The Magnificat is among the most theologically powerful speeches in the entirety of the New Testament.

The shepherd of shepherds will lead the way through unknown paths of life.

The catechism is meant as a summary of core Catholic beliefs and is widely available both in print and online — and there are a few searchable web versions of the catechism that make it fairly simple to navigate.

Some of those in charge of the “Synod on Synodality” may have regarded the German “Synodal Path” as a useful instrument in clearing the path for a dramatic reconfiguration of Catholic self-understanding and governance, moving the goalposts so far to the left that the old 50-yard line of the Catholic Vital Center would now be the old left end zone.

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.

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.

That day when I had that sudden thought, the child who would become our younger son was newly born and not far away. Only God could have known that.

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.

John the Baptist cries out to us, like parents urging their children, saying “This is the Lord!”

There is nothing like that wait for the baby to arrive, especially in those final hours before the birth.