Advent
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The meanings and traditions of Advent
Advent is a time of preparation. We prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, and welcome his presence into... Read more
The best Catholic Advent calendars for 2021
Here’s a list of our favorite Advent calendars to bring the Nativity story to your family, and hopefully create cherished... Read more
Assisi in Advent: illuminated frescoes and a nurse in a nativity scene
Assisi unveiled a nativity scene Tuesday made of 50 figurines of shepherds, angels, and barn animals with a new addition... Read more
End executions for Advent, Catholic bishops tell Trump
Leading U.S. bishops are imploring the Trump administration to stop scheduled federal executions during the season of Advent. Read more
Pope Francis: Ask God for the gift of conversion in Advent
We should ask God for the gift of conversion this Advent, Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Sunday. Read more
Pope Francis: 'Advent is the season for remembering the closeness of God'
On the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis recommended a traditional Advent prayer to invite God to draw close during... Read more
Advent at Home: How Catholics are preparing for a season of joy - even in 2020
Wry jokes and memes about the decided awfulness of the year 2020 - with the pandemic, ensuing lockdowns and economic... Read more
Pope Francis celebrates a Filipino Christmas tradition at the Vatican
On Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis celebrated a Filipino Christmas tradition in St. Peter’s Basilica -- the Simbang Gabi Christmas novena. Read more
Pope Francis: Advent is a time of conversion
As Pope Francis blessed children's nativity scene figurines Sunday, the pope said that the Advent season is a time of... Read more
'The key is not to fight, but just to bear witness': How to preach Advent
The season of Advent roots us in the true mission of the Church, Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia, O.P., adjunct secretary... Read more
Advent advice from Pope Francis: Choose prayer and charity over consumerism
This Advent, choose prayer and charity over consumerism, Pope Francis said Sunday in his first Mass of the liturgical year. Read more
Norbertine Fathers in California launch digital Advent calendar
A religious order in southern California is kicking off Advent with a digital calendar that allows Catholics to go more... Read more
Pope's letter on nativity scenes shares the story behind a beloved Christmas tradition
Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter Dec. 1 on the meaning and importance of nativity scenes, calling for this “wonderful... Read more
Faith is not ‘decorative,’ Pope Francis says
Pope Francis gave an Advent reminder Wednesday that faith should not be just a “decorative” addition to daily life by... Read more
Pope Francis: Advent demands conversion, recognizing our mistakes
“To prepare the way for the Lord who comes, it is necessary to take into account the demands of conversion,”... Read more
On feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis points to Mary’s trust in God
On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to imitate Mary’s deep trust and openness to God... Read more
Advent confessions 'marathon' to be held at Mexico City cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City will host on Dec. 7 a “Day of Forgiveness,” in which for 10 consecutive... Read more
What does it really mean to observe Advent?
With the first Sunday of Advent behind us, the liturgical season of preparing for Christmas is well underway. Read more
Commentary: Advent is the remedy to our spiritual crisis
“Insincerity was an evil which sprang up within the Church from the first,” wrote Blessed John Henry Newman in 1839.... Read more
Pope Francis lights candle for children in Syria
Pope Francis Sunday lit a candle, a symbol of hope, to pray for the children affected by violence and war... Read more
