St. Francis of Assisi and the Christmas Creche Tradition
When you set up your nativity scene for the holidays, you may not realize that you're participating in a Christmas tradition begun by a one of the most famous and beloved Catholic saints nearly 800...
St. Andrew's Christmas Novena Begins November 30th!
Advent always begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. Is this just a nice coincidence, or is there deeper significance? There is indeed a de...
The following blessing of the Advent wreath is taken from the Catholic Handbook of Prayers. Gather your household to pray this blessing together before the first candle is lighted on the first Sund...
The Life of St. Cecilia: Patroness of Musicians
November 22nd is the feast day of St. Cecilia, one of the most revered of the early virgin martyrs of Rome, as evidenced by her name appearing in the Roman Canon of the Mass.St. Cecilia lived durin...
A Prayer of Thanksgiving & Gratitude
Father in Heaven, Creator of all,and source of all goodness and love,please look kindly upon usand receive our heartfelt gratitudein this time of giving thanks.Thank you for all the graces and bles...
The Feast of the Presentation of Mary: Popular Piety or Historical Event?
November 21st is the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary was consecrated to God as a young child and was given by her holy parents...
4 Popular Advent Activities for Kids
Each winter families all over the world celebrate the Advent season, the four weeks of December leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day.Advent is the liturgical ...
Without a Flinch: The Heroic Martyrdom of St. Barlaam of Antioch
St. Barlaam of Antioch (also known as St. Barlaam the Martyr, or St. Barlaam of Caesarea) was an early 4th century martyr with a glorious story of fortitude in the face of torture and an unlikely c...
How Advent Teaches Us to Wait for the Coming of Jesus
It's hard for us to imagine what the world was like before the birth of Jesus, when our Savior was a only a vague yearning, a far-distant promise. We are blessed to live in the world at a time when...
A Great Tradition for Kids! Making Small Sacrifices for the Baby Jesus During Advent
Advent is known as “little Lent,” and prayer, alms, and sacrifices are an important part of the liturgical season as we prepare for the coming of Christ.To help children participate in the true pur...