In December 2011 Fr. John Sullivan discovered what Christmas means in the Philippines.

At St. Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School, students believe the true joy of Christmas is in sharing what you have. 

VATICAN – The Annunciation – the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear God's son -- was such a tremendous, history-changing event that preaching about it is extremely difficult, Pope Francis said.

Bethlehem has seen many changes this past century, much of it due to the effects of war and an ever dwindling Christian population — but its drawing power never ceases, especially at this time of year. The grotto of the Church of the Nativity is the destination for many — the birthplace of Christ. It was the same 99 years ago, as reported in The Catholic Register of Dec. 25, 1919:

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VATICAN – Christmas will not be authentic if people get caught up in a frenzy of shopping, presents and meals, all while ignoring the poor and forgetting who the celebration is really all about, Pope Francis said.

VANCOUVER – For the better part of a decade, pro-life activist Mary Wagner has spent the holidays behind bars.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but for some it can be the loneliest. 

“The poor you will always have with you.” Prophetic words of Jesus 2,000 years ago. 

Christmas may come but once a year, but at the Furniture Bank they keep their eyes and ears open to the season year-round.

For your average serf of medieval Europe, Christmas was a pretty good deal, but not really a big deal.

The following is the Christmas message released by Bishop Lionel Gendron, Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

JAKARTA, Indonesia – More than 90,000 police and soldiers and a moderate Muslim youth group will help guard nearly 50,000 churches across Indonesia, including some previously attacked by terrorists, during the Christmas period.

VATICAN – With Christmas just over a week away, visitors came to St. Peter's Square with their Baby Jesus figurines for a traditional blessing by the Pope.

An alumna of our Newman House chaplaincy at Queen’s University offers an inspiring model of reading — of actual books. 

VATICAN – Advent is a time for people to think about what they can change about themselves so that they can sow the seeds of peace, justice and fraternity in their daily lives, Pope Francis said.