by Katie Yoder Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 15, 2022 / 17:00 pm An Italian priest named Father Charles Vachetta is credited with writing a novena in 1721 to inspire his parishioners during Advent. Today, that novena is known as the “Christmas Novena.” The nine-day prayer begins on Dec. 16 and …

Certain experiences shape our lives, our vocations and our ministries, especially if we are open to God’s presence and recognize that He is with us always. Father Mike Paraniuk finds this especially obvious when he reflects on his long ministry as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Ordained …

by Joe Bukuras Boston, Mass., Dec 11, 2022 / 06:30 am Holiday shoppers and other passersby in downtown Boston were pleasantly surprised Thursday to come upon a group of religious sisters singing Christmas carols in front of the Macy’s department store. “It was warm everywhere else except where we were …

by Francesca Pollio Fenton Denver, Colo., Dec 10, 2022 / 07:30 am This year you’re invited to celebrate Advent and Christmas with your favorite Catholic influencers. So pour yourself a glass of eggnog and prepare to get into the spirit of the season by watching “The Great, Big Christmas Show,” livestreamed on …

Every year the Church blesses us with a season to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord at Christmas. Much exterior preparation takes place during the four weeks of Advent: we decorate our homes, purchase gifts for loved ones, bake cookies and host parties. All of these things should …

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Oct 29, 2022 / 08:55 am For Christmas 2022, the Vatican has commissioned a nativity scene made of life-sized figures hand carved out of alpine cedar trees. The display will be unveiled in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 3 during a lighting ceremony for the …

by CNA Staff Warsaw, Poland, Jan 6, 2022 / 13:00 pm Three Kings parades were held at more than 600 locations across Poland on Thursday. The annual processions, in which actors portray the Magi who traveled to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus, took place on Jan. 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany. …

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Jan 6, 2022 / 06:00 am On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Pope Francis encouraged people to spend time in the presence of Christ in adoration, like the Magi. “Let us never forget this: the journey of faith finds renewed strength and fulfillment only when …

The Epiphany of Our Lord is the Christian feast observed on the second Sunday after Christmas.  The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek epiphainen, a verb that means “to shine upon,” “to manifest,” or “to make known.” Thus, the feast of the Epiphany celebrates the many ways that Christ has …

by Joe Bukuras Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 25, 2021 / 09:00 am Venerable Fulton Sheen once said that in order to understand the meaning of Christmas, two philosophies of life must first be considered. One philosophy, Sheen said in one of his many television monologues, is that of man who …