Reflections on life, meaning and purpose

Diebus saltem Dominicis: The Sons of David

When I visit Rome, at least once during my time there I go to the Ara Pacis or “Altar of Peace” of the Emperor Augustus Caesar (+14), which is housed in dreadful building that looks like a gas station.  I don’t go in to see the actual altar.  What I revisit is the supporting wall […]

Full text: Pope Francis’ homily for Christmas 2023

Pope Francis prays during Christmas Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24, 2023. / Vatican Media Vatican City, Dec 24, 2023 / 18:00 pm (CNA). Below is the full text of Pope Francis’ homily for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, delivered on Dec. 24, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica. “A census […]

Pope Francis’ Christmas Mass: Jesus was born to save the world

Pope Francis takes a figure of the Christ child in his arms at the end of the Vatican’s Mass for the Nativity of the Lord on Dec. 24, 2023. / Vatican Media CNA Staff, Dec 24, 2023 / 16:31 pm (CNA). In his Christmas homily, Pope Francis shared a message for anyone who may be […]

Police search Cologne Cathedral after Christmas security threat

(OSV News) — German police have significantly increased security measures around Cologne Cathedral over the Christmas period, due to indications of an increased threat situation in Europe, according to international news agency KNA, based in Germany. Visitors to Christmas services in Cologne Cathedral are being asked to exert patience, as police launched extensive security measures […]

ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 22 – Vigil of Christmas: Joseph

A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023. Today, Schuster on the humility of Joseph. Fulton Sheen reminds us of the ongoing action of Christ. The Collect. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf · ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 22 – … Read More →

Pope at Christmas Mass: Let us fix our eyes on the True God

Pope Francis presides at the Christmas Mass during the Night in St Peter’s Basilica and in his homily says the wonder of Christmas is “the unprecedented tenderness of a God who saves the world by becoming incarnate. Let us contemplate the Child, let us contemplate the manger, his crib, which the angels call ‘a sign’ […]