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The Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. commemorates the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826). Today marks the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s death as well as the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Jefferson.
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O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.
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Calling all history buffs, architecture fans, and art lovers—these castles should be on your list.
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A reading from the Book of Isaiah
1:10-17
Hear the word of the LORD,
princes of Sodom!
Listen to the instruction of our God,
people of Gomorrah!
What care I for the number of your sacrifices?
says the LORD.
I have had enough of whole-burnt rams
and fat of fatlings;
In the blood of calves, lambs and goats
I find no pleasure.When you come in to visit me,
who asks these things of you?
Trample my courts no more!
Bring no more worthless offerings;
your incense is loathsome to me.
New moon and sabbath, calling of assemblies,
octaves with wickedness: these I cannot bear.
Your new moons and festivals I detest;
they weigh me down, I tire of the load.
When you spread out your hands,
I close my eyes to you;
Though you pray the more,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood!
Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.
From the Gospel according to Matthew
10:34-11:1
Jesus said to his Apostles:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.
I have come to bring not peace but the sword.
For I have come to set
a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s enemies will be those of his household.“Whoever loves
father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and whoever does not take up his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
“Whoever receives you receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet
will receive a prophet’s reward,
and whoever receives a righteous man
because he is righteous
will receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink
because he is a disciple–
amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”When Jesus
finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples,
he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.
Christ’s words mean that the peace he came to bring us is not synonymous with the mere absence of conflicts. On the contrary, Jesus’ peace is the result of a constant battle against evil. The fight that Jesus is determined to support is not against human beings or human powers, but against Satan, the enemy of God and man.
Anyone who desires to resist this enemy by remaining faithful to God and to good, must necessarily confront misunderstandings and sometimes real persecutions.
All, therefore, who intend to follow Jesus and to commit themselves without compromise to the truth, must know that they will encounter opposition and that in spite of themselves they will become a sign of division between people, even in their own families. In fact, love for one’s parents is a holy commandment, but to be lived authentically it can never take precedence over love for God and love for Christ.
Thus, following in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus, in accordance with St Francis of Assisi’s famous words, Christians become "instruments of peace"; not of a peace that is inconsistent and only apparent but one that is real, pursued with courage and tenacity in the daily commitment to overcome evil with good and paying in person the price that this entails. (Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, 19 August 2007)
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NEW YORK CITY — Concerns over Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s "Immigrant Enclave Map" have grown after it was noted that the Mayor had added a "Little Auschwitz" in the middle of Brooklyn.
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BIRMINGHAM, AL — Local man Brett Callahan informed his wife that he wouldn’t be able to mow the lawn today as he was completely tied up playing a lawn-mowing simulator.
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FBI agents and members of the Violent Crimes Taskforce have been spotted at the Washington, D.C., home of the late Sen.
The post VIDEO: FBI and Violent Crimes Taskforce Spotted Outside Home of Sen. Lindsey Graham appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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After Caitlin Clark Assaults, Divisive and Unserious WNBA Promotes Kamala and Tim Walz This Weekend Two weeks ago, basketball phenom Caitlin Clark was beaten by an opponent who kneed her in the groin, then shoved her fist on Clark’s throat and tried to stomp on her.
The post After Caitlin Clark Assaults, Divisive and Unserious WNBA Promotes Kamala and Tim Walz This Weekend appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
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President Donald Trump’s Shield of the Americas initiative continues to gain momentum across the Western Hemisphere.
The post Trump’s Shield of the Americas Gains Momentum: Colombia Set to Join, Ecuador Deepens U.S. Security Partnership, and Haiti Draws Regional Attention appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
Read More![Legatus members learn about the most prominent U.S. Catholics #Catholic - On July 1, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney celebrated a Mass for the Northern New Jersey Chapter of Legatus at Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J. Founded in 1987 by Domino’s Pizza creator Tom Monaghan, Legatus is an international peer group for Catholic CEOs, presidents, and business owners.
Chapter members actively seek ways to integrate their Catholic faith into their daily professional lives. The chapter operates under the guidance and support of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.
Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Sweeney was Msgr. John Hart, pastor of Assumption and director of Clergy Personnel for the Paterson Diocese, N.J., along with other priests invited to learn more about Legatus. Deacon Len Deo of St. Ann Parish in Parsippany, N.J., assisted with the liturgy and facilitates the chapter’s Men’s Forum.
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After the Mass, Legatus members and many spouses enjoyed dinner at a local establishment. As the featured speaker, Bishop Sweeney discussed a recent column on BeaconNJ.com written by Msgr. Raymond Kupke, diocesan archivist, about “The most prominent Catholics of the United States in our first 250 years.”
The column paid tribute to the recent 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Read the column at https://beaconnj.org/the-most-prominent-catholics-of-the-united-states-in-our-first-250-years-msgr-kupkes-top-10/
Established in 2000, the Northern New Jersey Legatus Chapter meets monthly, typically on a Wednesday or Thursday, beginning with the rosary and followed by Mass. Members and their spouses then enjoy dinner and a presentation at venues throughout northern New Jersey.
There are more than 90 Legatus chapters across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/legatus-members-learn-about-the-most-prominent-u-s-catholics-catholic-on-july-1-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-celebrated-a-mass-for-the-northern-new-jersey-chapter-of-legatus-at-assumption-parish-in-mo.jpg)
Legatus members learn about the most prominent U.S. Catholics #Catholic – 
On July 1, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney celebrated a Mass for the Northern New Jersey Chapter of Legatus at Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J. Founded in 1987 by Domino’s Pizza creator Tom Monaghan, Legatus is an international peer group for Catholic CEOs, presidents, and business owners.
Chapter members actively seek ways to integrate their Catholic faith into their daily professional lives. The chapter operates under the guidance and support of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.
Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Sweeney was Msgr. John Hart, pastor of Assumption and director of Clergy Personnel for the Paterson Diocese, N.J., along with other priests invited to learn more about Legatus. Deacon Len Deo of St. Ann Parish in Parsippany, N.J., assisted with the liturgy and facilitates the chapter’s Men’s Forum.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
After the Mass, Legatus members and many spouses enjoyed dinner at a local establishment. As the featured speaker, Bishop Sweeney discussed a recent column on BeaconNJ.com written by Msgr. Raymond Kupke, diocesan archivist, about “The most prominent Catholics of the United States in our first 250 years.”
The column paid tribute to the recent 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Read the column at https://beaconnj.org/the-most-prominent-catholics-of-the-united-states-in-our-first-250-years-msgr-kupkes-top-10/
Established in 2000, the Northern New Jersey Legatus Chapter meets monthly, typically on a Wednesday or Thursday, beginning with the rosary and followed by Mass. Members and their spouses then enjoy dinner and a presentation at venues throughout northern New Jersey.
There are more than 90 Legatus chapters across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
– On July 1, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney celebrated a Mass for the Northern New Jersey Chapter of Legatus at Assumption Parish in Morristown, N.J. Founded in 1987 by Domino’s Pizza creator Tom Monaghan, Legatus is an international peer group for Catholic CEOs, presidents, and business owners. Chapter members actively seek ways to integrate their Catholic faith into their daily professional lives. The chapter operates under the guidance and support of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Concelebrating the Mass with Bishop Sweeney was Msgr. John Hart, pastor of Assumption and director of Clergy Personnel for the Paterson Diocese, N.J., along with other
The Soviet Union launched Phobos 2 on July 12, 1988, the second of two uncrewed probes designed to study Mars, moons Phobos and Deimos, the Sun, and the interplanetary environment. Each probe was equipped with 25 instruments including high-energy detectors; X-ray and solar photometers; infrared, ultrasound, and gamma-ray spectrometers; and more. Phobos 1 was lostContinue reading “July 12, 1988: Phobos 2 launches”
The post July 12, 1988: Phobos 2 launches appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.
Read More![Pope Leo XIV: Make time for prayer and silence in the summer - #Catholic - From the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, where he moved on July 5 to enjoy a period of rest, Pope Leo XIV has invited the faithful to make time for “meaningful moments of silence and prayer” during the summer.The pontiff’s remarks were made during his Sunday Angelus address on July 12 at Castel Gandolfo, where he will remain until July 27.Reviving a summer papal traditionThis summer, Leo XIV decided to spend part of it on vacation at the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, becoming the first pope to do so since 2012. The residence has been used by the popes as a countryside retreat for over 400 years, and was a preferred vacation spot of Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II.Pope Francis, however, never left the Vatican during the summer of his 12-year papacy, choosing instead to remain at the Casa Santa Marta and repurpose the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo as a museum.The palace itself is a 17th-century building on the shores of Lake Albano. Although it will be closed to the public during the pope’s vacation, the nearby papal gardens will remain open to visitors.During Leo’s vacation, all private and public audiences, including the Wednesday general audience, are suspended. His only public audiences will be the Sunday Angelus, with the only exception so far being his lunch with the poor in the gardens on July 11.The parable of the sowerCommenting on the Sunday Gospel for the day, which contains the parable of the sower, Leo XIV highlighted “the generosity and trust” with which God puts his word and power in the hearts of believers.“Jesus himself, the Word made flesh, who gave his life for our salvation, is the seed that the Father continues to sow throughout the world so that, by dying, he may bear much fruit,” Leo said in his address.
Pope Leo XIV greets the crowds after his Sunday Angelus on July 12, 2026, at the Piazza della Libertà at Castel Gandolfo. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/EWTN News
The pope also explained that, just as in the parable where the seed is planted in different soils, the faithful do not each receive this gift in the same way.“It is true that sometimes [God] finds in us hard and unresponsive soil, at other times distracted soil, like the beaten path, the rocky ground, or the thorny bushes. Yet there are also moments when he finds receptive and fertile ground, and then miracles of love are set in motion that have the power to transform everything — as we ourselves have no doubt experienced in our own lives.”Leo also reminded the faithful present that God’s love “is stronger than our weakness” and that he never stops sowing and believing in them. He also invited them to take advantage of the summer holidays to experience God through silence and prayer.“Let us therefore resolve, especially during these summer days of vacation, to make room for listening to, reading, and meditating on the Word of God, thereby fostering — together with rest and wholesome recreation— meaningful moments of silence and prayer,” Leo said.A renewed appeal for peaceAfter praying the Angelus, Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace in war-torn regions, lamenting that “the winds of war are blowing once again in the Middle East, in Ukraine and in many other parts of the world, sowing violence, terror and death.”The pope also urged political leaders to resume dialogue and opt for diplomatic means to stop the escalation of conflicts.Leoʼs words come at a time of rising international tension, after the United States and Iran once again became embroiled in a dangerous spiral of attacks. The United States launched new airstrikes against Iranian territory following the Revolutionary Guardʼs attack on a Cypriot-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.Finally, the pope, recalling that July 12 is “Sea Sunday,” gave a special greeting to sailors, fishermen, and port workers. He praised them for their work despite being “marked by separation from their loved ones and sometimes by fear of the conflicts [that] occur on the seas.”This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pope-leo-xiv-make-time-for-prayer-and-silence-in-the-summer-catholic-from-the-apostolic-palace-of-castel-gandolfo-where-he-moved-on-july-5-to-enjoy-a-period-of-rest-pope-leo-xiv-has-invited-th-scaled.jpg)
The pontiff addressed the faithful during the July 12 Angelus at Castel Gandolfo, where he is currently on vacation.
Throughout the month of July, the Church celebrates the feast days of several holy married couples whose lives continue to inspire Catholic families today.
