Catholic Nutshell News: Tuesday 1/6/26
Topics include: Mexicans urged by their cardinal; Catholic youth in Liberia cautioned; Charlotte priests send plea to Vatican; & Catholic right is gaining strength
“I’ll pray for thee from my pistachio tree”
Today's sources are the National Catholic Register, CNA, The Imaginative Conservative, CRUX, The Pillar, Big Pulpit, and CatholicVote. (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
Mexicans should demand authorities bring criminals to justice
By David Ramos, January 5, 2026
Cardinal José Francisco Robles Ortega, archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico, said that authorities have a “mandate to protect us” from violence and therefore encouraged the population to “demand” that they fulfill their duty. “Bringing to justice those who commit violence, those who commit homicides or injustices, that is the responsibility of the authorities,” he said at a Jan. 1 press conference, according to the Archdiocese of Guadalajara’s press office. The cardinal also denounced the fact that small-business owners are being extorted, pointing out that they “now don’t earn” enough “even to pay the protection money” demanded by criminals, which is why “many are closing their small businesses.” It is also important “that families pay attention to what their children are doing, who they are associating with, and what opportunities they are being offered,” said the archbishop, who considered it “distressing that organized crime is recruiting teenagers.”
ACI Africa
Catholic youth in Liberia cautioned against social vices
By ACI Africa Staff, January 3, 2026
Catholic youth in Liberia’s Monrovia Archdiocese have been cautioned against social vices and urged to safeguard their human dignity as followers of Jesus Christ. Speaking during the 2025 Archdiocesan Youth Festival wich ended Dec. 31, Director of the Youth Secretariat, Fr. Johnny Clement Kombo, highlighted social vices that, if left unchecked, can undermine human dignity. “As Christians, we must protect our dignity by rejecting drugs, pornography, violence, and self-harm, and by embracing prayer, the sacraments, and healthy living,” Fr. Kombo said. “Entrust everything to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are,” he said. A special session on cyberbullying examined its impact on young people and the Church’s response through Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching.
The Pillar
Charlotte priests send plea to Vatican over liturgical changes
By Michelle La Rosa, January 5, 2026
More than 30 priests in the Diocese of Charlotte have submitted a set of questions — called a dubia — to the Vatican regarding recent liturgical changes announced by the local bishop, including a decision to ban altar rails and kneelers for communion. The dubia were sent in a letter to the Dicastery for Legislative Texts on Jan. 5, requesting formal guidance and clarification about whether a diocesan bishop has the authority to make liturgical changes announced and proposed by Charlotte Bishop Michael Martin, OMF Conv., in recent months. Two-thirds of the signatories are pastors. The letter notes that it arises in response to a pastoral letter released by Bishop Martin last month, announcing that altar rails, kneelers, and prie-dieus will not be permitted for reception of the Eucharist in the diocese, beginning in early 2026. The letter from the priests also asked if the bishop could prohibit the use of an altar rail in parishes where the rails already exist and are used by parishioners to receive communion.
Zenit
Muslim radicals call for the execution of a cardinal in Iraq
By Elizabeth Owens, January 5, 2026
A single word, spoken from the pulpit on Christmas, has placed one of the Middle East’s most prominent Christian leaders under mounting pressure. Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, is facing an escalating campaign of intimidation in Iraq and neighboring Iran after remarks from his Christmas homily were lifted out of their pastoral context and reframed as a political provocation. At the heart of the controversy lies the Arabic term commonly rendered as “normalization.” In his homily, Cardinal Sako employed the word as part of a spiritual appeal for healing after years of conflict: a call for social stability, restored trust among citizens, and reconciliation between families, communities, and the Iraqi nation as a whole. According to the Chaldean Patriarchate, the intent was unmistakably religious, rooted in the Christmas message of peace and renewal, and entirely detached from regional geopolitics.
CatholicVote
Caritas Jerusalem to continue Gaza aid despite permit revocations
By Elise Winland, January 5, 2026
Caritas Jerusalem, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, said it will continue humanitarian operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem despite Israel’s recent decision to suspend permits for dozens of international aid organizations. The organization operates medical centers in Gaza City and Taybeh in the West Bank, where it provides primary health care, including maternal and pediatric services to hundreds of patients each month, according to its website. Its president is Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem. A spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said Caritas Jerusalem will maintain its work “in accordance with its mandate,” citing the organization’s unique legal status as an ecclesiastical legal person recognized by Israel under agreements with the Holy See in 1993 and 1997. The rules require detailed disclosures of funding, staffing, and operational structures, such as “a list of Palestinian employees to verify the absence of terrorist ties, according to the ministry.
Aleteia
St. André Bessette cured over 10,000 people in his lifetime
By Philip Kosloski, January 5, 2026
It didn't take long for St. André Bessette to become known as the "Miracle Man of Montreal." He was a simple lay brother, not wanting much attention, but graced by God with a deep and abiding faith. Similar to Bl. Solanus Casey, Bessette was a porter, the "door man," for the seminary and daily went about his business with little fanfare. He spent long hours on his knees and constructed a small chapel in honor of St. Joseph, where he spent much of his free time. It soon caught the attention of the local archbishop, who said after visiting the chapel, "Shall I say that miracles are wrought in this shrine of St. Joseph? If I denied that such was the case, the ex-votive offerings in yonder pyramids would belie my words. Miracles continued to occur, and they labeled him a "Miracle Man." Bessette only laughed at the name and said, "It is St. Joseph who does these things; I am like you, simply a suppliant."
CRUX
The Catholic right is gaining strength, and the left?
By Charles Collins, January 6, 2026
If you go on social media, Catholics are among the prominent conservative voices, and there are even many figures of varying kinds and degrees of celebrity on the far right wing. This is a change in the position the Catholic Church has held in the United States since the late 1800s. The Church has focused on workers’ rights, the promotion of trade unions, and the dignity of labor and laborers. The Catholic Church in the United States was so closely aligned with social causes espoused by Democrats and embraced by the party that people (sometimes not even half-) jokingly referred to the Church as “the Democratic Party at prayer.” Is the Catholic Left in the United States dead? “I probably represent less than 10% of the communicants on Sunday Mass, and so we need to expand the view of what the Catholic should do,” said avowed Democrat Christopher Hale, head of the “Letters from Leo” website. Hale said the Catholic Left actually has higher representation in the “official” Church — staff, journalists, and religious orders — than the average Mass-going Catholic population, noting that is likely be a hindrance to the left.
National Catholic Reporter
Judge rules group can’t intervene in Johnson Amendment case
By Bob Smietana, January 6, 2026
U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Baker in Texas has ruled that a prominent group defending the separation of church and state can’t take an active role in a case involving political endorsements during sermons. Americans United for Separation of Church and State had asked the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas for permission to defend the so-called Johnson Amendment. This IRS rule bars nonprofits from taking sides in political campaigns, in the case filed by religious groups opposed to the amendment. In its motion to join the suit, Americans United said a proposed settlement to the lawsuit, which would allow churches to make political statements during services, violates federal law and would give religious nonprofits rights that secular groups don’t have. They also said that allowing endorsements during sermons would open the door to so-called dark money flowing between campaigns and churches.
From Pulpit & CNA to Fides for 1/6/26
BIG PULPIT
Tito Edwards Catholic blogger site: January 6, 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.
Somali Fraudsters Are Funding Dem Pols – W T Huston at Breitbart
Walz Responds with New Spending – S McClallen at Townhall
Scandal Makes Dems Vulnerable in Senate Race – C Vakil at The Hill
Seattle Mayor: Investigating Fraud is ‘Hate’ – A Curtis at Townhall
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — January 6, 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.
Archdiocese of New Orleans issues public apology to abuse victims - Jan 5, 2026 - By Tessa Gervasini - The Archdiocese of New Orleans released a letter written to child sexual abuse claimants apologizing for the “inexcusable harm” they suffered.
Bishop Ricken announces formal inquiry into life of Servant of God Adele Brice - Jan 5, 2026 - By Amira Abuzeid - An edict by Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay formally announced a diocesan inquiry into the life of Servant of God Adele Brice, a 19th-century Belgian immigrant in the U.S.
St. Carlo Acutis’ parents helped develop new Vatican City State app - Jan 5, 2026 - By Victoria Cardiel - The parents of St. Carlo Acutis contributed to the development of a new official news application connected to the institutional website of the Vatican City State, www.vaticanstate.va.
Agenzia Fides
Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies - 1/6/26
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.
Archbishop Nwachukwu: Free Nigeria from the “smokescreen” of widespread violence - by Gianni Valente Rome (Agenzia Fides) - In 2025, Nigeria was the country with the highest number (5) of Catholic missionaries and pastoral workers killed.
AMERICA/HAITI - “We ask the Child Jesus for the gift of wisdom to guide our children well” - Pourcine Pic-Macaya (Agenzia Fides) – “Maintenance work on the paths and roads in the parish territory has begun again. At a time of year when agricultural work slows, a small wage is very helpful and encourages many people.
KOREAN MISSIONARIES IN THE WORLD - On mission in Australia, following in the footsteps of migrants - by Pascale Rizk Canberra/Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – More than forty years have passed since 1984, when a missionary priest from Sydney began traveling once a month to Canberra to celebrate Mass with the local Korean community.
Nutshell reflections for 1/6/26:
USCCB Daily Reflection AUDIO - January 6, 2026
Tuesday after Epiphany
National Catholic Register
The Great Jubilee’s promise remains unfulfilled
By Father Raymond J. de Souza, January 5, 2026
On the first day of this new year, Pope Leo XIV quoted Pope St. John Paul II. “‘How many gifts,’ [John Paul] said, ‘how many extraordinary occasions the Great Jubilee has offered to believers!’” He sincerely felt that “human history and culture” was ripe for a new encounter with “Christ’s saving message.” A century is a long time, let alone a millennium, so the Great Jubilee’s seeds may yet bear fruit. But the end of Jubilee 2025, back again to the beginning of the century, have seen the Church distracted from the great hopes of 2000. The celebration of the Year 2000 had been a smashing success. It was expected that it would unleash “fresh energies” in the Church, as Novo Millennio Ineunte echoed Christ’s call to “put out into the deep.” Then it all went sideways, or backwards. Nine months later, religiously inspired hatred delivered lethal violence on 9/11. The third millennium opened not with a springtime of the spirit, but with religious terrorism and the reaction of a “new atheism” — an intellectually fashionable rejection of God and ridicule of believers.
Related: Pope Leo XIV closes St. Peter’s Holy Door, concluding Jubilee of Hope, Catholic News Agency, Jan 6, 2026 By Victoria Cardiel
Imaginative Conservative
There is a lot about Christmas that is uncomfortable
By Bruce Frohnen, January 5, 2026
Why celebrate Christmas? Why throw a party instead of going to church in the first place? Is not this religious holiday, by nature calling us to quiet contemplation? I hope the answer to this question is obvious, to Presbyterians, Catholics, and any other Christians: Of course, we should celebrate the birth of our Lord—the God who loved us so much that he chose to become one of us, to take our form, our burdens, and our sins upon Himself. There is no greater gift that one can imagine, and no greater cause for celebration. A joyous noise is positively called for in thanks for such a gift. And, while we generally do not want to say it out loud, there is a lot about Christmas that is uncomfortable even for Christians these days. The more we actually celebrate what Christmas is about, the more we will see how little the other things matter.
The Obscure, Forgotten, and Undiscovered
‘Holy missed field goal, Batman!’
By James K. Hanna, January 5, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens missed what would have been a winning field goal as time expired in Sunday’s game—a game that decided the Pittsburgh Steelers as AFC North champion, advancing to the playoffs. Prior to the game, a Catholic priest blessed the playing field with holy water—in the end zone where the field goal try went wide right! It’s a fun story, but it has led to a number of questions and misunderstandings about holy water and blessings. “Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way the sacraments do, but by the Church’s prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it” (See CCC 1670). It continues, “We bless objects for many reasons … Blessed icons or other images in the household … Tools of human labor, recreation, and devotion … A vehicle like boats or other forms of social contact.” (I’ve written about this once before when author John O’Hara wanted his Rolls-Royce blessed.)
Catholic Mom
Devotions that may fit into your daily life
By Bonnie Drury, January 6, 2026
Pope Francis visited Fatima, Portugal, in 2023, where he spoke to 200,000 pilgrims. While there, he proclaimed a new devotional title for Mary: “Our Lady in a Hurry.” While this title describes how Mary hastens to care for all her children, it also resonates with all of us because we’re always “in a hurry.” Our days are full, and we feel like we haven’t a moment to spare. Yet our souls cry out for God’s peace, and we long to be closer to Him. Here are some devotions that may fit into your daily life.
Awaken the Sleeping Giant: A Devotion to Saint Joseph
The Jesus Prayer - “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
The Divine Mercy Prayer - This prayer can be used at any time for any petition.
Wearing the Miraculous Medal - The design of the Miraculous Medal originated in heaven with Our Blessed Mother.
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The story about Cardinal Sako and the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq is heartbreaking. The way a single word from his Christmas homily got twisted into political propaganda shows how easily religious messages get weaponized in volatile regions. I remember reading about the Chaldean community's struggles after ISIS and thought things were improving, but this campaign of intimidation demonstrates how precarious their situation remains. Hopeing more international attention can provide some protection for these ancient Christian comunities.