Catholicism
Latino majority congregations see growth, financial struggles, report finds
By Adelle M. Banks — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — ‘Still, the overarching picture for majority Latino congregations looks more promising than for other congregations,’ said sociologist of religion Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi.
In Advent God comforts us so we can comfort others
By Thomas Reese — December 13, 2023
(RNS) — God does not comfort us so we can simply be comfortable. God comforts us so we can comfort others.
The pope says he wants to be buried in the Rome basilica, not in the Vatican
By Nicole Winfield — December 13, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis has already said if he retires, he would want to live outside the Vatican somewhere in Rome in a residence for retired priests.
In Florida farmland, Guadalupe feast celebrates, sustains 60-year-old mission to migrant workers
By Giovanna Dell'orto — December 13, 2023
NARANJA, Fla. (AP) — The feast draws millions of pilgrims to the main basilica in Mexico City and to churches big and small across the Americas around Dec. 12.
As few details are released, fatal stabbing of Catholic priest rocks small Nebraska community
By Josh Funk — December 12, 2023
FORT CALHOUN, Neb. (AP) — The Rev. Stephen Gutgsell, who served at St. John the Baptist church, was attacked during what authorities called a break-in early Sunday. He died despite being rushed to an Omaha hospital
Viva Guadalupe! Beyond Mexico, the Indigenous Virgin Mary is a powerful symbol of love and inclusion for millions of Latinos in the US
By Kristy Nabhan-Warren — December 11, 2023
(The Conversation) — The famous apparition of the Virgin Mary has come to symbolize Mexico, but other groups – particularly migrants and Latinos north of the border – also feel a special connection to Guadalupe.
Preaching to polarized congregations: A responsibility and a challenge, clergy say
By Adelle M. Banks — December 8, 2023
(RNS) — 'It's not about going from red to blue to purple,' Andrew Hanauer of One America Movement advises clergy. ‘It's about going above the partisan divisions.’
France’s president visits Notre Dame a year before the fire-damaged cathedral’s planned reopening
By Thomas Adamson and Sylvie Corbet — December 8, 2023
PARIS (AP) — The schedule calls for the completion of the penultimate restoration phase by the end of the year, with the cathedral’s much-anticipated reopening set for Dec. 8, 2024.
A milestone for Notre Dame: 1 year until cathedral reopens to public after devastating fire
By John Leicester — December 7, 2023
PARIS (AP) — The restoration of Notre Dame hits a milestone Friday: one year until the cathedral reopens its huge doors to the public, on Dec. 8, 2024.
When is St. Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?
By Luis Andres Henao — December 6, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.
Vatican to unveil Nativity scene celebrating the 800th anniversary of the crèche
By Claire Giangravé — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — The first crèche was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.
When can the pope fire a bishop?
By Thomas Reese — December 5, 2023
(RNS) — It depends on whether the bishop is serving a diocese or filling another role.
On urgent issues, US Catholic bishops should follow the pope’s lead
By Mark Silk — December 4, 2023
(RNS) — Catching up with Francis on climate as well as democracy.
What the Camino shows us about travel and mortality
By Jana Riess — December 4, 2023
(RNS) — Travel teaches us how fragile life is and what a holy gift every day can be. (Also, it shows us we can be fear-based idiots.)
Pope Francis says he’s doing better but again skips his window appearance facing St. Peter’s Square
By Frances D'emilio — December 4, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people in the square followed his words from giant screens set up outdoors.
