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.
Quirk of calendar requires two obligations for Masses at Christmas time December 4, 2023By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Local News, News, Worship & Sacraments The Catholic faithful have an obligation to attend Mass twice between the afternoon of Dec. 23 and Dec. 25, to participate in Masses for the fourth Sunday of Advent, and for Christmas.
Powerful masterpiece: Beloved rendition of Handel’s Messiah coming to Baltimore Basilica December 1, 2023By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Baltimore Basilica, Christmas, Feature, Local News, News “My approach is one of electric white heat that can be so dramatic and inspirational,” said Polochick, a former longtime music professor at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore who has led the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra in Nebraska since 1998.
Vatican publishes schedule of papal Christmas liturgies November 28, 2023By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News As Vatican workers continued to decorate the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square and to erect a platform for the Nativity scene, the office of papal liturgical ceremonies published the list of holiday Masses and prayer services Pope Francis would celebrate.
Radio Interview: Hope for the holidays November 27, 2023By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Books, Christmas, Feature, Local News, News, Radio Interview Paul Jarzembowski offers inspiration and some practical advice for celebrating the holidays in a meaningful, hope-filled way.
Season of Joy: Parishes build community spirit; check out these special events this Christmas season November 27, 2023By Gerry Jackson Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Feature, Local News, News From Italian cooking classes to musical performances and elaborate displays, this Christmas season offers something for all in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
