In this week’s edition:

• What Catholics should know about J.D. Vance

• Suicide pods - quick, cheap, and coming soon!

• Texas AG goes after Catholic groups accused of aiding immigrants

• and more!

J.D. Vance named as Trump’s VP pick

Summary: On July 15, Donald Trump announced that he had selected the Marine, Yale Law grad, author, senator and Catholic convert as his running mate for the 2024 election.

Why we care: We’re thrilled that Senator Vance found his way home to the Church, and are excited about the prospect of faithful Catholic voices in American politics - the operative word being “faithful”. Senator Vance has previously said he would support “reasonable exceptions” to an abortion ban, and has more recently aligned himself with Mr. Trump’s position of no federal ban on abortion or mifepristone. He also signed onto the letter of support for nationwide access to IVF. None of these positions seem to align with Church teaching. Senator Vance has pointed out that securing votes and living a life of faith are often competing forces, and while we’re not experienced in politics we’d venture to guess it’s possible to hold the line while securing votes; in fact, many voters may respect that steadfastness more. We’re hopeful that Senator Vance will change his tune and support policies more in keeping with the faith he professes(of course, a little prayer never hurt either).

Swiss group expects suicide pod to begin use this year

Summary: Swiss group Last Resort introduced its Sarco capsule - which causes death by hypoxia - in 2019. The device, which would cost $20 to use, is expected to see its first use sometime this year.

Details:

• Swiss law allows assisted suicide (usually) if the act is committed by the dying person him/herself

• The user is required by law to first pass a mental assessment

• Once the test is passed, the user presses a button - from that point death occurs in approximately five minutes

• The company has set a minimum age limit of 50 but has expressed a willingness to make the pod available to someone over 18 who is seriously ill

Why we care: How dystopian. We’re reminded of a trope from the show Futurama wherein citizens line up to step inside a phonebooth-sized room and insert a coin for a death of their choosing. This commoditization of life is nothing new, yet somehow it’s just as grotesque and shocking each time it pops up. The Church is unequivocal in it’s condemnation of suicide, and yet there’s something ironic about the country that staffs the papal guard being a den of immorality. That said, this increase in a demand for assisted suicide is attributable to a decline in happiness, meaning, and faith. It seems to only way to curb the onslaught of such sin is by helping people rediscover the sense of purpose and joy of life bestowed on us by our creator.

Texas AG appeals dismissal of investigation into El Paso non-profit

Summary: An investigation into an El Paso, TX Catholic charity accused of assisting illegal immigrants was dismissed - a decision which Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is now appealing, while continuing to pursue similar investigations into other groups.

Details:

• Annunciation House, the main group in question, “…is a lay-run Catholic organization that offers migrants temporary shelter, food and clothing and advocates on their behalf.”

• The AG’s office alleges that the charity is operating in defiance of the law, aiding illegal immigrants and contributing to a worsening of the situation

• A district court judge dismissed the case, saying it violated the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act

• AG Paxton is also investigating a number of other organizations, including Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley

Why we care: We’ll admit that the border issue and Catholic teaching is a complicated issue, and will simply link this article which goes into greater detail on the Church’s position. The only thing we’ll add is that while we applaud the efforts of those charities who assist migrants, it is our opinion that those activities should take place within the bounds of the law and in cooperation with law enforcement. We hope that this ends civilly and that the aforementioned organizations are able to continue with their ministry.

Other stories

• In Memoriam:

  • Mark Story, photojournalist and pro-life activist, passes suddenly

  • Comedian and Catholic Bob Newhart dies at 94

  • Catholic convert and fitness personality Richard Simmons dies at 76 

• Across the world:

  • Traditionalist order banished from New Zealand diocese

  • Popular French priest posthumously accused of sexual assault

  • Vatican approves Marian shrine at site of alleged apparitions in Italy

• Pro-Life:

  • Sidewalk counselors seek greater free-speech protections

  • News from across the nation

• Updates on prior news:

  • Appeals court upholds lower court ruling on Title IX enforcement

Saint of the Week

St. James the Greater

July 25 | Apostle, patron of pilgrims and Spain

O glorious Apostle, 

St. James, who by reason of thy fervent and generous heart was chosen by Jesus to be a witness of His glory on Mount Tabor, and of His agony in Gethsemane; thou, whose very name is a symbol of warfare and victory: obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending warfare of this life, that, having constantly and generously followed Jesus, we may be victors in the strife and deserve to receive the victor's crown in heaven.

Amen.

What’s going on:

• Not Catholic but the Olympics start on Friday and that’s always fun. What are you excited to watch?

• Notable Feast Days