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 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...
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...
How to Celebrate Advent Like a Catholic
oes it seem to you that each year the holiday season gets busier and busier, and we get further and further away from the true meaning of Christmas?The best way to combat this tendency is to adopt ...
The Advent Wreath Tradition & Meaning
For many Christians, Advent wreaths are a favorite way to celebrate the month of December leading up to Christmas Day. Although Advent Wreaths are very popular, many are not aware of the rich meani...