People pray during a Christmas Mass for the homeless in a bus in Nice, France, Dec. 25, 2010. CNS photo/Eric Gaillard, Reuters ...read more

On Thursday, December 24, 2015, Pope Francis celebrated the Christmas Eve Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica. Read the full text of his homily below: Tonight “a great light” shines forth (Is 9:1); the light of Jesus’ birth shines all about us. How true and timely are the words of the prophet Isaiah which we have ...read more

Advent is only four weeks long, but from mid november onwards we are bombarded with Christmas music, Christmas decorations, and Christmas Parties. Despite the commercial packaging those songs, symbols and festivities come in, they are actually rooted in our Christian traditions. Tune in Christmas day for Signs of the Season as we explore the Christian ...read more

The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, O.M.I., Bishop of Hamilton and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has videotaped his message for Christmas and the New Year. Entitled Goodness abounds, Bishop Crosby refers similarly to the theme of mercy which the Church celebrates this month and throughout the coming year as the Extraordinary Jubilee ...read more

Tony Baker and his daughter Mesa take away a Christmas tree from Rum River Tree Farm in Anoka, Minnesota Dec. 8, 2013. CNS photo/Eric Miller, Reuters ...read more

A renowned Scripture scholar explains why most people don’t know the Biblical Jesus and how transformative knowing Him can be. How are you going to spend the next five minutes of your time?  You could browse social media or check your email, but how about meeting a fascinating person and learning something relevant that will ...read more

From December 17-23, I’d like to share with you these antiphons, that you will pray with them and they will help you continue to prepare for the Advent of our Lord. May they become part of your Advent tradition as they are becoming part of mine. For December 23, the antiphon is based on Isaiah ...read more

Egyptian Muslims and Christians celebrate Coptic Christmas Eve in Cairo’s Tahrir Square Jan. 6, 2013 CNS photo/Mohamed Abd El Ghany, Reuters ...read more

From December 17-23, I’d like to share with you these antiphons, that you will pray with them and they will help you continue to prepare for the Advent of our Lord. May they become part of your Advent tradition as they are becoming part of mine. For December 22, the antiphon is based on Isaiah ...read more

The statue of Jesus on St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Christmas tree are seen from St. Peter’s Square following a lighting ceremony Dec. 13, 2013. CNS photo/Paul Haring ...read more