Monday, December 18, 202301169This year, the Fourth Sunday of Advent falls on the same day as Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), with Christmas falling on Monday, Dec. 25. In this case, there are two distinct obligations to attend Mass: the Sunday obligation and the Christmas obligation. No single Mass fulfills both a Catholic's Sunday obligation and the Christmas obligation....
Wednesday, November 22, 20230306Marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi putting together the first Christmas crèche in a cave in Greccio, Italy, the Vatican publishing house compiled texts by Pope Francis about Nativity scenes and asked him to write a special introduction.
Monday, December 19, 20220353This Christmas let us welcome the Lord, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, into our world and our lives. God loved us so much that He sent us His Son to give us His grace, redeem us by His love, and sustain us by His peace.
Saturday, December 25, 20210652This special time of the year always causes me to reflect on memories of past Christmases and to remember the many blessings we have enjoyed. In particular, I am mindful of those who will be celebrating this Christmas for the first time without a loved one who may have passed, especially those who have given their lives in service for...
Monday, December 20, 20210298With the celebration of Christmas just around the corner, Christians should look for ways to share the joy of Jesus' birth rather than draw up a laundry list of complaints, Pope Francis said.
Tuesday, December 14, 20210349With Christmas just over a week away, Christians should prepare for Jesus' birth by serving those in need rather than focusing on what awaits them under the Christmas tree, Pope Francis said.
Friday, December 25, 20200182The birth of Christ is a gift from God that brings people hope and courage in troubled times, Pope Francis said Christmas Eve.
Thursday, December 24, 20200582I pray you have enjoyed a wonderful Advent and are now prepared to celebrate the holy birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. As we prepare for Christmas, we perhaps need more than ever before the joy and hope that blessed event in Bethlehem always brings.
Tuesday, December 24, 20190161This is such a special time of the year when we celebrate the humble birth in Bethlehem of the Baby Jesus who was Christ the King. How grateful we are that God sent His only Son to teach and save us! Today, we continue to wonder at that amazing gift of saving love for us that began in that stable.
Wednesday, December 18, 20190133Putting up a Nativity scene before Christmas is a reminder to stop and remember what Christmas is really about and to prepare one's heart like a manger for the coming of Christ, Pope Francis said. At his weekly general audience Dec. 18, the last audience before Christmas, Pope Francis dedicated his catechesis to the Nativity scene and to...
