Advent

The Latest

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Yes, you need to go to Mass twice this weekend — for Sunday and for Christmas

Dec 22, 2023

By Mary Farrow

The fourth Sunday of Advent falls on Christmas Eve. That means the faithful must attend two Masses in a row... 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

Advent wreath.

Everything you need to know about the Advent wreath

Dec 3, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Advent wreaths are traditionally made from evergreen branches and have four candles, which represent the four weeks of Advent.  Read more

Advent candles.

What is Advent anyway?

Dec 3, 2023

By CNA Staff

Need a refresher on Advent? Here’s some info that can help you live a great Advent this year. 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

Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24, 2022.

Here are Pope Francis’ liturgies for Christmas 2023 at the Vatican

Nov 28, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

As the season of Advent draws near, the Vatican has published the schedule of Pope Francis’ liturgies for Christmas through... Read more

Father David Michael Moses takes part in UST MAX Studios Great, Big Christmas Show.

Celebrate the joy of the season with ‘The Great Big Christmas Show’

Dec 10, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Join Father David Michael Moses and other Catholic social media personalities on Dec. 12 for this livestreamed Christmas variety show. Read more

The Vatican’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3, 2022.

PHOTOS: Vatican Christmas tree lighting ceremony 2022

Dec 3, 2022

By Courtney Mares

A large hand-carved wooden nativity scene was unveiled in St. Peter Square on Saturday night at the Vatican’s Christmas tree... Read more

Hallow's Advent feat. The Chosen: #Pray25 Prayer Challenge

Pray with the cast of ‘The Chosen’ this Advent season on Hallow

Nov 29, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

This Advent, Hallow, a Catholic meditation and prayer app, invites us to dive further into the journey that led to... Read more

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Don’t let Christmas take you by surprise: lessons for Advent from the Church

Nov 28, 2022

By Kelsey Wicks

The Church provides songs, signs, and symbols to enter into the season of Advent more fruitfully. Read more

Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit. CNA file photo.

Detroit bishop calls for penitential Advent after passage of abortion initiative

Nov 26, 2022

By CNA Staff

“Abortion is now legal in Michigan at an unprecedented level, and millions of lives are at stake. We must pray... Read more

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Advent 2022: Check out some of our favorite Advent calendars for 2022

Nov 20, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The U.S. bishops’ conference says Advent calendars “can help you fully enter into the season ... to prepare you spiritually... Read more

Giotto's Nativity fresco projected on the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Assisi is illuminated with Giotto’s frescoes this Christmas season

Dec 17, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Assisi debuted its Giotto Christmas light display in December 2020, but Italy’s coronavirus restrictions last year prevented people from visiting. Read more

Mary on the Mantel.

'Mary on the Mantel'? Think 'Elf on the Shelf', but Catholic 

Dec 9, 2021

By Mary Farrow

Elf on the Shelf? How about helping kids live Advent with Mary on the Mantle? Read more

CNA

The meanings and traditions of Advent

Nov 29, 2021

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Advent is a time of preparation. We prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, and welcome his presence into... Read more

Advent calendar

The best Catholic Advent calendars for 2021

Nov 17, 2021

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Here’s a list of our favorite Advent calendars to bring the Nativity story to your family, and hopefully create cherished... Read more

Giotto’s Nativity is projected on the facade of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Assisi in Advent: illuminated frescoes and a nurse in a nativity scene

Dec 9, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Assisi unveiled a nativity scene Tuesday made of 50 figurines of shepherds, angels, and barn animals with a new addition... Read more

Sign over death row.

End executions for Advent, Catholic bishops tell Trump

Dec 7, 2020

Leading U.S. bishops are imploring the Trump administration to stop scheduled federal executions during the season of Advent.  Read more

Pope Francis delivers an Angelus address overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis: Ask God for the gift of conversion in Advent

Dec 6, 2020

We should ask God for the gift of conversion this Advent, Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Sunday.  Read more