Vatican Christmas to feature Indigenous Peruvian crèche
The Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square this year will have a distinctly Indigenous, Andean look with the centerpiece being a “Hilipuska” baby Jesus, that is, one wrapped in a blanket bound with a long cord known as a “chumpi.”
Pope on Christmas: Share hope, promote peace, give vaccine to all
On a Christmas like no other, Pope Francis prayed for people who could not be with their families because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he urged everyone to recognize and help those who are suffering even more.
VIDEO: Merry Christmas from Bishop Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix
On behalf of Bishop Nevares and all the clergy and religious of the Diocese of Phoenix, Bishop Olmsted is praying that you and your loved ones have a merry Christmas.
Contemplating the closeness of the Incarnation in a year of separation
Christmas is a celebration of the infinite love of God, a love that is unbounded, a love that loosens limitations and dissolves boundaries. It is the feast of a God whose love obscures the separation between divinity and humanity, God and man.
Away with the manger? Nativity scene at Vatican generates controversy
Especially in a year when the COVID-19 pandemic will rule out many people’s favorite Christmas traditions, they have a right to express their dislike of the decidedly untraditional Nativity scene on display in the center of St. Peter’s Square, said a priest who specializes in catechesis through art.
VIDEO: Preparing for the Lord while navigating a weary world – A new message from Bishop Olmsted
The days leading up to Christmas are a great time to prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually to celebrate the coming of our Lord. However, for many of us this time can be difficult when our world seems almost unrecognizable from just a year ago. We may be anxious, lonely, distressed or discouraged. How do we deal with these feelings, during a time when the Lord is inviting us to joyous anticipation of Christmas?
For unto us a child is born
Advent is a time of anticipation. We wait, marking the passage of time with our Advent candles, counting the days. Drawing closer to Bethlehem. This year has felt more Lent than Advent, but it has been a time of waiting, a year of mandated patience.
