December 2025

Knights' Coats for kids keeps on giving

Luke Mandato · December 21, 2025

While some may have believed last year’s record couldn’t be topped, the Ontario Knights of Columbus are on pace to surpass their own mark this winter as councils push toward 20,000 brand-new winter coats for children in need.

Artist’s body of work gets new life

Brian Wildsmith's family makes sure his legacy lives on

Quinton Amundson · December 21, 2025

Thanks to the efforts of his children, the legacy of the late acclaimed British painter and children’s book illustrator Brian Wildsmith (1930-2016) is receiving renewed appreciation this Christmas season with a new edition of The Road to Bethlehem, which he also authored.

Few silent nights in Bethlehem

Kitty McGilly · December 22, 2025

During Christmas season, as we sing joyfully of the Nativity stories, I am reminded of the Christians of Bethlehem.

Two centuries of Christmas spirit at St. Paul’s

Music is the soul of the season at Toronto’s historic basilica

Luke Mandato · December 22, 2025

Even in the Archdiocese of Toronto’s oldest parish, the spirit of Christmas brings a renewed spirit to family and strangers alike each year, thanks in large part to music remaining the soul of holiday worship over more than two centuries.

Pray for peace in front of the Nativity scene, Pope Leo asks children

Cindy Wooden · December 22, 2025

Pope Leo XIV asked children to pray in front of their Nativity scenes this Christmas and, especially, to pray "that all the world's children may live in peace."

Cardinal Pizzaballa visits Gaza City's Holy Family Parish before Christmas

OSV News · December 22, 2025

In a sign of closeness as Christmas approaches, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Latin Patriarchal Vicar Bishop William Shomali and a small delegation, arrived in Gaza Dec. 19 for a pastoral visit to the Holy Family Parish.

Pope Leo encourages priests to share responsibilities with laity

Thanking priests, he urges clergy to recognize gifts of laypeople

Cindy Wooden · December 22, 2025

At a time when so much pressure and so many demands are placed on priests, they should find support, freedom and relief in recognizing the gifts of laypeople and collaborating with them, Pope Leo XIV said.

Abbotsford Nativity goes up with parish teamwork

Like old-fashioned barn raising

Canadian Catholic News · December 23, 2025

For the 10th straight year, Knights of Columbus from two Abbotsford parishes teamed up for an annual tradition — assembling the outdoor St. James Church Nativity display that requires all the effort, planning and manpower of a miniature community barn raising.

Choirs combine in community, collaboration, celebration

Luke Mandato · December 23, 2025

In the purest form of parish unity and compassion during a season known for it, Ajax, Ont.’s St. Francis de Sales’ annual Advent and Christmas Carol Concert united five choirs in harmonious celebration, raising funds for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and encouraging hundreds to keep Christmas with them throughout the year.

On the frontlines of spiritual warfare

Author Mary Ruth Hackett attuning to the unseen battle against evil

Quinton Amundson · December 23, 2025

Prominent Catholic author, speaker and educational psychologist Mary Ruth Hackett is among the many Christians around the world who in recent years has become more knowledgeable about, and attuned to, discerning spirits and the concept of spiritual warfare, the unseen battle against evil preternatural forces.

All children kidnapped from Nigeria Catholic school will be home for Christmas

Fredrick Nzwili · December 23, 2025

Catholics in northwestern Nigeria are celebrating just days before Christmas, as the last group of students kidnapped from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri has been freed.

St. Nick celebrated around the world

Catholic Register Staff · December 24, 2025

In the minds of children across Europe, he is Sinterklaas (Holland) or Mikulas (Hungary), and he brings them small presents on his feast day, Dec. 6. He does the same for Eastern Christian children who find his delights under their beds in Ukraine.

Students aim to make world a better place

St. Jerome’s sock, hat drive in aid of Covenant House

Luke Mandato · December 24, 2025

Toronto's St. Jerome’s Catholic School is supporting its students in doing the down-to-earth, common charity that shines brightest during the Christmas season.

Jesus arrives yet He never left

Leah Perrault · December 24, 2025

My prayer for Advent this year emerged out of an evening retreat, given by a colleague at the retreat centre where I work: “Jesus, move in me.”

Questioning Faith

Caring for Christ means caring for children

Mary Marrocco · December 25, 2025

A woman was surprised to see, during a stressful interview with their son’s principal, her dear husband’s face crumple like a child’s, a look of terror appearing there momentarily.

Open your hearts to baby Jesus and one another, Pope Leo says on Christmas

Cindy Wooden · December 25, 2025

Jesus entering the world as a little baby in need of everything is a sign of God's solidarity with every person in need, longing for love and a helping hand, Pope Leo XIV said at Christmas morning Mass.

US strikes Nigeria targeting Islamic extremists to 'stop the slaughtering of Christians,' says Trump

Gina Christian · December 25, 2025

The U.S. has carried out a deadly Dec. 25 strike in northwestern Nigeria, with President Donald Trump stating the attack targeted Islamic State group terrorists who persecuted Christians in that nation.

Football and faith

B.C. legend, Grey Cup champ on his journey

Pat Macken · December 26, 2025

This year’s version of the B.C. Lions came within a few seconds of advancing to the 2025 Grey Cup. While desperately clinging to a lead in the dying seconds, the defence allowed the Saskatchewan Roughriders to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Pope Leo XIV's message for the World Day of Peace

Catholic Register Staff · December 26, 2025

Excerpt from Pope Leo XIV's message for the Jan. 1, 2026 World Day of Peace.

Rise Up at 25: still encountering Jesus

Luke Mandato · December 27, 2025

Twenty-five years removed from launching its flagship Rise Up conference, Catholic Christian Outreach continues to draw impressive numbers of young adults to the annual event, many still hungry for the life-changing New Year's gathering and encounter with Jesus.