Ohio martyr’s relic set to be displayed in Rome
[December 26, 2024] Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Ohio recently filled a reliquary with blood-soaked soil from the site of the murder of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN. Set to be installed in a Sanctuary of the New Martyrs in Rome, the relic represents the life and sacrifice of …
Urbi et Orbi: Pope Francis urges world leaders to pursue dialogue, peace in Jubilee Year
By Kristina Millare Vatican City, Dec 25, 2024 / 12:54 pm Pope Francis on Christmas Day delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi address and blessing in Vatican City, inviting all individuals and nations to “silence the sound of arms and overcome divisions.” Delivering his Christmas Day message overlooking crowds of thousands …
The 8 days of Christmas? A look at the Christmas octave
By Kevin J. Jones Denver, Colo., Dec 25, 2024 / 04:00 am The Catholic calendar has several ways to divide the Christmas season. The Church’s Western liturgical tradition sees Christmas as an octave, an eight-day celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The octave of Christmas begins on Christmas itself, the feast of …
Pope Francis launches Jubilee 2025 with opening of Holy Door
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 24, 2024 / 14:10 pm Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025. “O Christ, bright star of the morning, incarnation of infinite love, long awaited salvation, sole hope of the world, …
The History of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’
The song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an English Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface …
‘Christ, the Savior, is here:’ 200 years of ‘Silent Night’ in its Austrian birthplace
By Rudolf Gehrig Salzburg, Austria, Dec 24, 2024 / 08:00 am As the Advent evening turns cold and dark, a young couple lingers atop a dike dividing two nations, their mulled wine steaming in the chill. One holds a phone, the other a cup, capturing a final selfie before heading to …
Advent Reflections 2024
Christmas Day Invitation to Prayer: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Reflection: Today we celebrate the birth of Christ, historically, in our lives today, and when we shut our eyes for the last time to greet the Saviour.Often. in …
Biden commutes death row sentences of nearly 40 federal prisoners
By Daniel Payne CNA Newsroom, Dec 23, 2024 / 09:40 am President Joe Biden on Monday commuted the death row sentences of more than three dozen federal prisoners, ordering that the formerly condemned inmates serve out life sentences instead of being executed by the government. The White House announced the clemencies on …
