Catholic Nutshell News: Wednesday 3/12/25
Topics include: Purge of USAID programs, Planned Parenthood’s ‘unlawful’ COVID funds, Zimbabwe bans death penalty, & Europe and the betrayal of the Faith
“Here was an almond tree in bloom before me”
Today's sources are the National Catholic Register, CNA, Aleteia, CatholicVote, The Pillar, OSV, Word on fire, and Missio Dei. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
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CatholicVote
Purge of USAID programs is complete, 83% of contracts cut
By McKenna Snow, March 11, 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced March 10 that 5,200 contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have been canceled, and 1,000 remain. Rubio said in an X post that the now-canceled contracts “spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States.” The Trump administration spent six weeks determining that 83% of the contracts needed to be canceled. “In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18% of programs we are keeping … to now be administered more effectively under the State Department,” Rubio added. The administration will also reduce USAID employees, after a U.S. district judge March 7 lifted a temporary block of the reductions.
Catholic News Agency
Senators press Planned Parenthood’s ‘unlawful’ use of COVID funds
By Tyler Arnold, March 12, 2025
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who chairs the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, sent a letter to SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler to request documents and records related to Planned Parenthood’s receipt of funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Planned Parenthood affiliates received $120 million in PPP loans in 2020 and 2021. Lawmakers have inquired about the funding for the past few years, though they reportedly did not receive the information from the previous administration. Ernst said in a statement to CNA that the PPP loans were “designed to help Americans struggling during the pandemic, not to go to ineligible recipients fueling abortion on demand.”
Aleteia
Zimbabwe bans death penalty, bishops praise country’s step
By Christine Rousselle, March 12, 2025
Zimbabwe’s move to abolish the death penalty is a step towards improving the condition of the country’s prison system, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe said in a recent statement. On December 31, 2024, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa abolished the death penalty in the country, after the Senate had voted earlier that month to end the practice. Zimbabwe had not executed anyone since 2005, but had about 60 people on death row as of the end of 2024, reported Fides, the information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The abolition of the death penalty, said the statement, is “a means to an end: the promotion of a culture of life, dignity, and respect for all people.”
Meanwhile: State chief president in India pledges death penalty for ‘forced conversion,’ CRUX, By Nirmala Carvalho - Mar 12, 2025
CRUX
Rupnik abuse case remains open, but no verdict scheduled
By Elise Ann Allen, March 12, 2025
Italian journalist Roberta Rei with the television program La Iene confronted Rupnik at the baggage claim of Rome’s Fiumicino airport, where he apparently arrived from the Schengen area along with a friend or assistant. In a video of the encounter, published to social media, Rei approaches Rupnik and introduces herself, repeatedly asking if he has a response to allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct with the women who have accused him. Rupnik, 70, is accused of sexually abusing and manipulating at least 40 different women, most of whom were nuns who belonged to the Loyola Community he helped found in his native Slovenia in the 1980s. Pope Francis in October 2023 waived the statute of limitations on the Rupnik case, allowing a canonical trial to proceed. Rupnik’s case has remained open since, with the Vatican largely silent on the status and when a verdict can be expected.
The Pillar
A merger for the Steubenville diocese still on the table
By The Pillar, March 11, 2025
Not announcing a decision on the prospect of merging the Steubenville diocese with its neighboring Diocese of Columbus — which has been publicly under consideration for several years — Bishop Edward Lohse of Kalamazoo did not rule out the prospect of a merger for the Steubenville diocese in the near future, and suggested that it might even be a demographic inevitability. “The most significant issue facing the Diocese of Steubenville in the next 5 to 10 years, and indeed in the next 30 years, is the projected decrease in population. The general population has declined noticeably, and the Catholic population even more so, with no reversal of this trend in sight.” However, the bishop argued that economic decline in the Appalachia region ,“is seen by some as one more institution now abandoning them as well,”
Catholic World Report
Europe and the betrayal of the Faith
By Joseph Pearce, March 11, 2024
[T]here remains the historical truth: that this our European structure, built upon the noble foundations of classical antiquity, was formed through, exists by, is consonant to, and will stand only in the mold of, the Catholic Church. Europe will return to the Faith, or she will perish. These words, written by Hilaire Belloc at the conclusion of his 1920 book Europe and the Faith, should be borne in mind as we consider the recent efforts to hijack the reputation of a future saint, Alcide de Gasperi (1881-1954). On February 28, Cardinal Baldassare Reina described Alcide as being “inclusive and forward-looking” and as one of the political “fathers of Europe.” The euphemistic language “inclusive and forward-looking” means undogmatic and anti-traditional in terms of Church teaching. De Gasperi was a lifelong devout Catholic and editor of the newspaper La Voce Cattolica (The Catholic Voice) which defied German imperialism and Machiavellian methods to gain totalitarian power.
UCA News
US and UN slam Thailand for deporting Uyghurs to China
By UCA News reporter, March 12, 2025
The Thai government is facing global criticism after deporting at least 40 Uyghurs to China’s Xinjiang region on Feb. 27, 2025. Right groups, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the move, warning of potential human rights abuses. Thailand had previously denied plans for the deportations, yet the sudden transfer raised alarm over the safety of those sent back. While Thai officials claim the deportation followed legal and humanitarian considerations, the international community, including the US and the EU, has strongly opposed the decision. You can see the video here.
Related: Thailand deports 40 Uyghur detainees to China despite warnings from U.S. and rights groups, NBC News, By Nat Sumon and Jennifer Jett, Feb. 27, 2025
National Catholic Register
‘Disaster’ in outsourcing assisted dying to private sector
By Madeleine Teahan/CNA, March 11, 2025
Leading pro-life campaigners in England and Wales expressed alarm following reports that Westminster’s proposed “assisted dying” process might be outsourced to private companies. A report in The Times says the U.K. government is considering contracting out assisted death to the private sector. Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of an assisted dying bill in November 2024 at its second reading, and the bill is now under the scrutiny of a parliamentary committee, which is examining how “assisted dying” might work in England and Wales. “Under such a system, the existing checks and safeguards will likely be increasingly viewed as an inconvenience and a barrier to business. The welfare of vulnerable patients will be especially at risk due to the profit motive.” said Catherine Robinson, spokesperson for Right to Life UK, calling it a “disaster” waiting to happen.
From Loop & Agency to Satire for 3/12/25
CatholicVote: Daily 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.” Today’s Wednesday topics from the LOOP include:
UKRAINE AGREES TO US-PROPOSED CEASEFIRE - Ukraine has agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, leading the Trump administration to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the proposal as a "positive step," expressing hope that it would pave the way for lasting peace.
LENTEN LESSONS - DID JESUS INSTITUTE THE 7 SACRAMENTS? - In the latest Lenten Lesson from Relevant Radio CEO Fr. Rocky, you’ll find the evidence for the institution of Baptism and all seven sacraments in Sacred Tradition and the four Gospels of the New Testament. Watch and learn today with Lenten Lessons on the Sacraments from Relevant Radio.
TERRI SCHIAVO'S TRAGIC DEATH LEADS TO ADVOCACY - Marking 20 years since Terri Schiavo’s court-ordered death, her family is honoring her legacy with a new care facility, an exhibit, and advocacy for the vulnerable – turning her tragedy into a mission for life and human dignity.
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — March 12, 2025
Catholic News Agency provides reliable, free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, emphasizing the words of the Holy Father and happenings of the Holy See to anyone with access to the internet.
Cardinal McElroy stresses hope, mercy, human dignity as new Washington archbishop - Mar 11, 2025 - By Tyler Arnold - “Mercy and compassion must be our first impulse when confronted with sin and human failure,” McElroy said.
Cathedrals, churches in Mexico vandalized during International Women’s Day marches - Mar 11, 2025 - By Diego López Colín - In the state of Jalisco, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Most Holy Mary in Guadalajara was tagged with with graffiti on its walls with slogans in favor of abortion and attacking the Catholic Church.
Bishops call for ‘vital’ donations to Catholic Relief Services after federal aid freeze - Mar 11, 2025 - By Tessa Gervasini - Catholic Relief Services has been scrambling for funding since the Trump administration in January ordered major cuts to foreign aid.
Babylon Bee - Satire News
Miracle: Face Of JD Vance Appears In Local Man's Toast
By Politics Staff, March 10, 2025
The Catholic Church officially announced that it had sanctioned a miracle after a man saw the image of Vice President JD Vance in his toast. Miguel Fernandez reported that he was preparing to eat a quick breakfast before heading off to work when he discovered Vance's face had spontaneously been seared into one of the slices of bread. "Behold! The vice president has appeared to me! I am undone!" Miguel Fernandez exclaimed. "His face has my toast for the most important meal of the day! It's a miracle!" "I can see the face of the United States Vice President as clear as day," the pontiff reportedly told his aides. "This is a very real sign that these JD Vance memes are ordained by God. We may have witnessed the first heavenly meme." Fernandez reported that JD Vance's face tasted delicious with butter and strawberry jam.
Nutshell reflections for 3/12/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection AUDIO & VIDEO - March 12, 2025
Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Word on Fire
Catholics do not always fully understand indulgences
By Dr. Richard DeClue, March 11, 2025
Jubilee Years are associated with indulgences, which are one of the least understood aspects of the Catholic faith. Even Catholics who seek to obtain indulgences do not always fully understand what they are and how they are justified theologically. sin breeds disorder in our souls—our minds and our wills. Even if one repents and is forgiven of the guilt associated with the sin, that does not always and necessarily mean that the ontological damage done by the sin—the disordered attachment—is automatically healed. Accordingly, such punishment “must not be conceived of as a kind of vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the very nature of sin” (1472). The good news, however, is that “a conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain” (1472, citing the Council of Trent).
Catholic Mom
Hours of caring for our little ones are special times of prayer
By Alex Resch, March 12, 2025
When you are busy caring for a baby, it is hard to fit in times of rest and prayer between the diapering, rocking, feeding, and teething. You may feel so spread thin and exhausted that you can’t seem to find the time or energy to maintain any sort of prayer routine (or any sort of routine, for that matter!). This is totally normal, and as a mom of little ones I can relate. On the other hand, what if we looked at the long hours of caring for our little ones as special times of prayer that we could offer up to the Lord? Today, I will share how you can use the quiet moments of caring for your baby to pray the Liturgy of the Hours together. There are five main hours of the Liturgy of the Hours throughout the day (or seven if you break down “Daytime Prayer” into Mid-morning, Midday, and Mid-afternoon prayers). That is seven beautiful opportunities to spend special time with Our Lord and your baby!
Matt Fradd's Terrifying Ruminations
Matt Fradd posts first podcast from new studio tonight
By Matt Fradd, March 12, 2025
I’ve been hosting Pints With Aquinas for nearly a decade—next year marks ten years. Crazy! Tonight, we’re releasing the very first episode from our brand-new studio here in Florida — with John Eldridge — and I couldn’t be more excited. I’d love for you to tune in! I know YouTube can be a divisive place at times, but it has also been a powerful tool for leading countless people to Christ and the Catholic faith. I’ll offer testimonies from people whose lives have been transformed—two former Muslims, a Protestant who has started praying the Rosary, and a couple who left atheism and the occult to embrace the Church. “I’m an ex Muslim, and now I am a Catholic Christian. Your channel has helped me grow academically and in holiness, and you have guided me through some tough times in my faith journey. Today marks six years of giving my life to Christ. Glory to the Triune God!” - ishofarabia
Missio Dei
Why God sent prophets like Jonah
By Andrew McGovern, March 12, 2025
The prophet Jonah, as we hear in the first reading, went to the Ninevites and preached to them, and, to their credit, they repented. But the generation that lives during the time of Christ is given no such credit. On the contrary, the words of Our Lord speak not to the repentance of the people but to their condemnation. The people of Nineveh are said to rise up on the day of judgment against the current generation and condemn them. Not because God seeks their destruction, but because they refuse to repent. God does not seek the destruction of a sinner.1 He desires their conversion and return to Him. This is why God sent the prophets like Jonah, and ultimately, why He sent His Son.
Image of Almonds by Monfocus from Pixabay
Catholic Nutshell News is a subscription service hosted by SubStack. Get up to a dozen recent articles from Monday to Saturday to review regarding newsworthy issues. An easy way to browse top Catholic news and information services on the net. Edited by John Pearring.
Read John’s new book, Frank & Ralph, a fictional novel about the retired Guardian Angels of Jesus, in Catholic Nutshell News - here.
Chapter 3 of Frank & Ralph, ‘Stares from Heaven,’ excerpt:
He orchestrated everything around him with the added paralysis of broken guardians on purpose. Angelic love and trust in God meant they would have to allow two oddballs to be the Son’s charges. The angels moved from bewilderment to wonderment and back again in a cycle of dubious chagrin. The bewildering moments were most painful.
John Francis Pearring Jr. authored Snarl, a novel about animal redemption, and the premise for A Snarl Theology.
