DID POPE GET VICTIM’S LETTER? Cardinal O’Malley promised the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for Minors that he would hand-deliver a 2015 letter. The letter written by Juan Carlos Cruz warned the Pope about making Juan Barros a bishop in Chile, and provided details of sexual abuse done to Cruz by Fr. Fernando Karadima — and that Bishop Juan Barros was a witness to these sexual abuses. According to Cruz, Cardinal O’Malley placed his letter in the Pope’s hands when the Pope visited Philadelphia. Cardinal O’Malley has not yet responded to the story. http://cvote.it/2E5H003
DOW DROPS 1175 The Dow Jones index dropped its largest point decline in its history. But the percentage loss of 4% is not historic. In fact, it’s not even in the top 12 in declines. http://cvote.it/2E2qCgA
WHY THE DROP? Traders are concerned that wage growth will lead to inflation. Another contributing factor is that the Federal Reserve is expected to consider raising interest rates more aggressively since rates have been at very low for several years. http://cvote.it/2E3Lfcq
DEM MEMO RELEASED The House Intelligence Committee voted unanimously to release the Democratic response memo on wiretapping abuse to the public. The White House had indicated that they would approve its public release if the committee voted in favor of its release. http://cvote.it/2E3p1qN
SHUTDOWN CLOCK AGAIN Funding for the government is set to run out on February 8. Democrats appear unlikely to demand a resolution on DACA, but both parties are likely to fight over spending. Any budget requires 60 votes in the Senate, in order to break a filibuster. http://cvote.it/2E4YOIJ
50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Marriage Encounter, which provides marriage retreats for Catholics, celebrates 50 years of strengthening marriages. Couples who attend the retreats are encouraged to turn off their cellphones, and are guided through various aspects of their relationships through a series of talks by couples and priests. http://cvote.it/2E5LKTp
IMPORTANCE OF EVANGELIZING Fr. Dwight Longenecker details the 10 reasons why Catholics don’t evangelize. “Preach the gospel at all times,” said Fr. Longenecker. “The use of words is necessary.” http://cvote.it/2E6aSti
SAINT OF THE DAY A Jesuit Brother and native of Japan, Saint Paul Miki was crucified, along with 25 other Catholics, for preaching his belief in Jesus. http://cvote.it/dailysaint
DAILY MASS READINGS “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!” (Ps 84:3) – http://cvote.it/Daily-Readings
SPORTS The Super Bowl might be over, but here’s a little history of the ‘Hail Mary’ play in football. http://cvote.it/2E7vlO0