In the month ahead we will celebrate Advent and Christmas. As we chant “O Come, O Come Emanuel,” Advent days will teach us prayer and patience as we long for the coming of our Savior. When we finally sing out “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” Christmas days will call us …

Advent is a season of hope. It is the beginning of the liturgical year, and a time for us to reflect on the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as the long centuries of yearning by the Israelite people for the Messiah promised by God. During the …

By Tessa Gervasini , Ken Oliver-Méndez Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Oct 27, 2025 / 15:53 pm The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is launching a new Bible study program to help Catholics prepare for the Advent and Christmas seasons. The Bible study, titled “Bible Across America,” is set to begin Nov. 5 and aims …

Advent Reflection for December 1 – The First Sunday of Advent Readings: Jer 33:14-16, Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14,1 Thes 3:12—4:2, Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 Invitation to Prayer: “Show us, Lord, your love, and grant us your salvation.” (Psalm 85:8 – Alleluia verse before the Gospel, First Sunday of Advent) Reflection: …

By Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 4, 2022 / 07:00 am An emeritus Texas bishop is highlighting an Advent message hidden in the O Antiphons — prayers that are recited or chanted in an ancient tradition leading up to Christmas. “Composed in the sixth or seventh century, the seven O …

by Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Dec 6, 2021 / 06:00 am St. Nicholas, whose feast day is celebrated on Dec. 6, is well known as possibly the real-life inspiration for the beloved Christmas character of Santa Claus. Not a lot is known about the historical Nicholas, who was bishop of …

I remember seeing the star every year as I grew up, after we left our family Christmas party at Grandpa’s house. It was on the dome of the St. Charles Center, a senior living community for Missionaries of the Precious Blood and local lay people. Their simple tradition of placing …

On my birthday in October, I learned that my grandfather, Bob, had fallen and had five broken ribs and a brain bleed. His prognosis was grim, and my heart was heavy. There were many ups and downs for over a month while we were left unsure of his life expectancy. …

By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Nov 30, 2024 / 04:08 am As we prepare for the birth of Christ during Advent, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. But as calendars get filled up and preparations are made, here are four resources to …

The Advent wreath is made of four candles and a circle of branches. Before the first candle is lighted, the household gathers for this blessing. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. When …