VATICAN – As the Christmas season draws near, the Vatican postal service prepared a unique set of commemorative stamps designed by a talented, yet unlikely, artist: a prisoner serving a life sentence.
Published in
International
December 26, 2017
Jesus' coming is an invitation to conversion, Pope says
VATICAN – On Tuesday Pope Francis said there is a strong link between the death of St. Stephen, the Church's first martyr, and the birth of Christ, who came to offer message that is often uncomfortable and calls us to convert.
Published in
Faith
December 26, 2017
Toronto priest experiences miracles with St. Joseph's intercession
Fr. Peter Turrone went to Montreal’s St. Joseph’s Oratory to thank the patron saint for the blessings received this year at the Newman chaplaincy and parish. What he didn’t expect was to leave with even more to be thankful for.
Published in
Canada
December 26, 2017
Urbi et orbi: We see Jesus in every suffering child, Pope says
VATICAN – Those who recognize the Lord in the baby Jesus in the manger also should recognize his presence in children suffering today because of war, poverty and immigration, Pope Francis said.
Published in
Faith
December 25, 2017
Priest follows the trail of three wise men
When the story of Jesus’ birth is told in the same breath as the story of Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, it’s easy for the greatest story ever told to lose its weight as historical truth.
Published in
Arts News
December 24, 2017
The Church on the street: A gift of thanks on Christmas morn
Unless you have been homeless, as Mary and Joseph were on that first Christmas, it is difficult to understand the deep peace a roof over your head can bring.
Published in
Robert Kinghorn
December 24, 2017
Traditional nativity art from Italy passed down to new generation
Published in
Features
December 24, 2017
Homeless youth given a taste of the season at the Covenant House
On Christmas Eve, before the presents are handed out, the kids at Covenant House will gather in the chapel, referred to as the sanctuary room at the shelter for homeless youth, to hear the story of Christmas — the birth of the saviour as a homeless refugee.
Published in
Canada
December 23, 2017
Let us wish shalom-peace for all humanity
The following is the Christmas message released by Bishop Lionel Gendron, Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Published in
Faith
December 22, 2017
'Christmas Catholics' an opportunity to grow Church
MONTREAL – Christmas is just around the corner, and so are thousands of Catholics who ritually fill churches every Christmas Eve.
Published in
Faith
December 22, 2017
Cathy Majtenyi: The story of Jesus’ birth filled with lessons for all
The scene in the movie The Nativity Story where Mary jumps off the cart after returning from Elizabeth’s house always chokes me up.
Published in
Register Columnists
December 19, 2017
Preparing for an ecological Christmas
Come Christmas morning in churches around the world, Christians are told once again that “In the beginning was the Word.”
Published in
Canada
December 19, 2017
Keep hearts open, ready to hold Christ this Christmas, Pope says
VATICAN – Countries with low birthrates suffer from that awful disease called "demographic winter," Pope Francis said in a morning homily.
Published in
Reflections
December 14, 2017
Elements of Vatican nativity scene cause a stir
VATICAN – The Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square is not getting rave reviews: The backdrop does not look like a stable and the characters in need – hungry, naked, dead, imprisoned – don't exactly evoke a silent night when all was cozy, calm and bright. Franciscan Father John Puodziunas said he didn't like it at first.
Published in
Vatican
December 7, 2017
Speaking out: Harden not your heart this Advent
One of my closest friends, Carrie, has always inspired me by her generosity and kind heart. Everything she does, she does for God.
Published in
YSN: Speaking Out