“Here was an almond tree in bloom before me”
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EWTN News
Catholics in Congress speak about their Catholic faith
By Tessa Gervasini, September 8, 2026
For many of the 150 Catholics serving in the 119th Congress, faith plays an important role in their lives and work. The current number of Catholic lawmakers on Capitol Hill is slightly higher than the previous Congress, with Catholics accounting for more than 28% of the members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate. Of the Catholic members, 126 serve in the House and 24 in the Senate, according to a report from the Pew Research Center. On busy days on the Hill, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri, said he looks to prayer. “Iʼll listen to a podcast by Bishop [Robert] Barron or Father Michael Schmitz,” he said. “I think technology now too has allowed a different avenue for people to … maintain their faith and grow their faith.” Rep. John Rutherford, R-Florida, also spoke about leaning on his faith when working in a hectic position, often by attending Mass and saying the rosary. “In Ephesians 2:10, it says, ‘for we are all Godʼs workmanship, created in the image of Christ Jesus to do good work,’ which he prepared … in advance for us to do.’”
aciafrica
Africa’s Spiritans see Mary as a bridge in interfaith dialogue
By Silas Isenjia, September 7, 2026
Members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers/CSSp.) from across Africa gathered for their Interfaith Dialogue Workshop in Kenya and were challenged to leave with renewed commitment and practical ideas for promoting dialogue among people of different faiths. The Nairobi workshop is organized in partnership with EFESIA, a Belgium-based association dedicated to Christian–Muslim encounter and friendship. EFESIA is known in particular for the “Together with Mary” (Ensemble avec Marie) initiative, which brings Christians and Muslims together around the figure of Mary as a bridge between the two traditions. Participants are also expected to assess their understanding of African Traditional Religions (ATR), Islam and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
National Catholic Register
Why Gen Z Catholics are falling for Fulton Sheen
By Gigi Duncan, September 8, 2026
Among Gen Z Catholics, Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is experiencing something of a second life. A generation with no firsthand memory of his television fame is seeking out his teachings on marriage, family, and the spiritual life. Sheen is reaching a new audience through a medium he could never have imagined: social media. Clips from Life Is Worth Living regularly appear on TikTok and Instagram (likely through EWTN posts) with tens of thousands of likes, where young viewers notice his distinctive style. “The holy drip,” one Gen Z commenter wrote, referring to Sheen’s attire, “is absolutely unreal.” “The cloak was peak,” said another, praising the prelate’s posh ferraiolo cape, which “gives him holy aura,” another admirer observed. In Gen Z slang, that’s a good thing, in case you’re wondering. Even non-Catholics have taken notice. “Not Catholic, but I love everything I’ve heard him say on these reels,” one commenter wrote. Another asked, “How is it that this man is so relevant in modern times?”
Zeale News
Trump’s $9,000 child subsidy for married stay-at-home parents
By Elise Winland, September 8, 2026
The Trump administration is drafting a rule that would allow certain married couples with a stay-at-home parent to qualify for about $9,000 per child in federal child care assistance annually, according to people familiar with the discussions who spoke with The New York Times. The reported proposal would expand eligibility under the Child Care and Development Fund, a roughly $12 billion Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) program that currently subsidizes care for children from low- and moderate-income parents while their parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. Under the draft rule, a new category of “parent-based child care” would allow one married parent to receive assistance to care for the couple’s child while the other spouse works at least 35 hours a week, according to the Times. The payments would come from the program’s existing funding, not a new congressional appropriation.
The PIllar
Bishop’s required ad limina visits to Rome getting a serious review
By Luke Coppen, September 8, 2026
The world’s ad limina visits by bishops may be revised. The Vatican’s General Secretariat of the Synod produced a paper on the visits that regional groupings of bishops must make to Rome roughly every five years. The document notes that, “because of the pope’s increased commitments and the growth in the number of local Churches throughout the world,” it is no longer possible for ad limina visits to take place every five years. It expresses hope that the trips will take place “at least every eight years.” The document urges bishops to report back to the local Church on the outcome of their ad limina visits “through one or more public meetings.” The General Secretariat of the Synod released one other study group report Sept. 8. The final report of Study Group 6 addresses relations between bishops, consecrated life, and ecclesial associations.
Fides News Agency
Bishops warned against tribalism, casteism, and racism
By Fides News Agency, September 6, 2026
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, addressed newly ordained bishops taking part in a formation course in Rome, helping them address “Tribalism, Casteism, Racism and Exclusive Regionalism.” The Archbishop described tribalism, casteism, racism and exclusive regionalism as distinct forms of exclusion stemming from the same temptation: making a particular identity — tribe, caste, race, region, language, family or social standing — more decisive than the common Christian identity rooted in belonging to Christ. He said the problem arises “when ‘ours’ becomes synonymous with ‘better,’ and ‘others’ becomes synonymous with ‘foreign’ and ‘unacceptable.’” Nwachukwu referred to the “Son of the Soil” syndrome: the assumption that those born in a certain territory have a natural priority for leadership there. A Bishop may come to think, “‘This is my diocese.’ But in truth, it is not ‘mine.’ It is Christ’s.”
Graphs about Religion
Is it OK to ‘shout down’ visiting speakers on campus?
By Ryan Burge, September 3, 2026
Free speech is tested on college campuses thousands of times each academic year when student groups invite speakers to give addresses, lectures, or colloquiums on hot-button issues. Should someone be able to come to an institute of higher learning and advocate for a very fringe belief? Or is it necessary and prudent for students to stop that event by whatever means necessary? Regarding “blocking other students from attending a campus speech,” 22% of respondents said that action was sometimes or always acceptable. On the issue of using violence to stop a speech, that figure was 15%. Conservatives are more likely to say that blocking students from attending a speech or shouting down a speaker is never acceptable on their campus. For instance, in the “shouting down” scenario, 39% of conservative students said that this should never happen; it’s only 21% of liberal students. Which groups are the least supportive of shouting down a speaker? It’s Latter-day Saints. Among the LDS, 38% say it’s never an acceptable behavior – that’s the highest of any religious group.
Religion News Service
Hate crimes up: On Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Latinos, & Blacks
By Yonat Shimron & Bob Smietana, September 8, 2026
RNS and many others have reported on the fact that in 2025, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) logged 8,683 anti-Muslim complaints, the most in the 30 years of recordkeeping. And the Anti-Defamation League counted 6,274 antisemitic incidents in 2025, the third-worst year since tracking began in 1979. In New York City, anti-Jewish crimes account for more than half of all confirmed hate crimes through August of 2026. And hate crimes against Black Americans have been the most common for as long as the FBI has kept count. In 2024, anti-Black incidents made up more than half of all racial and ethnic hate crimes. Preliminary FBI data put anti-Latino hate crimes at 1,014 in 2025, a record that moved them into the top three most-targeted groups for the first time in 34 years of tracking.
Keep informed - 9/9/26 news for Catholics
Snippets from Loop, Formed, & The Pillar
Zeale’s 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.”
ILLINOIS MOTHER WHO CLOSELY FOLLOWED CLANCY TRIAL DETAINED FOR 2-YEAR-OLD SON’S MURDER - A court ordered Corie Walsh to remain detained after she allegedly hanged her toddler. Witnesses said that Walsh had “recently become very invested” in the high-profile trial of Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts woman accused of strangling her three children to death.
DHS SEEKS EARLY DISMISSAL OF WEAK ASYLUM CLAIMS - In an effort to clear out a massive backlog of asylum claims, the DHS reportedly directed its attorneys to seek the dismissal of legally deficient asylum claims even before they proceed to full hearings in court.
ANALYSIS: UNDERSTANDING THE MOST INTERESTING CASES ON THE SUPREME COURT’S DOCKET - From immigration and asylum disputes to religious liberty and parental rights questions, the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court term will see the justices address a wide range of issues. Zeale News has compiled a list of the most interesting cases the Court will consider.
Augustine Institute
Formed Series Programs
Formed guides Catholics and those they evangelize to a fully Catholic life through faith-informed content and draws people closer to Christ. The Formed platform provides a captivating experience that empowers and satisfies curiosity by forming Catholics for life.
The Boy from Milan: Stories of Carlo Acutis - The inspiring story of Carlo Acutis, the young boy from Milan on the path to sainthood — the sneaker-wearing, computer-loving "gamer saint" of our time. Beyond the headlines and hashtags, Carlo's real story runs deeper. Known for his deep love of God, devotion to the Eucharist, and quiet acts of charity, Carlo’s life testified to everyday holiness.
The Violinist: Stories of Solanus Casey - A documentary that chronicles the inspiring life of Blessed Solanus Casey, a humble Capuchin friar known for his deep faith, simplicity, and profound impact on those he served. Featuring personal stories from the people who knew him, the film showcases his remarkable ability to inspire others through his gentle presence and love for God.
Pier Giorgio Frassati: If I Didn’t Have Love - A classic Italian movie re-mastered and re-released to celebrate the canonization in 2025 of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925). Frassati was a handsome, athletic, fun-loving young man from a rich, aristocratic Italian family who turned from a life of privilege to one devoted to working with the poor, suffering, and homeless, and who courageously witnessed to the Christian faith and charity for many others.
The Pillar
Pillar Stories from the July calendar, 9/9/26
The Pillar offers a news summary and a capsule take on Catholic News. Here are news stories from the past few weeks in the Pillar Post:
Bishop Heiner Wilmer joined Protestant and ecumenical officials Monday in declaring that “grave fears have become reality” following the Alternative for Germany’s landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. German bishops unanimously declared in 2024 that Catholics could not vote for the AfD as it had undergone “several waves of radicalization” and was now “dominated by a racial-nationalist attitude.”
An upcoming ruling by the European Union’s top court on whether a Belgian diocese must erase baptismal register data on request could have significant implications for the Church’s autonomy and institutional freedom of religion. That’s the contention of a position paper issued Sept. 4 by the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, or COMECE.
Just one month ahead of a global meeting of bishops in the Vatican on Amoris laetitia, some episcopal leaders have told The Pillar that they have not received information about what to expect or how to prepare, and are eager to learn the pope’s plans for the scope and approach to the discussion.
September 9, 2026 - USCCB Daily Mass Readings
You can listen HERE or read HERE:
Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
[In the Dioceses of the United States]
Today’s Catholic commentary:
Crisis Magazine
The consequences of compassion in illegal immigration
By John Cassara, September 9, 2026
Naivety and emotionalism are even more pronounced when they collide with real data and the perspective of time. In 2017, shortly after the first inauguration of President Trump, Dominican Sister Donna Markham, then president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, said in a statement, “Pope Francis has urged people not to close the door on migrants and refugees…In concert with the Holy Father, we believe we must move from attitudes of defensiveness and fear to acceptance, compassion and encounter.” As the CEO of Catholic charities (now retired) noted, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)—in both rhetoric and policy—has sided with illegal immigration. Estimates of illegals crossing our borders vary widely. However, it is generally accepted that at least 11 million crossed. Included in the illegal aliens crossing the border during the Biden administration were roughly 480,000 unaccompanied minors. These victim children were subjected to physical and sexual abuse and labor exploitation.
The Catholic Weekly
Telehealth for assisted dying is too dangerous
By John Obeid, September 8, 2026
The Northern Territory parliament recently passed legislation to legalize voluntary assisted dying (VAD), making it the last jurisdiction in the country to do so. But supporters say too many barriers still prevent people from accessing VAD. Currently, Federal law prohibits using a carriage service, such as a phone, video link or email, to counsel or incite suicide or provide instructions on a method of suicide, where the required intention exists. Supporters of telehealth VAD are therefore lobbying Federal Parliament to permit telehealth VAD. Despite the attempts to sanitize the language used to describe it, voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is in fact just another form of suicide. In most overseas jurisdictions, VAD is called “physician-assisted suicide.” The concern for doctors is that extending care services (such as telehealth) to VAD will induce more people to end their own lives.
Related: Assisted suicide and the normalization of tragedy, David Albert Jones, September 2026, The Tablet
The Jerusalem Post
Israel’s population grows to over 10 million
By Shir Perets, September 9, 2026
Israel's population stands at an estimated 10.305 million ahead of Rosh Hashanah, after growing by approximately 124,000 people over the past year, the Central Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday. The annual population growth rate was 1.2%, according to the CBS figures. Of the country's residents, about 7.828 million are Jews and others, representing 78.3% of the Israeli population, while approximately 2.173 million are Arabs, or 21.7%. Another 304,000 residents are foreign nationals. The figures show that approximately 182,000 babies were born over the past year, while around 50,000 people died. At the same time, Israel recorded a negative international migration balance, with roughly 8,000 people deducted from the Israeli population through migration. Approximately 21,000 Israelis who had previously emigrated returned to the country, while some 57,000 Israelis left after being classified as having emigrated abroad, according to the CBS.
Church Life Journal
Whew: Augustine won the free will battle with Pelagius
By Jeremy Wilkins and Jean-Paul Juge, September 8, 2026
Anselm in the early eleventh century contrasted the issues of his day to Augustine’s contest with Pelagius six centuries prior. Considering it repugnant to the nature of free will for God to move the heart directly, Pelagius asserted the sovereignty of human freedom to determine its own fate, whether to life or to death. “God,” he reasoned, “decided to give rational creatures the gift of good will and the power of free choice. By making a person naturally capable of good and evil, so that he could do both and would direct his own will to either, God arranged that what an individual actually chose would be properly his own.” Against this thesis, Augustine asserted God's sovereignty over the inmost movements of the heart. Even the sinner’s desire to be converted, he argued, arose from God’s direct operation on the radical orientation of the will. So thorough was Augustine’s triumph over Pelagius that Anselm found it had become exigent to defend human free will by showing its harmony with divine foreknowledge, predestination, and the interior action of grace.
Image of Almonds by Monfocus from Pixabay
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