In the face of Nicaragua’s authoritarian regime, “the prophetic voice of the Catholic Church cannot be underestimated,” said an opposition leader recently exiled to the U.S., who joined fellow speakers at a Dec. 1 presentation on the church’s role in preserving democratic freedom.
News
Quirk of calendar requires two obligations for Masses at Christmas time
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.
Radio Interview: Hound of the Lord
Eleanor Bourg Nicholson’s new children’s book, “The Hound of the Lord,” creatively retells the inspiring story of St. Dominic from the perspective of the saint’s ever-watchful canine companion, “Torch.”
Humanity must build alliances supporting peace, creation, pope says
The world needs people to build alliances that are not against others, but are in favor of everyone, Pope Francis told faith leaders at the U.N. Climate Change Conference being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Fighting in Holy Land, bombing in Philippines prompt prayers from ailing Pope
The end of the temporary cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas “means death, destruction, misery,” Pope Francis said.
Explosion in Philippines kills four during Mass; Pope Francis expresses closeness to suffering families
A deadly bomb that exploded during a Mass Dec. 3 killed at least four people and injured dozens at a university in a predominantly Muslim city in southern Philippines.
Answer Advent call for vigilance with charity, confession, pope suggests
The Advent call for “vigilance” does not mean staying awake and watchful out of fear, but rather out of a longing for the coming of the Lord, Pope Francis wrote.
Pope calls world leaders to end divisions to fight climate change
The future of humanity depends on what people choose now, Pope Francis said in his message to global leaders at the World Climate Action Summit of the U.N. Climate Change Conference.
Report: Fewer states use capital punishment, but more prisoners executed in 2023
Just five states — Texas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama — carried out executions in 2023, while a majority of U.S. states have banned or paused the practice by executive order, according to a new report by the Death Penalty Information Center.
New Jersey priest’s devotion to saint helps bring her life to the big screen
For the last decade, Msgr. Paul Bochicchio of St. Francis Church in Hoboken has been advising as a spiritual consultant on the upcoming film “Cabrini,” produced by Angel Studios about the life and ministry of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, set to debut in theaters in March 2024.
Annual collection to help elderly men, women religious to be held Dec. 9-10
Most U.S. dioceses will take up an annual collection Dec. 9-10 to help approximately 24,000 elderly religious sisters, brothers and religious order priests pay for retirement necessities, including health care.
Holy ink: Tattoo culture shows faith is not skin deep, sociologist says
The Catholic Church cannot measure people’s engagement with religion only by looking at church attendance, but also must observe how they express religious sentiments outside of church — even on their own bodies, a Jesuit priest said.