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Pope Francis
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY — A Catholic priest can bless a gay or other unmarried couple as long as it is not a formal liturgical blessing and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage, the Vatican doctrinal office said. The request for a blessing can […]
Local
Catholics across the diocese participated in Wreaths Across America Dec. 16, laying wreaths at the gravesites of deceased veterans while praying for the repose of their souls. For the third year in a row, the Knights of Columbus at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax organized a ceremony honoring 84 Catholic veterans buried in […]
Local
By Ann M. Augherton
This year, the Fourth Week of Advent is Dec. 24, one day only. As the fourth candle (the third purple candle) on the Advent wreath is lit, the evergreens, poinsettias, holly and ivy are waiting in the wings, just feet away. A suggested prayer for the lighting of the fourth candle, either the night before […]
Columnists
By Ann M. Augherton
“Going home for the Christmas holidays.” You hear that a lot these days. Some people say it with a big smile, some with trepidation about catching planes, long drives and harsh winter weather. College students head home a week or two before the big day struggling to fall into old home rules and newfound freedom. […]
Pope Francis
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY — When St. Francis of Assisi staged the first Nativity scene 800 years ago, he did so to remind people of the powerful, awe-inspiring truth that God became human in Jesus, Pope Francis said. Nativity scenes are not simply works of art or folk art, the pope told hundreds of people involved in […]
Global
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican City State criminal court sentenced Cardinal Angelo Becciu to five years and six months in prison on two counts of embezzlement and one of aggravated fraud but found him not guilty of abuse of office or witness tampering. The 75-year-old cardinal’s attorney, Fabio Veglione, told reporters his client would appeal. […]
Pope Francis
By Justin McLellan
VATICAN CITY — With song, cake and circus performers, Pope Francis celebrated his 87th birthday in festive style at the Vatican. As in previous years, the pope spent his birthday Dec. 17 in the Paul VI Audience Hall with the children of those assisted by the Vatican’s “Santa Marta” pediatric dispensary, which gives medical supplies […]
Global
By Ann M. Augherton
If you plan on visiting a church Nativity scene this year, you might want to read up on the plenary indulgence available to people who pray in front of one in a Franciscan church. This year is the 800th anniversary of the Nativity scene, begun by St. Francis of Assisi. (Read article on page 16.) […]
Pope Francis
By Carol Glatz
VATICAN CITY — All forms of artificial intelligence should be used to alleviate human suffering, promote integral development and help end wars and conflicts, not increase inequality and injustice in the world, Pope Francis said in his message for World Peace Day 2024. “Artificial intelligence ought to serve our best human potential and our highest […]
Prepare the way