“A census of the whole earth” (cf. Luke 2:1). This was the context in which Jesus was born, and the Gospel makes a point of it. ...read more

Inklings of The Humble Servant Shop began when Diane Tchoi, 27, joined a World Youth Day (WYD) group from St. Agnes Kouying Tsao Parish that was going to Lisbon. ...read more

On December 8, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. ...read more

Over the years, I haven't done much to prepare for Christmas apart from buying presents and attending the occasional Advent retreat. ...read more

What if Mary and Joseph met before their betrothal? How did King Herod and his son feel about the birth of a new king? "Journey to Bethlehem" answers these questions and more. ...read more

What is your reaction when you receive a gift from someone? Do you ever wish they had gotten you something else? Does it sometimes make you feel obligated to give them something in return?  How beautiful it is when a gift doesn’t make us feel disappointed or obligated but deeply grateful, wanting to give in ...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

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