Call it an early Christmas Gift, call it a message about the kind of mercy Pope Francis wants us to show to the world. Whatever you want to call, the end result is the same: Mother Teresa is going to be canonized. A second miracle attributed to her intercession has been approved by Pope Francis. The ...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 18, the antiphon is based on Exodus ...read more

In this Dec. 24, 2013 CNS file photo, Polish miners and their families gather for Christmas Eve Mass at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. CNS photo/Jacek Bednarczyk, EPA ...read more

I vaguely remember my mother telling us, during the Season of Advent, while growing up, about the “O” antiphons. I never really understood what these were. Even as an adult, she would occasionally send me various reflections on the “O” antiphons. I must say, with regret that while I thought it to be an important ...read more

A woman prays during Christmas Eve Mass at Lai Yen Catholic Church in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dec. 24, 2013 CNS photo/Kham, Reuters ...read more

The official video for the hymn for World Youth Day Krakow 2016 was released today. Below you will find the full song in Polish along with the English translation. English translation of the WYD2016 hymn, “Blogoslawieni milosierni” (“Blessed are the Merciful”): Blessed Are the Merciful I raise my eyes to the mountains, from where help ...read more

After months of patient planning and preparation, two new statues have finally been unveiled in the front yard of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hamilton, Ontario. The bronze sculptures of St. Patrick and Jesus as a homeless man, now stand in what has been dubbed the church without walls.  At the ceremony, Father Tony O’Dell, ...read more

The Secretary of the Congregation for Worship at the Vatican discusses the essence of preaching and looks at why Pope Francis is a master. 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 ...read more

Children dressed as angels carry candles as they attend Christmas Mass at a Catholic church in Beijing Dec. 24. CNS photo/Kim Kyung-Hoon, Reuters ...read more

Pope Francis Issues message for the World day of Peace And religious leaders speak about religious persecution in the Middle East ...read more