At Christmas, God remains with us through war and poverty, pope says December 15, 2023By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The Christmas season is a reminder to Christians that despite hardships, God chose to join himself to humanity and still remains by its side, Pope Francis said.
‘Christ before me’: Pray the Breastplate of St. Patrick at the manger December 14, 2023By Father Patrick Briscoe OSV News Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Commentary The shepherd of shepherds will lead the way through unknown paths of life.
Plenary indulgence available for 800th anniversary of first Nativity scene December 12, 2023By Adriana Montes Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Feature, Local News, News Catholics will have the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence from Dec. 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to Feb. 2, 2024, the feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple.
Preventing the nightmare before Christmas December 12, 2023By Lisa Popcak OSV News Filed Under: Christmas, Commentary This isn’t intended to be a long lecture of dos and don’ts, but rather guideposts to help the children over the next few weeks.
Special guests at dinner under Bernini’s colonnade — the homeless December 12, 2023By Paulina Guzik OSV News Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News For the first time in history, 150 homeless people had a festive meal, served by Italian journalists and their families, under the famous baroque Bernini’s colonnade in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope marks 800th anniversary of Nativity scene, asks prayers for Holy Land December 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene — a live one — staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223. A 15th-century fresco now decorating the cave inspired the Nativity scene erected in St. Peter’s Square for the 800th anniversary celebrations.
Power of presence December 11, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Commentary, The Domestic Church This Advent and Christmas season, the time is right for us to rediscover that familiar story and experience God’s presence in a new way, knowing we are exactly where we need to be.
Neapolitan crèches call us to see Christ wherever we are December 10, 2023By Emily Stimpson Chapman OSV News Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Commentary, Feature The detailing of each and every piece of the presepe found along the Via San Gregorio Armeno is exact and minute, the work of artists who spend years honing their craft.
Can one Mass satisfy my Sunday and Christmas obligation in 2023? December 6, 2023By Jenna Marie Cooper OSV News Filed Under: Christmas, Commentary, Question Corner You cannot “double dip” by attending a Christmas eve Mass that happens to be on Sunday and have this one Mass fulfill two obligations.
Sacraments, strategy help Catholics stay sober amid holidays, say experts December 5, 2023By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, Health Care, News, World News The Christmas season can be challenging for those in addiction recovery, but sacramental grace and practical strategies can keep those seeking sobriety on track, pastoral experts told OSV News.
A selection of Christmas movies December 5, 2023By John Mulderig OSV News Filed Under: Christmas, Movie & Television Reviews One promising way to get in the holiday mood is to watch a Christmas-themed movie. And, since yuletide films naturally tend to qualify as family-friendly, they can also provide an opportunity to gather the clan, make some popcorn and relax together.
Keep the candle lit: pouring out the greatest gift December 5, 2023By Christina Capecchi Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Commentary, Young Adult Ministry The things we buy cannot replace quality time spent with loved ones.