Catholic Nutshell News: Thursday 8/14/25
Topics include: Today is a day of prayer and fasting; Fed court stops Little Sisters of the Poor; Archdiocese makes troubling bankruptcy promises; & Christianity—being present in suffering
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Today's sources include Aleteia, OSV, 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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Aleteia
Day of prayer and fasting for peace, August 14
By Daniel Esparza, August 14, 2025
As violence tears through countries across the globe — from Gaza and Ukraine to Haiti and Sudan — a powerful appeal for peace is rising, not from political podiums, but from convents, mission stations, and religious houses worldwide. The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) has announced a global Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace on August 14, 2025, the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Other groups, including Aid to the Church in Need, have joined in. Rooted in faith and fueled by urgency, this initiative asks individuals and communities — Catholics and all people of goodwill — to unite in spiritual and concrete solidarity against the backdrop of relentless conflict. As explained by Linda Bordoni in her article for Vatican News, the UISG’s call is not abstract or symbolic. Their members are embedded in some of the world’s most troubled regions, walking daily with displaced families, victims of war, and broken communities.
Catholic News Agency
Federal court rules against Little Sisters of the Poor
By Daniel Payne, August 13, 2025
A federal court has ruled against the Little Sisters of the Poor in their long-running legal dispute over government contraception mandates, dealing a blow to the religious order of sisters even after multiple court victories, including at the Supreme Court. The legal advocacy group Becket said on Aug. 13 that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled in favor of both New Jersey and Pennsylvania in finding that the federal government had not followed protocol when issuing exemptions to contraceptive requirements, including for the Little Sisters. The district court said that a set of religious exemptions granted by the federal government during the first Trump administration were “arbitrary [and] capricious” and failed to adhere to the requirements of the federal Administrative Procedure Act. The court has vacated those exemptions “in their entirety,” the Aug. 13 ruling said.
CatholicVote
Archdiocese of New Orleans’ bankruptcy promises are troubling
By Mary Stroka, August 13, 2025
The non-financial commitments the Archdiocese of New Orleans drafted in its bankruptcy filings should trouble all local Catholics, Michael Mazza, an adjunct professor at the Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, and a canon lawyer, remarked in an Aug. 11 opinion piece for The Catholic World Report. He wrote that what is “perhaps the most troubling” is the lawyers’ pledge on the archdiocese’s behalf that it will prominently place a remembrance memorial for sexual abuse survivors at its chancery and hold a dedication ceremony, which the archbishop must attend. This “Place of Remembrance” — which the diocese will design with consultation from the Settlement Trust Advisory Committee — will be at the chancery’s entrance. “This gag order prevents the Church from accomplishing the very work entrusted to it by Christ Himself,” he wrote.
Crux
Catholic Congresswoman criticizes ‘radicalism’ in Brazil
By Eduardo Campos Lima, August 9, 2025
One day after lawmakers allied to former President Jair Bolsonaro occupied the Brazilian Congress to demonstrate against his house arrest, Catholic Congresswoman Simone Marquetto declared that “Brazil doesn’t want extremism anymore” and that politicians who follow God “must use their time to work on public policies for the people, not to fight against each other.” Between Aug. 5-6, a number of members of the Congress staged a protest both in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies and in the Senate, impeding the regular works and sessions. They spent the night inside the buildings and continued to demonstrate the following day. According to Marquetto, most of the members of the Catholic bloc “have already understood that extremism and radicalism are not working.”
National Catholic Reporter
Priest slain in 1921 for celebrating interracial marriage memorialized
By Nate Tinner-Williams, August 13, 2025
The annual memorial Mass in honor of the late Fr. James E. Coyle takes place on Monday in Alabama, where he was killed by a Ku Klux Klan member in 1921 for celebrating an interracial marriage. Bishop Steven Raica of Birmingham will celebrate the televised liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Paul, where Coyle served for 17 years as pastor. Born in Ireland in 1873, Coyle immigrated to the United States in 1896 and became rector of St. Paul's Church in 1904. He befriended a young Ruth Stephenson, daughter of a local Methodist minister and KKK member, Rev. Edwin "E. R." Stephenson. At age 19, Ruth converted to the Catholic faith and was beaten by her father. She obtained a marriage license, intending to marry a local Puerto Rican handyman, Pedro Gussman, a Catholic more than two decades her senior. Boricua, was a black man. Interracial marriage was a crime in Alabama. Coyle celebrated their marriage on Aug. 11, 1921. Just hours later, the elder Stephenson shot Coyle dead.
National Catholic Register
Ancient military tactic of sieging a city— just as deadly as drones
By Alberto M. Fernandez, August 13, 2025
According to the World Food Program (WFP), basic foodstuffs such as sorghum and wheat now cost almost 500% more in El Fasher than in the rest of the conflict-ridden country. Sudan is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, displacing 13 million people, with 25 million people (half the population) facing extreme levels of hunger. Much has been made of advances in warfare — smart bombs, drones, and use of artificial intelligence are the next big things in man’s unceasing quest to kill his fellow man. But today, one of the oldest tactics of war is in sharp relief: ‘siege warfare’ where hundreds of thousands of civilians are pawns in the El Fasher pocket, or in Gaza City, affecting millions of people and, depending on the position of the observer, attracting different levels of attention. Civilians who have been able to flee relate being forced to pay bribes to both warring parties at checkpoints. A sieged city is both a key part of citizenry and a significant military and political prize.
The Pillar
Cardinal of Marseille: Convicted priest should not be chancellor
By Edgar Beltrán, August 11, 2025
“Such an appointment to such an important position, both canonically and symbolically, can only reopen wounds, reawaken suspicions, and disconcert the people of God,” said Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille, president of the bishops’ conference, in an Aug. 11 statement from the leadership of the French bishops’ conference. In this spirit, we have entered into a constructive dialogue with Mgr Guy de Kerimel, Archbishop of Toulouse, inviting him to reconsider the decision he had taken regarding the appointment of the Chancellor of his diocese,” it added. Archbishop Vincent Jordy of Tours and Bishop Benoit Bertrad of Pontoise, vice presidents of the conference, joined Aveline in the statement. In 2006, Spina was sentenced to five years in prison for multiple counts of rape of a teenage boy in the ‘90s, while serving as a school chaplain in Bayonne. The priest served four years of his sentence before being released and incardinated in the Archdiocese of Toulouse.
Our Sunday Visitor
‘Christianity is about being present in suffering’
By Katarzyna Szalajko, August 13, 2025
Rather than beginning with St. Maximilian Kolbe’s early life or missionary work, the new film “Triumph of the Heart” opens at the moment many accounts conclude: his entry into the starvation cell. From there, through flashbacks and intense chamber-drama scenes, the narrative reveals both his extraordinary sacrifice and the humanity that sustained it. “Triumph of the Heart” premiered Aug. 13 in Poland and arrives in theaters on Sept. 12 in the US. It is a stirring, deeply human portrayal of St. Kolbe — a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar, missionary, and founder of the Militia Immaculata movement dedicated to promoting devotion to the Virgin Mary. Franciszek Gajowniczek, a married man and father, was among 10 men condemned to die by starvation. Father Kolbe volunteered to take his place and spent two weeks ministering to the others in the cell. He died by lethal injection on Aug. 14, 1941.
CatholicVote, CNA & ChurchPOP for 8/14/25
CatholicVote - The 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.”
TRUMP & PUTIN MEETING ON ASSUMPTION, BISHOP POINTS OUT - Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, is urging the faithful to "ask for Mary’s intercession for peace and justice" in Ukraine "and around the world" ahead of Friday’s planned summit between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska. One sign of hope? As Bishop Conley pointed out, the meeting will take place on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady.
VIRGINIA SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO BE CRIMINALLY INVESTIGATED - Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin yesterday directed state police to open a full criminal investigation into allegations that officials at a Fairfax County high school facilitated and paid for two minor girls' abortions. “I am deeply concerned with the allegations," Youngkin said, noting that school officials allegedly arranged the abortions "without parental consent."
SCREEN TIME CAUSES BRAIN DAMAGE - Addictions to smartphones are having devastating effects on Americans’ responsibility, commitment, and self-control capabilities, a recent analysis found. The study's results are "beyond alarming," said one commentator.
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — August 14, 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.
Study: 9 in 10 cradle Catholics leaving the Church; experts urge stronger faith community - Aug 14, 2025 - By Tessa Gervasini - To combat the issue, the study’s authors suggest creating stronger community ties among Catholics, especially among children.
The Nagasaki mission house built by St. Maximilian Kolbe survived the atomic bomb - Aug 14, 2025 - By Gigi Duncan - While the bombing devastated both the city of Nagasaki and its large Catholic population, the monastery of Seibo no Kishi located in the mountains on the outskirts of Nagasaki was spared.
Report finds over 400 cases of vandalism, other ‘hostile’ acts against churches in 2024 - Aug 13, 2025 - By Tyler Arnold - The Family Research Council documented more than 400 cases of “acts of hostility” against Catholic and other Christian churches.
ChurchPOP Trending
ChurchPOP provides fun, informative, and authentically Catholic news and culture - August 14, 2025
We publish inspiring daily stories, fun and shareable faith-centered infographics, prayers, Church history, and more.
The Amazing Story of Saint Maximilian Kolbe's Only Surviving First-Class Relic—His Beard - Did you know Saint Maximilian Kolbe's only surviving first-class relic is his beard? Here is the amazing story behind this rare, sacred item!
20 Fascinating Facts About Pope Leo That Will Make You Love Him Even More - In honor of Pope Leo XIV's first 100 days as pope, here are 20 fascinating facts about him that will make you love him even more!
10 Powerful Saints Every Student, Teacher, & Parent Needs for Going Back to School - The school year brings new challenges and opportunities for any student, parent, or educator. Prayer is so important during this season
Nutshell reflections for 8/14/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection - AUDIO - August 14, 2025
Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
Aleteia
Did Mary die before going to Heaven?
By Kathleen N. Hattrup, August 15, 2023
Could Mary of Nazareth have experienced the drama of death in her own flesh? Reflecting on Mary’s destiny and her relationship with her divine Son, it seems legitimate to answer in the affirmative. Since Christ died, it would be difficult to maintain the contrary for his Mother. In a general audience of 1997, St. John Paul II noted that the most ancient tradition (before the 17th century) saw Mary's death as her entry into glory. The Polish Pope quoted the Fathers of the Church regarding the feast of the Dormition (or Sleeping) of Our Lady. “It is true that in Revelation death is presented as a punishment for sin. However, the fact that the Church proclaims Mary free from original sin by a unique divine privilege does not lead to the conclusion that she also received physical immortality.” You can read more here.
Here’s The Thing
‘Gay’ deconstructs everything—gay marriage queered marriage
By Austin Ruse, August 8, 2025
One of my favorite homosexuals of all time was Justin Raimondo, founder of Antiwar.com and author of the 2008 book Reclaiming the American Right. Most people in those days knew who was “that way,” who was “light in the loafers.” But they weren’t shoving it down our throats. Then came a lot of things, including HIV/AIDS and gays invading St. Pat’s Cathedral, shouting, “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it.” Then came the push for homosexual marriage. Voilà, cue the mythical white picket fences. “We are just like you!” They didn’t really want to be married. After the imposition of gay marriage by the Courts, only 10% of gay couples got “married.” The Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, John Reid, who presents himself as a “normal” gay, loves drag shows and gay hook-ups, just not for kids. Here’s the thing. There is no such thing as “normal gay.”
Catholic Gentlemen
Indigenous women should be protagonists of a better future
By Christopher Wells, August 14, 2025
Speaking at a special session of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) on Wednesday, Monsignor Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano reaffirmed the Holy See’s closeness to all indigenous peoples, and especially indigenous women, “in order to promote and safeguard their fundamental rights.” The Holy See, Msgr Cruz Serrano said, advocates for indigenous women as “active protagonists in building” a common future, rather than “passive beneficiaries” of policies imposed from without. Such advocacy, he explained, should be seen in the context of the Holy See’s promotion of indigenous cultures, with “appropriate spiritual journeys and attention to the customs and languages of the peoples.” He noted in particular the “intensive” work of episcopal conferences, dioceses, parishes, and missions, and the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM).
Wild at Heart
If only Jesus’ followers shared his personality
By John Eldredge, August 14, 2025
The loss of personality confounds our imitation of Christ. What happens is, our particular brand of church seizes upon one or two of his virtues as the essence of Christ for us to follow. Justice. Mercy. Righteousness. Whatever. You cannot live a life on one quality any more than you can speak intelligently using one word. We continue to sound on about the love and compassion of Jesus, like the village idiot banging one note on a piano. After a while, the world turns away. Can you blame them? If only Jesus’ followers shared his personality. That one shift alone would correct so many of the ridiculous and horrifying things that pass for popular Christianity. What is missing in our Gospel reading — and in our attempts to “read” what Jesus is saying and doing in our own lives right now — is his personality
Image of peanuts by Nicole Köhler, from Pixabay
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