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FAITH/STORIES

Pope Francis kisses a figurine of the baby Jesus as he celebrates Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 24.

Christians must be "messengers of hope", called to share joy, Pope says

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VATICAN – Christmas calls believers to see God's presence where he is often perceived as absent, especially in the "unwelcomed visitor, often unrecognizable, who walks through our cities and our neighborhoods, who travels on our buses and knocks on our doors," Pope Francis said.
An image of Mary is the centerpiece of a wreath at the base of a Marian statue overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Mary is a perfect example of how to respond to God's plan, Pope says

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VATICAN – With Christmas just a day away, Pope Francis said Mary's humble and modest response at the announcement of Jesus' birth reflects what our own attitude should be regarding God's plan for our lives as we prepare for the incarnation.
"The Holy Night", painting by Antonio da Correggio, 1530.

Let us wish shalom-peace for all humanity

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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.
Sociologist Reginald Bibby believes Montreal churches, like Notre Dame Basilica, could see triple the number of people in their pews at Christmas. That offers an evangelization opportunity for the Church.

'Christmas Catholics' an opportunity to grow Church

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MONTREAL – Christmas is just around the corner, and so are thousands of Catholics who ritually fill churches every Christmas Eve.

December 21, 2017
Pope Francis laughs as he greets members of his general audience at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 2017.

"Funeral faces", pessimism of life are not Christian, Pope says

VATICAN – Christians have good reason to be joyful and should let it shine in their faces rather than sport sad, pessimistic looks, Pope Francis said.
December 19, 2017
A tiny statue of Pope Francis is seen waving from a balcony on a miniature Nativity scene depicting a Middle Eastern village set inside the Holy See press office Dec. 19 at the Vatican.

Keep hearts open, ready to hold Christ this Christmas, Pope says

VATICAN – Countries with low birthrates suffer from that awful disease called "demographic winter," Pope Francis said in a morning homily.
Life-size statues depict the corporal work of mercy of clothing the naked in the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 14.

Elements of Vatican nativity scene cause a stir

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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.

December 13, 2017
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass Dec. 12 marking the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

God's greatness can be found in the little things, Pope says

VATICAN – God shows his greatness through his tenderness toward his children like a loving father, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 13.

Sunday has lost its sense as day of rest, renewal in Christ, Pope says

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VATICAN – Just like a plant needs sun and nourishment to survive, every Christian needs the light of Sunday and the sustenance of the Eucharist to truly live, Pope Francis said.
A religious sister is seen comforting a sick woman in 2016 at Snehadam Old Age Home in Gurgaon, India.

Christian vocation is to serve life, health, Pope says

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VATICAN – The Catholic Church's care for the sick, especially through Catholic-run hospitals, is an antidote to "the business mentality that is seeking worldwide to turn health care into a profit-making enterprise," Pope Francis said.
God's word on Sunday: Prepare for God by using time wisely

God's word on Sunday: Prepare for God by using time wisely

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2nd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 10 (Year B) Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8
There is a schedule or plan known only to God and then there is the human calendar, but the two are rarely the same. That is where our trouble begins. 
Pope Francis makes the sign of the Cross at the 25th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church at the Vatican Oct. 11.

Pope Francis calls for a change to ‘Our Father’ prayer

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Pope Francis is calling for a new translation of one of the lines from the world’s most famous prayer, the Our Father.
Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Pope's beauty secret: Be virtuous like Mary

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VATICAN – On Friday’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis offered his own ‘beauty secret’ – with Mary as model – saying beauty does not come from age or appearance, but from living a virtuous life rooted in scripture.
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