The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, the nation’s patronal church, has been named a special place of pilgrimage for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025, the theme for which is “Pilgrims of Hope.”
National News
American Political Life Saw a History-Making, Tumultuous 2024
A historic year in American politics saw former President Donald Trump elected to a second term in the Oval Office four years after he lost his run for a consecutive term. Trump’s second election to the White House concluded a tumultuous campaign season that included two assassination attempts against him, his original Democratic rival President Joe Biden stepping down in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee, and his own continued claims, without evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen from him.
3 Dead, Including Teen Suspect, In Mass Shooting at Wisconsin Christian School
Police in Madison, Wisconsin, said they are investigating a mass shooting at that city’s Abundant Life Christian School Dec. 16 that left at least two killed and six injured, authorities said. The gunman is also dead, they said.
Banks Driven by Profit-At-All-Costs Hurt People, Economy, Pope Says
When the world of banking and finance crushes people instead of helping them, it betrays its very purpose and promotes an “uncivilized economy,” Pope Francis said.
In 2024, State Laws of Interest to Catholics Span Abortion to IVF to Immigration
State laws of interest to Catholics spanned policy areas from abortion to IVF to immigration in 2024. An expected ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in 2025 could have an impact on state laws across the country banning certain types of medical or surgical gender reassignment procedures for minors who identify as transgender.
Oldest Known Ten Commandments Tablet Expected to Fetch Up to $2 Million at Auction
The oldest known stone tablet featuring the Ten Commandments, believed to date between 300 and 800 A.D., is set to go up for auction this month in Manhattan, according to Sotheby’s New York.
No Sanctuary? Trump Reportedly Plans to Reverse Policy, Permit ICE Arrests at Churches
The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump plans to rescind a long-standing policy preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from making arrests at what are seen as sensitive locations, including houses of worship, schools and hospitals, according to a report by NBC News.
Catholic Charities of N.Y. Urges Deportation Caution
Recent comments from New York City Mayor Eric Adams that he supports deporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes will not receive pushback from Catholic Charities of New York executive director Msgr. Kevin Sullivan. Msgr. Sullivan does, however, urge Adams to be very careful in how he implements any such policy.
Pro-Life Advocates Grapple with Trump’s Lack of Clarity on Abortion Pills, Next Term’s Policy
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, activists on both sides of the abortion debate have been left to grapple with some lack of clarity from him on the issue.
Family of Suspected CEO Killer ‘Shocked and Devastated,’ Known for Strong Support of Jesuit Education
The suspected killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson hails from a prominent Maryland family whose matriarch was a strong supporter of Jesuit education.
