“Here was an almond tree in bloom before me”
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EWTN News
Theologians, retired commander reflect on just war
By Tyler Arnold, November 10, 2026
A few hundred people—including active-duty military members and veterans—attended the Catholic Military Conference this week, which featured talks and panels on just war doctrine, the duties of Catholic soldiers, and other subjects. “Fighting involves killing,” retired Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik — a commander in the Iraq War who also served in Afghanistan and several other countries — said in his talk. The conference, organized by the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is being held in Chantilly, Virginia, from Nov. 9–11. Although war can be permitted under certain circumstances, the speakers emphasized political leaders' duty to ensure every criterion of just war doctrine is met when launching a war and to avoid it whenever possible. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, war can only be justified to confront a grave evil; the evil caused by the war cannot exceed the evil it seeks to end; all alternatives to war must be sought before it is waged; and the goals must have a real chance of success.
Zenit
Malta Court orders 4 companies to pay Vatican Bank €24.1 Million
By Valentina di Giorgio, November 10, 2026
The Vatican Bank secured a significant legal victory in Malta, where a civil court has ordered four investment companies to pay €24.1 million in compensation over the handling of a property venture in Budapest. The ruling, delivered at first instance after litigation that began in 2017, marks an important step in the Institute for the Works of Religion’s efforts to recover losses and hold past investment decisions accountable. The companies were held jointly liable for €24.1 million in damages, plus interest at an annual rate of 8% from the date of the judgment until payment. At the center of the dispute was the structure through which the Budapest property investment was managed—the use of an intermediary entity, Cougar, in the transaction resulted in an unjustified transfer of value to the detriment of the Vatican institution. The judgment addressed the responsibilities owed by those entrusted with managing the investment.
National Catholic Register
Islam’s rise should prompt Christian soul-searching
By Edward Pentin, November 10, 2026
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, 78, said the growth in Islam “is not at all surprising and does not necessarily result from a deliberate plan,” but rather is a “natural process.” Ranjith, considered a strong candidate to be pope last year, said he is not surprised by the rise of political Islam in the West, as many Christians have adopted secular values, thereby creating a contradiction between belief and practice, especially in the public square. Ranjith has long sought interreligious harmony in his native country, adding that Christian societies are gradually declining because they are “absorbing secular values” and basing political choices on them. Other religions, such as Islam, “do not share the same fascination with secularism,” but rather “base their life choices on their beliefs, which is right and natural,” he said. Sri Lanka's religious composition is 70% Buddhist, 13% Hindu, 10% Muslim, and 7% Christian (predominantly Catholic).
Zeale News
Trump says ‘no amnesty’ after signaling openness to a deal
By Elise Winland, November 10, 2026
President Donald Trump ruled out amnesty for illegal immigrants Nov. 9, a day after an interview aired in which he said his administration’s deportation campaign might have been “too tough” and suggested he could reach an immigration deal with Democrats. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “There won’t be amnesty. Somebody suggested, ‘Will there be amnesty?’ No.” He described his deportation policy as “very strong” and said enforcement remained focused on “the worst of the worst,” including murderers and other serious criminals. Trump said many illegal immigrants in the U.S. “have good jobs now. They’re productive. Some of them are even paying taxes. And we’re seeing what’s going to happen. But my policy hasn’t changed,” he added. His remarks followed criticism from some conservatives over a CBS “60 Minutes” interview that aired Nov. 8.
The PIllar
Significant setback for the Catholic Church in Germany
By Luke Coppen, November 6, 2026
A labor court issued a ruling Thursday that marked a significant setback for the Catholic Church in Germany, one of the country’s largest employers. The Federal Labor Court said Nov. 5 that a Catholic employer unlawfully discriminated against an employee by dismissing her for formally leaving the Church. The Diocese of Limburg, where the employee’s former employer is based, expressed disappointment with the Federal Labor Court’s judgment and said her former employer should consider taking the case to the Federal Constitutional Court. The case raises far-reaching questions about whether formally leaving the Church is grounds for dismissing employees and how German Catholic charities can preserve their identities while complying with employment equality laws. The German Church and its sprawling network of institutions employ 800,000 people, out of a total population of roughly 83 million.
Pime AsiaNews
Japan introduces AI in prisons to assist foreign inmates
By Japan Staff, November 10, 2026
To communicate with foreign-speaking inmates, prison officers used a small translation device powered by artificial intelligence (AI) software. This allowed a Chilean man who, upon arriving at the facility, couldn't understand staff instructions to express his interest in working in the prison’s workshop. The device, which fits in the palm of a hand, translates the words of both officers and inmates in seconds, transforming communication in Japanese prisons and detention centers that house foreign nationals. Japan’s Ministry of Justice distributed approximately 200 of these units in the summer of 2025. At Fuchu, where, as of the end of last year, 20% of the 1,760 inmates (including both convicted prisoners and those held under other forms of detention) were foreign nationals without permanent residency, the device has helped overcome challenges that were previously managed through gestures alone.
Graphs about Religion
Why don’t religious ‘nones’ want kids?
By Ryan Burge, November 5, 2026
We have a great new addition to the fertility discourse because Pew posted its American Trends Panel 147 on the Association of Religion Data Archives. The first line of the summary tells the whole story: “The purpose of this study is to discover why people choose not to have children, exploring factors like career, finances, world concerns, or personal choice.” For nearly everyone in the over-50 group, childlessness is likely to be a permanent life-course outcome. In the full sample, the most popular response was “there was a time when I wanted to have children.” Four in ten people with no kids who were at least 50 years old chose that option. People from religious groups, however, scored above that average. For Catholics, it was nearly half (48%), and Protestants, 46%. For the nones, the most popular option by a long shot was “I never wanted to have children.” This sentiment captured 46% of the non-religious, nearly twenty points higher than any other religious group.
Aleteia
Teach kids about Jesus’ ‘night light’
By Philip Kosloski, November 7, 2026
When we attend Mass on Sundays or visit a Catholic Church, we might see the burning sanctuary lamp and not even notice it. It’s a standard feature of every Catholic Church, and the more we get used to it, the less attention we pay to it. Yet, for a child, the sanctuary lamp is a curious thing—a red lamp that is always burning. For many children, it is a mystery, which can provide the perfect opportunity to teach them more deeply about Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament. One way to pique little children's curiosity is to explain that the sanctuary lamp is “Jesus’ night light.” Many children can relate to having a night light near their bed, a light that is constant and remains lit when they are present in their bed. Night lights also provide a sense of peace and calm, reminding the children that the shadows of the dark are nothing to fear. It can be comforting for them to know that Jesus has a night light, too, reminding them that the light in the sanctuary alerts us that Jesus is right there, in the tabernacle.
Keep informed - 11/11/26 news for Catholics
Snippets from Loop, Catholic World Report, & EWTN
Zeale’s LOOP
Read daily news and political impact stories at the “LOOP”
Elections and politics matter. The LOOP gives you daily news gems that seek “to renew our country and culture.”
CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS ELECT NEW — AND OLD — LEADERS FOR NEW CONGRESS - House Republicans settled on Ohio’s Rep. Jim Jordan as the new House minority leader, while Senate Republicans agreed to keep South Dakota’s Sen. John Thune as their leader for the 120th Congress, despite a bid from several GOP senators to delay the leadership vote amid debates over the party’s sweeping midterm losses.
JUDGE SETS 2028 TRIAL FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S ACCUSED ASSASSIN - A Utah judge on Nov. 9 set a summer 2028 trial date for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, after Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, sought a 2027 start. “Every additional day without justice prolongs our family’s pain,” the family said. Jury selection is scheduled for June 21, 2028, nearly three years after Kirk’s killing.
POPE LEO: THE ECONOMY MUST SERVE PEOPLE, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND - Speaking to business and labor leaders in Argentina, Pope Leo XIV called for an economy centered on human dignity, recognizing the contributions of entrepreneurs while warning that AI and unchecked automation could threaten jobs and workers’ livelihoods.
Catholic World Report
CWR, a free online magazine — November 11, 2026
CWR provides full coverage of news and events affecting the Church worldwide, offering in-depth analysis while exploring issues the mainstream media avoids. It features exclusive interviews, covers a wide range of relevant topics, and remains unwavering in its commitment to the truth in light of the Gospel.
To Make All Things New - Ecclesia semper reformanda est: the Church is always in need of reform. Few phrases have been invoked more often since the Second Vatican Council. For some, it is a license to rethink everything: doctrine, morality, the very shape of the Church. For others, it is a summons to march backward into an imagined golden age. Both camps say “reform.” They mean very different things.
Priming the soul for the mystery and miraculous nature of life in Christ - The Stag with the Crystal Horns and Other Tales (Ignatius Press, 2026) is a collection of new fairy tales that tell stories in the imaginary kingdom of Lady Dora and the Knight King. A variety of tales: a knight chasing a magical stag; a giant who won’t stop throwing things; a fool who must seek his fortune, and the talking beast that despises him; and much more. Secrets lie in ancient woods, dragons in the mountains, and babies with large, knowing eyes.
Some thoughts on the “queer Confiteor” promoted by Fr. Martin’s “Outreach” - implicit in these LGBTQ prayers is a fact that cannot be erased, even if James Martin, S.J., Ariell Watson Simon, and company seek to do so: it is Jesus Christ and his Church who tell us what is sinful and what is good—not our emotions, passions, or desires, no matter how strongly they press upon us. As Nichols writes, “it is not experience we should trust but the transmutation of experience by Scripture and Tradition.”
EWTN News
EWTN’s top headlines — November 11, 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.
Father Mike Schmitz to take center stage at Radio City Music Hall - By Francesca Pollio Fenton - When discussing the reasoning behind choosing to focus on Jesus’ parables, Schmitz said: “God says, ‘No, this is what I need you to know, not just here’s a nice little story, but here’s what I need you to know.’ I was just so convicted by that. This is both urgent and important. That was the main driver [for the tour].”
Leo meets inmates on last day in Argentina - By EWTN News Staff - Pope Leo XIV told young people at a Buenos Aires vigil not to lose hope and not to be afraid to answer Christʼs call. On Wednesday he celebrates Mass at Luján, then flies to Peru.
Ottawa’s Mass for the Fallen honors those who ‘paid the ultimate price’ for freedom - By Daniel Payne - “Over time [in Canada] the day evolved to honor not only those who died in the First World War, but also all Canadian soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives in subsequent wars and military conflicts,” Bishop Scott McCaig said.
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November 11, 2026 - USCCB Daily Mass Readings
You can listen HERE or read HERE:
Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Today’s Catholic commentary:
Catholic Exchange
Pray for Veterans today
By Constance T. Hull, November 11, 2026
For mysterious reasons, the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this year hit me particularly hard. A flood of memories from my time as a 9/11 relief worker and the rest of my Navy service came back with astonishing intensity. Memories I thought had been healed came to the surface, and faces of various friends—some of whom are dead—came to the forefront. With that in mind, the most important thing I can write today for Veterans Day is a fervent call for the Church to pray for veterans and active-duty service members. What came to light for the Lord to heal this year was the terrible treatment I suffered in the Navy when I developed delayed-onset Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder three years after serving as a 9/11 relief worker. I was serving overseas when I collapsed—night terrors, nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, and depression had come on with a vengeance. War is hell. Terrorism leaves scars that last a lifetime. It is easy to turn all of it into sentimental patriotism, but the reality is that serving in the military is complicated and often comes with immense suffering.
The Catholic Weekly
When Mass attendance makes a difference
By Dr Philippa Martyr, November 4, 2026
Let’s look at two recent real-life surveys about Catholics and see what they tell us. The first shows that 44% of German Catholics support unifying with German Protestant churches. The second is a survey showing that only 29% of American Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. If you ask self-identified Catholics about faith issues, you should also ask them how often they’re currently going to Mass. That’s because this, more than any other factor, can predict how they will answer your questions. Simply “identifying as Catholic” is not helpful for researchers. It doesn’t tell you anything about people’s actual beliefs. You can “identify as Catholic” and refuse to believe all major Catholic teachings. Or you can “identify as Catholic” and believe every one of them. Surveys made a splashy news story, but the results aren’t all that useful. We don’t know enough about the Catholics who took part in it.
The Jerusalem Post
‘Era of impunity is over’: Five more Hezbollah members arrested
By Danielle Greyman-Kennard, November 11, 2026
Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF) arrested five Hezbollah members in the border area between the Batroun and Bcharre highlands in northern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to Lebanese officials and media reports. The men were reportedly carrying maps and documents, some of which they allegedly attempted to destroy before being taken into custody. Following the arrests, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he had contacted Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar, Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar, Prosecutor General Hajj, and ISF Director General Raed Abdallah. “The era of impunity is over,” Salam said in a statement from Turkey, while condemning “previously buried cases,” according to L’Orient Today.
Church Life Journal
Offer it up: Revisiting Penance 60 years later
By Maria Morrow, November 10, 2026
This upcoming Advent marks sixty years since one of the most momentous changes in American Catholic history. One that “may have been the most unnecessary and the most devastating” among the implementations of Vatican II, according to renowned Catholic sociologist Andrew Greely. The impact of this alteration was so far-reaching that most Catholics born after Vatican II are completely unaware that such a dramatic change even occurred for American Catholics. In the week prior to November 27, 1966, eating meat on Friday was generally perceived as a mortal sin. Abruptly, however, this was no longer identified as any kind of sin, much less a mortal sin. Year-round Friday meat abstinence had been a significant marker for Catholics in the religiously pluralistic United States, as were fasting throughout the Lenten season and other social penitential practices, such as fasting before big feasts like Christmas or on Ember Days.
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