Advent

The Latest

Pope Francis recites the Angelus with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square Nov. 19, 2017.

Advent is a time to prioritize God, overcome indifference, Pope says

Dec 3, 2017

By Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis kicked off the Church's Advent season saying it is a time to let go of the... Read more

Pittsburgh priest rescinds dispensation from Advent Mass obligation

Dec 1, 2017

By Mary Farrow

A parish priest in the Diocese of Pittsburgh has rescinded a dispensation he claimed would excuse his parishioners from the... Read more

An Irish virtual calendar for an authentic Advent

Nov 28, 2017

By Perry West

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, Northern Ireland, and Primate of All Ireland, has launched a 2017 virtual Advent calendar, saying... Read more

Unveiling of the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square, Dec. 9, 2016.

Sistine Chapel Choir releases new album for Advent, Christmas

Oct 24, 2017

By Elise Harris

For the third year in a row, the Sistine Chapel Choir has released a new CD, which this year is... Read more

Italian priest cancels Nativity display to avoid offending people

Dec 15, 2016

An Italian priest is under fire from locals for deciding against setting up the typical Nativity scene in his town’s... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to pilgrims during his Dec. 14, 2016, general audience.

Pope: the world desperately needs hope – and we are the messengers

Dec 14, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis Wednesday spoke about the hope that the Child Jesus brings at Christmastime, saying it is our duty to... Read more

Pilgrim holds up statue of baby Jesus during the Angelus in St. Peter's Square Dec. 11, 2016.

Pope Francis prays for Aleppo, victims of recent terrorist attacks

Dec 11, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

During the Angelus for the third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis made a special appeal for... Read more

Unveiling of the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square, Dec. 9, 2016.

As Vatican lights Christmas tree, Pope reflects on Nativity scene

Dec 9, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

As Christmas approaches, the Nativity scenes found in churches and homes around the world bid us to make room for... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for a Jubilee audience on November 12, 2016.

Prepare for Christmas by conversion, Pope tells Advent Angelus crowd

Dec 4, 2016

The proclamation of John the Baptist to “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand” is a joyful one... Read more

Pope Francis kisses a child in St. Peter's Square for the general audience, Dec. 9, 2015.

Pope Francis: Humility is childlike, not theatrical

Nov 29, 2016

Christians must pursue true humility as they remember the “smallness” of Christmas, Pope Francis said in his Tuesday homily.    Read more

As Jesus' birth nears, sadness is 'not allowed,' Pope says

Dec 13, 2015

By Elise Harris

On Gaudete Sunday Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of Rome’s basilica of St. John Lateran, telling attendees that the... Read more

Image courtesy of Made for Glory initiative.

UK youth create Advent video calendar

Dec 21, 2014

By Ann Schneible

Made for Glory, a by-the-youth, for-the-youth faith initiative in the UK, has been releasing a video for every day of... Read more

An Advent gift: God's mercy in the confessional, cardinal says

Dec 17, 2014

As Christmas approaches, priests and penitents should remind themselves of the “miracle” of confession and how we should approach the... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims during his Oct. 29, 2014 General Audience.

Pope: Mary and Joseph exemplify mission, vocation of family life

Dec 17, 2014

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis spoke today about Jesus’ choice to be born into a family, saying that it shows the importance of... Read more

Advent meditations for Pope delve into meaning of peace

Dec 6, 2014

By Elise Harris

Papal preacher Father Raniero Cantalamessa gave his first advent homily to Pope Francis, touching on the biblical meaning of the... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience Dec. 11, 2013.

Pope: Contemplate St. Joseph’s 'greatness of soul'

Dec 22, 2013

In his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis reflected on the Christian witness of St. Joseph, who was faithful to God’s call... Read more

Pope Francis blesses a rosary for a pilgrim in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on Dec. 4, 2013.

Pope: A Christian refusing to serve others is a 'pagan'

Dec 18, 2013

In his Wednesday general audience this morning, Pope Francis stressed the importance of humility and service in the Christian life.  Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience Dec. 11, 2013.

Holiness means 'letting God write our history,' preaches Pope

Dec 17, 2013

Pope Francis’ daily homily focused on the importance of allowing God to be active and present in our daily lives.  Read more

A statue of the Baby Jesus from a Nativity scene is held up for the blessing at St Peter's Square on “Bambinelli” Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013.

Church is a 'house of joy,' Pope stresses on Gaudete Sunday

Dec 15, 2013

In his Angelus address on the third Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis emphasized the joy of the Christian message and... Read more

A Navejo elder sits in her yard while water is delivered to her home in Smith Lake, NM.

Group aims to ease US water poverty with Advent campaign

Dec 5, 2013

A human rights organization is teaming up with a Catholic mission this Advent to help offer free, clean water to... Read more