JUDGE BLOCKS IOWA LAW PROTECTING KIDS;WORLDWIDE BACKLASH AGAINST VATICAN DOCUMENT;CHRIS CHRISTIE CITES POPE TO ENDORSE ‘GAY MARRIAGE’;2023's MOST PRO-LIFE STATES T

 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 OVER 300,000 MIGRANT ENCOUNTERS IN DECEMBER  The U.S. southern border saw its highest rate of illegal migrant encounters last month, blowing away previous statistics. Between December 1 and December 31, more than 302,000 migrants were documented attempting to cross the border.  READ TRUMP BLASTS OHIO GUV FOR FAILING TO PROTECT KIDS  Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed legislation that would have protected children from “transgender” surgeries. “What was he thinking,” former President Donald Trump demanded in a social media post calling on Ohio Republicans to override the veto. “The bill would have stopped child mutilation, and prevented men from playing in women’s sports.”  READ JUDGE BLOCKS IOWA LAW PROTECTING KIDS  A federal judge in Iowa on Friday blocked a law intended to keep sexually explicit books out of schools and prevent elementary school students from being taught gender ideology in the classroom. The Biden-appointed judge called the law “unreasonable” and “puritanical.”  READ WORLDWIDE BACKLASH AGAINST VATICAN DOCUMENT  The Vatican continues to field global pushback from bishops against its December 18 document opening the door to blessings for “same-sex couples.” Here are the Catholic leaders saying “No.”  READ CHRIS CHRISTIE CITES POPE TO ENDORSE ‘GAY MARRIAGE’  Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie last week reversed his opposition to “same-sex marriage,” citing the Vatican’s endorsement of blessings for “same-sex couples.” “...Pope Francis is now allowing blessings of same-sex couples; even the Church is changing,” Christie said.  READ REPUBLICANS TARGETED WITH ‘SWATTING’ “A recent spate of ‘swatting’ incidents across the country — largely targeting Republican politicians — has flummoxed police departments and endangered victims this holiday season, prompting lawmakers to call for stronger legislation against swatting and harsher penalties,” Business Insider reports. READ 2023's MOST PRO-LIFE STATES  The pro-life group Americans United for Life has released its annual “Life List,” revealing its full rankings of every U.S. state from most to least pro-life.  READ LOOPcast  Have you heard? In 2023, LOOPcast was in the TOP 1% of all podcasts on Buzzsprout! Don't miss out: subscribe from your favorite platform and LISTEN today.  SUBSCRIBE CATHOLICS IN THE HOLY LAND RING IN NEW YEAR  Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, made an appeal for peace during Mass on January 1, the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and the 57th World Day of Peace.  READ AMERICAN BISHOP AMONG THOSE KILLED FOR FAITH IN 2023  A total of 20 missionaries – including an Irish-born American bishop – died violently in the service of the faith during 2023. Four of these died in Nigeria, including Fr. Isaac Achi, 61, who was burned alive during an attack by an armed group in his parish in the Diocese of Minna.  READ FIRESIDE MOVIES  With the Christmas rush passed, we’re about to settle into the long and monotonous slog of winter day after winter day. But this doesn’t mean you’re doomed to the seasonal blues. Here is a selection of fireside movies: classic, nostalgic, and perfect for kids and adults alike.  READ CATHOLIC 101  Why is the Church adamant on the male-female nature of marriage? To understand the Church’s teaching, it is important to understand that human sexuality is a much deeper and richer reality than human sexual expression between husband and wife.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  St. Basil the Great, one of the most distinguished Doctors of the Church, was likely born in 329 and died on January 1, 379. He ranks after Athanasius as a defender of the Oriental Church against the heresies of the fourth century, especially Arianism, which denied the divine nature of Jesus Christ. St. Basil was a strong supporter of the Nicene Creed.  READ DAILY PSALM  “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” (Psalm 98:3)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings  READ SHOCKING  Lightning struck St. Peter’s statue on Pope Francis’ birthday, and the Catholic internet lit up.  READ Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127