Pope Francis will celebrate the Vatican’s traditional Christmas “Mass during the Night” Dec. 24, but will begin the liturgy at 7:30 p.m. local time so that the few people invited to attend can get home in time to observe Italy’s 10 p.m. curfew.
Month: December 2020
Court Ruling on DACA Hailed by Immigrant Rights Advocates
A ruling issued by a Brooklyn federal judge ordering the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to cease its efforts to chip away at DACA is being hailed by immigrant rights advocates in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Argentine Bishops Urge Lawmakers to Reflect Ahead of Abortion Debate
The president of the Argentine bishops’ conference called on lawmakers to “reflect” as they prepare to debate a bill that would legalize abortion in the South American country.
On International Human Rights Day, Pakistan’s Religious Minorities Declare Dec. 10 as ‘Black Day for Human Rights’
As the United Nations and various international organizations observe Dec. 10 as the annual day to declare the dignity and human rights of all persons, Pakistan’s religious minorities planned demonstrations against increased abductions and forced conversions and marriages of their women and girls by Muslims.
Biden’s HHS Pick Praised for Backing ACA, Criticized for Abortion Views
As projected winner of the 2020 election Joe Biden systematically announces his Cabinet nominees, one selection has already become a culture war flashpoint.
As Administration Change Nears, Experts Urge Bipartisan Approach to Religious Freedom
At a time when the ideological makeup of Capitol Hill is more divided than ever, the nation’s international religious freedom czar is calling on the next administration to maintain religious liberty as a bipartisan issue.
Bishop DiMarzio’s First Virtual Christmas Luncheon
The central message throughout the first virtual Christmas luncheon presented by the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens (CFBQ) was clear: even during a pandemic, one can still get into the Christmas spirit and help support the diocese’s youth.
Bright Christmas Campaign Helps Bring Families Closer Together at Hour Children
There’s nothing like seeing children’s eyes open wide when they spot wrapped gifts underneath a decorated Christmas tree. Their sprint to the tree reminds one of previous Christmas Day mornings when Santa did get your letter and brought you everything on your list. But being with family while opening up those gifts is really what it’s all about, especially at Hour Children.
Never be Afraid to Err By Trusting the Pope
When the news broke about Pope Francis’ comment on promoting the “civil union” of homosexual couples, many people were asking my opinion on the issue. I admit that, at that time, I was also caught by surprise. I simply shrugged, not being able to say anything. Like everyone else, I needed to know more to substantiate any opinion I would be making.
There Are Many Ways we Can Give Witness to Christ
The Gospel this weekend invites us to take a closer look into the per- son and mission of John the Baptist. Last week we heard about him in the Gospel of Mark but this week we go deeper into the question of who he is. “He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” In other words, he will be the first to publicly witness that Jesus is the one they have been waiting for a long time. The Messiah.