The assembly, which included laity, ended with a document calling for increased roles for women and excluded groups.
Closing assembly, Latin American church leaders call for inclusive church
Worst poverty is lack of faith, no meaning in life, pope says
In the message, the pope said “boldness, hope, creativity and courage are words that outline the spirituality of the Christian.”
Photos: Four Pillars in Faith youth raise funds by baking Thanksgiving pies
Youth from the parishes of the Four Pillars in Faith Area Catholic Community sold baked-from-scratch Thanksgiving pies to raise funds to attend a Steubenville Youth Conference next year.
Katie Prejean McGrady: This Advent, focus on presence not presents
“Rushing to have and do all the things and readying stuff to look at and cling to does nothing to help us let Christ rush into our lives and ready our hearts for the kingdom of heaven.”
Advent with Thomas Merton: Do not wait for Christ — he is here!
Before his death in 1968, Trappist monk Father Thomas Merton — in several of his spiritual writings — suggested that the purpose of Advent is not a matter of waiting for the Lord, but rather of recognizing his presence among us here and now.
Text of pope’s prayer to St. Joseph
Here is the Vatican’s English translation of the prayer to St. Joseph that Pope Francis recited at his weekly general audience Nov. 24.
Sunday Scripture readings: Nov. 28, 202
First Sunday of Advent
First reading: Jer 33:14-16
Second reading: 1 Thes 3:12-4:2
Gospel: Lk 21:25-28, 34-36
The lonely can find an ‘ally’ in St. Joseph, pope says at audience
As the guardian of Jesus and Mary, St. Joseph’s reassuring presence is an example for Christians who are called to care for the lonely and those who struggle in their lives, Pope Francis said.