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Michie · Feb 6, 2026

The pontiff warned that profit, doping, and fanaticism can distort sport’s deeper human purpose.

As the Winter Olympic Games open in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Pope Leo XIV has issued a wide-ranging letter on the value of sport, urging nations to embrace an “Olympic Truce” and warning against corruption, fanaticism, and a “dictatorship of performance” that can distort athletics’ deeper purpose.

The letter, titled “Life in Abundance,” was released by the Vatican on Feb. 6 on the occasion of the XXV Winter Olympic Games (Feb. 6–22) and the XIV Paralympic Games (March 6–15).

The pope describes sport as more than elite competition, calling it “a shared activity, open to all and salutary for both body and spirit, even becoming a universal expression of our humanity.”

A call for an Olympic Truce

Continued below.

https://www.ewtnnews.com/vatican/pope-leo-xiv-calls-for-olympic-truce-in-letter-for-winter-games

BlessedDisciple · Feb 6, 2026

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BlessedDisciple · Feb 6, 2026

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I made this with my 13-year old nephew. Hope it gives you a chuckle or two.

Michie · Feb 6, 2026

The U.S. has deployed a military team to Nigeria as part of a growing effort to assist in counterterrorism operations against Islamic State-linked terrorists. The move marks the first publicly acknowledged presence of American forces on the ground following U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day.

A senior U.S. military commander told Reuters the deployment was carried out in agreement with the Nigerian government and reflects expanding cooperation between the two countries in response to escalating violence in the region.

General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who heads U.S. Africa Command, was quoted as saying that the newly deployed American team brings “unique capabilities” to support Nigerian forces, adding that the deployment follows discussions between both governments about the need for increased collaboration.

Continued below.

US sends troops to Nigeria to bring 'unique capabilities' amid ISIS fight

The U S has deployed a military team to Nigeria as part of a growing effort to assist in counterterrorism operations against Islamic State-linked terrorists The move marks the first publicly

www.christianpost.com

Firstlightdawn · Feb 6, 2026

Progressing Pilgrim said:
Should I say nothing and not worry about it since I never agreed to anything anyway?

Don't worry about it. Send her a card on her birthday or something. There are many many many Godparents in the Philippine. 15 is a common number. I would look at it as a baptism where the whole church agrees to do all they can to raise the child as a Christian and to be a positive influence in their life. They are giving you an honor to show their respect for you.

I have been married to a Filipina for over 30 years. Our son is brilliant; he is a computer engineer. To marry a foreign girl is very good for the children because they are so healthy and intelligent. When parents come from different backgrounds, it’s less likely that they carry the same recessive mutation, so the child is less likely to inherit certain genetic disorders. When you have inbreeding like with the Amish and Judaism there is a greater risk of genetic malfunctions.

Of course our customs clash with their customs. You can take a Filipino out of the Philippines, but you can not take the Philippines out of the Filipino. They love to come to America because it is so difficult to find a job in their country.

Danthemailman · Feb 6, 2026

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New York needs a lot of prayers.

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essentialsaltes · Feb 6, 2026

Former group member Kelli Byrd testified for two hours on Thursday, providing a rare glimpse inside the religious group that had operated in secret for decades.

Byrd told the court that Shelley Martin referred to herself as Prophetess Kathryn, claimed she was a physical embodiment of the Holy Spirit and that God spoke directly through her.

When the group gathered for worship a “gift of prophecy” would occur through Shelley Martin. Her body would start thrashing and her voice would become deep and low as she shared “a word from the throne of God,” Byrd said.

--

“You had no choices in anything,” Anthony Duran, who told The Times in an interview that he escaped the cult in 2020 at age 20. “You can’t go here. You can’t go there. You can only go to work and come home.” Anthony Duran is the nephew of Ramon Duran, who is charged with murder.

The group has a decades long history in the Inland Empire, where it has been connected to two alleged murders and the disappearance of a third person.

essentialsaltes · Feb 6, 2026

Tens of thousands of Californians pay more for health insurance this year after subsidy cuts

Krista, a 42-year-old photographer and videographer in Santa Cruz County, relies on costly monthly intravenous treatments for a rare blood disorder. She asked that her full name not be used but shared her insurance and medical documents with The Times.

Last year, she paid about $285 a month for a Covered California plan. In late December, she received a notice showing her premium would rise to more than $1,200 a month. The rise was due to her loss of federal subsidies, as well as a 23% increase in the premium charged by Blue Shield.

[She found a plan at $522]

To cut costs and preserve the ability to save for retirement and eventually afford a place of her own, Krista decided to move into an RV on private land.

Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California, said that about 160,000 Californians lost their subsidies when the enhanced federal assistance expired because their incomes were higher than 400% of the federal poverty level.

Although overall enrollment in Covered California this year has held steady, Altman said, she worries that more people will drop coverage as bills with the higher premiums arrive in the mail.

Stopped_lurking · Feb 6, 2026

Laodicean60 said:
Maybe not, but the USA's response time would definitely be improved.

How many hostilities have you or Finland been in with Russia after WW2 (81 years)? Russia was more concerned with expansionism for the last 35 years.

As many as The US. They ran a submarine aground in one of our archipelagos. They threatened war over it. They have continuously violated Swedish airspace.

Laodicean60 said:
Have you ever been in the service or played war strategy games?

Yes.

Laodicean60 said:
It's safer because it would be ours, and once it becomes ours, because leases can be canceled.

No they can't (realistically) if the US have boots on the ground.

Laodicean60 said:
We, as in who?

Europe as a whole, I showed you in this post.

Trump caves

CLimate change is suddenly not an hoax anymore? Asking for an American President. There does seem to be confusion here on this point.

www.christianforums.com

But it is also true for Sweden specifically.

Laodicean60 said:
Stock pile.

Until Ukraina asked for it we stockpiled what we saw as necessary for ourselves. Sweden didn't stockpile alot of artillery shells, but Finland did (they are much more likely to have to use that particular weapon). Anti-ship missiles are more Swedens thing to stockpile.

Laodicean60 said:
We are not talking about Article 5.

So those who went to stand beside you doesn't count? If that isn't the best measure of who was prepared to back you up what is?

Laodicean60 said:
I will end because we are going down a rabbit hole. This isn't about Sweden, even though I mention that we would be able to defend Sweden more efficiently if BRICS did attack. I mainly have a negative view of the long-term NATO freeloading.

Rescued One · Feb 6, 2026

I'm still praying because God is still listening!

67_Reasons · Feb 6, 2026

Anonymous9090 · Feb 6, 2026

Pray that The Holy Spirit some how provides for all those affected by the death of so many people due to terrorist attack on a Shia mosque in Pakistan:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/explosion-at-religious-centre-in-pakistan-islamabad-injured-casualties/article70599632.ece

DragonFox91 · Feb 6, 2026

I’d pick the beach. You can swim, play catch in the sand, read, & just watch the waves

Would you rather be in a small group or big one?

wing2000 · Feb 6, 2026

essentialsaltes said:
More of the court transcript, annotated by LawDork

The unfathomable Minnesota transcript that must be read, as it tells the reality of America today
It is an unfathomable exercise to read lawyers and a federal judge discussing at length the ways in which the rule of law is slipping through our nation’s fingers, but it is an absolutely necessary document to read for anyone who wants to protect the rule of law — and America.

And, though a lot was made on Tuesday of one comment from Le about wanting to be held in contempt so that she could get some sleep, I want to start by sharing the full paragraph, which adds some important context about Le — who had earlier told Blackwell that she had already threatened to leave the assignment.

johnnypapa · Feb 6, 2026

Ignatius Press recently published Pearce’s new book, Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood. We recently corresponded regarding the book, discussing literature and the many lessons and insights—in this case, especially for men—to be gleaned about pursuing a wise and virtuous life.

“We think as well as we read, and we read as well as we kneel!”

www.catholicworldreport.com

johnnypapa · Feb 6, 2026

In the past, we’ve trusted the oversight of bishops and the proficiency and good intentions of chancery staff. That is no longer a prudent strategy, if it ever was. Blind trust with no accountability may actually encourage shoddy behavior.

An Open Letter to US Dioceses

From misuse to abuse, the time of blind giving to a bishop’s Annual Appeal is over.

crisismagazine.com

johnnypapa · Feb 6, 2026

Take a tip from the monastics—make it a habit to indulge in the “great” or “grand” silence. You won’t regret it.

Create The Great Silence At Home – Catholic Stand

catholicstand.com

johnnypapa · Feb 6, 2026

Together, Scott and Rob walk us through the inseparable relationship between St. Augustine and biblical theology and the different dimensions behind reading and studying Scripture.

Saint Augustine On Reading Scripture

+JMJ+ I found a video by my favorite teacher about one of my favorite saints and one of my favorite subjects: Scott Hahn in conversation with Rob Corzine talking about Saint Augustine on reading Sc…

catholicheartandmind.com

johnnypapa · Feb 6, 2026

In a previous article, we looked at why Adam and Eve, whom God created full of grace, sinned when Satan tempted them (click here to read it). But this begs the questions—what temptation caused Satan and other angels to sin, and why would God have created them knowing this would happen? This article will hopefully elucidate the reasons. Let’s begin with the angels in general.

How and Why Some Angels Fell from Grace - Catholic Exchange

Angels chose in an instant: praise God or self. Pride led to envy of humanity; God uses their sin to forge deeper love in us through Christ.

catholicexchange.com

linux.poet · Feb 6, 2026

I’m more into drawing than painting, though I have been reading painting books lately. I think I may want to stick with dry medium like colored pencils and maybe pastels. Some coloring medium that goes good with charcoal drawings would be my absolute jam. The quest continues.

I also like ink as a medium, especially for more design-y and internet-y things. I think I just need a coloring medium that works, or some research into color theory.

—————————————

To be honest, I have the same problem with a long list of hobbies. I have my old friend Trauma to thank for that. In addition to its addition of Toxic Hobbies that make me miserable, it has blurred the line between Hobby and Work, trying anything and everything to escape my situation or otherwise survive. Now my Hobbies are in a state of transition.

Needless to say, I’m ready to end my icky relationship with Sewing and it’s attendant Machine Repair obligations, and move on to something more enjoyable. Probably I would enjoy weaving better, on a small loom size. I also want to try to learn some dance. As a child I really liked that, so maybe taking that up again would be suitable. The drawing I mentioned above I would like to continue to expand.

At the same time I would benefit from calling Woodworking, Gardening, and Machine Repair Work, for that is what they are, and pay myself accordingly. Probably the same for gaming of various kinds, because I get paid for doing it, even though I enjoy it. I don’t do it unless there is some monetary or spiritual benefit involved.

Then there is Poetry and Programming Technology, which I suppose are abandoned Career pathways that basically function as Hobbies now until I can get back to monetizing them. I don’t think broke people really have hobbies, if you’re broke, everything is either monetizable or a mental health treatment to cope with your life, not a hobby. But what I’ve described above is the closest I’ve got.

linux.poet · Feb 6, 2026

MOD HAT ON

This prayer request has been split off into its own thread because it was off-topic for the thread it was in.

MOD HAT OFF

JSRG · Feb 5, 2026

Say it aint so said:
There is nothing normal given what Texas did at the behest of a president.

It was normal in that they just passed it via legislature and had the governor sign it--the normal way to pass a law. California was legally required to take a separate step; putting it to referendum was far more likely something they did because they were legally required to do so than for any idea of moral duty to put it in front of the people.

Michie · Feb 5, 2026

ND Right to Life: A Pro-Life Call to Action on the Ostermann Case...

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A call for an Olympic Truce​

Tens of thousands of Californians pay more for health insurance this year after subsidy cuts​

The unfathomable Minnesota transcript that must be read, as it tells the reality of America today​

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A call for an Olympic Truce

Tens of thousands of Californians pay more for health insurance this year after subsidy cuts

The unfathomable Minnesota transcript that must be read, as it tells the reality of America today

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