? Something we don’t often realize is how Advent coincides with the final weeks of Mary’s pregnancy. Perhaps you have personally experienced being pregnant. Maybe some important women in your life have been pregnant. Your mother certainly has been. Of course, pregnancy is a time filled with ups and downs, highs and lows. It can ...read more

Put yourself in the shoes – or sandals – of a Jewish person 2,000 years ago. Maybe you’re one of Mary’s cousins or one of Joseph’s siblings. Since you were little, your parents and relatives have told you about “the Messiah” – the Chosen one, the Anointed, the one who is to come. This Messiah ...read more

In today’s catechesis, Pope Francis reflects on the mystery of Christmas and the thoughts of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and again, Merry Christmas! The liturgical season invites us to pause and reflect on the mystery of Christmas. And ...read more

I remember once, a Cuban friend who grew up in Cuba with no Christmas, telling me that she had never seen or heard of a Christmas tree before she left Cuba. But had Christ never been born, the implications would be much worse than not having Christmas trees. Just think of the music we’d be ...read more

Read the full text of Pope Francis' Christmas message "to the city and to the world" given on December 25, 2021, at the Vatican. ...read more

Imagine the scene. You’re exhausted after a long trip. Your wife is pregnant and due to give birth any time now. You’ve come back to your hometown, but you don’t have any relatives here anymore. You’re looking for a place to stay for the night, but everything is closed or fully booked. You keep looking ...read more

On Saturday, 24 December, Pope Francis gave the homily at Midnight Mass. He said that “the manger tells us of closeness, poverty, and concreteness.” Read the full text of his homily below:   Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis Midnight Mass St. Peter’s Basilica Saturday, 24 December 2022 What does this night still have to ...read more

Come, Emmanuel, God’s presence among us, our King, our Judge: save us, Lord our God! Who is resting in the manger of your heart? Before we collectively answer “Jesus,” let’s really ponder on this.  Christmas is coming tomorrow night. How are you setting yourself, your space, your time, and your heart apart for Jesus? Will ...read more

In the Benediction Hall on 22 December, 2022, Pope Francis exhorted the Roman Curia to practice “vigilance…in the service of the Holy See, at the heart of the Church.” Reflecting on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, he told them that “kindliness, mercy and forgiveness are our medicine for building peace.”   Address of His Holiness Pope Francis ...read more

Come, King of all nations, source of your Church’s unity and faith: save all people, your own creation! Our poverty meets God’s poverty “Jesus is King of all nations.” We can ask the question: Is Jesus really the King of the nations? Isn’t that a bit presumptuous? What about countries and societies that aren’t Christian?  ...read more