Christmas often brings together those who, in some way, were separated. God and man are brought together. Within the same household, those who practice their faith and those who do not find themselves mingling. So, too, at Christmas liturgy, are regular Massgoers
For many people, the season of good cheer is a deeply trying affair. This doesn’t mean unhappy souls who have good reason to be sad — the loss of loved ones, poor health, loneliness — but those who feel let down when
Question: I have heard Advent used to be time of fast, much like Lent. Is this so, and what should we do? — Steven Acton, Washington, D.C. Answer: This is true. Advent was once treated more like Lent than it is today,
Editor’s Note: This story reports on a community that uses the word “fat” as a value-neutral descriptor. To best reflect this perspective, OSV has retained the usage of that language. Of the 108,485 adults received into the Catholic Church in 2013, one
The Year of Mercy promulgated by Pope Francis comes to a close on the feast of Christ the King (Nov. 20). The original announcement was made last year during a homily at a penance service presided over by the pope, who said,
Pope Francis chose as the motto for the Year of Mercy the phrase, “Merciful like the Father” (Misericordiae Vultus, No. 14). He wants to encourage all of us who believe in God to share with others the mercy we have received from
It’s Respect Life Sunday, and today parishes across the nation will emphasize the current issues that threaten the sanctity of human life. Although abortion is the pre-eminent respect-life issue, other threats to human dignity exist, including the death penalty, suicide, embryonic stem-cell
Parents often feel self-conscious taking their small children to church. We worry that our little ones will disturb others or prevent us from “getting anything out of Mass.” While we do need to be sensitive to people around us and it can
Walking down a city street, who has not encountered a homeless man sitting on a sidewalk and begging for alms? Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813-53) witnessed such a scene every day as a student in Paris when he walked to his classes at
OK, men: Want a modern desert experience? Give up alcohol and sweets, social media, pastimes like video games and televised sports for 90 days. Don’t spend any money except for necessities. Take only cold showers and commit to a program of strenuous