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Pope Francis
By Justin McLellan
ROME — Mary’s conception, free from original sin, shows that the destiny of humanity lies in life, brotherhood, harmony and peace rather than death, hate, conflict and war, Pope Francis said on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. “Your person, the fact that you exist, reminds us that evil does not have the first nor […]
Global
By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
Young Edoardo Santini, considered “the most handsome man in Italy,” has decided to leave his promising career as a model and enter a seminary to become a priest. Dancer, swimmer, actor — these were a few of the dreams of Santini, a 21-year-old Italian who in 2019 when he was 17 earned the title of […]
Pope Francis
By Courtney Mares
Pope Francis announced Dec. 8 that the Catholic Church will celebrate its first World Day of Children in May 2024. Speaking in his Angelus address to mark the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the pope shared that the Church’s first children’s day will be celebrated in Rome on the weekend […]
Global
Advent begins this year Dec. 3. Most Catholics, even those who don’t often go to Mass, know that Advent involves a wreath with candles, possibly a “calendar” of hidden chocolates, and untangling strings of Christmas lights. But Advent is much more than that. Here is an explainer of what Advent is really about. What is […]
Global
By Peter Pinedo
The beatification cause for Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect known as “God’s architect” and designer of the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Spain, just completed an important step on the path to officially declaring him a saint in the Catholic Church. Gaudí’s cause for beatification has been transferred from a civil association to an ecclesial […]
Pope Francis
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY — Christians must rely more on the Holy Spirit than on their own plans and strategies if they hope to fulfill their mission to share the good news of God’s love and of salvation in Christ, Pope Francis said. The pope began his weekly general audience Dec. 6 explaining to the crowd that […]
Books
Pope Francis
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY — Whether simple or elaborate, the same every year or constantly changing, a Nativity scene echoes “the beauty of our faith,” Pope Francis wrote. Marking 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 […]
Local
By Jeff Minick
The skies were gray and the streets wet with rain, but the weather did not dampen the spirits of the visitors and parishioners who packed the pews in St. John Bosco Church in Woodstock. It was Dec. 3, the first Sunday of Advent, and all had gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dedication […]
Local
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington, has announced the following clergy appointments: Reverend Ramel O. Portula, C.I.C.M. — from Pastor at Saint Ann Parish in Arlington to ministry outside the Diocese of Arlington, effective on December 31, 2023. Reverend Johanes Teguh Raharjo, C.I.C.M. — from Ministry outside the Diocese of Arlington to Pastor […]
Bishop's Columns
By Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
There’s an old hymn that begins like this: “All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing.” These words are inspired by an even older hymn written by St. Francis of Assisi called “The Canticle of the Sun.” It is a song about the unimaginable assortment of God’s creation, […]
