Up to my Neck in σκύβαλα

Alice von Hildebrand famously remarked, "Woman's dignity does not depend on what she does, but on who she is." One of the greatest mistakes of modern society is to undervalue women as women. Here Katherine Bennett demonstrates why a culture that loses reverence for women ultimately becomes restless, brittle, and eventually brutal.

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Get a jumpstart on spring cleaning: 6 essential filters around your house and how to clean them

No need to wait for warmer weather to kickstart your spring cleaning! Here are six filters inside your home that need some seasonal TLC.

By Rose Church

Reading George Herbert: A lesson on prayer

In his poem, "Prayer (I)," George Herbert explores the theme of prayer — good prayer, bad prayer, and all the kinds in between. While complex and at times challenging, this poem can give us a deeper insight into how we are to pray.

By Rosie Hall

Resolution for communion

Here are five ways to fight isolation by strengthening your connection with others.

By Laura Nelson

The one anti-inflammatory ingredient you should use every day

Did you know one beloved pantry staple can help fight inflammation in your body? Here's why you should eat olive oil every day.

From Real Simple

Skip the latest season of 'Stranger Things' and listen to The Count of Monte Cristo instead

Despite its length, The Count of Monte Cristo remains one of western literature's most powerful and beloved works. Here's why you should make the effort to read (or listen to) this great story.

By The 1000 Books Project

6 Things an Interior Designer Wants You to Know Before You Start Decorating Your Home

An interior designer offers advice on how to plan before you start buying art and furniture!

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MONDAY, MARCH 2

POPE LEO DENOUNCES VIOLENCE IN IRAN AS DEATH TOLL RISES As the death toll climbs after the onset of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, Pope Leo XIV used his Sunday Angelus address to denounce the abandonment of diplomacy and urged all parties to reverse the cycle of violence. President Donald Trump — who announced "major combat operations in Iran" early Saturday — said he anticipates the conflict will last about four weeks. Iran's supreme leader, three U.S. troops, and at least 80 people at an all-girls school in Iran are among those killed. READ

USCCB PRESIDENT ECHOES POPE'S PLEA FOR PEACE Hours after Pope Leo's Angelus address, Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), reiterated the Holy Father's call for leaders in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran to resume diplomacy. "The growing conflict risks spiraling into a wider regional war," he said. "As the Holy Father has warned, we are faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions." READ

CONGRESS DIVIDED ON IRAN Both chambers of Congress plan to vote this week on resolutions to limit Trump's military authority regarding Iran, aiming to ensure proper authorization for any actions taken against the Middle Eastern country. Some Democrats broke with party leaders to defend the strikes, while a handful of Republicans raised constitutional concerns. READ

FBI INVESTIGATES AUSTIN SHOOTING AS POTENTIAL TERRORISM The FBI said that a shooting that left three people dead, including the suspected shooter, and 14 others wounded outside a crowded downtown Austin bar early Sunday is being investigated as a "potential act of terrorism." The suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Senegal and living in Pflugerville, Texas, was reportedly wearing clothes with an Iranian flag design and the words "Property of Allah." READ

A THEOLOGIAN'S CASE FOR 'MINIMALIST CATHOLIC ZIONISM' In an exclusive interview with Zeale's Stephen Herreid, Catholic theologian Gavin D'Costa argued that Catholics can entertain the Zionist position that Jews have a theological claim to the land of Israel while also refusing to give unconditional moral support to the modern Israeli state. READ

INSPIRING: MONGOLIAN STUDENT SHARES HER CONVERSION STORY Around Christmastime two years ago, a student in Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, knelt before a Nativity scene and prayed to find her phone. Although she never found the phone, the moment sparked her conversion to the Catholic faith. "What draws me to the Catholic Church is the altar, where the Body and Blood of Jesus are sacrificed and given to the people," she said. "This nourishes the soul. I want to experience it personally." READ

CATHOLIC BIOETHICS CONFERENCE TACKLES IVF A Catholic bioethics conference on March 21 featuring leading experts in the field is set to address some of the most difficult moral challenges facing healthcare providers, including end-of-life care and in vitro fertilization (IVF). READ

AD: LAST CHANCE FOR SPECIAL NEWMAN PILGRIMAGE Just a few seats left! Join The Cardinal Newman Society and Msgr. James Shea for a 5-star pilgrimage to Oxford, London, and Birmingham this September to explore the life and legacy of St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, our new Doctor of the Church. Don't wait—we must fill seats now! SECURE YOUR SPOT ON THE PILGRIMAGE

DUBLIN ARCHBISHOP WELCOMES RECORD NUMBER OF CATECHUMENS Dublin Archbishop Dermot Farrell welcomed a record 129 catechumens and candidates last Sunday during the annual Rite of Election at Saint Mary's Cathedral, calling them to embrace a lasting conversion as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation this Easter. READ

BISHOP CALLS PRELATES TO BE PRAYERFUL FRIENDS OF CHRIST At the conclusion of a week-long retreat led by the Norwegian Bishop and Trappist monk Erik Varden, Vatican prelates were encouraged to live prayerful, virtuous lives in friendship with Christ in order to better carry out their duties. READ

FRENCH ONION BRAISED BEEF Here is your new comfort-food staple. A hearty and delicious reminder to slow down, this humble chuck roast transforms into a short rib-style feast. READ

CATHOLIC 101 Reflecting on the Book of Jonah, a Catholic mother explores how fleeing God's call is ultimately fleeing His presence. "When life gets hard, we tend to run away," Gracie Muraski wrote. "And yet, this is actually very foolish. Because it is within the living out of the call that God has given us that we find His grace." READ

SAINT OF THE DAY Born to a family in Seville, Spain, in 1846, Saint Angela of the Cross overcame poor health to found the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. The sisters dedicated themselves to a life of radical poverty and tireless service to the poor. Angela became known as "Mother of the Poor" and went on to found 23 convents during her lifetime before her death in 1932. READ

DAILY PSALM "Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins." (Psalm 79) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

PRAY WITH US Father in Heaven, as bombs fall in Iran, we ask that you please protect the Iranian people who are suffering the consequences of the war. We ask also that you please send the Holy Spirit to inspire our leaders with wisdom and prudence to guide their decisions. PRAY & SHARE

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Monday, 2 March 2026

women’s dignity

LOOP: Pope condemns violence in Iran as death toll mounts

MONDAY, MARCH 2