And it is extraordinary to notice how completely this feeling of the paradox of the manger was lost by the brilliant and ingenious theologians, and how completely it was kept in the Christmas carols. They, at least, never forgot that the main business of the story they had to tell was that the absolute once ruled the universe from a cattle stall. (G.K. Chesterton)
Editor's Corner
Silent Night, of Joy and Peace Amidst the Tumult
The beloved hymn Silent Night was first performed on Christmas Eve, 1818, fittingly at Saint Nicholas parish in Oberndorf in what was then the...
John of Kanty’s Holy Hidden Life
On this Eve of Christmas Eve, we celebrate in a subdued manner the commemoration of John of Cantius (1390 - 1473), or 'Kanty' in...
Saint Dominic of Silos and His Chanting Monks
While we're on the topic of chant with the Alma Redemptoris, this December 20th also marks the commemoration of Saint Dominic of Silos who...
God: The Science, the Evidence – A Review
God: The Science, the Evidence, by Michel-Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies, is an intriguing book, not quite what I expected when asked to review...
The O Antiphons and the Last Seven Days of Advent
On December 17th we begin the seven days of proximate preparation for Christmas, analogous to the more familiar twelve days of Christmas, which follow...
Featured Podcast
Nota in Brevis
Christmas Hymns
A fine compilation of Christmas hymnody, done in wonderful harmony. Enjoy on this day...
Canisius the Indefatigable Catechist
Saint Peter Canisius (1521-1597) was a Dutch Jesuit back in the earliest days of...
Musical Offering: The Alma Redemptoris Mater, in Three Versions
There are various antiphons sung in honour of Our Lady at the close of...
Servant of God Catherine de Hueck Doherty
Forty years ago today, on December 14, 1985, Catherine de Hueck Doherty's vagarious life...
Pope Benedict Reflects on Saint John of the Cross
BENEDICT XVI
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Paul VI Audience Hall
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Saint John of the Cross
Dear Brothers...
Articles
A Christmas Meditation for the Year of Our Lord 2025
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the...
Saints Adam and Eve
Christmas Eve is the traditional commemoration of Adam and Eve, our first parents â...
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...
Fourth Sunday: Ite Ad Joseph
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him...
Musical Offering: The Alma Redemptoris Mater, in Three Versions
There are various antiphons sung in honour of Our Lady at the close of...
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Features
Handelâs Miraculous Messiah
On this Second Sunday of Advent, when we read of Saint John the Baptist's preparing the way, it is fitting to immerse oneself in at least the first part of Handel's Messiah.
A Pilgrimage from Vienna to Rome
I decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome, prompted by the Jubilee year, and walking through the Holy Doors. But I couldnât just show up in Rome, so to make a pilgrimage of it.
Apologetics 101
Apologetics is the art of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse, making reference to both faith and reason as appropriate, in light of Saint Peterâs admonition to âAlways be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverenceâ (1 Peter 3:15).
