Christians in Bethlehem on Christmas: Tell the world we have joy December 28, 2021By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The normal crowds of pilgrims and tourists may not have been able to come to Bethlehem for Christmas due to COVID-19 travel restrictions for a second year in a row, but local Palestinian Christians wanted to assure everyone that the Christmas spirit is still alive and well in the city of Jesus’ birth.
Father Brian Rafferty, founding pastor of Ellicott City parish and advocate for social justice, dies at 84 December 28, 2021By Mary K. Tilghman Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries Father Brian Rafferty, the founding pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City who later shepherded Our Lady of the Chesapeake in Lake Shore for 25 years, died on Christmas Eve after an extended illness. He was 84.
Pope asks pontifical council to begin planning Holy Year 2025 December 28, 2021By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Preparations for the Holy Year 2025 have already begun, and Pope Francis has asked the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization to take charge of the efforts.
Desmond Tutu, known for commitment to justice, peace, dies at age 90 December 27, 2021By Bronwen Dachs Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Obituaries, World News Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s compassion and sense of humor, as well as his commitment to justice and processes of peace, were among the many reasons he was an icon, said Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg.
RADIO INTERVIEW: Year in Review and Year Ahead December 27, 2021By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Coronavirus, Eucharist, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview, Respect Life, Synodality Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty sits down with Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori about the Year of the Eucharist, the worldwide synod, COVID-19, new seminarians and a new school, his new role chairing the U.S. bishop’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities and walks with Bayley, the archbishop’s dog.
A partridge in a pear tree and other Christmas fun (7 Quick Takes) December 26, 2021By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Commentary, Open Window Merry Christmas! Here are a few highlights of our Christmas celebration so far.
Even the Holy Family felt stress, pope tells families December 26, 2021By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on families, but with extra patience and faith, bonds can grow stronger, Pope Francis wrote in a letter released on the feast of the Holy Family.
Pope prays Christmas will bring yearning for peace, dialogue December 26, 2021By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News Before giving his Christmas blessing to the city of Rome and to the world, Pope Francis drew attention to the many places around the globe and within human hearts in need of Jesus, the prince of peace.
Pope at Christmas: ‘God comes into the world in littleness’ December 26, 2021By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The celebration of Christmas serves as a reminder that God did not reveal his greatness in a grand spectacle, but rather in the “littleness” of a poor, vulnerable child born in a stable in Bethlehem, Pope Francis said.
How can we be peacemakers in a divided world? December 24, 2021By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Baltimore Basilica, Christmas, Feature, Local News, News, Western Vicariate In this Christmas season, Christians are often reminded that Christ is the “Prince of Peace” foretold by the prophet Isaiah. We sing songs of peace on earth and good will toward all. But what does it mean to be a peacemaker? What are practical ways to heal the divide?
A Child is born to us December 24, 2021By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Christmas, Commentary, Open Window There is nothing like the happy news of a brand-new baby.
The sacred earthiness of Christmas December 24, 2021By George Weigel Syndicated Columnist Filed Under: Christmas, Commentary, Feature, The Catholic Difference “Besides the cradle in which our Lord, it is alleged, was rocked, is the stone manger of the grotto of Bethlehem. One of the stones of this manger is shown in the basilica of St. Maria Maggiore on the Esquiline, in the altar of the crypt of the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.
