Pope Francis The biblical readings which we just heard presented us with the image of two families on pilgrimage to the house of God. Elkanah and Hannah bring their son Samuel to the Temple of Shiloh and consecrate him to the Lord (cf 1 Sam 1:20-22, 24-28). In the same way, Joseph and Mary, in the company of Jesus, go…
Rev José Mario O Mandía “Mary, wake up!” “Huh? What? Do you know what time it is?” “I know. But we have to get out of here.” “What did you say?” “We have to get out of here. Herod wants to kill our Baby!” “Where on earth did you get that news?” “Well, an angel told me.” “When?” “As I…
Fausto Gomez OP As I begin to reflect on prayer, the words of St. John Vianney come to mind: “If you pray and love, that is where your happiness is.” Prayer is an essential element in the life of every Christian – of a priest, a religious, and a lay person.
Pope Francis Tonight “a great light” shines forth (Is 9:1); the light of Jesus’ birth shines all about us. How true and timely are the words of the prophet Isaiah which we have just heard: “You have brought abundant joy and great rejoicing” (9:2)! Our heart was already joyful in awaiting this moment; now that joy abounds and overflows, for…
Joaquim Magalhães de Castro Before the arrival of the Barnabites in 1720, the religious work in Changu-yo was practically non-existent. The situation would change in 1760 with the arrival of Fr Sebastião Donati, who soon became the center of the Christian community, and the first “bayingyi” priest. He was ordained in the year of grace of 1793. Under the guidance…
Christmas is the season of joy and perpetual hope! All over the world, Christmas celebrations reflect local culture and traditions. The festivities can be startlingly different from country to country, focusing on different aspects of the nativity story. But whether you’re celebrating Sheng Dan Jieh in China or awaiting Pere Noel in France, you’re sharing in the wonder and magic…
Roberto Ceolin Was Jesus Christ really born on the so-called Christmas Day? Probably not! So, why do we celebrate every year the birth of Christ on the 25th December? The obvious answer would be that what actually matters is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ independently of how accurate the date really is; the date is not the matter,…
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy has issued an updated instrument for the formation of priests.
Research Professor at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages Sr Beatrice Leung slams the twisted news from secular mass media on the Bishops’ nominations in Mainland China. She advises the Holy See to pay attention to pros and cons within the Church on China politics, since its negotiation team is not yet ready to understand the correct message from the Chinese…