For Coptic Christians, the Christmas season is intensely spiritual, starting weeks before Christmas Day with a 43-day vegetarian fast, during which Christians refrain from consuming all dairy and meat products until Christmas Eve.
International News
Northern Ireland Bishops Lament Defeat of Bill to Protect Disabled Unborn Children
Catholic bishops in Northern Ireland said the defeat of a bill that would have prevented late term abortions for non-fatal disabilities in unborn children “will send a message to all citizens that unborn disabled babies, are fundamentally less valued than those who are able-bodied.”
Caritas Appeals for Aid After Typhoon Claims Over 300 Lives in Philippines
Super Typhoon Rai has claimed more than 200 lives since making landfall in the Visayas and Mindanao region, Philippine authorities said.
Vatican Answers Questions on Limits Regarding Pre-Vatican II Mass
Responding to 11 questions it said had been raised about Pope Francis’ document restricting celebrations of the pre-Vatican II Mass, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments offered a few concessions to bishops but insisted the entire Latin-rite Catholic Church must move toward celebrating only one form of the Mass and sacraments.
Pope Francis Celebrates His Birthday With Migrant Children at Vatican Clinic
On Sunday, Pope Francis chose to celebrate his birthday with the children and families cared for by this facility, which marked 100 years last May.
Vaccinating Kids Essential to Ending Pandemic, Vatican Official Says
As Europe rolls out its vaccination campaign for young children this week, a top Vatican official has endorsed the move, saying children have been uniquely impacted by the pandemic and must be protected and cared for.
Solidarity, Dialogue Needed to Confront Pandemic, Pope Says
The ongoing pandemic serves as a reminder that the world cannot move forward without cooperation and solidarity, Pope Francis told a group of ambassadors beginning their service at the Vatican.
Pope Francis Welcomes First Group of Asylum-Seekers From Cyprus on His 85th Birthday
With many “thanks” and “best wishes,” a group of 10 asylum-seekers greeted Pope Francis on his birthday Dec. 17.
Brooklyn Scouts Welcome the Peace Light as Flame Begins Journey Around the Country
The welcoming ceremony for the light at JFK was sponsored and coordinated by the Catholic Committee on Scouting of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens.
Despite Age, Surgery, the Pope is Still Energetic, His Nephew Says
Pope Francis will turn 85 years old Dec. 17. And according to his nephew, Jesuit Father José Luis Narvaja, he is still rarin’ to go.