Catholic Nutshell News: Thursday 2/5/26
Topics include: Hispanic Permanent Diaconate Program; Latin Mass organizations unhappy with SSPX; Jesuit priest escapes abuse trial; & Fallout continues at Notre Dame
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Today's sources include Aleteia, EWTN News, 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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OSV News
Arlington, VA begins Hispanic Permanent Diaconate Program
By Marietha Góngora V., February 4, 2026
After completing the two-year aspirancy stage of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia’s Hispanic Permanent Diaconate Program, the first group formally presented themselves as candidates ready to continue their formation process, which is expected to culminate in four years with their ordination as deacons. These six men were recognized in a joyful Mass for the Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders, celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Feb. 1. The Mass at St. Thomas More Cathedral was attended by hundreds of parishioners, including family and friends of the candidates for the permanent diaconate. Joel De Loera, director of the Hispanic Apostolate of the Diocese of Arlington, said that this “is a historic moment” for the diocese, “because it is the first time this program is being offered in Spanish, and it is in response to the great need in our Hispanic community and demonstrates Bishop Burbidge’s great pastoral care for the Hispanic community.”
CatholicVote
Latin Mass-devoted organizations unhappy with SSPX’s tactics
By Elise Winland, February 4, 2026
Two international organizations that support Catholics with a devotion to the Traditional Latin Mass issued a joint statement Feb. 3 expressing grave concern at the news that the General House of Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) will consecrate new bishops in July despite not receiving permission from Pope Leo XIV. International Federation Una Voce and the Latin Mass Society (England and Wales) said in the statement that they “have heard with concern” the SSPX’s recent announcement about the intention to consecrate new bishops. Una Voce is self-described as “the Catholic world association of faithful attached to the Traditional Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite,” with more than 40 Latin-Mass supporting lay associations around the world. The Latin Mass Society, an organization founded in 1965 to support the ongoing celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, is a member of the International Federation Una Voce.
Crux
Jesuit priest escapes abuse trial due to statute of limitations
By Eduardo Campos Lima, February 2, 2026
Jesuit Father Francesc Peris, accused by numerous former students of committing sexual abuse against them at a school in Barcelona, Spain, and another in Cochabamba, Bolivia, will not face criminal prosecution due to the statute of limitations of his crimes, according to a judicial decision issued last week. Spanish judge Santiago García had opened an inquiry into Peris’s actions and concluded that two allegations of abuse, committed by him in 1999 and 2004, could lead to criminal proceedings. However, according to a story published on Jan. 25 by the Catalan newspaper El Periódico, the District Attorney’s Office determined that the 2004 incidents have already reached the statute of limitations, meaning the 1999 allegation will likely meet the same outcome. Victims such as Enric Soler told El Periódico that it was widely known that Peris had abused students since the 1960s.
Related: Peris’s transfer to Bolivia occurred when the Society of Jesus already knew about the abuses he committed in Barcelona, by InfoVaticana, January 29, 2026
UCA News
Indian court halts bid to take over Christian college land
By UCA News reporter, February 4, 2026
The top court in a central Indian state has suspended a provincial government's order to take over prime land belonging to a Christian-run higher education institution, citing apparent record manipulation by district officials, court documents show. The Madhya Pradesh High Court halted the takeover of about 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) of land in Indore city — estimated to be worth about 4 billion rupees (US$43.65 million — owned by the 139-year-old Indore Christian College. The Church-managed college has 2,300 students. In an order purportedly dated Jan. 23, the collector directed his subordinates to transfer the college land to the government within three days, alleging that the institution had deviated from the original purpose for which the land was granted. The school was accused of misusing the land for commercial purposes. “The allegation that we deviated from the original use of the land is absolutely baseless,” said college principal Amit David.
Aleteia
Cardinal Zuppi and the Italian debate over assisted suicide
By Caitlin Bootsma, February 5, 2025
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops Conference (the CEI), boldly entered the debate over assisted suicide in Italy in advance of a bill seeking to regulate and possibly expand access, set to reach the Senate this month. The bill follows two regions, Tuscany and Sardinia, that regulated assisted suicide in 2025. A Constitutional Court decriminalized assisted suicide under a set of narrow conditions in Italy in 2019, but has urged Parliament to legislate on the practice. If Parliament passes this bill, a national law would be enacted. “Human dignity is not measured by its efficiency or usefulness. Life always has value, despite illness, frailty, and limitations. The answer to suffering is not to offer death, but to guarantee forms of social support, continuous health care, and home health care, so that the patient does not feel alone and families can be supported and accompanied,” said the cardinal.
Zenit
Why is religion winning back American audiences?
By Jorge Enrique Mújica, February 4, 2026
For years, conventional wisdom in the entertainment industry has held that religion is a risky subject—polarizing, niche, and best avoided in mainstream storytelling. New research from the United States, however, suggests the opposite: faith, when portrayed with emotional honesty and narrative intelligence, can significantly enhance audience engagement, even among viewers with no religious affiliation. New findings challenge long-standing assumptions in Hollywood and point to a cultural moment in which faith is no longer a liability on screen, but often an asset. According to the survey, 77% of entertainment consumers agreed that the presence of faith in television and movies is broadly appealing. This sentiment was remarkably consistent across generations: 79% of Generation Z respondents, 83% of millennials, 78% of Generation X, and 72% of baby boomers shared this view.
National Catholic Register
Fallout continues at Notre Dame over pro-abortion appointee
By Matthew McDonald, February 4, 2026
Two scholars have resigned from their roles with the University of Notre Dame’s Asian studies institute because the university has named an outspoken advocate of legal abortion as its next director. Meanwhile, the head of the university’s pro-life group is calling on Notre Dame to withdraw the appointment. Robert Gimello, a research professor emeritus of theology who is an expert on Buddhism, and Diane Desierto, a professor of law and of global affairs, told the Register they have cut ties with the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies over the announcement last month that Susan Ostermann will become the institute’s new leader starting July 1. “As a Catholic adoptee from China, I take personal offense at this appointment,” Anna Kelley, a senior and president of Notre Dame Right to Life, said as part of a letter to the editor published Wednesday by The Observer, a student newspaper.
Related: Notre Dame defends promoting radical pro-abortion professor who called pro-life laws ‘violence’, By Emily Mangiaracina, NRL News, Feb 1, 2026
EWTN News
Catholic colleges among best and worst for pro-life support
By Kate Quiñones, February 5, 2026
Some Catholic colleges ranked among the best for pro-life support for women, while others were among the worst for their ties to abortion clinics, a recent report found. In an audit of more than 700 Christian colleges and universities, the Christian Schools Project found that 1 in 7 Christian colleges referred students to Planned Parenthood for health care or future jobs, among other pro-abortion “infractions.” The report by Demetree, a branch of Students for Life of America (SFLA), called the Catholic connection to the abortion industry “shocking.” “Most shockingly, a portion of Catholic schools have forsaken their Christian values,” the report read, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teaching on abortion. “Despite this, Catholic schools also had 24 ‘A+’ schools: the most of any denomination,” the report continued. Among the Catholic schools receiving an “F” was Villanova University in Pennsylvania — Pope Leo’s alma mater.
Catholic Daily, EWTN & ChurchPOP for 2/5/26
Catholic Daily
Messages of faith and hope throughout the world - February 5, 2026
CatholicDaily.com is an online news website that features faith-based news and Catholic inspiration from around the world. Catholic Daily is operated by Queen of Peace Productions, with support from CatholicShop.com.
Colombia celebrates 120th anniversary of Eucharistic miracle that stopped a tsunami - February 5, 2026 - The Colombian Diocese of Tumaco celebrated the anniversary of the Eucharistic miracle that 120 years ago saved the town from a tsunami that threatened to destroy the municipality on the Pacific coast.
Experts warn that organ donation could help drive high assisted suicide rates in Canada - February 5, 2026 - Advocates and civic officials are warning of the high numbers of donated organs from assisted suicide victims in Canada, arguing that organ donation programs for suicidal individuals could lead to additional pressure for such patients to decide to end their lives by assisted suicide.
Students Are Reading Less. This is Why. - February 5, 2026 - Our country has a short yet rich literary history, producing some of the most influential novels of the past few centuries. This includes classics such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Great Gatsby, books that have played major roles in various epochs of our nation’s history and influenced people’s understanding of the American Dream.
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — February 5, 2026
Formerly known as Catholic News Agency, EWTN provides reliable, free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, emphasizing the words of the Holy Father and the activities of the Holy See, and is available to anyone with internet access.
Vatican to meet with SSPX after announcement of unauthorized episcopal consecrations - By Victoria Cardiel - At present, only a meeting with the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is planned, and it is not known whether Pope Leo XIV will also receive the SSPX superior general.
Church fresco angel that resembled Italian prime minister painted over to end controversy - By Victoria Cardiel - The fresco is located in a side chapel of the 4th-century St. Lawrence Basilica. The Italian prime minister reacted with irony on social media. In a message posted on Instagram, accompanied by a smiling emoji, she wrote: “No, I certainly don’t look like an angel.”
Why Slovak bishops are defending 25-year-old agreement with the Holy See - By Bohumil Petrík - According to the progressives, the state should not have a special contract with one church. They argue that the contract is costly financially and in terms of obligations — for instance, the teaching of religion in public schools is state-funded
ChurchPOP Trending
ChurchPOP provides fun, informative, and authentically Catholic news and culture - February 5, 2026
“We publish inspiring daily stories, fun and shareable faith-centered infographics, prayers, Church history, and more.”
‘It’s Ignited My Prayer Life’: Protestant Discovers the Power of Praying the Rosary - “This has ignited my prayer life. This has deepened my relationship with the Lord drastically.”
The Miraculous Healing Power of Saint Agatha, Patron Saint of Breast Cancer Patients - Suffering from breast cancer or any other illness? Turn to Saint Agatha, a powerful heavenly intercessor!
With Bible in Hand, Jelly Roll Makes Powerful Declaration of Faith at the Grammys: ‘I Love You, Lord’ - “Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with Him. I love you, Lord.”
Nutshell reflections for 2/5/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection - VIDEO - February 5, 2026
Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
Church Life Journal
Graham Green’s conversion sparked by future wife’s faith
By Melanie McDonagh, February 5, 2026
Graham Greene became a Catholic because of a pedantic girl. He was at Oxford at the time, and had written a review of a film for the Oxford Chronicle in which he had referred casually to Catholics’ “worship” of the Virgin Mary. Shortly afterwards, he found a note in his college pigeonhole. It was from Vivien Dayrell-Browning, a young Catholic woman, a publisher’s secretary, who had been irritated by the reference: the correct term for the veneration of Catholics for the Virgin Mary was, she said, “hyperdulia.” Greene was intrigued and invited her to tea; almost at once, he fell in love. When he had finally persuaded her to marry him—to help his case he offered (briefly) a sexless marriage—he began investigating her faith. She had become a Catholic against her mother’s wishes when she was fifteen or sixteen. Greene began his exploration of the Church because of her.
The Pillar
Netherlands, too, sees rise in new adult Catholics
By Luke Coppen, February 4, 2026
According to data published by the Catholic Institute for Ecclesiastical Statistics, known by its Dutch acronym Kaski, the number of adults joining the Church increased from 455 in 2023 to 630 in 2024, the latest year for which records are available. The figures, which include both adults who received baptism and adults baptized in other Christian communities who were received into the Catholic Church, indicate the Netherlands is one of a growing number of European countries seeing a significant rise in new adult Catholics. The trend is most pronounced in France, but has also been observed in Belgium and the U.K. However, The report highlighted the steep fall in infant baptisms in the country, from 42,411 in 2000 to 6,110 in 2024. Joris Kregting, a sociologist of religion working for Kaski, called the rise in new adult Catholics “a striking exception, which corroborates all sorts of recent media reports on this subject.”
LifeSite
Fr. James Martin: Pope Leo plans to continue Francis’ LGBT agenda
By Peter Michaels, February 4, 2026
During an appearance on left-wing comedian Stephen Colbert’s late night talk show Tuesday, celebrity priest James Martin revealed that Pope Leo told him he plans to continue Pope Francis’ LGBT agenda. After explaining that during an audience with Leo last year where “initially we talked about ministry to LGBT Catholics,” Martin said that “the message I got from him was that he’s continuing Pope Francis’ mission and message of welcome and inclusion and he wants that to be broadcast.” Martin was controversially granted an audience at the Apostolic Palace with Leo XIV in September. After their conversation, Martin shared on social media that he was “profoundly grateful” for the meeting. Martin’s predictions have largely come true. Last September, thousands of pro-LGBT pilgrims marched through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s as part of the Vatican’s official LGBT jubilee year pilgrimage.
Related: Spanish Priest Calls Out Father James Martin for His ‘Poisoned Doctrine’ on Homosexuality, Walter Sanchez Silva/ACI Prensa/CNA, January 24, 2023
Wild at Heart
Let our hearts come home to him
By John Eldredge, February 5, 2026
Abiding in the love of God is our only hope, the only true home for our hearts. It's not that we mentally acknowledge that God loves us. It's that we let our hearts come home to him and stay in his love. St. John of the Cross explains: O how gently and how lovingly dost thou lie awake in the depth and centre of my soul, where thou in secret and in silence alone, as its sole Lord, abidest, not only as in Thine own house or in Thine own chamber, but also as within my own bosom, in close and intimate union. (Living Flame of Love) This deep, intimate union with Jesus and with his Father is the source of all our healing and all our strength. It is, as Leanne Payne says, "the central and unique truth of Christianity." And, Thus the Lord, the Spirit, becomes the soul of our souls ... Then indeed we are; then indeed we have life; the life of Jesus has ... become life in us ... we are one with God forever and ever. (The Heart of George MacDonald)
Image of peanuts by Nicole Köhler, from Pixabay
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