News
Political divides now seen in ‘Merry Christmas’ vs. ‘Happy Holidays’
A report issued Dec. 19 by the Public Religion Research Institute indicates that Democrats and Republicans differ even on what they want cash-register clerks to say in December.
Nuremberg ‘Christkind’ visits markets, but also has charitable duties
t a time when many people are celebrating Christmas with material gain, the people of Nuremberg continue a 68-year-old tradition of sharing Christmas spirit through community service.
Christmas spirit: Boxes filled with Christmas meals link Chilean families
Thousands participate in the "Christmas With Brothers" campaign run by the Archdiocese of Santiago, which means that more than 13,000 families in need with receive a Christmas box with all the ingredients needed for Christmas dinner.
Washington Dominicans prepare for Christmas with Advent stations
For the third consecutive year, the Dominican brothers in the Washington area have organized what they call Advent Stations, a night of liturgical music, Scripture readings and preaching, in a softly lighted St. Dominic Church.
Iowa pastor creates room-size Bethlehem village — with local touches
Father Rupp got the idea for the village while visiting Naples, Italy, where artisans literally embrace the sentiment "it takes a village" to display a Christmas crib, or "presepe" as the locals call it. He has been working on his presentation for about two years.
Priests, worshippers stop attack at Nazareth basilica
The man, later identified by police as a non-Jewish American in his early 40s, attempted to break items in the grotto with the sticks during the daily noon Angelus prayer.
Homeless, prisoners among pope’s birthday well-wishers
People from around the world also tweeted messages using the hashtag #Pontifex80 or sent email's according to their preferred language, including Latin.
Talk, listen to grandparents; reap their wisdom, pope tells kids
"They remember history, have life experience and, for you, this will be a great gift that will help you in your journey," he told hundreds of Italian children Dec. 19.
Pope: Take a break from busy holidays to prepare for real Christmas
"This week let's make sure we try to find some time to stop, be quiet and imagine Our Lady and St. Joseph who are going to Bethlehem," he said.
Pope Francis to visit Fatima in May 2017
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Portugal in 2017 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions of Fatima.