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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,...
catholicdems.bsky.social
9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 8 🙏

Please join us in praying the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the January 23rd #MarchForLife. It only takes minutes a day. 1/4
usccbofficial.bsky.social United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccbofficial.bsky.social · 1d
Day 8 of #9DaysforLife: Pray, reflect, and learn why the threat of abortion is the U.S. bishops' "pre-eminent priority": https://ow.ly/vG2250XXIA8.
January 24, 2026 at 2:38 AM
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THE MARCH FOR LIFE:
Let us pray and work to support mothers, their unborn babies, and families. 🙏

Many in the Democratic Party dismiss the #MarchForLife as “political.”

The Our Father has political implications too: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.” 1/7
Black-and-white composite image featuring four prominent figures in two rows. Top row: President Franklin D. Roosevelt (left) and Msgr. John A. Ryan (right), labeled "New Deal architect" and "Catholic social reformer & Advisor to FDR," respectively. Bottom row: President Barack H. Obama (left) and Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. (right), labeled "Notre Dame 2009 Commencement Speaker" and "Former Notre Dame President." Centered at the bottom: the quote “Faith, reason, and moral instinct – shaping the common good.”
January 23, 2026 at 11:50 PM
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9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 7 🙏

Please join us in praying the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the January 23rd #MarchForLife. It only takes minutes a day. 1/4
usccbofficial.bsky.social United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccbofficial.bsky.social · 2d
On this annual Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Catholics nationwide unite in prayer and penance. Today's #9DaysforLife prayers and action ideas: https://ow.ly/pUm350XXIzW.
January 23, 2026 at 5:06 AM
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IN MEMORIAM – JOHN ALLEN JR. 🙏

Catholic Democrats mourns the passing of John L. Allen, Jr., the eminent Vatican journalist who built Crux into, as the site describes, “the most trusted English-language Catholic news site in the world” after taking it over from The Boston Globe in 2016. 1/7
Black-and-white memorial image of John Allen Jr., smiling and wearing glasses, with the text: “In Memoriam – John Allen Jr. – Jan. 20, 1965 – Jan. 22, 2026.”
January 23, 2026 at 2:42 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 6 🙏

Please join us in praying the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the January 23rd #MarchforLife. It only takes minutes a day. 1/4
usccbofficial.bsky.social United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccbofficial.bsky.social · 3d
May all who support abortion experience a conversion of heart. Today's #9DaysforLife prayers: https://ow.ly/W08250XXIzO.
January 22, 2026 at 5:03 AM
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THREE U.S. CARDINALS ASSERT: FOREIGN POLICY MUST RESPECT HUMAN DIGNITY, RELIGIOUS LIBERTY 🙏

This joint statement by three of the top U.S. Catholic prelates is significant in itself for its clear renunciation of war and its call for a morally grounded U.S. foreign policy. 1/6
January 22, 2026 at 4:58 AM
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9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 5 🙏

Please join us in praying the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the January 23rd March for Life. It only takes minutes a day. 1/4
usccbofficial.bsky.social United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccbofficial.bsky.social · 4d
Today we're praying for mothers choosing adoption. Reflect on today's #9DaysforLife prayer intention at https://ow.ly/fL9U50XXIzu.
January 21, 2026 at 12:45 AM
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REMEMBERING THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 🙏
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Included in @JamesMartinSJ’s commemoration of Dr. King was this excerpt from his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, written in April 1963:... 1/6
Portrait of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. seated outdoors, wearing a dark brown suit and white shirt, looking directly at the camera with a calm, reflective expression. The background is softly blurred green grass. Below the image is a quote shared by Fr. James Martin, SJ, in a social media post, which reads: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny." — Letter from a Birmingham Jail, The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 20, 2026 at 11:26 PM
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9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 4 🙏

Please join us in praying the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the January 23rd #MarchForLife. It only takes minutes a day.
January 20, 2026 at 3:27 AM
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SIX U.S. BISHOPS ADVANCE A LITANY IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRANTS: 🙏
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THE USCCB POSTED:

“We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement....
A solemn head shot photograph of a U.S. Catholic bishop in clerical attire, speaking against a dark brownish background. Overlaid text reads: "We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people." The image is branded with the logo and name of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
January 20, 2026 at 12:46 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 3

Please join us in praying the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the January 23rd #MarchForLife. It only takes minutes a day. 1/4
usccbofficial.bsky.social United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccbofficial.bsky.social · 6d
Learn how you can help pregnant moms! Today's #9DaysforLife prayers and more: https://ow.ly/Ks3O50XXIzj.
January 19, 2026 at 5:02 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 2 🙏

Please join us in praying the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the January 23rd March for Life. It only takes minutes a day. 1/3
usccbofficial.bsky.social United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccbofficial.bsky.social · 7d
On Day 2 of #9DaysforLife, we pray for all who are suffering from participation in abortion. Today's prayers: https://ow.ly/4ZB950XXIz6.
January 18, 2026 at 3:15 AM
catholicdems.bsky.social
9 DAYS FOR LIFE NOVENA – Day 1 🙏

Please join us to pray the USCCB’s #9DaysForLife Novena before the Jan. 23rd March for Life. It only takes minutes a day. Working with God (cf. 1 Cor 3:9 – “For we are God’s fellow workers”), our prayers will help raise awareness of the sacredness of all life –...
usccbofficial.bsky.social United States Conference of Catholic Bishops @usccbofficial.bsky.social · 8d
#9DaysforLife starts today! Join us in this novena for the protection of human life. Today's prayers: https://ow.ly/3ruJ50XXIyL.
January 17, 2026 at 4:48 AM
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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