Monday, 23 February 2026

beauty all around

7 valuable antiques you should never pass up

New to antiquing? Keep your eyes peeled for these 7 pieces that are life-long investments.

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The losing battle of process to progress: An ode to making tea

A reflection on what making a pot of tea reflects about culture's emphasis on progress at the expense of process.

By Rosie Hall

The great secret of holiness: A step-by-step guide to Confession

As the liturgical colors turn purple and the Church enters the desert with Christ for 40 days, the Church calls us to repentance. Read Zeale's interview with New York parish priest Father Louis Cona for a better understanding of the sacrament and including practical tips.

By Lindsey Fedyk

When self-gift becomes impossible: Why self-hatred is a poison to marriage

When Our Lord tells us to "love your neighbor as yourself," the commandment isn't just about other people–it also means that we should love ourselves as created in the image of God! When we fall into self-hatred this can have a negative impact on our marriages.

By Father Daniel Ciucci

7 ways to dress femininely and artistically

Whatever the fashionistas claim, the exciting and liberating truth is that there isn't just one way to dress femininely. Here are seven ways for your wardrobe to reflect your femininity artistically!

By Ava Cilento

A micro library in a midcentury's awkward kitchen

While most people wouldn't see a nook in a kitchen and think of a library, this San Francisco home created a haven for their cookbook collection right next to their kitchen.

From Dwell

Answering the call: An art teacher's journey to writing iconography

In this Zeale News exclusive interview, Garrett Hines shares how the rediscovery of his artistic calling as an iconographer came alongside the responsibilities of marriage, fatherhood, and a full-time teaching career in Texas.

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LOOP: Man fatally shot after breaching Mar-a-Lago perimeter

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

ARMED MAN FATALLY SHOT AFTER BREACHING MAR-A-LAGO PERIMETER A 21-year-old North Carolina man was shot and killed after allegedly entering the secure perimeter of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate carrying what appeared to be a shotgun and a fuel can, according to the Secret Service and Palm Beach County officials. Authorities said the man raised the weapon after being ordered to drop it. Trump was not at the property at the time, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation. READ

NOTRE DAME STUDENTS PLAN 'MARCH ON THE DOME' OVER OSTERMANN APPOINTMENT Students at the University of Notre Dame are set to hold a candlelit "March on the Dome" Friday night, demanding President Father Robert Dowd rescind Professor Susan Ostermann's appointment, arguing her abortion advocacy contradicts the university's Catholic mission. Organizers say the protest, inspired in part by Bishop Kevin Rhoades' statement of "strong opposition," will conclude with a candle blessing and Rosary at the Grotto. READ

TEAM USA WINS FIRST MEN'S HOCKEY GOLD SINCE 'MIRACLE ON ICE' Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture its first Olympic men's hockey gold since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice," with Jack Hughes scoring the game-winner just 1:41 into OT. READ

HOLY SEE AMBASSADOR HOSTS LATIN AMERICAN DIPLOMATS U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch convened Latin American diplomats in Rome to address Cuba's accelerating economic and humanitarian collapse, as nationwide blackouts, fuel shortages, and mass emigration push the island toward what analysts call a "point of no return." READ

ARAB NATIONS BLAST HUCKABEE'S 'TAKE IT ALL' REMARK ON ISRAEL U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested Israel could legitimately claim not only its own territory but much of the Middle East, saying it would be "fine" if they "took it all," prompting sharp condemnation from 14 Arab and Muslim-majority nations. READ

POPE LEO URGES CEASEFIRE IN UKRAINE, DIGITAL FAST FOR LENT Marking four years since the war began, Pope Leo XIV called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Ukraine, insisting "peace cannot be postponed," and encouraged Catholics to turn off their phones this Lent to make room for prayer, silence, and renewed communion with God and one another. READ

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL CONFRENCE IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST Registration is now open for the ASCEND Eucharistic Revival, a May 16 conference in Bellevue, Washington, featuring Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, a public procession, confession, veneration of saint relics and nationally known Catholic speakers. Organizers say the gathering aims to renew devotion to the Eucharist and draw those who have drifted from the Church back to sacramental life. READ

AD: JOIN BIBLE ACROSS AMERICA Encounter Christ. Share Christ: This Lent, join Catholics across the country as we gather for Bible Across America's Lenten Bible study. Together with Shane Owens, John Bergsma, Fr. Dave Pivonka, and other leading Catholic voices, we'll dive into the biblical roots of Lenten spirituality and prepare to celebrate the Lord's resurrection. Encounter Christ. Share Christ. LEARN MORE

NO HOMILIES WRITTEN WITH AI: POPE LEO SPEAKS TO ROME PRIESTS In a candid question-and-answer session with priests of the Diocese of Rome, Pope Leo XIV urged clergy to cultivate real friendship, resist "clerical envy," and avoid relying on artificial intelligence to prepare homilies. He warned of the isolating effects of the internet, encouraged deeper pastoral closeness to young people, and stressed that authentic preaching must flow from prayer and lived faith — not artificial intelligence. READ

ICONIC CATHOLIC CHURCH REACHES FULL HEIGHT AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Família has reached its maximum height of 172.5 meters with the installation of a 17-meter cross atop the Tower of Jesus Christ, marking a milestone more than 140 years after construction began. While interior work continues and full completion is still years away, the tower is set to be blessed in June, coinciding with the centenary of architect Antoni Gaudí's death. READ

IS 'ROMANTICIZING YOUR LIFE' ACTUALLY BIBLICAL? Zeale's Ava Cilento offers a biblical perspective on the trend of romanticizing everyday moments. READ

CATHOLIC 101 Ash Wednesday reminds us of our longing for our heavenly home, writes Father Derek Sakowski. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY A disciple of the apostle John, St. Polycarp served Christ for 86 years before refusing to sacrifice to Caesar and facing martyrdom in A.D. 155. As flames reportedly arched around him without consuming his body, the elderly bishop prayed to be received as "an acceptable sacrifice," sealing the apostolic faith with his blood. READ

DAILY PSALM "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." (Psalm 19) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

SAVE THE DATE This Thursday on The Deep, Erika Ahern sits down with renowned biblical scholar Dr. Scott Hahn for a powerful conversation about faith, civic responsibility, and the future of our nation. Join us Thursday, February 26, at 4 p.m. ET for this exclusive interview you won't want to miss. Subscribe & Hit the Notification Bell

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