December 23: St. Thorlak Thorhallsson
The Scandinavian island nation of Iceland celebrates its national patron, St. Thorlak Thorhallsson, on Dec. 23. Although Iceland’s national assembly declared him a saint in 1198, only five years after his death, this “unofficial” canonization did not become an official part of the Church’s liturgical calendar until Pope John Paul …
We asked our readers about their favorite Christmas carols. Here’s what you said.
by Jonah McKeown Denver Newsroom, Dec 21, 2021 / 15:00 pm Recently, we at CNA conducted a (very unscientific, but nonetheless illuminating) poll of our readers to get a sense of your favorite Christmas carols. And, thanks to the nearly 1,000 of you who voted, the results are in! If …
UC-Irvine fires Catholic ethicist who filed ‘natural immunity’ challenge to COVID-19 vaccine mandate
by Joe Bukuras Boston, Mass., Dec 22, 2021 / 04:00 am A Catholic psychiatrist and medical ethicist who is suing the University of California for denying him a natural immunity exemption from its COVID-19 vaccination mandate has been fired for refusing to be vaccinated. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a psychiatry professor …
Is Christmas simply a re-imagining of ancient pagan celebrations?
by Mary Farrow Denver Newsroom, Dec 13, 2020 / 04:58 am ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and, perhaps, to have one’s social media inundated with memes about Christmas being nothing more than a co-opted pagan holiday – maybe a winter solstice celebration – repurposed and baptized by Christianity. “There …
Jesus actor in ‘The Chosen’ talks about show’s Christmas special
by Francesca Pollio Denver Newsroom, Dec 20, 2021 / 16:24 pm The internet series “The Chosen” recently hit theaters with a Christmas special that follows the birth of Christ through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus, spoke with EWTN News In Depth about the mission …
CNA staff picks: The best Christmas movies to watch this year
by CNA Staff CNA Staff, Dec 20, 2021 / 14:14 pm Christmastime is upon us. In the spirit of the holiday, the writers and editors of CNA would like to share some of their favorite Christmas movies — and where you can find them. Merry Christmas and happy viewing! The …
Why Catholics should contemplate the four last things during Advent
by Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 20, 2021 / 14:10 pm Catholics should contemplate death in preparation for Baby Jesus’ birth, according to Sr. Danielle Victoria. “Baby Jesus came to die for us,” she told CNA of the temptation to over-sentimentalize him. Even in art – as a baby …
Pope Francis names new bishop for Catholic Diocese of Gaylord
by CNA Staff Vatican City, Dec 21, 2021 / 04:58 am Pope Francis on Tuesday named a new bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. The pope appointed Father Jeffrey J. Walsh, a priest of the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 21 to the post that had remained vacant for …
Brick by brick, this Lego master and disability advocate is building up the Church
by Jonah McKeown Denver Newsroom, Dec 20, 2021 / 11:19 am John Kraemer isn’t an architect by training, but he is a builder. In fact, he’s probably designed and built more buildings than the average architect. The only difference? Kraemer’s creations are made entirely out of Lego bricks — and …
December 21: St. Peter Canisius
An important figure in the Catholic counter-reformation that responded to the 16th century spread of Protestantism, the priest and Doctor of the Church Saint Peter Canisius is remembered liturgically on Dec. 21. His efforts as a preacher, author, and religious educator strengthened the Catholic faith in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and …
