WILLIAMSBURG — To remind people of the true meaning of Christmas, St. Francis of Assisi made a decision 800 years ago that drastically revitalized Catholic tradition. In 1223, he gathered faithful to the town of Greccio, Italy, and staged, with animals, the first Nativity scene, reenacting the birth of Jesus Christ. Now, in recognition of […]
With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway and with restrictions on gatherings still in place in some countries, the Vatican has again extended the period of time when people can earn a plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery and praying for the souls of the faithful in purgatory.
Pope Francis said he will grant a plenary indulgence to the faithful who watch or listen to his extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27.
