Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Dec. 26 (Year C) 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 84; John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52

Why would Hannah hand over her baby to Eli the prophet? She had no other children, and she had hoped and prayed for many years for the infant Samuel. He had barely been weaned and yet she was letting go of him forever to fulfil the vow she had made to the Lord.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Dec. 29 (Year A) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128; Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Where and how do we learn compassion and gratitude? 

A third of Canada’s Christian architecture, some 9,000 churches, will close in the next 10 years, according to the National Trust for Canada.

VATICAN – The place Pope Francis chose to sign his letter to young people is an important and popular sanctuary housing the Holy House of Loreto.

THRISSUR, India – For the nearly 2,000 sisters and 200 women in formation who make up the Congregation of the Holy Family, the long wait is over.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Dec. 30 (Year C) 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 84; 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52

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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.

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.

VATICAN – The annual unveiling of the Vatican’s Christmas tree and Nativity scene brought some much-needed warmth to people’s hearts as winter approached.

VATICAN – Pope Francis told the Oblates of St. Joseph that for decades he has relied on the intercession of St. Joseph, and "never, ever has he told me no."

The way artist Ken Woo sees the Mass, it’s a “gateway to Heaven.”

VATICAN – At Vespers for the close of 2017, Pope Francis said that the only adequate response to God’s gift of His Son Jesus is one of profound gratitude for the many graces we’ve been given, particularly in the last year.

Unless you have been homeless, as Mary and Joseph were on that first Christmas, it is difficult to understand the deep peace a roof over your head can bring.

VATICAN – The Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square is not getting rave reviews: The backdrop does not look like a stable and the characters in need – hungry, naked, dead, imprisoned – don't exactly evoke a silent night when all was cozy, calm and bright. Franciscan Father John Puodziunas said he didn't like it at first.

What’s the best Christmas gift you ever received?