In the Byzantine Rite the week preceding Easter, during which we spiritually relive the mysteries of our redemption, is called Passion Week. It is also referred to as the Great Week, on account of the “great and indescribable benefits that have befallen us during this week (St. John Chrysostom). Continue reading
Pope: Come to manger with love, charity, simplicity
VATICAN CITY — Jesus’ birth in a stable, God’s coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said.
“In Bethlehem, we discover that the life of God can enter into our hearts and dwell there. If we welcome that gift, history changes, starting with each of us,” the pope said in his homily at Mass Dec. 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica. After the singing of the “Kalenda,” the ancient Christmas proclamation, and the ringing of the basilica’s bells, Pope Francis lifted a cloth revealing a statue of the baby Jesus, and he gently kissed it.
St. Peter’s Basilica was filled with a new light for the Christmas Mass. For the first time, the basilica’s new LED lighting was used — 700 light fixtures contain 100,000 LEDs and, according to the Vatican, will bring an energy savings of 90 percent.
In his homily, the pope noted how the Christmas story leads believers back to Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.”
“Tonight,” he said, “as we hear the summons to go up to Bethlehem, the house of bread, let us ask ourselves: What is the bread of my life, what is it that I cannot do without? Is it the Lord, or something else?” Continue reading
Serving our North Side neighbors
Seminarians serve food at light of Life Rescue Mission Deacon Kevin Bezner and Seminarians John Welch and David Vonderohe serve an evening meal at Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Nov. 28. I just returned from Thanksgiving … Continue readingVatican opens medical center for homeless
VATICAN CITY — Just before Christmas, the Vatican announced it had opened a new medical clinic for the homeless and the poor, expanding services previously offered in a small space just outside St. Peter’s Square. The Merciful Mother Clinic, which … Continue reading
Sounds of the season
Archeparchial choir presents annual “Christmas at the Cathedral” The Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir (PBCAC) presented its annual “Christmas at the Cathedral” concert Dec. 16 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. The choral program featured hymns … Continue reading
Holy smoke
It’s been said nature abhors a vacuum. Well, it is also true Walt Disney World abhors spontaneity. Every aspect of the Disney experience in its four Parks, two water parks and numerous resorts are executed like clockwork: Guests are not … Continue reading
WORLD NEWS (Catholic News Service)
Read the latest world news as reported by Catholic News Service. With headquarters in Washington, offices in New York and Rome, and correspondents around the world, CNS provides the most comprehensive coverage of the church today.
- Marchers urged to stand strong, fight for life with ‘compassion, hope’
- Youth at Mass for Life thanked for offering sign of hope for the future
- Report says accurate number of children separated at border is unknown
- Pope says it’s ‘grave sin’ to deny God has blessed other Christians
- ‘So small a thing’ can be a big deal, bishop says at march vigil’s end
- ‘Deception’ guided court cases that legalized abortion, archbishop says
- Take charge of your roots, culture, pope tells indigenous youths
- Without a voice at home, Nicaraguans ask Washington-based OAS for help
- Australia delegation makes pre-WYD stops at March for Life, Guadalupe
- Vatican releases guidelines to help church fight human trafficking
- Julliard-trained violinist returns to N.J. roots to record first album
- Cardinal Wuerl acknowledges he knew of one accusation against predecessor
- Pope wants abuse summit to lead to clarity, action
- Lord’s Prayer is reaching out for father’s loving embrace, pope says
- Visiting bishops see ‘incomprehensible complexity’ of Holy Land situation
- Update: Parish of teen who escaped abduction credits power of prayer
