Advent is a time to be watchful and alert to the ways one strays from God’s path.
International News
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.
US Bishops Decry ‘Monstrous Terrorist Attack’ on Mosque
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned the Nov. 24 bombing of a mosque in Egypt’s North Sinai region, calling it a “monstrous terrorist attack on innocent people at prayer.”
Catholics in India Were Hoping for a Papal Visit
As Pope Francis began his tour to Myanmar and Bangladesh, Catholics in neighboring India regret missing a chance to meet him in their homeland, nostalgically recalling past papal visits, reported ucanews.com.
It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas at Vatican
The Vatican’s Christmas tree and Nativity scene will feature traditional designs and decorations centered on the theme of mercy.
Pope’s Peace Mission to Myanmar
At a distance, it’s easy to judge Pope Francis’ visit to Myanmar, the first by a pope to this overwhelmingly Buddhist nation, in absolutes – will he or won’t he publicly acknowledge the plight of the Rohingya, for instance, or will his presence push the nation in the direction of greater democracy and peace, or won’t it?
Chinese Replace Religious Photos With Images of Xi
Officials in China’s eastern Jiangxi province have replaced religious images displayed by Christian families with portraits of the country’s leader, Xi Jinping.
In Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pope Travels to Peripheries
Pope Francis’ call to ‘go into the peripheries’ is real. In his brief pontificate, he has shown his concern for the poor by calling the Church ‘of the poor and for the poor.’ He has drawn the attention of the world leaders and all concerned by declaring Nov. 19 as a day of the world poor.
World Day of the Poor
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has written to all pastors and administrators in the diocese asking that they observe Pope Francis’ request to celebrate Sunday, Nov. 19, as the First World Day of the Poor.
Vatican Bans Sale of Cigarettes
Concerned by the damage caused by smoking, Pope Francis has banned the sale of cigarettes in Vatican City State.