When Christmas is near, we all become traditionalists. Even the most anti-establishment types among us are horrified by attempts to alter our treasured rituals. As one example, Toronto shoppers were aghast at the unveiling of the modernized Christmas tree in the Eaton Centre shopping mall. Replacing the traditional, Swarovski-bedazzled faux-fir of years past, this year’s ...read more

On this month’s edition, Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto continues his series of reflections on the Year of Faith by looking at chapter six of John’s gospel and his message on Faith and the Bread of Life. Join us for our fourth installment of Lectio Divina at the following times: Sunday, December 9 9:00 pm ...read more

The seasons of Advent and Christmas seem to come so quickly and to be filled with many activities to say the least. In the everyday planning and preparations for family and community celebrations there are inevitably certain individuals who for whatever reason go unnoticed or unrecognized. They make important contributions.  They are invaluable in their ...read more

The Vatican has released Pope Benedict XVI’s schedule for Advent and Christmas. He will preside over nine services between the beginning of Advent and the Epiphany. He will: — Lead an evening prayer service with Rome university students in St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 1. — Pay homage to Mary on the feast of the Immaculate ...read more

Published below is a translation of the address that Pope Benedict gave yesterday inside the Paul VI Audience Hall. This week, he continued his series of catecheses on faith. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Last Wednesday we reflected on the desire for God that the human being carries within his very depths. Today I would like ...read more

Published below is a translation of the address that Pope Benedict gave Wednesday at his weekly general audience. He continued his series of catecheses on faith in St. Peter’s Square. Dear Brothers and Sisters, The path of reflection that we have undertaken together in this Year of Faith leads us to meditate today on a ...read more

On this month’s edition, Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto continues his series of reflections on the Year of Faith by looking at St. James and his letter on Faith and works. Join us for our third installment of Lectio Divina at the following times: Sunday, November 11 9:00 pm and 1:00 am ET 6:00 pm ...read more

By Mark Matthews, Our Hollywood Undercover Missionary Ahhh, the Fall – Sunshine, beach, sunshine, and more sunshine. You may think of crisp air and crunchy multi-colored leaves, but it’s all beach and sunshine here in Hollywood. In fact, the only thing ever hinting at the seasons is seeing more young faces with stardom twinkling in ...read more

Published below is a copy of Pope Benedict’s address he gave yesterday in St. Peter’s Square. He continued his new series of catechesis, speaking about faith. In a surprise move, Pope Benedict also announced plans for a November consistory, which will see the creation and installation of six new Cardinals. Dear brothers and sisters, Last ...read more

Published below is a copy of Pope Benedict’s address he gave yesterday in St. Peter’s Square. He introduced a new series of catechesis, meant to accompany the Church during the Year of Faith. Dear brothers and sisters, Today I would like to introduce a new series of catecheses that will be developed throughout the course ...read more