5 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas Until Candlemas
Already done with Christmas? We’re just getting started! Here are five reasons you should keep celebrating Christmas until Candlemas on February 2nd: 1) Candlemas is the traditional end of the Christmas season. Candlemas is every year on February 2. It is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord and the Purification of Our Lady […]
At Least On Sunday – Sunday in the Octave of Christmas: Heartbreak
St. Philip Neri (+1595) was praying one night, as he often did, in the Catacombs of St. Sebastian. A ball of light came down from above and entered his mouth. He was so overwhelmed by the love of God that he cried out, “Enough, Lord! I cannot take anymore” and passed out. When he awoke, […]
Was Jesus Really Born on December 25th? Here’s the Intriguing Evidence
You’ll often hear people say that Jesus was not born on December 25. Some say he was likely born in the Spring and that Christmas is just a Christianized pagan holiday. Here’s the truth: the early Church celebrated Christmas on December 25 because that’s the day many thought Jesus was born. They had two arguments for this […]
What Did the Holy Family’s Journey to Bethlehem Entail? A Closer Look at the Modern Reality
The liturgical season of Christmas has only just begun! Christmas begins with the Nativity of Our Lord and ends on the Baptism of the Lord. There are many things to bring to prayer as we enter into this season of celebration and thanksgiving for the gift of the Christ child. One thing worth contemplating is […]
Abp. Fulton Sheen: How Jesus’ Littleness at Christmas is More Powerful Than Superman
“What does Superman got to do with Christmas?” Ven. Sheen asks his audience in a 1960s taping of Life is Worth Living. In this episode, Fulton Sheen powerfully explains “the breakthrough of Christmas,” and how Jesus’ entry into the world as a child compares to that of DC Comics’ Superman. Ven. Sheen explains how Superman is actually […]
When Non-Catholics Tried to Save the Latin Mass
Above: Jacques Maritain added his name to a long list of non-Catholics who attempted to save the Latin Mass. Last month I launched a new book, The Latin Mass and the Intellectuals: Petitions to Save the Ancient Mass from 1966 to 2007. Many, if by no means all, readers will have heard of the “Agatha […]
Poverty incarnate: The inspiration behind St Francis’ Nativity crèche
Every year, the Vatican unveils a Nativity scene from a different diocese, often using materials or artistic styles from the particular region or country where the diocese is located. The post Poverty incarnate: The inspiration behind St Francis’ Nativity crèche appeared first on The Irish Catholic.
Argentine bishops pushing cause for Irish saint
The Argentinian bishops’ conference is pushing the cause for canonisation of Irishman Alfonso ‘Alfie’ Lambe, with historical documents set to be delivered to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The post Argentine bishops pushing cause for Irish saint appeared first on The Irish Catholic.
A Jesuit brother needed by NASA for his meteorite mastery
The word ‘cosmos’ comes from a Greek root meaning ‘order’. With so many in this present age accustomed to linking the enormity of space with ‘chance’ or chaos, it may come as a surprise to find a Jesuit brother who puts God front and centre right at the heart of one of humanity’s most advanced […]
Rare nativity painting goes on display in Belfast
A rare painting dating back over 500 years by a celebrated Italian artist, The Nativity by Baldassare Peruzzi, has gone on public display in Belfast. One of only a handful of Peruzzi’s paintings known to be in existence, the work had been in a private collection in Britain for decades before being put up for… […]