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Catholic News Agency
St. Francis and the story of the first Nativity scene
by Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Dec 23, 2023 / 07:00 am It’s a well-known origin story: how the young and wealthy Francis of Assisi freely abandoned his noble patrimony to serve Christ’s Church as a poor, itinerant preacher. One of the world’s most beloved saints, the founder of the Franciscan …
Where does the ‘Feast of the 7 Fishes’ Christmas Eve tradition come from?
By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Dec 24, 2023 / 07:00 am There are numerous Christmas Eve traditions families around the world take part in, whether it’s watching a certain movie together, baking cookies for Santa, opening one present before going to bed, or eating a specific meal for dinner. The …
Israel-Hamas war casts pall over Christmas Eve vespers in Bethlehem
By Marinella Bandini Bethlehem, Dec 24, 2023 / 13:04 pm On Sunday, Dec. 24, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, made his entrance into Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas. It was also his first entrance into the “City of Christmas” since being made a cardinal. Following tradition, the patriarch entered …
Bishops around the world are divided over Vatican’s same-sex blessing declaration
By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 20, 2023 / 18:10 pm Catholic bishops around the world are deeply divided on a Vatican declaration that permits nonliturgical blessings of homosexual couples: some bishops are welcoming the news, some are approaching it with caution, while others are outright refusing to implement it. In some …
Rediscover ‘original beauty’ of Christmas music with Scythian’s new ‘Christmas Out at Sea’
By Peter Pinedo Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 20, 2023 / 08:00 am Scythian, an Irish folk band headlined by two Catholic brothers, wants to help you “rediscover the original beauty” of Christmas music through their new album, “Christmas Out at Sea.” Full of energetic carols that reach moments of striking beauty …
Biden-Harris to prioritize abortion stance for reelection campaign
By Joe Bukuras CNA Staff, Dec 19, 2023 / 19:05 pm Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will embark on a tour across the nation promoting abortion rights, beginning on the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade next month. In focusing on abortion, the vice president’s tour …
Irish diocese to rely on laity to preside over funerals amid shortage of priests
By Joe Bukuras CNA Staff, Dec 19, 2023 / 13:30 pm More than 40 laymen and laywomen in the Diocese of Clogher in the north of Ireland will soon begin presiding over funeral liturgies amid a shortage of priests. A major vocation crisis could result in fewer than 10 active priests …
U.S. bishops: Vatican declaration does not change Church teaching on marriage
By Tyler Arnold Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 18, 2023 / 18:20 pm A Vatican-issued declaration on blessing “same-sex couples” and couples in other “irregular situations” does not change the Catholic Church’s teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, according to a statement issued by the United States bishops. …
Vatican says priests can bless same-sex couples without condoning their lifestyles
By Jonathan Liedl Rome Newsroom, Dec 18, 2023 / 15:22 pm The Vatican has issued new guidance on the topic of blessings of same-sex attracted people, stating that Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples as an expression of pastoral closeness without condoning their sexual relations. The ruling, which also applies to …
Vatican doctrine office encourages single mothers to receive Communion after confession
By Courtney Mares Rome Newsroom, Dec 14, 2023 / 13:50 pm The Vatican’s doctrine office published a letter on Thursday confirming that single mothers can receive Communion after going to confession and urging the need for further “pastoral work” in parts of the world where single mothers might still face harsh …
