‘Beware of reading too much too quickly’ into same-sex blessings document, say global bishops December 21, 2023By OSV News OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Marriage & Family Life, News, World News While several Western European bishops praised the Dec. 18 declaration of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on blessing same-sex couples as “a major breakthrough in pastoral care,” reactions elsewhere have been mixed, with African bishops offering explainers for “confused” faithful or banning same-sex blessings.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul groups’ personal charity shows neighbors ‘this is Christmas’ December 20, 2023By Robert Alan Glover OSV News Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, World News A dedicated group of Catholic — and non-Catholic — volunteers is showing how the Christmas joy of helping the less fortunate lasts all year round.
In times of darkness, faith is all you have, says Cardinal Pizzaballa December 20, 2023By Judith Sudilovsky OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News While faith cannot change anything in moments of great darkness such as the one Israelis and Palestinians are currently living through in the Israeli-Hamas war, it can, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said, create “a small light” which will give “orientation.”
Pope: Gifts and parties are OK, but don’t forget Jesus at Christmas December 20, 2023By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Exchanging Christmas gifts and organizing holiday parties are all well and good, but Christians should contemplate the scene of Jesus’ birth to recover what is truly important during the Christmas season, Pope Francis said.
New Texas law criminalizing unauthorized migrants’ entry into state called inhumane December 19, 2023By Kate Scanlon OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Immigration and Migration, News, World News Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, signed an immigration bill into law Dec. 18 that makes it a state crime for unauthorized migrants to cross into Texas from Mexico. Catholic organizations including the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops have opposed the legislation.
‘We have nothing except our church — faith is stronger than war,’ says young Gaza Christian December 19, 2023By Judith Sudilovsky OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News The world has become small and dangerous for the 600 Palestinian Gaza Christians sheltering at the Holy Family Parish church compound in Gaza City almost since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war Oct. 7.
Bishop urges Mexicans to avoid indifference, not ‘get used’ to massacres December 19, 2023By David Agren OSV News Filed Under: Feature, Gun Violence, News, World News A Mexican bishop has called for people not to be indifferent after the massacre of a dozen young people at a Christmas party in one of the country’s most violent states.
Experts: Vatican declaration on blessings walks a fine line on marriage, pastoral care December 19, 2023By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Feature, News, World News, Worship & Sacraments A new declaration from the Vatican on pastoral blessings does not change the Catholic Church’s teaching on marriage, Catholic experts told OSV News, but seeks to extend the church’s accompaniment to those in irregular situations.
‘I AM HERE’ campaign invites all to discover Christ’s real presence in Eucharist December 19, 2023By Michael Steschulte OSV News Filed Under: Advent, Eucharist, Feature, News, World News This Advent, the Archdiocese of Detroit also wanted people to know they weren’t spiritually alone, no matter how isolating post-pandemic, 21st-century life might seem.
Israeli army denies targeting Gaza church where Pope Francis says ‘unarmed civilians’ were ‘targets’ December 18, 2023By Judith Sudilovsky OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News Following a series of attacks on Christians in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces Dec. 16, including the killing of a mother and daughter at a Catholic church, the Israeli Defense Forces said that it “takes claims regarding harm to sensitive sites with the utmost seriousness.”
An iconic cockerel is once again watching over Notre Dame in Paris on top of its cross December 18, 2023By Caroline de Sury OSV News Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Feature, News, World News A new version of an iconic cockerel, or rooster, is once again watching over Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, symbolizing resilience amid destruction after a devastating April 2019 fire.
Pope celebrates 87th birthday with children of families in need December 18, 2023By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Vatican, World News With song, cake and circus performers, Pope Francis celebrated his 87th birthday in festive style at the Vatican.
