The LOOP
The Monday Loop - June 15, 2026
ZEALE FOR AMERICA RALLY HIGHLIGHTS
More than 700 people gathered at the La Crosse Center in Wisconsin over the weekend for a patriotic prayer rally as the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary. There, Cardinal Raymond Burke, commentator Michael Knowles, CatholicVote CEO Kelsey Reinhardt, and others called for a renewed love of country that flows from love of God. Here are the highlights.
EXCLUSIVE - KNOWLES: FAITH AND PATRIOTISM ARE NATURAL ALLIES
In an exclusive interview with Zeale News ahead of the Zeale for America 250 rally, Michael Knowles said faith and patriotism are complementary rather than competing loyalties, both rooted in love of God, family, and country. He also praised the recent consecration of the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a hopeful sign of divine providence in American history.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES IRAN PEACE DEAL
President Donald Trump announced yesterday that a deal with Iran “is now complete." The deal reportedly includes a complete cessation of all hostilities, including in Lebanon. “Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social Post. “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," Trump wrote. "Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
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TOO DRIVEN FOR CATHOLIC SPACES, TOO CATHOLIC FOR BUSINESS
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TRUMP 'VERY ANGRY' THAT NETANYAHU JEOPARDIZED IRAN DEAL
After the Trump administration announced it was hours away from finalizing the Iran deal to end hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, a move Trump decried for nearly scuttling the effort to end the war. Trump said he was "very angry" that Netanyahu struck Lebanon, accusing the Israeli leader of having "no f***ing discretion" and "no f***ing judgment."
REINHARDT TO CATHOLICS: 'DO NOT BE AFRAID TO BE SAINTS'
CatholicVote president and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt told hundreds gathered at the Zeale for America 250 Rally that American Catholics are called not merely to admire the saints who built the nation but to "be the ones who come next." Reinhardt called the previous day's consecration of the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus potentially "the most important moment in the history of the United States since its founding."
VANCE WEIGHS 2028 BID, SAYS TRUMP 'VERY SUPPORTIVE'
Vice President JD Vance told "CBS Sunday Morning" that he expects the President to be "very supportive" of whatever Vance and second lady Usha Vance decide regarding a potential presidential run. The couple "will discuss whether he should seek the 2028 Republican presidential nomination later this year, following the 2026 midterms," CBS reported yesterday.
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CONSECRATE YOUR HOME TO THE SACRED HEART
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POPE LEO CALLS FOR RENEWED EVANGELISM AT ANGELUS
At the Angelus yesterday, Pope Leo XIV said the original proclamation that the kingdom of God is near is still good news to the suffering world. In Christ, "God draws near to every man and woman, to every people and nation,” the Holy Father said. “When this Gospel is proclaimed and lived out, evil crumbles like a disease that passes away, like a night giving way to dawn, like death conquered by the risen One."
iPHONES LINKED TO DRAMATIC DROP IN US FERTILITY RATES
A new working paper released by the National Bureau of Economic Research suggested that the rise of the iPhone may have played a major role in the sharp decline in U.S. birth rates that began in 2007.
BOOKS FOR BOYS
By popular request, here is Zeale's definitive list of coming-of-age novels every boy should read.
CATHOLIC 101
The Sacred Heart devotion actually has roots stretching back centuries before St. Margaret Mary Alacoque's famous visions? What problem was the devotion responding to then, and why have Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV said it's needed again now?
SAINT OF THE DAY
St. Germaine Cousin is a patron saint of abused and abandoned people. She endured severe neglect and abuse by her father and stepmother growing up, but she remained deeply pious, forgiving, and dedicated to a life of prayer despite the immense hardships.
DAILY PSALM
"Lord, listen to my groaning." (Psalm 5)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
AMERICA250
What an event! Zeale for America 250 was truly a first-of-its-kind Catholic celebration of America. It paid tribute to history and MADE history. Missed it? Watch the livestream recording! SEE IT NOW
