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...
Fourth Sunday and the Spirit of Advent
The figures of Advent we have met in the liturgy are the prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist and now, on the fourth Sunday, Our...
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: With Haste, Let Us Meet the Lord!
Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled (Lk. 1:45).
On this the fourth and last...
Canisius the Indefatigable
Saint Peter Canisius (1521-1597) was a Dutch Jesuit back in the earliest days of the Order, one of the first to join Ignatius' company,...
Sunday Musical Offering: Three Emmanuels
In these last days of Advent, here are three versions of the ancient Advent hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, dating back 1200 years...