The day after Christmas the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, which emphasizes how the story of Jesus’ birth is not a “fairy tale,” but a call to live as witnesses of the Gospel, Pope Francis said.
Jesus’ birth is not ‘fairy tale,’ but call to live the Gospel, pope says
Sunday Scripture readings: Dec. 25, 2022
The Nativity of the Lord
First reading: Is 52:7-10
Second reading: Heb 1:1-6
Gospel: Jn 1:1-18 or Jn 1:1-5, 9-14
Bible is ‘key to evangelization’ and soul of theology, says Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron spoke to Catholic News Service about the Word on Fire Catholic Ministries’ Bible project, which will be a seven-volume series when completed.
Gospel call to conversion lasts a lifetime, pope tells Curia officials
The Gospel calls to conversion and to peacemaking, including in one’s relationship with family members and co-workers, were at the center of the pope’s remarks to the Curia.
Papal message for World Peace Day: War, hunger, turmoil are connected
The Catholic Church celebrates World Peace Day Jan. 1 and distributes the pope’s message to heads of state and government around the world.
Uruguayan bishop’s path to sainthood reflects country’s history
Bishop Vera’s path to sainthood not only reflects the country’s history, but also the new path for the church in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay under the stewardship of Pope Francis, an Argentine.
Pope advances sainthood causes, including first ‘martyr’ of charity
In a decree Dec. 17, 2022, Pope Francis advanced the sainthood cause of Father Ricci, recognizing the heroic virtues of the 16th-century missionary to China and declaring him venerable.
Local religious communities, cathedral to host Christmas season liturgies
The Christmas season begins with vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 9.