces 45 multimillion-dollar grants for theological schools - Dec 3, 2025 - By Madalaine Elhabbal - The Lilly Endowment said it will distribute 45 large-scale grants to theological schools, including directing about $60 million to several Catholic institutions, including The Catholic University of America (over $7 million), and Mount Angel Abbey in Saint Benedict, Oregon ($10 million).
Discalced Carmelites prepare to celebrate jubilee year of St. John of the Cross - Dec 4, 2025 - By Nicolás de Cárdenas - The Iberian Province of the Discalced Carmelites marks the 300th anniversary of St. John of the Cross’s canonization and the 100th anniversary of his proclamation as a doctor of the Church.
ChurchPOP Trending
ChurchPOP provides fun, informative, and authentically Catholic news and culture - December 4, 2025
“We publish inspiring daily stories, fun and shareable faith-centered infographics, prayers, Church history, and more.”
‘Find Moments of Peace’: Actor Chris Pratt Reveals His Prayer Routine & What He’s Doing for Advent - “It’s about finding moments of peace and grace and connection with God amidst the chaos...”
Can Catholics Watch ‘KPop Demon Hunters’? Priest Explains How It Could Lead Kids to Christ - Is it okay for Catholics to watch “KPop Demon Hunters”? Franciscan priest Father Mark-Mary Ames explains how it could lead young people to Jesus Christ.
How ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Mirrors the Liturgical Year: Uncovering the Hidden Catholic Calendar - Did you know “The Lord of the Rings” contains the Catholic Liturgical year? Look here to find it throughout the books.
Nutshell reflections for 12/4/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection - AUDIO - December 4, 2025
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
Church Life Journal
Called to be woman: Mary’s genius and our calling
By Ann Astell, November 24, 2023
Does being a woman entail a vocation? The title of this essay outlines its argument. First, I consider in general terms what it means to be “called to be woman.” Since the Gospels reveal that the Blessed Virgin Mary received and responded to this very calling in an exemplary way, I then consider Mary’s womanly genius, which, I argue, is intrinsically connected to her identity as the Immaculate Conception, to the graced genesis of her being, and to her predestined mission as mother and helpmate of Christ. The genius of Mary, our Mother, is both something singular and also something she wishes to share with her daughters. Mary’s genius teaches us about every woman’s capacity for genius, for attaining to her own ideal self, her “immaculate conception” in Christ. We know that every little girl, biologically female at her conception, grows gradually into her womanhood. A calling entails a vocation—a vocation from God, the Author of her existence, who calls to her mysteriously in multiple ways, through different voices.
Imaginative Conservative
A trip to Poland convinced me that Socialism works
By John Horvat, December 3, 2025
The key to understanding my conclusion is to agree on what we mean by “works.” There is a pattern in what I saw in Poland. While Socialism in Poland proves the failure of a defective economic system that rewards laziness and encourages theft in the redistribution of wealth, this impoverishment was obviously intentional. This was no mistake. The horrific grayness there was not caused by socialist leaders making endless attempts to reach prosperity with broken tools and a defective system. The people who created eyesores wanted them. When we say that something works, we mean it functions according to its intended purpose. A car that does not move forward fails to perform its transportation function. It does not work. A piano that can only play half of the notes in the C major scale fails to reach its musical end. It does not work. A free-market economy aims to produce great wealth and prosperity through specific economic rules. With its shortcomings, it also works.
Crisis Magazine
The Christian moral framework of America is changing
By Fiona Melton, December 4, 2025
In 2019, 130 acres of rural North Carolina land near Raleigh were purchased by Carolina Murugan Temple (CMT). The county approved its plans to build the largest Hindu statue in North America. One project, Vedic Village, will include a self-contained community, essentially a commune. While their website, for legal reasons, claims that they do not restrict residency based on race or beliefs, the very nature of the community says otherwise. In Texas, a similar development has faced significant criticism. The Meadow (formerly EPIC City) is a 402-acre site near Josephine, Texas. Like the Hindu-centric Vedic Village, The Meadow’s community plans include homes, a mosque, a religious school, a senior living center, and retail spaces. Muslims will inevitably submit to Sharia, not the Constitution or Bill of Rights. The polytheistic pagan worship of Hinduism is contrary to a Christian understanding of the human person and the Western philosophical tradition.
Wild at Heart
The Lord is a warrior
By John Eldredge, December 4, 2025
I think even a quick read of the Old Testament would be enough to convince you that war is a central theme of God’s activity. There is the Exodus, where God goes to war to set his captive people free. Blood. Hail. Locusts. Darkness. Death. Plague after plague descends on Egypt like a boxer’s one-two punch, like the blows of some great ax. Pharaoh releases his grip, but only for a moment. The fleeing slaves are pinned against the Red Sea when Egypt makes a last charge, hurtling down on them in chariots. God drowns those soldiers in the sea, every last one of them. Standing in shock and joy on the opposite shore, the Hebrews proclaim, “The LORD is a warrior!” (Ex. 15:3). Yahweh is a warrior. Then it’s war to get to the Promised Land. Deborah goes to war; Gideon goes to war; King David goes to war. Elijah wars against the prophets of Baal; Jehoshaphat battles the Edomites. Are you getting the picture?
Image of peanuts by Nicole Köhler, from Pixabay
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