Prayer is a “high stakes” endeavour, requiring courage, perseverance and patience, Pope Francis said. Courage is needed to stick one’s neck out and “challenge the Lord,” pursuing and confronting him with one’s appeals, the pope said in his homily at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Those who are serious about celebrating the birth of Christ, in a meaningful way, should consider leaving December 25 to the pagans and atheists. Let them have their fun and merriment on their “happy holidays” but refrain from hijacking our very important feast.
The majority of Catholic Church workers violently killed in 2017 were victims of attempted robberies, the Vatican’s Fides agency said, with Nigeria and Mexico topping the list countries where the most brutal murders were carried out.
Nazareth House Durban urges those cleaning house to think of them, and donate your clutter.
Thank you for Günther Simmermacher’s article on “Stille Nacht”, one of the most-loved carols, and the belated recognition of writer Fr Joseph Mohr and composer Franz Gruber.
May I mention some beautiful carols which are not as well known?
With millions of people fleeing violence, persecution and poverty around the globe, individual nations must expand options that make it possible for migrants and refugees to cross their borders safely and legally, Pope Francis said.
The decline of Christianity in Europe found alarming expression last month when a survey revealed that only half of all Germans were planning to attend church services for Christmas.
The silence that precedes the opening prayer at Mass is an opportunity for Christians to commend to God the fate of the church and the world, Pope Francis said.
The work of altar service is essential and must be honoured accordingly, a priest has said. “Mass without altar servers is like a car moving without a spare wheel.
