Catholic Nutshell News: Thursday 8/7/25
Topics include: Catholic Charities dodges Texas harassment; Actress’ portrayal of Jesus ‘blasphemous'; Pope’s approachable, theological depth; & Gibson’s ‘Resurrection of the Christ’
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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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Catholic News Agency
Texas not entitled to ‘pre-suit deposition’ from Catholic Charities
By Daniel Payne, August 6, 2025
Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals affirmed in an Aug. 4 ruling that Attorney General Ken Paxton will not be permitted to question the leaders of a Catholic Charities affiliate at the U.S.-Mexico border amid an inquiry into illegal immigration. Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley has cooperated sufficiently with the state’s investigation into the charity. Paxton’s office has been conducting broad inquiries into allegations that nonprofits have facilitated illegal immigration in the state. Prosecutors were not entitled to a “pre-suit deposition” from charity leaders, including its executive director, Sister Norma Pimentel, the court ruled. Rather than “an uncooperative or evasive organization,” the Catholic charity has been “responsive to [Paxton’s] requests,” up to and including extensive documentation and a sworn testimony from Pimentel, the appeals court said.
CatholicVote
Footage of actress’ portrayal of Jesus ‘blasphemous,’ ‘repulsive’
By Rachel Quackenbush, August 7, 2025
A recent performance of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl has triggered strong reactions online, particularly within the black community, after actress Cynthia Erivo took the stage as Jesus. The production, which ran for three days, became the center of a cultural flashpoint after footage from the event went viral over the weekend. As reported by The Root, a progressive publication focused on African American issues and culture, the controversy stems not only from the casting of a woman in the traditionally male role but also from Erivo’s public identity as a “queer” performer. In one widely circulated video, a TikTok user criticized the production as “blasphemy,” saying, “Jesus Christ will not be mocked.” He objected to the casting of a woman in the role of Christ, claiming that the performance reflected a broader trend of Hollywood disrespecting Christianity. “The things she stands for are anti-Christ,” he said, adding, “No other religion is disrespected like Christianity.”
Crux
Pope’s approachable, theological depth resonates with pilgrims
By Nirmala Carvalho, August 7, 2025
Speaking in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Aug. 6, “Even before we realize we need to be welcomed, the Lord has already prepared a space for us where we can recognize ourselves and feel we are his friends. This place is, fundamentally, our heart: A ‘room’ that may seem empty, but which awaits only to be recognized, filled and cherished,” Leo said. “The Passover, which the disciples must prepare, is in reality already present in Jesus’s heart. He has already thought of everything, arranged everything, decided everything. However, he asks his friends to do their part. This teaches us something essential for our spiritual life: Grace does not eliminate our freedom, but rather awakens it. God’s gift does not eliminate our responsibility, but makes it fruitful,” he continued. “It means removing what encumbers us, reducing our demands, and ceasing to hold unrealistic expectations.”
National Catholic Reporter
Gibson’s ‘Resurrection of the Christ’ set for Holy Week 2027
By Francesca Pollio Fenton, August 6, 2025
Lionsgate has officially announced that Mel Gibson’s highly anticipated film “The Resurrection of the Christ” will be split into two parts and will be released starting Holy Week in 2027. Part 1 of the film will be released on March 26, 2027, Good Friday, and Part 2 will be released several weeks later on May 6, which will fall on the feast of the Ascension. “For many, many people across the globe, ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ is the most anticipated theatrical event in a generation. It is also an awe-inspiring and spectacularly epic theatrical film that is going to leave moviegoers worldwide breathless,” Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a press release announcing the partnership. This sequel to “The Passion of the Christ,” features Jim Caviezel in the role of Jesus. In an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, Gibson said the film is “very ambitious” and the story follows “the fall of the angels to the death of the last apostle.”
National Catholic Register
New Jersey Catholic school went from almost closed to thriving
By Mark Di Ionno, August 6, 2025
For Catholic baby boomers, the Friday morning Mass looked like something out of the mid-1960s, when 6 million American children attended more than 12,000 Catholic schools. But if they went into OLMC’s classrooms today and heard classes conducted by open, Socratic discussion and not strict, outlined lesson plans, or heard philosophical discourse on virtues rather than nun-approved rote definitions, they wouldn’t believe their ears. “We teach that faith provides attainment of a meaningful existence,” Father O’Mullane said. “We teach about what is true, good, and beautiful.” As the nuns have passed on, Catholic schools struggled to pay lay teachers, which has seen the number of Catholic schools dwindle to less than 6,000 today. Father O’Mullane introduced the concept of classical Catholic education in 2015, and 10 years later, the school now has 350 students and has added a secondary school called the Lumen Gentium High School Academy.
The Pillar
Amid Benin terror threats, sisters 'to remain' with community
By Edgar Beltrán, August 6, 2025
On Aug. 5, the superior of the Company of the Savior, Sr. Mercedes Díez C.S., said a group of sisters serving the area has "expressly manifested their desire to remain with the Christians of Kalalé,” a small town in one of the few majority-Muslim regions in the country, in which the sisters run an all-girls boarding school. The sisters have led a school in Kalalé, Benin, since 2012, which they founded after previously collaborating in a local mission led by the Society of African Missions. Benin is one of the poorest countries in Africa, with one of the lowest indices of human development in the world, a literacy rate of less than 50%, and a life expectancy of just 61 years. Around 52% of the country’s population is Christian; more than half of Benin’s Christians are Catholic. The presence of Islamic terrorist groups has grown in the past few years. “The situation in the area is dangerous. [But] the sisters of the Company expressly manifested their desire to remain there with the Christians of Kalalé,” Díez added.
Our Sunday Visitor
Growth of the Church in the developing world is not temporary
By Brett Salkeld, August 6, 2025
On Easter, Catholic dioceses worldwide reported dramatic increases in the number of people entering the Church. This is not what was predicted. Catholics have been told to prepare for decline. As the rest of the world advanced technologically and economically, the decline of religion already seen in the West would spread there too. The current growth of the Church in the developing world was a temporary reprieve from inevitable decline. But evidence suggests something is fundamentally wrong with this picture. Numerous factors — social, economic, political, and ideological — have led to the decline of religious belief and practice in the developed world. An atheist dogma taught that religion existed to answer questions that we can now answer with science. However, religion, and Catholicism in particular, is good at community because it proposes a vision of life and the world that is coherent and compelling and allows a person to make sense of his or her life.
Aleteia
Teens and social media: Is the tide turning?
By Caitlin Bootsma, August 7, 2025
Research data says teens are increasingly suspicious of the time spent on social media. However, many see a problem with "others" and not with themselves. Pope Benedict XVI termed it “the digital continent,” and teens are known for being some of its most fervent explorers. Recent Pew Research data indicates a growing awareness among teenagers that social media has its downsides. The U.S. Office of the Surgeon General cites data that demonstrates that kids and teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media double their risk of mental health problems, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nine out of 10 teens say they use YouTube, followed by TikTok (63%), Instagram (61%), and Snapchat (55%). Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have taken a nose-dive in popularity among teens in the last decade. Almost half of teens (48%) say that the effect of social media on teenagers is “mostly negative.” That’s a dramatic increase from 2022's numbers at 32%.
CatholicVote, CNA & ChurchPOP for 8/7/2025
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 BLOCKS VISAS FOR MEN COMPETING IN WOMEN’S SPORTS - The Trump administration said Monday it will stop issuing visas to men seeking to compete in women’s sports, closing a loophole that allowed foreign athletes to act against the administration’s goal of protecting female athletes.
NEW – CARLO'S '8 HABITS' TO BECOME A SAINT - Did you know Carlo Acutis taught First Communion catechism class? And he told children the eight habits to become a saint, which certainly worked for him! Now you can get a beautiful prayer card with his eight habits to inspire you every day. Get enough for your parish, school, homeschool co-op, and everyone in your family. Stock up now for his canonization on Sept. 7.
PSYCHIATRIST: COVID, 'WAR ON TERROR' POLICIES LINKED - “The government’s excessive COVID response did not begin with the 2020 pandemic,” wrote Catholic psychiatrist Aaron Kheriaty, M.D. in a recent review of a book about the War on Terror. But there's a strong resemblance between the draconian policies of the War on Terror and the more recent COVID response and ... you won't be able to unsee it.
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — August 7, 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.
Christian, conservative groups optimistic Trump may rein in ‘debanking’ - Aug 7, 2025 - By Tyler Arnold - The Wall Street Journal reported on Aug. 5 that Trump may rein in “debanking” — a practice in which financial institutions have allegedly cut ties with people or groups for their religious or political beliefs.
120,000 Neocatechumenal Way young people consider call to vocation at Rome gathering - Aug 6, 2025 - By Walter Sánchez Silva - Young people from some 50 countries in Europe, 30 countries in the Americas, 11 countries in Africa, and 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania gathered to consider what their vocation in life might be.
Christian rights group challenges ‘extremism’ claims in EU abortion lobby report - Aug 6, 2025 - By Alexander Folz - The European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights in June released a report claiming a “new alliance of religious extremists, far-right populists, and oligarchic funders” was infiltrating mainstream politics.
ChurchPOP Trending
ChurchPOP provides fun, informative, and authentically Catholic news and culture - August 7, 2025
We publish inspiring daily stories, fun and shareable faith-centered infographics, prayers, Church history, and more.
The Dream That Foretold Saint Dominic: Uncovering the Meaning of the Dominican Dog - How many Catholics know the meaning of the Dominican dog?
The Shirts of the Jubilee: Pilgrims Bring Designs that Evangelize on the Streets of Rome - Here are some of the most striking ones we found along the way.
A Surprise in the Sky Accompanies the Arrival of Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata - An unexpected sign appeared in the sky: a rainbow formed across a completely clear sky, with no rain in sight.
Nutshell reflections for 8/7/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection - AUDIO - August 7, 2025
Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Aleteia
The ‘grandmother effect’ raises holy grandchildren
By Bogna Białecka, July 27, 2025
A grandmother is an underestimated treasure and support in raising grandchildren. Intuitively, we feel that she shouldn’t be a competitor to the children’s parents. But surely, “parents are for raising, grandmothers for spoiling?” Have you heard of holy grandmothers? These are women who not only raised their children, but lived to see holy grandchildren. Everyone knows St. Anne, mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. But there are more. One of the more interesting figures is St. Macrina the Elder. She was the mother of St. Basil the Elder and the grandmother of saints (St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and others). Sometimes parents fail to be a support, a guide, or an authority for their children. That's when a grandmother comes into action. If she has a good bond with her grandchildren and they consider her a wise person — their guide — she is equally effective. Researchers have called this the “grandmother effect.” When teenagers see both their parents and their grandparents as wise authorities, the effect is compounded.
Here’s The Thing
‘Boomer’ is made up, meaningless, and increasingly bigoted
By Austin Ruse, July 11, 2025
None of the Beatles were Baby Boomers, nor were any of the Stones. Only a few of the performers at Woodstock were Baby Boomers. None of the Chicago Seven were Boomers. Five were born in the 1930s, one in the 1940s, and one was born way back in the 1920s. The hippest, most culturally significant movies of the 1960s—Easy Rider and The Graduate—were not written, produced, or acted in by Baby Boomers but, instead, by Silents and also by those from the “Greatest” and preceding generations. Blame is often placed on Boomers for all the guitar masses, horrible catechesis, and felt banners. However, here’s the thing: the average age of the bishops who voted at Vatican II was 62 years old, with most of them born between 1880 and 1910. And, by the way, all those religious who left the Church in the 1970s were not Boomers. They were Silents and older, much older. The Boom was a convenient invention created by lazy marketers and journalists. And, importantly, it’s the same with all the “generations.”
Catholic Gentlemen
Leader, provider, protector: A man’s mission
By Peter C. Kleponis, August 6, 2025
To live a happy, fulfilling, and productive life, we need to know our primary purpose, our mission. For men, that mission is to be effective leaders, providers, and protectors. This is our nature. A woman’s mission is to be a practical helper, nurturer, and comforter. That is their nature. While men and women can share these attributes, men generally gravitate toward being leaders, providers and protectors, and women gravitate toward being helpers, nurturers and comforters. Being a great leader, provider, and protector is every man’s mission. It doesn’t matter how old you are, your vocation (single, married, priest, religious), or your career. If you’re a man on this planet, God calls you to be a strong leader, provider, and protector. It has been my experience that when men understand what it means and embrace it as their mission, life becomes much easier. In any situation, they know what their job is.
Wild at Heart
Are you under accusation, feeling ‘I’m such an idiot’?
By John Eldredge, August 7, 2025
You shall know them, Jesus said, by their fruit. The principle holds true for anything in life. It is especially helpful in diagnosing what the enemy might be up to. What is the fruit of what you’re experiencing? What is its effect? If it continues, what will the results of that be? What will be lost? Jesus said he came that we might have life and have it abundantly. He also warned that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Is something being stolen? That’s not from God. He called Satan the accuser of the brethren. Are you under accusation, that feeling of “I’m such an idiot”? (I’m using polite language here.) Look at the fruit — it will give you a good idea of the tree it came from. Paul says that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
Image of peanuts by Nicole Köhler, from Pixabay
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