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Catholic Democrats
@catholicdems.bsky.social
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Catholic voice in Democratic Party; Democratic voice in the Catholic community. Promoting Catholic Social Justice Tradition in Democratic Party & public square.
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Catholic Democrats @catholicdems.bsky.social · Apr 21
With deep sorrow and abiding gratitude we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who returned to the Father’s embrace this morning. A Suffering Servant for our time, a pastor of mercy and hope whose courage opened our eyes to the virtue of building bridges, a prophet of justice,...
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HAPPY NEW YEAR

As we cross from the old year to the new, Pope Leo XIV reminds us to entrust everything to God. 1/5
On the left, a sunrise breaks over layered blue mountains. In the foreground, a dark silhouette of a person stands with arms raised toward the light, suggesting gratitude, hope, or prayer at the start of a new day. On the right, a blue panel contains white text that reads: “As we enter the New Year, may we recommit ourselves to prayer, discernment, and faithful action – guided by the Holy Spirit – for the common good.” Below the text, large white letters read: “HAPPY NEW YEAR.”
January 2, 2026 at 1:59 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 10 of 10 🙏

The road has led them here – to the manger. We stay close in the intimacy of this moment – not as spectators, but as witnesses. Soon shepherds will draw near as well.

They came in obedience to Rome, yet gave the world the true King.
Nativity scene inside a rustic barn with open doors revealing a deep blue starry sky and the Star of Bethlehem. Mary kneels beside the Christ Child in a manger while Joseph stands watch; shepherds and farm animals look on. A white text overlay at the bottom of the image reads: ‘The Road to Bethlehem: Day 10 of 10.’” The image was generated by Catholic Democrats’ AI assistant, whom we call Sophia.
December 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 9 of 10 🙏

We have accompanied Mary and Joseph with our prayerful imagination for eight days. Now they are in Bethlehem and have finally found a place to stay.... 1/7
In the foreground, on the left: Mary and Joseph are seen from behind at dusk outside a stone house in Bethlehem. A man stands in the open doorway with warm lamplight behind him, gesturing toward shelter. Joseph, holding a straight walking staff, stands protectively beside Mary, who is wrapped in a blue cloak and head covering. In the background, on the right: A simple open stable made of wooden beams with fencing fencing is located a short distance away, softly lit by a lantern inside. The ground is rough and the sky is deepening into night, emphasizing quiet scarcity and humble shelter. At the bottom, white overlay text reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 9 of 10.” The image was generated by Catholic Democrats’ AI assistant, whom we call Sophia.
December 25, 2025 at 10:03 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 8 of 10 🙏

We continue by bringing our devotional imagination to our prayer – and on this night the Holy Family needs our prayers. 1/8
Mary—visibly pregnant—and Joseph stand on a narrow Bethlehem street at dusk, facing a local woman. Joseph holds a walking staff, and a calm donkey stands just behind them. Warm lamplight glows from stone houses lining the road, with a few distant figures further down the lane. On the right, a woman facing toward Mary and Joseph is extending her open hand in a conciliatory gesture, suggesting she is sorry that she cannot help them. At the bottom of the image, white overlay text reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 8 of 10.” The image was generated by Catholic Democrats’ AI assistant, whom we call Sophia.
December 24, 2025 at 11:53 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 7 of 10 🙏

They are no longer on the road.

They are now inside the village.

Bethlehem is busy – voices overlap, feet hurry past. We can imagine imperial power – for its own sake – is here, watching the streets. Comforts here too. Space is scarce. 1/7
A warm-toned, realistic oil-painting–style scene shows Mary and Joseph standing at a crowded crossroads inside Bethlehem. Mary is visibly pregnant, wearing a muted blue mantle and light veil, her face tired and pensive as one hand rests near her belly. Joseph stands close beside her with protective concern, holding a thick wooden staff. Behind them, pale stone buildings and narrow streets are filled with townspeople moving about. Two Roman soldiers stand watchfully off to the left, while on the right a well-dressed couple speaks together, absorbed in their own affairs. A gray donkey with modest bundles is partly visible behind Mary and Joseph. At the bottom, white overlay text reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 7 of 10”. The image was generated by Catholic Democrats’ AI Assistant, whom we call Sophia.
December 24, 2025 at 3:54 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 6 of 10 🙏

The ridge rises, and then–almost unexpectedly–Bethlehem comes into view. 1/9
Mary and Joseph are approaching Bethlehem – the village now in their sight. Mary rides a donkey along a rocky hillside road while Joseph walks beside her holding a thick wooden staff. They are seen from behind and appear to moving downhill. The dusty path is bordered by low stone walls and scattered trees in warm winter light. In the distance, Bethlehem appears as a small cluster of pale stone homes on a gentle ridge beneath a hazy sky. White text at the bottom reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 6 of 10”. The image was generated by Catholic Democrats’ AI Assistant whom we call Sophia.
December 23, 2025 at 5:09 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 5 of 10

We continue by praying with devotional imagination. 🙏

The road grows colder.

Wind and rain have a way of exposing vulnerability. On the Road to Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph’s garments are no match for the weather of this day.... 1/8
Joseph and Mary stand against a rock in a driving wind and rain. Joseph’s arm is outstretched and holding his wooden staff cloak as a windbreak to protect Mary. his beige headwrap streaming in the gusts as he holds Mary close. Mary, visibly pregnant, wears a muted blue mantle and light veil and rests her head against Joseph’s chest. A gray donkey with modest travel bundles stands In the background. At the bottom, white overlay text reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 5 of 10. The image was generated by Catholic Democrats AI Assistant whom we call Sophia.
December 22, 2025 at 4:51 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 4 of 10

Today the road turns rough.

The journey is difficult not only emotionally, but also physically. On steep ground, Mary and Joseph can’t rush. They move slowly, carefully – one step at a time.... 1/6
A warm, realistic oil-painting style scene shows Mary and Joseph walking carefully across steep, rocky terrain on The Road to Bethlehem. Mary is visibly pregnant, wearing a light veil and muted blue mantle, with one hand resting protectively on her belly while she leans into Joseph’s arm for support. Joseph walks close beside her with a wooden staff, looking down with steady concern. A donkey follows behind them with modest travel bundles secured on its back. At the bottom, a dark tan band carries white text reading: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 4 of 10.” The image was generated by Catholic Democrats AI Assistant whom we call Sophia.
December 20, 2025 at 11:36 PM
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HANUKKAH SOLIDARITY

Hanukkah remembers both an ancient struggle for religious freedom and the miracle of light – and its meaning has been understood and reinterpreted across Jewish history. 1/9
On the left, a brass Hanukkah menorah with all nine candles lit, their flames casting warm light against a deep blue background on a polished wooden table top. On the right, on a dark blue background, white text reads - “This Hanukkah, May the God of Abraham hear our prayers and lead us: To stand, To pray, and To be Light For Solidarity.” The image was generated by Catholic Democrats’ AI assistant, who we call Sophia.
December 20, 2025 at 3:34 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 3 of 10

We continue by praying with devotional imagination.

Today we find the Holy Family beside water – not a luxury, but mercy in its simplest form. A stream does not ask who deserves it. It gives. And in the giving, it keeps life - and hope - alive. 1/6
A warm, realistic oil-painting style scene shows Mary and Joseph resting at the edge of a shallow stream along The Road to Bethlehem. Mary is visibly pregnant and seated on the ground beside the water, her bare feet in the stream. Wearing a light veil and muted blue mantle, she drinks with both hands from a soft leather waterskin. Joseph sits close beside her, watching with tender concern while holding out a small round piece of flatbread. Behind them, the donkey stands with simple travel bundles, and two distant travelers walk along the rocky path in the background under sparse trees and rugged hills. On the bottom of the image is white text that reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 3 of 10.” The image was generated by Catholic Democrats’ AI assistant, who we call Sophia.
December 19, 2025 at 2:33 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM: Day 2 of 10

We continue our daily reflections and prayers through our devotional imagination. 1/7
A traditional realistic oil-painting–style night scene shows Mary, visibly pregnant, resting against Joseph as they sit on rocky ground beside a small campfire. Joseph’s arm is around her shoulders in a protective gesture, and a donkey stands nearby in the dim light. Above them, a wide sky is filled with stars and the Milky Way over dark hills and sparse trees. At the bottom, white text reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 2 of 10”. AI generated image created by Catholic Democrats’ AI Assistant, Sophia.
December 18, 2025 at 3:14 AM
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THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM, DAY 1 OF 10

In a year that has been “uprooting” for so many, it seemed fitting to wait and prepare this Advent by rooting ourselves in the journey Mary and Joseph took on The Road to Bethlehem. 1/7
A warm-toned, oil-painting–style scene shows Joseph walking on a rocky path, holding a staff and leading a donkey by the reins. Mary, visibly pregnant, rides astride on the donkey, wearing a blue mantle and light veil, with the hillside town of Nazareth in the background under golden late afternoon light. At the bottom, white text reads: “The Road to Bethlehem: Day 1 of 10”.
December 17, 2025 at 11:31 AM
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LET US PRAY 🙏

Sisters and brothers, please join us in prayer:

• for the repose of the souls of our 15 (fifteen) Jewish sisters and brothers shot to death on #BondiBeach in Sydney, Australia, in an act of antisemitic terror; 1/6
An image from a Vatican News article on Pope Leo’s outreach to the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher. The text overlay beneath of lighted white candles of a vigil for the victims reads, “Tributes are left at the Bondi Pavillion in memory of the victims of the shooting (AFP or licensors). At the top of the image, in a large font, is a text overlay that reads, “Let us pray.” To the left of the image is a text over lay that reads: “Pope Leo expresses his deep sadness today. See Vatican News. Separately, at the lighting of the Vatican Christmas Tree, he calls on us "to ask the Lord to renew in us the gifts of peace and fraternity" and "entrusts to the Lord the victims of the terrorist massacre carried out yesterday in Sydney against the Jewish community." He calls for an end to antisemitism with a plea that, "We must root hatred out of our hearts."
December 16, 2025 at 7:05 AM
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LET US PRAY

Sisters and brothers, please join us in prayer:

• for the repose of the souls of the two shooting victims killed on the campus of Brown University in Providence, RI;
• for the healing and recovery of the nine shooting victims who were wounded by the assailant during the attack; 1/5
Top: The words “Let us pray” in large white lettering on a dark background. Middle: A screenshot of a Facebook post from The Providence Journal about a community gathering to remember students killed and injured in Saturday’s shooting, including a photo of people holding lit candles at a nighttime vigil. Bottom: The link preview reads: “Vigil in Lippitt Park for victims of mass shooting at Brown University” (providencejournal.com).
December 15, 2025 at 11:02 PM
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TODAY'S GOSPEL - THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
God's Mercy & Our Infinite Human Dignity Can Unite Us

In #Advent we wait – but today’s Gospel reminds us that God doesn’t. The #GoodShepherd searches before we even know we’re lost. One wandering soul is worth the whole journey,...
On the top, an icon-style painting depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd, wearing a red robe and gently carrying a small white sheep across His shoulders. Tall, slender trees rise behind Him against a textured blue sky. Below the image, large red text reads, “And if he finds it….” On the right, beneath the line of scripture, is the Vatican News logo. In the left bottom corner, smaller text notes: “Reading of the Day – Gospel of the Day, Mt 18:12–14.”
December 10, 2025 at 2:45 AM
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Florida Catholic bishops urge Gov. DeSantis to stay two executions www.ncronline.org/news/florida...
Florida Catholic bishops urge Gov. DeSantis to stay two executions
Saying it is possible both to uphold justice and to exercise mercy, Florida's Catholic bishops have urged Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay executions scheduled for Dec. 9 and Dec. 18.
www.ncronline.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:20 PM
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The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Sisters and Brothers, please pray with us as we ask for the #BlessedMother’s intercessory prayer for peace and... 1 of 2
On the left, an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary depicted with darker Middle Eastern skin, standing on solid ground. She wears a cream-colored gown with a deep blue mantle flowing from her head and shoulders. Her arms are open in a gesture of welcome, and warm golden light descends from above, illuminating her face with a gentle, Mona-Lisa-like smile. Behind her, soft clouds form a serene, heavenly backdrop. On the right, a blue panel with white text reading: “The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” Below, in gold text, is the verse: “Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.” Luke 1:28.”
December 9, 2025 at 6:48 AM
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REFLECTING ON BLACK CATHOLIC HISTORY MONTH

In researching Black Catholic History Month, we came across truths that stirred our Catholic imagination. 1/13
On the left, a painted scene shows three formerly enslaved Black men and women standing together outside the wooden buildings of Fort Mose. They wear simple 18th-century clothing and smile warmly as they speak with a Spanish friar dressed in a brown habit and small circular tonsure. Behind them, a lookout tower rises above the settlement and a white Spanish colonial flag with a red cross of Burgundy waves in the breeze. On the right, text reads: “Three Freed Slaves and a Friar in Fort Mose,” followed by a short historical summary noting that St. Augustine’s early Black community of free and enslaved people helped found the town, and that Fort Mose (1738) became the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States. The attribution at the bottom reads: “Source: USCCB.”
December 1, 2025 at 7:35 AM
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May the blessings of #Thanksgiving be with you, our Church, and our nation throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. 1/3
Background: a cream colored background of a horn of plenty on a wooden table in the foreground with a filed and a tree in the background. Text overlay, left top: “Thanksgiving, then, is not just a civic holiday. It is, in the Christian imagination, a spiritual call – not only to remember the past but to live it forward. It invites us to cultivate the virtues that allow a people to flourish – not merely as a nation, but as a communion of persons rooted in grace.” Text overlay, left middle: “THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS” in white lettering with a dark gray shadow in small caps font. Text overlay, left bottom: The Catholic Democrats logo of the Lamb of Victory and the sponsoring organization’s name, Catholic Democrats. On the right: TOP - The text Thanksgiving Circle of Virtue in black small caps font with a gray shadow. CENTER - A graphic of a five thick autumnal colored braids colored woven in a circle. BOTTOM - The text, Humility ~Gratitude ~ Hope ~ Mercy ~ Unity
November 29, 2025 at 3:46 AM
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This Saudi PR campaign was
UNNECESSARY AND MOST REGRETTABLE

We acknowledge that engagement between nations in challenging situations is necessary. However, we find both the form and the praise offered in this meeting to be unnecessary and most regrettable.
In the center: Seated in front of the fireplace in the Oval Office in the White House, Donald Trump, seated in a yellow armchair, grasps Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s hand in a highly animated gesture. On the left: Members of the Saudi delegation sit inside the Oval Office, dressed in traditional attire, with cameras and staff partially visible in the foreground. On the right: American officials sit nearby as the Oval Office’s ornate gold décor, fireplace, and portrait-lined walls frame the meeting. At the bottom: A white text overlay on a black background that reads, “Trump Offers Elaborate Welcome to Saudi Crown Prince: Live Updates.”
November 19, 2025 at 5:02 AM
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CATHOLIC DEMOCRATS HONORS ALL WHO WHO SERVED 🗽
THANK YOU 🙏

Let us honor the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces of the United States by doing three things today and into the future:
A background photo of a golden sunrise casting light over a soldier walking alone on a dirt road through a field, symbolizing courage and devotion. Parts of an American flag in the golden light comes through the sunshine. At the top the words, “CATHOLIC DEMOCRATS HONORS ALL WHO SERVED” appear boldly in blue, above the central headline “VETERANS DAY” in large bronze letters with “Celebrating” and “Thank You for Your Service” above and below respectively. Across the bottom of the image are the official seals of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, and Navy. Beneath them, blue and white text reads: “THE VALUES OF THE U.S. ARMED SERVICES.” At the bottom, the following text in white, “Honor | Courage | Commitment | Duty | Integrity | Respect | Selfless Service | Loyalty | Personal Courage | Excellence | Readiness | Devotion to Duty | Teamwork | Innovation.” The overall design evokes gratitude, reverence, and unity through service and faith.
November 12, 2025 at 3:57 AM
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STATEMENT ON ENDING #SHUTDOWNV2025 & #MORALGOVERNANCE 1/14
A wide-angle photograph of the U.S. Senate chamber, empty of people, with rows of desks and blue carpet. Overlaid on the left portion of the photo of the Senate is an etching of Pope Francis looking left to right. On the right portion of the photo is a label that reads, “U.S. Senate. Beneath the Senate photo and two graphic overlays is a quote from Pope Francis that reads: “Politics, though often maligned, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.” — Evangelii Gaudium (§205). The visual conveys a message of moral governance rooted in Catholic social teaching.
November 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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POPE LEO SUPPORTS IMMIGRANTS – AGAIN 🙏

This is at least the 4th or 5th time in the past month that #PopeLeoXIV has spoken publicly in support of immigrants – particularly our sisters and brothers in the United States. 1/5
A screen shot of an EWTN social media post. At the top, the playback controls and the EWTN logo. Centered in the frame is a close-up image of Pope Leo XIV speaking to reporters. He appears reflective and solemn as he speaks about the dignity of migrants. A text overlay of a subtitle partially reads, “affected by what’s going on right now. The spiritual…” The caption across the lower part of the image reads, “THE SPIRITUAL RIGHTS” in white and red text. At the top is the EWTN logo. Beneath that the headline for the text accompanying the image that reads, “Pope Leo XIV says spiritual needs of detained migrants deserve attention,” and then the date of the social media post that reads, “Nov 4, 2025.” In the middle and bottom of the graphic is the text, “Pope Leo XIV called for renewed attention to the spiritual rights of migrants in detention after Catholic leaders in Chicago were denied permission to bring Holy Communion to detainees earlier this week. “Many people who’ve lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what’s going on right now,” Pope Leo said Nov. 4 outside Castel Gandolfo. “I would certainly invite the authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the needs of those people. Many times they’ve been separated from their families for a good amount of time. No one knows what’s happening, but their own spiritual needs should be attended to.” Two thick red lines frame the graphic on both sides.
November 6, 2025 at 9:20 PM
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YOU ARE INVITED “Saint Next Door” [insert your name] to climb with Fr. Martin, SJ — and with us.

If ever there is a time to think of yourself as a saint, it’s this weekend – the Solemnity of All Saints Day followed by The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls). 1/13
A wide interior view of a grand Catholic church shows ornate golden arches, tall columns, and statues of saints positioned high above the nave. The sanctuary glows warmly as light filters in from upper windows, illuminating the altar below where worshippers are gathered. At the bottom left, the logo of America Magazine including the text “America: The Jesuit Review” appears in red and black. Below that a black text banner with white text that reads, “James Martin: The Saints seemed so far away. Then I started to climb.”
November 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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This final day of the #RespectLifeMonth Novena reminds us that changing the culture is a process of conversion that begins in our own hearts. Today's prayers: ow.ly/MFSp50Xf2TH. 1/6

#CultureOfLife #CultureOfVirtue #DignityOfLife #DignitasInfinita #ImagoDei #RespectLifeMonth
Respect Life Novena: Day Nine
Download / Print Intercession May all Catholics help build a culture that cherishes every person as a precious gift from God. Prayers Our Father, 3 Hail Mary...
ow.ly
October 31, 2025 at 8:31 AM