The Nativity scene is seen after a lighting ceremony in St. Peter’s Square
International News
Gunmen Kill Retired Philippine Priest
Gunmen killed a 72-year-old Catholic priest on the main Philippine island of Luzon.
Pope Questions Wording of ‘Our Father’
The Italian and English translations of the “Our Father” can give believers the wrong impression that God can and does lead people into temptation, Pope Francis said.
Holyday Dispensation Does Not Apply to Christmas
Although Christmas this year is the day after the fourth Sunday of Advent, Catholics looking to count a Sunday evening Mass Dec. 24 for both that Sunday obligation and Monday’s Christmas Mass obligation will have to think again.
Pope Listened First, Then Spoke About Justice, Peace
As on every papal trip, Pope Francis’ visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh included a mix of meetings with government officials and events focused firmly on the nations’ Catholic communities.
Only Repentance Can Bring Peace to Korea
Church leaders seeking peace on the Korean Peninsula emphasized the need for “repentance and atonement” between North Korea and South Korea.
In Astoria, Most Bengalis Unaware of Pope’s Visit
When the first wave of Bangladeshi immigrants arrived in the United States in the 1970s, many of them settled in Astoria – one of New York’s most diverse immigrant neighborhoods.
Pope as Diplomat Tries to Bridge Ethnic Differences
The themes chosen by the local bishops for Pope Francis’ visits to Myanmar and Bangladesh – “Love and peace” and “Harmony and peace” – sounded naive or just too “nicey-nice” to some people. But when love, peace and harmony are missing, the situation is pretty much hell on earth. The Rohingya refugees from Myanmar now living in teeming camps in Bangladesh could testify to that.
Be Alert!
Advent is a time to be watchful and alert to the ways one strays from God’s path.
Vatican Gardens Lead The Way in Showing How to Stay Green
Roughly half of the Vatican’s 110 acres is devoted to gardens, and a major project is underway to keep them as “green” as possible.