Archdiocese of Cincinnati Advent Calendar Make this the best Advent EVER, and download the Ultimate Guide to Advent by clicking here **Click on Parish or Event Name for Map Friday, November 29 – Wednesday, January 1 Life Size Nativity with Farm Animals St. Francis Seraph Courtyard, Liberty & Vine Sts., …

As we’re just a week away from Christmas, Here are some prayers for your family. The O’Antiphons: The Roman Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a …

Gaudete Sunday is today, the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar, or simply “Rejoice”. Today’s vestment color is Rose and we’re 9 days away from Christmas. In Today’s video, the King’s Singers exclaim: Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus Ex Maria virgine, gaudete! Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born Of …

There is definitely a spirit to Christmas. Based on Hollywood movies, you might think that this spirit is of giving, of peace on earth, or even of family. For Christians, this is a major oversimplification, and misses a bit part of what Christmas is about. Father Casey talks about not …

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the solemn celebration of belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. It is universally celebrated on December 8, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary, which is celebrated on September 8. The Immaculate Conception is one of the …

Some Christmas mornings I wake up feeling spiritually underwhelmed. I don’t feel the holy wonder at the miracle of God being born upon Earth but instead feel disappointment in my own lack of real, faithful preparation for the Nativity. The previous weeks were spent fretting over decorating and shopping and …

By Christine Rousselle Washington D.C., Dec 5, 2019 / 08:35 am (CNA).- The season of Advent, and the entire cycle of the liturgical year, is vital to remaining rooted in the true mission of the Church, Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia, O.P., adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Dec 5, 2019 / 10:40 am (CNA).- Ahead of the Vatican Christmas tree lighting Dec. 5, Pope Francis expressed hope that the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will serve as a reminder of what Christmas is truly about. A nativity scene “is a genuine …

What is the best way to prepare for the season of Advent? You’re free to do what you know will help you prepare for Christmas the best. If decorating and so forth does not help you prepare for the coming of Christ, you can be the judge of whether it’s …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Dec 1, 2019 / 03:30 pm (CNA).- This Advent, choose prayer and charity over consumerism, Pope Francis said Sunday in his first Mass of the liturgical year. “Resist the dazzling lights of consumption, which will shine everywhere this month, and believe that prayer and charity …