TUESDAY, JANUARY 9

FERNANDEZ SCRUTINIZED FOR WRITING ‘PORNOGRAPHIC’ BOOK The digital release of an out-of-print book published in 1998 by now-Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández has sparked an ill-timed scandal around the already-controversial Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). EDITOR’S NOTE: This article contains an explicit report on the contents of a book many critics have decried as flatly pornographic. READ

CARDINAL SARAH REJECTS VATICAN DOCUMENT Cardinal Robert Sarah issued a round rejection of Fiducia supplicans in solidarity with the growing number of bishops’ conferences in Africa and around the world that have renounced its instructions. “Some media claim that the Catholic Church would encourage the blessing of same-sex unions,” Sarah wrote. “They are lying.” READ

BIDEN ADMIN AGENCY WILL NOT TEAR DOWN PENN STATUE The National Park Service on Monday reversed its decision to tear down a statue of Pennsylvania founder William Penn at a historic park. Critics noted that the reversal could indicate a sea change in the government’s willingness to pursue controversial “diversity” initiatives at the expense of America’s cultural heritage. READ

TEXAS LAWMAKER CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF DEI FROM SCHOOLS State Rep. Brian Harrison, R-TX, penned a letter to the state House Speaker encouraging him to make ending all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Texas universities a legislative priority. Harrison called for a bill “banning all race-based admissions, employment, and contracting practices in public universities, private universities that accept federal money, and all government entities.” READ

POLL: VOTERS SUPPORT TAXING UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENTS A recent poll shows that significantly more voters support taxing the endowments of private institutions of higher education than oppose it. “Likely 2024 voters support taxing the endowments of private universities by a margin of 49-20,” reported Republican pollster Patrick Ruffini. READ

LARGE MAJORITY OF FEDERAL WORKERS DONATE TO DEMS The vast majority of donations made by employees of Executive Branch departments went to Democratic candidates and political action committees (PACs) – including to President Joe Biden’s re-election bid. READ

CHRIS RUFO PENS ‘MANIFESTO’ FOR CONSERVATIVES Christopher Rufo has penned a “Manifesto” outlining how conservatives can continue to push back against leftist control of institutions. “What [the Right] needs is a spirited new activism with the courage and resolve to win back the language, recapture institutions, and reorient the state toward rightful ends,” he wrote. READ

SHARE! In the beginning (of your day), was the LOOP. Spread the good news. Share us with your friends! CLICK

DDF OFFICIAL CALLS FOR LIFTING OF PRIESTLY CELIBACY A senior Vatican official and archbishop has made a major case for married priests. “This is probably the first time I’m saying it publicly, and it will sound heretical to some people,” said the archbishop and adjunct secretary to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith. READ

FAITHFUL CATHOLIC STUDENTS SCORE VICTORY AT NOTRE DAME In a decision hailed as a victory for both religious liberty and freedom of the press, an Indiana court on Monday dismissed a pro-abortion professor’s defamation lawsuit against Notre Dame’s student newspaper, The Irish Rover. READ

CONFUSED BY CRYPTO? Do words like “Bitcoin” make you feel confused and out-of-touch? Are your adult kids bragging about their Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Tether while you awkwardly look the other way? You’re not alone! According to a 2023 Pew survey, only 17% of U.S. adults say they have invested, traded, or used it. Here’s the case for why Catholics should take the time to learn about crypto – and where to go for information. READ

CATHOLIC 101 Most of us use a calendar on a regular basis to help us stay organized and remember important dates and events. Did you know that the Church has its own calendar as well – the Liturgical Calendar? It helps us structure and orient our days around the person of Jesus. It is a great tool for spiritual enrichment and renewal. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY St. Adrian of Canterbury was likely born in North Africa in about 637 AD. He became a monk early on in his life and eventually was sent to England in the late 7th century. He was instrumental in uniting the Anglo-Saxon Christians with Rome. He also established a monastic school at Canterbury that became a center of learning for over 900 years. READ