So far we’ve looked at two things that must be present for mercy to take place, we’ve seen the direct relationship between mercy and love and forgiveness. We’ve also looked at why we are being invited to “walk through the door” of mercy this year. This week and next, as we celebrate Christmas and the beginning ...read more

Children dressed as angels take part in a Christmas festival in the streets of Managua, Nicaragua, Dec. 21, 2008. CNS photo/Oswaldo Rivas, Reuters ...read more

Two Iraqi boys hold candles as they pray for peace in Iraq and Syria during Mass at a Chaldean Catholic church in Amman, Jordan, Dec. 23, 2012. CNS photo/Ali Jarekji, Reuters ...read more

On the Solemnity of the Birth of the Lord, Pope Francis appeared on the Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica and before imparting the “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing, gave his traiditional Christmas address to the faithful present in St. Peter’s Square and to all those listening via radio and television. Here is the Pope’s 2015 Christmas ...read more

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

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