Advent 2023

The Latest

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Is it okay to write ‘Merry Xmas’?: Inside the thousand-year-old Christian tradition

Dec 22, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Contrary to what many believe, the term “XMas” is a Christian innovation meant to preserve Christ as the center of... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his Angelus message on Dec. 10, 2023.

Pope at Angelus: ‘Through silence and prayer, we make space for Jesus’ 

Dec 10, 2023

By Matthew Santucci

Pope Francis highlighted the importance of listening to God by embracing the example of John the Baptist.  Read more

A firefighter scales a long ladder to the top of a nearly 40-foot-high column to pay tribute at dawn to the Blessed Virgin with a wreath of flowers on Dec. 8, 2023.

PHOTOS: Pope Francis honors Virgin Mary on solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Dec 8, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis prayed in front of a statue of the Immaculate Conception near Rome’s Spanish Steps, which sits atop a... Read more

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Mexican exorcist warns against ‘vampires’ that can draw you away from God during Advent

Dec 5, 2023

By Walter Sánchez Silva

“In the spiritual life our vampires are our bad habits, especially vices,” the exorcist said. “They enter our lives slowly,... Read more

The small procession of Franciscan friars, with the Custos of the Holy Land, arrives in Manger Square, in front of the Basilica of the Nativity, in Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec. 2, the day of the solemn entrance for the beginning of Advent. The Square, typically crowded with local believers and pilgrims, was empty. Dec. 2, 2023.

PHOTOS: Bethlehem welcomes Advent 2023 with quieter procession, still with hope

Dec 4, 2023

By Marinella Bandini

To mark the beginning of Advent, the custos of the Holy Land and the Franciscan friars made their annual procession... Read more

For Advent 2023, Blessed Is She created a devotional for women called "Found."

Advent 2023: 5 Catholic resources to help prepare your heart for the birth of Jesus

Dec 2, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

With the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities, it’s easy to lose track of what truly makes this time of... Read more

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Catholics can receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity scene 

Nov 25, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

From Dec. 8 until Feb. 2, Catholics will be able to receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity... Read more