Jesus’ birth is not ‘fairy tale,’ but call to live the Gospel, pope says December 27, 2022By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Saints, Vatican, World News The day after Christmas the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, which emphasizes how the story of Jesus’ birth is not a “fairy tale,” but a call to live as witnesses of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
Toward eternity December 27, 2022By Father Joseph Breighner Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Commentary, Wit & Wisdom We can see the passing years and decades as simply growing older. Or we can see the passing years and decades as growing toward eternity.
Listen to the cries of the newborn Prince of Peace, pope says on Christmas December 25, 2022By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News With the birth of Jesus, God became flesh to share the joys and sorrows, hopes and fears of all people, especially the poor and those living daily amid danger, Pope Francis said in his Christmas message.
Bring hope to others, justice for the poor, pope says at Christmas Mass December 24, 2022By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Christ was born to touch people’s hearts and show that love is the power that changes the course of history, Pope Francis said.
‘Silent Night’ put town on map; chapel memorializing carol draws tourists December 24, 2022By Ann M. Augherton Catholic News Service Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Christmas, Feature, News, World News The Christmas song “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) may have put the town of Oberndorf, Austria, on the map, but it’s the chapel memorializing the beloved carol that is the town’s main attraction.
In couple’s roadside Christmas display, the Nativity is front and center December 23, 2022By Jay Nies Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, World News A matching Nativity scene shines alone inside the couple’s arc-shaped driveway — including the Holy Family, angels, shepherds, wise men and farm animals — clearly set apart from all the rest.
Christian leaders in Holy Land: Refugees suffer like Holy Family did December 23, 2022By Judith Sudilovksy Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, World News Comparing the suffering Jesus and the Holy Family endured to the way many people and refugees are suffering today, the patriarchs and heads of churches of the Holy Land reminded the faithful of the “deep and abiding love” God has for all his people.
Gospel call to conversion lasts a lifetime, pope tells Curia officials December 22, 2022By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Every Christian and every Christian community is called to conversion, a process that lasts a lifetime and is needed even more by people who think they are firmly on the path to holiness, Pope Francis told officials of the Roman Curia.
Nativity scenes on display at a record 43 state capitols, law firm says December 22, 2022By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, World News Private citizen groups have arranged for Nativity scenes to be on display at 43 state capitols around the country, a record number, according to a not-for-profit law firm’s tally.
Is there a deeper meaning behind ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’? December 22, 2022By Chris Price Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, World News There are birds — lots of birds — gold rings, milking maids, dancing ladies, leaping lords, pipers and drummers, but is there a deeper meaning behind the gifts received in “The Twelve Days of Christmas?”
Lights in the sky a cherished Christmas memory December 22, 2022By Mitzy Deras Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Commentary, Feature, Guest Commentary Enjoying snow and hot chocolate is a cozy way to spend Christmas, but watching the sky light up in celebration of the birth of Christ is just as magical.
RADIO INTERVIEW: Surviving a Blue Christmas: How Faith Lifts Us Up During the Holidays December 20, 2022By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview Father Jeffrey Dauses, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baynesville and St. Thomas More in Baltimore, shares pastoral wisdom for those going through difficult times this Christmas season, including family and relational issues, life uncertainties, times of transition and grieving the loss of a loved one.
