Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene — a live one — staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223.
Author: Christine
Senate Republicans Block Ukraine-Israel Emergency Aid Over Border, Raising Catholic Concerns
Senate Republicans Dec. 6 blocked an emergency spending bill to provide billions of dollars in wartime aid to Ukraine and Israel while calling for strict new policies at the U.S.-Mexico border opposed by some Catholic immigration advocates.
Gaza Pastor Stresses Spiritual Life for Advent, Says Pope’s Closeness Is Key
As the Church begins its Advent and Christmas seasons, the pastor of Gaza’s lone Catholic parish stressed the importance of stepping up one’s spiritual life amid the tragedies of war, and said the pope’s attention to them has been a major consolation.
Tuberville Ends Hold on Hundreds of Military Promotions Over Pentagon Abortion Policy
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., told reporters on Capitol Hill Dec. 5 that he would end his monthslong blockade on hundreds of military promotions undertaken in protest of a Pentagon abortion policy.
FBI Director Spars With GOP Senators About Memo on ‘Radical Traditionalist Catholics’
FBI Director Christopher Wray sparred with Republicans during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee Dec. 5 about a leaked and withdrawn memo from the bureau’s Richmond, Virginia, field office about political extremism in some Catholic groups.
Obituaries, Week of December 9, 2023
Sister Alphonse Louise Gendron, OP,
Acknowledge Sinfulness And Wish to Be Cleansed
Many of the men who studied at Cathedral College in Douglaston during the late 1960’s and ’70’s will recognize the speech teacher I am thinking of.
Diocesan Assignments – December 9, 2023
Rev. Kevin P. Abels, from administrator to pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle, Bay Ridge, while remaining pastor of Our Lady of Angels, Bay Ridge, effective Oct. 8. Rev. Robert Wojtek, C.Ss.R., to pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sunset Park, effective Dec. 1.
Letters to the Editor Week of December 9, 2023
NYC Budget Cuts, A Lesson in Love and Service, In Support of Humanity, Accessibility for Churches, Dare to Be Catholic
Going to Mass Has A Host of Benefits
We found the most recent letter from Bishop Robert Brennan regarding diminishing Mass attendance to be a serious and ongoing situation.