Saint John, Son of Zebedee
Pope Benedict XVI offered three audiences on the Apostle John, back in 2006, and, concise as they are - a trait of the erudite...
Pope Benedict and Saint Stephen
BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Saint Peter's Square
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our recent Catecheses we have seen how through personal and community prayer the...
Christmas Urbi et Orbi
(Here is the Christmas address of Pope Saint John Paul II, from way back in 2002, and the needs for which he prayed eighteen...
Haec Dies by William Byrd and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
A festive, rousing motet for this Christmas Day - or twelve days - by William Byrd, composed in 1591, here performed by the incomparable...
Three Surprising Saints from the Old Testament for Advent
(December 24th, Christmas Eve, is the traditional commemoration of the 'ancestors of Christ', in particular Adam and Eve, whom we recall on this day,...
On the Origins of Christmas
There is no shortage of nonsensical ideas circulating throughout both the web on social media and in the mainstream media, much of which does...
O Mary, Conceived Without Sin
(Father Marco Testa was planning to submit this reflection back on December 8th, but due to technical difficulties, the article could only be sent...
The Meaning of Christmas as Advent Draws to a Close
BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Paul VI Audience Hall
Wednesday, 20 December 2006
The meaning of Christmas
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"The Lord is close: come, let us adore him". With...
Preparing for Christmas
BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Paul VI Hall
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
With this last Audience before the Christmas celebrations, we approach with trepidation and wonder...
Bach and the Fourth Sunday of Advent
J.S. Bach composed Cantatas for many Sundays and feasts (over 200!)- in the Lutheran liturgical calendar, to be sure, but one which remained close...