Catholic Nutshell News: Tuesday 1/20/26
Topics include: Vatican tried to mediate with Maduro; 40 South Africans face excommunication; Worry about Catholic soldiers in takeover of Greenland; & Christian Zionism is a ‘damaging ideology'
“I’ll pray for thee from my pistachio tree”
Today's sources are the National Catholic Register, CNA, The Imaginative Conservative, CRUX, James K. Hanna, The Pillar, Big Pulpit, and CatholicVote. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
Click here to view this email on the Catholic Nutshell News website. Today’s Catholic Nutshell News audio podcast is available on the Substack App.
Catholic News Agency
Vatican confirms it tried to mediate with Maduro in Venezuela
By Victoria Cardiel, January 19, 2026
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin confirmed Saturday that the Holy See attempted to mediate to avert U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, which culminated Jan. 3 with the capture of Nicolás Maduro. “We had tried precisely — as, among other things, has appeared in some newspapers — to find a solution that would avoid any bloodshed, trying perhaps to reach an agreement even with Maduro and with other figures in the regime, but this was not possible,” Parolin told reporters Jan. 17, outside Rome’s Domus Mariae church. Parolin — who served as apostolic nuncio to Venezuela from 2009 to 2013 — said the Vatican has “always supported a peaceful solution,” adding: “But we, too, find ourselves faced with a fait accompli, a de facto situation … We hope it evolves toward stability, toward an economic recovery — because the economic situation is truly very, very precarious — and also toward the democratization of the country,” the cardinal said.
ACI Africa
40 in South African Archdiocese of Pretoria face excommunication
By ACI Africa Staff, January 12, 2026
Archbishop Dabula Mpako of South Africa’s Catholic Archdiocese of Pretoria has issued a Canonical decree requiring a section of parishioners who incited a series of protests at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in the Archdiocese to undergo a “rehabilitative process” or be penalized, including being excommunicated. In the decree that was circulated on Sunday, January 11, Archbishop Mpako narrates events of December 2025 in which some parishioners of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart organized demonstrations, incited other Church members to participate in them, and even disrupted Holy Mass to protest a pastoral decision that was made concerning “a pastor” of the Archdiocese. He says that penalties will include excommunication that he says is “reserved for those who, after due warning, persist in the schismatic behaviour of inciting revolt against the lawful authority of the Bishop.”
The Pillar
Broglio: Worried for US Catholic soldiers in takeover of Greenland
By Michelle La Rosa, January 19, 2026
The archbishop of the U.S. military services said Sunday that he does not believe military action to take control of Greenland could be justified – and that U.S. troops in good conscience could refuse orders to do so. Speaking to the BBC on Jan. 18. Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services said he “cannot see any circumstances” in which an American military operation to take control of Greenland or another ally’s territory could fulfill the criteria for a just war. The archbishop also said administration rhetoric on Greenland “tarnishes the image of the United States.” Asked whether he is concerned about Catholics serving in the military who might be asked to participate in a military operation to take control of Greenland, Broglio responded, “I am obviously worried, because they could be put in a situation where they’re being ordered to do something which is morally questionable.”
Related: US Catholic cardinals urge Trump administration to embrace a moral compass in foreign policy - CRUX, by Nicole Winfield, Giovanna Dell’Orto, Associated Press - Jan 20, 2026
Zenit
Questions about liturgy: Removing the Christmas Creche
By ZENIT Staff, January 18, 2026
Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University, was a Christmas question: Should the creche be removed from a church before the feast of the Baptism of the Lord? “There is not a great deal of what could be deemed ‘magisterium’ on the Christmas crib and other Christmas traditions,” wrote McNamara. “Most such traditions are customary and hence are not determined in official norms. Since legitimate varieties in customs do exist, there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer to this question. Paintings, mosaics, and reliefs have depicted the Nativity from ancient times … In some countries, it is not unusual to retain some Christmas decorations until the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2. St. John Paul II would make his last visit to the crib in St. Peter’s Square after celebrating the evening Mass on February 2. After this visit, the Nativity scene was dismantled.”
CatholicVote
Indiana’s Mendoza thanks God for the platform to praise Jesus
By CatholicVote (on X), & Yahoo Sports, January 19, 2026
Heisman Trophy winner and Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza said ahead of the national championship game, which Indiana won convincingly, that, "This season is the season I've gotten the closest, the most religious I've ever been, and I think it's also been reflected by the success—not success, but the platform—to also praise Jesus Christ. This is a big part of myself and my identity." Fernando Mendoza had honored his Catholic faith when, after receiving the Heisman Trophy, on Christmas Eve, he brought it to church to celebrate with his local priests at Indiana University’s Newman Center. “I am a Catholic. I am a Catholic man.” Earlier in the season, Fernando Mendoza watched his younger brother Alberto throw his first career touchdown in the final minutes of a 56-9 win over Kennesaw State. "It was fantastic," Fernando said. "I want to give all the glory to God on that. That was amazing to be here with him and have that partnership that we're working together.”
Related: Dominican chaplains of Indiana University celebrate Indiana win and star quarterback, Aleteia, Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 01/20/26
Related: ‘Non Nobis Domine’: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza on Giving Glory to God, National Catholic Register, by Father Raymond J. de Souza, January 18, 2026
Aleteia
Christian Zionism is a ‘damaging ideology’
By Christine Rousselle, January 20, 2026
The influence of Christian Zionism in the Holy Land is making life harder for the Christians who reside in the area, said a January 17 statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. Christian Zionism is an ideology that supports the return of the Jewish people to Israel to fulfill what is seen as Biblical prophecy concerning the Second Coming of Christ. Typically, Christian Zionists are members of evangelical Christian churches, which are not led by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem. "Recent activities," the statement continued, "undertaken by local individuals who advance damaging ideologies, such as Christian Zionism, mislead the public, sow confusion, and harm the unity of our flock." The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem are an ecumenical group of Christian leaders, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Christian Zionists, said the statement, have been "welcomed at official levels both locally and internationally," something the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches find concerning.
CRUX
Philippines Church opposes renewal of 50-year coal mining deal
By Paterno R. Esmaquel II, January 20, 2026
The Catholic Church opposed the renewal of a coal mining contract on Semirara Island, in the central Philippines, citing its destructive effects on farmers and fisherfolk over the past five decades. The Church lodged its opposition through a pastoral statement signed by Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos. The 66-year-old bishop is also the president of Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. The 50-year coal mining contract of Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) — issued in 1977 — is set to expire on July 14, 2027. The company is led by Isidro A. Consunji, who, along with his siblings, was classified by Forbes as the country’s fifth-richest man as of 2025. The contract allows the Consunji-led SMPC to operate on Semirara Island. Composed of 13,600 people, the island holds the country’s largest coal reserves
OSV News
Capuchin friar, with direct ties to Padre Pio, dies at age 85
By The Dialog, January 16, 2026
Capuchin Franciscan Father John Aurilia — former assistant to St. Padre Pio, whose final interview last October on Wilmington’s Diocese’s Catholic Forum broke records — died Jan. 13 in Wilmington. He was 85. Father Aurilia worked for St. Padre Pio (St. Pio of Pietrelcina) in 1967 when Padre Pio, the Italian Capuchin friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic, lived in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Father Aurilia was most recently living and writing at St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Wilmington. He authored “Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio,” published by OSV Books. He was featured on a YouTube podcast Sept. 24, produced by the Diocese of Wilmington. Aurilia served as Padre Pio’s personal secretary in August 1967, a year before Pio’s death. “He would sometimes hear confessions for 12 hours straight,” Aurilia said. “People don’t realize how exhausting it is to hear confessions. If I hear confessions for an hour, I need a break. After two hours, I need a vacation.”
Related: OSV News expands to the Vatican, hires Courtney Mares to cover Pope Leo XIV, January 20, 2026
From Pulpit & CNA to Fides for 1/20/26
BIG PULPIT
Tito Edwards Catholic blogger site: January 20, 2026
The Big Pulpit website is an intelligent news aggregator offering quality insight & analysis on the Catholic Church worldwide. Here are Chief Editor Tito Edward’s top recommendations for today.
Yet Another Great Reversal of Pope Francis by Pope Leo! – Fr. Allan J. McDonald at Southern. . .
Pope Leo & the Truth Behind a Saint & the Chicago Bears – Theresa Civantos Barber at Aleteia
New Papal Ferula for the New Phase of Pope Leo’s Pontificate. . . – Fr. Allan J. McDonald at SO
Detroit Archbishop Appoints New President at Seminary, Replacing Key Personnel – Catholic Vote
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — January 20, 2026
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.
Pope Leo to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass at St. John Lateran after hiatus under Pope Francis - Jan 20, 2026 - By Victoria Cardiel - The pope’s move restores a long-standing Roman tradition that his predecessor set aside.
Why will Chiclayo, Peru, host the World Day of the Sick? - Jan 20, 2026 - By Victoria Cardiel - The solemn celebration will take place in the northern Peruvian city Feb. 9–11. “We needed a place where, given the climate in February, it would be less likely that the celebration would be affected by bad weather,” Cardinal Michael Czerny said, calling the decision a “happy coincidence.”
Pope Leo XIV receives Czech president, discusses democracy and transatlantic tensions - Jan 20, 2026 - By Bohumil Petrík - “The Church has an extraordinary diplomatic reach, and Pope Leo XIV is trying very actively to moderate disputes.” Both leaders agree that “democratic countries are and should be natural partners,” said Czech President Petr Pavel.
Agenzia Fides
Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies - 1/20/26
Fides News Agency (Fides) was established in 1927, at the direction of the Council Superior General of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, as the first Missionary Agency of the Church and among the first agencies in the world.
AMERICA/COSTA RICA - Bishops in view of the elections: forming consciences, illuminating with the Gospel, and reawakening the civic commitment of the faithful - San José (Agenzia Fides) – The mission of the Church is “to form consciences, illuminate with the Gospel, and reawaken the civic commitment of the faithful.”
AFRICA/NIGERIA - Authorities in Kaduna State deny the kidnapping of more than 100 faithful from several Christian churches - Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “The news is completely false; we have no evidence of any such attack,” said Sule Shuaibu, Commissioner for Internal Security in Kaduna State, refuting the press reports of the alleged kidnapping of 163 faithful.
AFRICA/UGANDA - President Museveni claims responsibility for the arrest of the priest reported missing in early December - Kampala (Agenzia Fides) – “We will only release Father Deusdedit Ssekabira if he confesses the truth,” said Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on January 18 in his speech celebrating his victory in the January 15 presidential elections.
Nutshell reflections for 1/20/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection AUDIO - January 20, 2026
Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
National Catholic Register
Young people march for life in Paris, but the bishops are absent
By Solène Tadié, January 20, 2026
Some 10,000 people gathered at Place Vauban in Paris, in front of the iconic Invalides palace, for the annual March for Life, Jan. 18. The crowd, largely young, visibly engaged and unapologetic, came to defend the dignity of human life at a moment of heightened legislative stakes for France. The march took place just two years after abortion was enshrined in the French Constitution and a few days before a Senate debate on so-called “end-of-life” legislation. While pro-life activists — mostly young Catholics — filled the square in large numbers to defend what they considered to be a matter of civilization, the French Catholic hierarchy was conspicuous by its absence, except for the former bishop of the Diocese of Toulon-Fréjus, Dominique Rey. This consistent absence reveals that Church leaders hesitate to engage with public moral issues at a time when faith is experiencing a generational renewal, driven by a youth craving moral anchors.
Imaginative Conservative
I’ve not read Confessions, and it is embarrassing
By Dwight Longenecker, January 18, 2026
I confess that I have not read Confessions. I have dipped into it, scanned and skimmed it for research purposes, but I have not sat down and made my way through it. Perhaps, had I had the advantage of attending a school with a great books curriculum, I would not now, at this stage in my life, have to make such an embarrassing admission. I realize with this admission that I am missing something. A piece is missing in my mind and heart. Nevertheless, I believe to have tapped over the years into the heart and mind of this great soul—this seminal philosopher, pastor, theologian, lover, and saint. How could anyone who has had even a mediocre education in the Western tradition be immune to his influence? As one of the greatest bridges from the ancient world to the medieval, St Augustine of Hippo’s Confessions illuminates the darkness of the ancient world and lights the path forward through the gloom of the modern world.
The Obscure, Forgotten, and Undiscovered
We should not ignore Jack Kerouac’s sketches and paintings
By James K. Hanna, January 15, 2026
As mentioned on my other Substack, Beat Moments, Jack Kerouac’s work as a visual artist is often overlooked in favor of his writing. Given the sheer volume of his literary output, that’s understandable, but to ignore his artwork—sketches, drawings, paintings—is to miss an important aspect of his creative, and spiritual, life. His 1959 painting of Cardinal Giovanni Baptiste Montini, the future Pope Paul VI is found in the book Departed Angels: Jack Kerouac, The Lost Paintings (Text by Ed Adler). The original is two-and-a-half feet tall. Adler explains Kerouac’s painting: “In the background … Jack’s intention was an abstract rendering of the church environment. His use of the same passionate palette of colors in this continuous area, a sign the figure exemplifies the spiritual connection of the main subject to his station: the cardinal is an all-embracing, integrally ensconced element of the Church.”
Catholic Mom
Busy moms need to make room for reading
By Charisse Tierney, January 20, 2026
There is so much to read and learn, but my days seem too short to keep up with my family and professional life, let alone sit for any length of time and read. Even if I can find the time, my over-fatigued brain just wants to gravitate to a tried-and-true TV show before succumbing to sleep. But when I discipline myself to ignore the desires of my fatigue, I remember how good it feels to turn to something that will truly refresh me. The imagination can put the characters and scenery in a novel in motion better than any movie set. A well-written book about business, teaching, or any field of expertise provides the thrill of a multitude of aha moments … better than any mind-numbing TV show. And a biography of a saint or historical figure gives me a unique and thorough glimpse into their soul and ideas for how I can emulate their finer qualities.
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