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December 25, 2017

Priest follows the trail of three wise men

Journey of the Three Magi to Bethlehem by Leonaert Bramer, 1640
When the story of Jesus’ birth is told in the same breath as the story of Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, it’s easy for the greatest story ever told to lose its weight as historical truth.
Published in Arts News
December 24, 2017

The Church on the street: A gift of thanks on Christmas morn

Robert Kinghorn's friend shares her story of homelessness and gratitude for finally having a home this Christmas.
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.
Published in Robert Kinghorn
December 24, 2017

Traditional nativity art from Italy passed down to new generation

Francesco Ferrigno, who arrived in Canada from Italy four years ago, is surrounded by the Nativity scenes he created that are on display at St. Eugene Catholic School.
Francesco Ferrigno sums up his first winter in Canada in two words: Cold and lonely.
Published in Features
December 24, 2017

Homeless youth given a taste of the season at the Covenant House

Daiana Barboza, a youth worker at Covenant House in Toronto, says the shelter for homeless youth tries to make Christmas as family-like as it can for the youth it serves.

On Christmas Eve, before the presents are handed out, the kids at Covenant House will gather in the chapel, referred to as the sanctuary room at the shelter for homeless youth, to hear the story of Christmas — the birth of the saviour as a homeless refugee.

Published in Canada
December 23, 2017

Let us wish shalom-peace for all humanity

"The Holy Night", painting by Antonio da Correggio, 1530.
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.
Published in Faith
December 22, 2017

'Christmas Catholics' an opportunity to grow Church

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.

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

Published in Faith
December 22, 2017

Cathy Majtenyi: The story of Jesus’ birth filled with lessons for all

There is so much joy connected with the birth of Jesus that we forget to reflect on the deeper messages, says Cathy Majtenyi.
The scene in the movie The Nativity Story where Mary jumps off the cart after returning from Elizabeth’s house always chokes me up.
Published in Register Columnists
December 19, 2017

Preparing for an ecological Christmas

Denis Patrick O’Hara has led the Eco-Sabbath Gathering at St. Gabriel’s in Toronto for 20 years. Ecology themes work perfectly this time of year, he says.
Come Christmas morning in churches around the world, Christians are told once again that “In the beginning was the Word.”
Published in Canada
December 19, 2017

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

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.
VATICAN – Countries with low birthrates suffer from that awful disease called "demographic winter," Pope Francis said in a morning homily.
Published in Reflections
December 14, 2017

Elements of Vatican nativity scene cause a stir

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.

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.

Published in Vatican
December 7, 2017

Speaking out: Harden not your heart this Advent

A homeless mother smiles with her daughter on the streets of Europe.
One of my closest friends, Carrie, has always inspired me by her generosity and kind heart. Everything she does, she does for God. 
Published in YSN: Speaking Out
December 4, 2017

Some tips on keeping holidays peaceful

Christmas is a time for family, but that doesn’t mean it’s without stress.
The Christmas season is a hectic time and staying sane — not to mention enjoying this time of the year — is even more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family.
Published in Life & Family
January 4, 2017

Italian priest replaces Nativity scene after outcry over ‘burqa’

The controversial Nativity scene that has Mary wearing a white shawl, which some people think is a burqa.

ROME – After political outcry and personal threats, an Italian priest has replaced a Christmas Nativity scene that critics said depicted Mary, the mother of Jesus, with a Muslim body covering.

Published in International
December 28, 2016

In Christmas messages, patriarchs call for peace amid Christian persecution

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, celebrates Christmas Mass at the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem.

BEIRUT – Lamenting the exodus of Christians from their ancestral homelands, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East pleaded for peace and security in their annual Christmas messages.

Published in International
December 23, 2016

Pope donates over $8 million to Ukraine relief efforts for Christmas

Pope Francis is donating 6 million of 12 million euros that have been collected since June to help aid families affected by the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

VATICAN CITY – After taking up a collection earlier this year to aid families affected by the ongoing crisis in Eastern Ukraine, Pope Francis has decided to distribute an initial sum of 6 million euros (neaerly $8.5 million Cdn) to different charity projects as a Christmas gift.

Published in International
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