Advent Reflection for November 28- First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 Invitation to Prayer: Let us lift up our souls to the Lord, Who will make known to us His ways, and teach us His paths. Reflection: “Are we there yet?” This is …

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 …

Every year church sanctuaries around the world mirror our hearts as they prepare to receive the newborn King. Red poinsettias, flickering candles and the smell of fresh evergreen are reminders of the joyous season. To make that possible, many parishes have a dedicated group of sacristans and decorators who donate …

My brothers and I, who normally don’t get along, prayed together. My last chemo treatment is done. We are going to figure out a way to help your child at school. I’m finally able to fly and see you after having to cancel twice because of the pandemic. He got …

I traveled to Iceland in August. After years of wishing, planning and saving, I was at last on board a 757 headed east to Reykjavik, to start a six-day solo trip across the Icelandic south coast. During my years of preparation, the trip became a beacon of hope. When overwhelmed …

I heard that during Advent’s final days the “O Antiphons” are prayed as part of Evening Prayer. What are these antiphons? As Catholics go through the liturgical year, no day is the same as another. As you mention in your question, one example of this variation is the “O Antiphons,” …

by Mary Farrow Denver Newsroom, Dec 9, 2021 / 15:00 pm For the past 16 years, Elf on the Shelf has become a tradition, both hated and loved, for families in the days leading up to Christmas. Based on a book and accompanying doll, the elf is a scout for …

Friday, November 26 – Saturday, December 25 Franciscan Christmas 2021 St. Francis Seraph Courtyard, Liberty & Vine Sts., Cincinnati 45202 This year the displays of A Franciscan Christmas are coming back to the church and friary. The nativities from around the world will be displayed in church in the alcoves …

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 …

In the U.S., we often refer to the time frame spanning Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day as “the holidays.” In reference to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is indeed appropriate to think of the two holidays as joined by a common leitmotif of giving and receiving. Thanksgiving is, obviously, the day …