Catholic Nutshell News: Tuesday 7/28/26
Catholics should know: Save pilgrimage site from seizure; Catholic College to repurpose Masonic temple; Housing shortage is a moral crisis; & Transalpine Redemptorist also excommunicated
“I’ll pray for thee from my pistachio tree”
Your 5-minute Catholic briefing for busy faithful. Today's sources are OSV News, EWTN, First Things, Big Pulpit, Aleteia, and The Pillar. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise their Catholic News Muscle)
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Our Sunday Visitor
Lawmaker intervenes to save pilgrimage site from seizure
By Gina Christian, July 27, 2026
The Trump administration’s move to seize a New Mexico pilgrimage site for border wall construction — despite religious liberty objections — continues to be contested in court, as a Texas lawmaker has introduced legislation to stop the takeover. An attorney working to protect the site called the federal government’s claim, which seeks to dismiss any consideration of religious freedom, “a stunning and legally untenable position.” The Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has for several weeks been battling the administration’s efforts to gain control over a 14-acre parcel that includes Mount Cristo Rey, located in Sunland Park, New Mexico. The 4,675-foot peak, capped by a 29-foot limestone statue of Jesus Christ the King, has served as a shrine for Catholic faithful for close to a century. The federal government filed a May 7 lawsuit, claiming eminent domain — or government power to seize private property for public use, with “just compensation” as required by the Fifth Amendment — over the land.
Zeale
Arkansas granted $1.7 million to pro-life pregnancy organizations
By Elizabeth Ervin, July 27, 2026
The state of Arkansas awarded more than $1.7 million in grants to dozens of pregnancy help organizations across the state during the 2026 fiscal year, according to a July 20 report from the Arkansas Family Council, a conservative Christian advocacy organization. More than three dozen pro-life service providers received state funding to assist women facing unplanned pregnancies. Among the largest grants were more than $111,000 for Arkansas Baptist Children & Family, about $96,000 for New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, and more than $77,000 for Options A Pregnancy Resource Center. The Family Council noted that Arkansas has prohibited abortion in most circumstances, except in medical emergencies defined by state law, since 2022, the year Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
EWTN News
St. Joseph the Worker College to repurpose Masonic temple
By Madalaine Elhabbal, July 28, 2026
St. Joseph the Worker College in Steubenville, Ohio, plans to renovate a former Masonic temple into a public theater, restaurant, and Catholic shrine. Spokesperson Wes Cimmarrusti said the idea took shape after Jacob Imam, president and founder, began praying a novena and walking around the building each workday, often returning on weekends with his family “like the Israelites circling Jericho.” Imam’s daily prayer‑walks preceded an unexpected call from the Freemasons within a month, asking whether he would consider buying the property. “We totally credit the favor and the opportunity to the intercession of St. Joseph and the power of prayer,” Cimmarrusti said. The Catholic trade school raised $1 million and signed a purchase agreement with the Freemasons of Steubenville to buy the property in January 2027. While no date has been set for the project’s completion, the college seeks to raise an additional $3 million to fully renovate the space.
CBCP News
Bishops in Asia approve new governing statutes
By CBCP News, July 26, 2026
Catholic Bishops from across Asia have approved a revised set of governing statutes for their regional federation, adopting a leadership structure meant to reflect how the Church in the region has grown over the past decade. The previous statutes had been in place since 2013. Under the new structure, the federation will be led by a smaller executive board made up of the president, vice president and secretary general, replacing the previous office-bearers system. The board will carry out decisions made by the Central Committee, in what bishops described as a more collaborative model. The plenary assembly remains the federation’s highest authority, and major changes to the statutes will still require the Holy See’s confirmation, as before. The federation brings together bishops’ conferences from across Asia to support cooperation and shared pastoral life among the region’s Catholic communities.
National Catholic Register
Housing shortage is becoming a moral crisis
By Jonah McKeown, July 27, 2026
There’s no clear path to homeownership for the many families in Philadelphia, where the cost of an average single-family home has risen 69% in the past eight years. While waiting for the market to become more favorable, Daniel and Mary Colleen Drain currently live with Mary Colleen’s parents in the outer suburbs. From there, Daniel commutes an hour and a half each way to his job downtown as director of the Office of Life and Family for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “Modest, three-bedroom homes that can be a place for our family to grow into seem just out of reach,” said Daniel, who, along with his wife, is 33 years old. U.S. home values have risen in recent decades much faster than incomes, making homeownership hard to come by for many young families. A house in America costs five times a family’s median annual income, far higher than the ratio of 3.2 seen throughout the 1990s. Home sales sit at a three-decade low with first-time homebuyers at 40 years old.
Vatican News
US strikes on Iran said to be paused amid diplomatic push
By Nathan Morley, July 28, 2026
American military action against Iran appears to have been halted, media reports suggest, though Washington has offered no public explanation for the apparent pause. However, a Pentagon source told CNN that operations were currently “on hold” but gave no timeframe for when, or whether, they might resume. Two competing explanations have since emerged from US broadcasters. CBS News, quoting regional sources, suggested the halt was timed to avoid disrupting a visit by Omani officials to Tehran, where discussions are reportedly under way over reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Some senior military advisers said American air-defense supplies were running critically low. Away from the diplomacy, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding at sea. Shipping industry figures cited by the International Maritime Organization put the number at roughly 6,000 seafarers across some 400 vessels — with an unknown further number missing altogether, thought to be stuck aboard smaller boats scattered across the Gulf.
The Pillar
Transalpine Redemptorist also excommunicated for schism
By Luke Coppen, July 27, 2026
The head of a traditionalist group who was illicitly ordained a bishop on a remote Scottish island Saturday has been declared excommunicated after a diocesan canonical process found him guilty of schism. Fr. Michael Mary Sim, F.SS.R., the founder of the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (Transalpine Redemptorists), was excommunicated, dismissed from his ecclesiastical office as superior of the community, and forbidden to offer Mass and other sacraments, Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen announced July 25. In Church law, excommunication is defined as a “medicinal” penalty that is intended to inspire the offender to seek reconciliation, rather than as a merely punitive measure. In a statement, Gilbert explained that the penalties were a consequence of Fr. Michael Mary’s adoption of sedevacantism, the position that the popes since Vatican Council II were illegitimate.
Zenit News
Vatican still hasn’t learned how to deal with abuse allegations
By Charles Collins, July 26, 2026
The news this past week put the opacity of canonical criminal proceedings squarely in the spotlight, when the Vatican was forced to deny rumors a disgraced former Jesuit and one-time celebrity artist had been acquitted in his secret Church trial. The case of Father Marko Rupnik — who somehow remains a priest apparently in good standing — also illustrates how the abuse of adults (usually women) isn’t being addressed properly. Rupnik has been investigated several times, by different Church authorities, and each investigation has uncovered and confirmed gruesome evidence of the priest’s crimes against dozens of women over a period of thirty years. The Jesuits now believe he is guilty, and they have said so. Rupnik was expelled from the Jesuits in 2023. A friendly diocese in the priest’s native Slovenia accepted him as a member of the diocesan clergy. The secrecy surrounding Rupnik has hurt the victims (who have waited too long to see too little justice) and the Church, whose faithful are scandalized and whose leaders have lost moral credibility.
Keep informed - 7/28/26 news for Catholics
Snippets: Pulpit, EWTN, & Aleteia
BIG PULPIT
Tito Edwards’ Catholic blogger site: July 28, 2026
The Big Pulpit website is an intelligent news aggregator offering insights and analysis on the Catholic Church worldwide. Here are Chief Editor Tito Edwards’ top recommendations for today.
Leo Names Archbishop Cordileone to Vatican’s Highest Court – Michael Haynes at Catholic Herald
Video: Open Rebellion In Germany: Bishops & Laity at War Over the Faith – Anthony P. Stine, Ph.D.
Every Time Cardinal Grech and his Committee Speak on Synodality, They Guarantee Its Demise – Fr. Allan J. McDonald
What’s Happened to Hospice? – Gigi Duncan at National Catholic Register
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — July 28, 2026
EWTN News 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.
Miami archbishop calls for ‘compassionate’ protections for Haitians ahead of TPS deadline - By Tessa Gervasini - Catholic Health Services, one of the Archdiocese of Miami’s largest ministries, faces losing an estimated 40 to 50 employees, Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski said. Miami’s archbishop said local ministries are “preparing for the consequences” of policy changes, including the termination of work authorizations for diocesan employees.
U.S. moves to revoke citizenship of Mexican friar convicted of child abuse - By Diego López Colín - In 2018, when the allegations first came to light, Friar Urbano Vázquez was removed from ministry by the Archdiocese of Washington. He was convicted of child sexual abuse in 2019.
‘The Chosen’ unveils emotional Season 6 trailer depicting Christ’s passion - By Francesca Pollio Fenton - The upcoming season of the hit series focuses on the 24 hours of Good Friday — culminating in the crucifixion of Christ. The trailer offers viewers a glimpse into the scourging at the pillar, Jesus’ arrest and trials, the walk to Calvary, and his final, powerful words on the cross.
Aleteia
Aleteia’s global network of experts, journalists, & contributors
Aleteia (aleteia.org) is an online publication distributed in six languages (English, French, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, and Slovenian). Launched in 2013, it is one of the world’s leading news websites. Aleteia offers both general and religious content free from ideological influences.
He prayed to St. Anthony of Padua and survived skin cancer - Diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, Adam Biały was given little chance of survival. But after he prayed to Anthony of Padua. Many people have reported miraculous healings, including from cancer. His prayers are often sought for those suffering from various ailments.
LeBron James at Mass? Maybe that’s not the real story - That's exactly what appeared on the Instagram page of Queen of Peace Parish in Ardsley, Pennsylvania, where a smiling LeBron posed alongside the parish priest beneath the caption: "LeBron James came out to Mass for the Feast of Saint James this morning." No confirmation yet on the veracity of the image.
The one-second gesture that defines your whole life - Making the Sign of the Cross can be less about habit and more about choice. If we put some mental effort into it, it can be the strategy for our whole lives. The Bible makes no mention of making the Sign of the Cross. Instead, it offers us many reminders of the importance of the Cross. Early Greek-speaking Christians spoke of the Sign of the Cross as a sphragis, meaning seal.
July 28, 2026 - USCCB Daily Mass Readings
You can listen HERE - or read HERE:
Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Catholic commentary:
Aleteia
Have you been neglecting your mental health?
By Daniel Esparza, July 28, 2026
The body’s needs are visible and undeniable, and our current culture has enough language for them. The mind’s needs, most of the time, are less visible and much easier to defer. Mental health care still carries, in many circles, a faint suggestion of either weakness or indulgence — something for the anxious, the fragile, the people who have not learned to manage. Stoicism gets misread as virtue. Endurance gets confused with health. And so the interior life accumulates pain and distress in the same way the body does, until at some point the invoice arrives and it is larger than expected. The Catholic tradition has always insisted this framing is wrong — not because it is insufficiently compassionate, but because it is philosophically incoherent. The Catechism is direct on the point: “Man, though made of body and soul, is a unity” (CCC 364).
Missio Dei Catholic
Appeal to God’s own nature and character
By Deacon Michael Halbrook, July 21, 2026
Jeremiah is weeping without rest. What he sees is bad - and it’s everywhere: slain in the field, starving in the city, prophet and priest foraging in a land they no longer recognize. The wound of the daughter of his people is incurable. He has no consolation to offer because he has none himself. He looks at what is there and weeps. And then he prays. He does not petition from a viewpoint of deserved rescue. He is not claiming to have been wronged. He is acknowledging, in the middle of catastrophe, that the catastrophe has roots. But then his appeal shifts. “For your name’s sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory; remember your covenant with us, and break it not.” The petition is rooted not in merit but in God’s own nature and character, in the covenant that precedes and survives every human failure.
The Imaginative Conservative
Christianity and the Three Cultures
By Michael De Sapio, July 26, 2026
What happened to Christianity when it expanded from its Judean homeland and entered the gentile world? Much conservative writing emphasizes the harmony and unity between the three ancient cultures (those of Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome) that contributed to Western civilization. Such a celebratory stance is wonderful and necessary. But it is equally important to point out possible areas of tension. Tertullian put the question in stark terms: “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” (a rhetorical question that is best understood in context). The question of continuity in religious teaching is, of course, very important in the Catholic faith. As a Catholic, I believe that God protects, guides, and loves his Church, that he shields it from harmful error. I believe in the fundamental unity of the Church through history, and so I cannot accept the argument put forth by some critics that Christianity actually became a different religion in the fourth century when it achieved official status in the Roman Empire.
First Things
Understanding the scandal of Jewish belief
By J.H.H. Weiler, July 27, 2026
What happened to Christianity when it expanded from its Judean homeland and entered the gentile world? Much conservative writing emphasizes the harmony and unity between the three ancient cultures (those of Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome) that contributed to Western civilization. Such a celebratory stance is wonderful and necessary. But it is equally important to point out possible areas of tension. Tertullian put the question in stark terms: “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” (a rhetorical question that is best understood in context). The question of continuity in religious teaching is, of course, very important in the Catholic faith. As a Catholic, I believe that God protects, guides, and loves his Church, that he shields it from harmful error. I believe in the fundamental unity of the Church through history, and so I cannot accept the argument put forth by some critics that Christianity actually became a different religion in the fourth century when it achieved official status in the Roman Empire.
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