FREE access to the digital edition and archives until September 2. Click here. →
Browse › 2025 › December
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.
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.
Kitty McGilly · December 22, 2025
During Christmas season, as we sing joyfully of the Nativity stories, I am reminded of the Christians of Bethlehem.
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.
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."
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.
Thanking priests, he urges clergy to recognize gifts of laypeople
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Catholic Register Staff · December 26, 2025
Excerpt from Pope Leo XIV's message for the Jan. 1, 2026 World Day of Peace.
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.