VATICAN CITY (CNS) — To connect with God, Christians must disconnect from the “pollution of vain words and chatter” that reach them through social media and instead seek silence in the desert, Pope Francis said. The desert is “the place of silence and essentials, where someone cannot afford to dwell on useless things, but needs…
Reading 1 Is 35:1-10 The desert and the parched land will exult;the steppe will rejoice and bloom.They will bloom with abundant flowers,and rejoice with joyful song.The glory of Lebanon will be given to them,the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;They will see the glory of the LORD,the splendor of our God.Strengthen the hands that are feeble,make…
Reading 1 IS 40:1-5, 9-11 Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the desert…
WASHINGTON – Pope Francis has named Rev. Cristiano G. Borro Barbosa, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston, and current secretary for evangelization and discipleship, and episcopal vicar for the central region of the archdiocese, as the new auxiliary bishop of Boston. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on December 9, 2023, by Cardinal…
Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin Reading 1 Is 30:19-21, 23-26 Thus says the Lord GOD,the Holy One of Israel:O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem,no more will you weep;He will be gracious to you when you cry out,as soon as he hears he will answer you.The Lord will give…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene — a live one — staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223. A 15th-century fresco now decorating the cave inspired the Nativity scene erected in St. Peter’s Square for the 800th anniversary celebrations.…