Octave of Christmas

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Fresco of the Holy Family in Dobling Carmelite Monastery in Vienna, Austria. The Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family this year on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.

The 8 days of Christmas? A look at the Christmas octave

Dec 25, 2024

By Kevin J. Jones

The Church’s Western liturgical tradition sees Christmas as an octave, an eight-day celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Read more

Latest news

“What we have to aspire to is to be saints,” the relatives of the late Belgian King Baudouin recall him urging.

Relatives of Belgian King Baudouin: ‘His whole life was a witness to the living Christ’

Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California.

UPDATE: Oakland Diocese denies it used diocesan fund to hide money from abuse victims

Father Lawrence Hecker pleaded guilty this week to kidnapping and raping a teenage boy in the 1970s, heading off a long-delayed trial that launched with an indictment last year. 

Louisiana priest Lawrence Hecker dies in prison after life sentence over rape of teenager

Pope Francis prays during his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Oct. 9, 2024.

Pope Francis remembers Jimmy Carter’s ‘firm commitment’ to peace, reconciliation

Blessing of a plane at Dublin Airport.

Dublin Airport aircraft blessing: New chaplain continues 77-year Irish Catholic custom

Catholic Land Movement co-founders Andrew Ewell (top left) and Michael Guidice (top right), pictured here on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.

In Vatican meetings, Catholic Land Movement proclaims faith, family, and farming

A wooden crucifix.

13 Catholic missionaries and pastoral workers reportedly killed worldwide in 2024

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter makes a short speech from the stage during the Billy Graham Library Dedication Service on May 31, 2007 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Christian faith a hallmark of former president Jimmy Carter’s life

Cardinal Baldassare Reina ceremonially pushes open the Holy Door at St. John Lateran on Dec. 29, 2024.

Lateran Holy Door opens as Rome’s jubilee journey continues

Pope Francis waves at pilgrims and visitors gathered for the Angelus on Dec. 29, 2024, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

Pope Francis: Family dialogue defeats digital distraction

Liturgical Calendar Show this year
Dec 30
St. Anysius
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