Spirituality
Walk paths of the last week of Advent slowly, with Mary and Joseph
It’s 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, writes columnist Michelle Francl-Donnay. On foot or donkey-back, it provided time for reflection and discussion, just as the final days of Advent offer us time for the same. Also see a link to her video Advent reflection.
Grandmom wants to take on religious education herself
Columnist Father Ken Doyle answers the question of a woman who wants to prepare her grandchildren to receive penance and Eucharist. The priest also addresses a particular kind of regifting: The selling of already blessed religious objects.
The pope’s ‘leftover’ ring
Father Ken Doyle responds in his popular weekly column to a question about the choice of a ring by Pope Francis. Also, Father Doyle talks about the Liturgy of the Hours as a deeper practice of prayer, and an alternative to it for one reader.
Pope at audience: Americas, open your arms to poor, immigrants, unborn
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis prayed that Catholics throughout the Americas would open their arms to the poor, to immigrants, to the unborn and to the aged just as Mary opens her arms to all.
Church’s year-long feast of colors recalls the saintly followers of Christ
Columnist Michelle Francl-Donnay easily sees the broad strokes of the Church year. But it’s those small feasts tucked into the calendar that remind everyone of the ways in which a longing for God has been expressed in the lives of ordinary people.
Must one be buried facing east?
There's no requirement for a particular burial practice, only custom, Father Ken Doyle answers a reader in his weekly column. He also addresses a reader's concerns on a sensitive topic: marital relations among elderly couples.
A life built on Christ is guarantee against hypocrisy, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- People can say things that sound Christian and call themselves Christian as they tell others what to do, but if they don't pray often and live the Gospel, they harm others and the church, Pope Francis said.
During Advent, don’t wait — run
We shouldn’t sit and wait quietly for the coming of the Lord this Advent, writes columnist Michelle Francl-Donnay. Like Elizabeth greeting Mary, we should run impatiently to Christ.
Pope Francis’ prayer intentions for December
General intention: "That children who are victims of abandonment or violence may find the love and protection they need." Mission intention: "That Christians, enlightened by the Word incarnate, may prepare humanity for the Savior's coming."
Pope: To face death with courage, peace, stay close to Jesus in life
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The thought of death and losing a loved one is scary when there is no faith in Jesus guiding people to an everlasting life, Pope Francis said.