In a visually saturated world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and become desensitized to beauty. Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” encourages us to slow down and engage in visual contemplation, using art as a profound tool for connecting with the Divine. A Guide to Visio Divina Begin by making …

By CNA Staff Vatican City, Dec 17, 2025 / 10:18 am Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ramón Bejarano, currently auxiliary bishop of San Diego, as the next bishop of Monterey in California. The appointment was publicized on Dec. 17 by the Holy See Press Office at the Vatican and by …

By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 17, 2025 / 09:58 am Pope Leo XIV has chosen Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, to be the next archbishop of New York — the most consequential U.S. episcopal appointment of Leo’s pontificate thus far. The appointment was confirmed by EWTN …

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 …

The Vatican lights up the Christmas tree and Nativity Scene in St. Peter’s Square in a ceremony with Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governatorate of the Vatican City State, and Italian civil and religious representatives of the dioceses that donated the Christmas elements. Vatican News The Vatican’s Christmas tree …

Archbishop Schnurr in prayer at the Statewide Day of Adoration for Vocation (CT Photo/Greg Hartman)
By Tessa Gervasini Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 15, 2025 / 16:06 pm About half of American adults who were raised Catholic and stayed in the Church said the faith continues to “fulfill their spiritual needs,” according to a Pew Research Center report. The Dec. 15 report, “Why Do Some Americans Leave …

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 …

The Pope sends a telegram signed by the Vatican Secretary of State to the Archbishop of Sydney, Australia upon hearing the news of the attack which killed 16 people on 14 December. Vatican News After hearing the news of the attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, Pope Leo XIV sent …

The night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light Romans 13:12 Rorate Mass Old St Mary (CT Photo/Greg Hartman)
By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Dec 14, 2025 / 06:00 am Advent is a season filled with rich Catholic traditions, but a slightly lesser-known one is growing in popularity among younger Catholics. The ancient liturgy of the Rorate Caeli Advent Mass honors the Blessed Virgin Mary through a Mass celebrated …

By Martin Barillas Ann Arbor, Michigan, Dec 15, 2025 / 07:00 am Several college campuses across the country are witnessing a notable rise in baptisms and confirmations among students. Catholic evangelists tell CNA that this growth reflects a deepening desire among young adults for certainty, stability, and faith amid today’s turbulent …