Monday, 20 April 2026

death-defying love

Top 5 college discernment mistakes

                Choosing where to attend college is often the first big decision of a young person's life that comes with substantial time and cost commitments. Zeale Lifestyle’s Rose Church offers a list of 5 college discernment mistakes to look out for as you navigate this big life decision.
               

Read Here

Isn’t she lovely? Women’s true beauty

Society is constantly pressuring women to change themselves to be beautiful, even to undergo dangerous or risky procedures for the sake of appearing unnaturally young. But a woman’s beauty is so much deeper and richer than appearance.

By Grace Porto

Inviting in death-defying love

Before the feast of Christ’s ascension into heaven, Bishop Erik Varden invites us to see how the love of God defies and transforms death.

By Bishop Erik Varden

9 beautiful baby names inspired by American saints

If you’re having a baby in 2026, he or she will be born in America’s 250th year! Here are some name ideas that honor both your American and Catholic patrimony.

By Cerith Gardiner

Sun-dried tomato and goat cheese frittata

This flavorful, protein-packed breakfast takes just 25 minutes to whip up and is a great make-ahead meal.

By Calista Boskus

Cardinal Burke says true patriotism flows from piety and ordered love

In Zeale’s Virtue of Patriotism series, Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke explained how piety, one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, will lead to patriotism rooted in authentic truth and love.

By Mary Rose

How a misunderstood midnight prayer by Norbertine nuns became a quiet source of comfort for mothers

                Cloistered Norbertine nuns in California wake up every night at midnight to pray Matins, part of the cycle of the Divine Office. Here’s how their midnight prayers comforted moms going through sleepless nights. 
               

About us

Refine celebrates authentic, human flourishing through truth, beauty, and good living. From the trending to the timeless, Refine offers inspiring articles and the best advice in style, health, food, culture, relationships, and more.

Refine your life. Refresh your soul.

LOOP: Vance thanks Pope Leo for clarifying Trump dispute

View in browser

MONDAY, APRIL 20

VANCE THANKS POPE LEO FOR CLARIFYING TRUMP DISPUTE NARRATIVE Pope Leo XIV told reporters the media's depiction of his clash with President Donald Trump was "not accurate in all its aspects." Vice President JD Vance thanked the Pope in a statement, saying he was "grateful" and that their roles are complementary. READ

TRUMP SIGNS ORDER TO FAST-TRACK PSYCHEDELIC DRUGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding research into psychedelic drugs for mental health treatment and increasing access with veterans as the primary focus. Officials say the move could help address the nation’s mental health crisis. READ

HERO: OKLAHOMA PRINCIPAL CROWNED PROM KING AFTER BEING SHOT DISARMING SCHOOL GUNMAN In a now-viral video, principal Kirk Moore walks into his school's prom to cheers and high-fives as Nickelback's "Hero" plays over the speakers — 10 days after he tackled and disarmed an armed former student who entered campus carrying two semiautomatic handguns. READ

POPE LEO IN ANGOLA: 'IT IS LOVE THAT MUST TRIUMPH, NOT WAR' Continuing his apostolic journey across Africa, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in Angola, visited a Marian shrine, and clarified his remarks about President Donald Trump. READ

TRUMP ACCUSES IRAN OF CEASEFIRE VIOLATION AS PEACE TALKS LOOM While negotiators head to Pakistan this week for a new round of talks before the ceasefire expires April 22, Iranian forces fired on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump said, calling it "a total violation of our ceasefire agreement." The U.S. Navy also seized an Iranian cargo ship. READ

8 CHILDREN KILLED IN LOUISIANA SHOOTING, SUSPECT WAS FATHER OF 7 VICTIMS A man shot and killed eight children, ages 3 to 11, at a home in Shreveport in what police described as a domestic violence incident. The suspect fled and was killed by police after a vehicle chase. READ

AD: WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR MOTHER’S DAY? Will you step up for the unborn and their mothers this Mother’s Day? Start Her PLAN’s 30 Days of Prayer to join pro-lifers nationwide in prayer for the unborn and moms who are often unseen and unsupported. This self-paced guide sparks action, ignites impact, and equips you to serve the abortion-vulnerable woman in real, practical ways. JOIN US TODAY!

JUSTICES ALITO AND THOMAS NOT EXPECTED TO RETIRE THIS YEAR Sources close to both conservative justices told ABC News that Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas intend to remain on the bench — taking a high-profile confirmation battle off the table ahead of the midterm elections. Alito has already hired clerks for next term. READ

CONSERVATIVES BLOCK FISA DEAL Conservative lawmakers blocked a deal to renew the government's power to spy on foreign nationals — arguing it needs stronger protections to prevent the FBI from accessing Americans' private data without a warrant. Congress has until April 30 to reach a deal. READ

7 CHORES YOUR PRESCHOOLER CAN ACTUALLY DO Most parents assume little kids are too young to help around the house — but preschoolers actually love meaningful responsibility. Here are seven simple chores that build confidence and teach children that loving others often looks like acts of service. READ

CATHOLIC 101 The Church supports free speech on social media, but with one key caveat: expression must stay within the bounds of moral truth. This piece breaks down what Church documents like Gaudium et Spes and Inter Mirifica actually say about the limits and responsibilities of free speech online. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY Saint Agnes of Montepulciano was made superior of a new convent at only 15 years old, and later returned to her hometown of Montepulciano, where she founded and led another Dominican community. READ

DAILY PSALM "Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!" (Psalm 119) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

NEW SERIES Who were the men and women who chose death rather than deny Christ? Martyrology brings their stories to life -- revealing the courage, sacrifice, and faith that led to their eternal reward. Now available on Zeale. LISTEN

zeale-podcast-thumbnail-martyrology_1920x1080

Have feedback? Click here!