THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

POPE LEO CONCELEBRATES MASS AT HOSPITAL AS SURGERY RECOVERY CONTINUES Pope Leo XIV’s recovery from his lung surgery is proceeding as expected, as he has begun walking and eating normally, the Holy See Press Office announced Oct. 14. He concelebrated Mass in the afternoon of Oct. 14, as thousands of prayers — and a care package from Catholic students in Chicago — continue to be sent his way. READ

COLORADO MOTHER QUESTIONS VOLLEYBALL CUT AFTER MALE MAKES TEAM A Colorado mother is speaking out after coaches cut her daughter from a girls’ high school volleyball team in the Jeffco Public Schools district, and she later learned that a male student who identifies as “transgender” had secured a roster spot. READ

REPORT: FTC TO INVESTIGATE ONLINE SPORTS GAMBLING INDUSTRY The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly launching a probe into the online sports gambling industry, with FanDuel and DraftKings expected to face scrutiny. The review comes amid concerns about gambling addiction and marketing practices targeting younger men. READ

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POLL: CATHOLIC VOTERS CLOSELY DIVIDED AHEAD OF MIDTERMS A recent Pew survey found 42% of Catholic registered voters favor Democrats and 39% back Republicans in this year’s House races. Nationwide, those supporting Democratic candidates reported greater engagement and more motivation to vote than those backing Republican candidates. READ

SHEEN’S BEATIFICATION ALTAR CONTINUES A FAMILY’S LEGACY OF SACRED ART Daprato Rigali Studios co-owner John Rigali shared with Zeale News the honor of creating the altar for Blessed Fulton Sheen’s beatification. His family’s craftsmanship also helped prepare for St. John Paul II’s 1979 Mass in Chicago — Rigali’s first full-time job with the studio. READ

DEMOCRATIC OPERATIVES QUIETLY WORRY THAT A ‘BLUE WAVE’ MIGHT NOT REACH NOVEMBER’S SHORE A new report from Politico indicates that while Democratic leaders and candidates are touting polling data as a sure sign that the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate may flip blue in the midterm elections, strategists and analysts are urging caution behind closed doors and warning that significant polling errors may mean that most races are much closer than expected. READ

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JUBILEE YEAR FOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE BEGINS Pope Leo XIV has granted a special Jubilee Year for Our Lady of Guadalupe, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the new Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, where the tilma is kept. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which is home to the only known relic of St. Juan Diego’s tilma in the U.S., is joining Catholics around the world in observing the special jubilee. Archbishop José Gomez said the jubilee invites “a new commitment to the continental mission, to the evangelization of the Americas, beginning in our own country.” READ

GERMAN STATE RECORDS MORE THAN 350 FORCED CHILD MARRIAGES SINCE 2015 According to a report from the government of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, more than 350 children have been involved in forced marriages since 2015. The majority of cases involved adult men of Syrian, Turkish, Afghan, Iraqi, and Pakistani nationality. READ

BUDGET-FRIENDLY NATURAL FIBERS Transitioning your wardrobe to natural fibers that are better for your skin and the environment doesn’t have to break the bank. Here, Zeale Lifestyle’s Grace Porto rounds up eight budget-friendly sources for natural fiber clothing. READ

CATHOLIC 101 As harvest season comes around, we should keep the vital work of farmers in our prayers. Here are some of the patron saints of farmers, from gardeners to cattlehands. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY Today, the Church celebrates Saint Teresa of Ávila, who devoted her life to seeking a deeper union with God through prayer. Born in Spain in 1515, Saint Teresa became one of the Church’s most beloved spiritual teachers through her writings, Carmelite reforms, and profound devotion to the Lord. READ

DAILY PSALM "The Lord has made known his salvation." (Psalm 98) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

NEW EPISODE Pope Leo XIV is recovering after a successful surgery. Meanwhile, Shane Gillis has sparked a viral debate over men, women, and modesty. And finally, we take on no-fault divorce and America's marriage crisis. All this and more on the LOOPcast! WATCH

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