Pope’s General Audience – December 20, 2023

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Pope Francis

Eight hundred years ago, at Christmas in 1223, Saint Francis organized the living Nativity scene in Greccio.

Pope Francis’ Homily at the Opening Mass 2023 | Synod on Synodality

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Pope Francis

The Gospel we have just heard is preceded by the account of a difficult moment in Jesus’ mission, which we might call one of “pastoral desolation.”

Letter of Pope Francis for the Establishment of the ‘World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation”

Monday, August 31, 2015

Salt + Light Media

To my Venerable Brothers Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity Sharing the concern of my beloved brother, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for the future of creation (cf. Laudato Si’, 7-9), and at the suggestion […]

Pope designates Sept. 1 as World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation

Monday, August 31, 2015

Salt + Light Media

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Like their Orthodox brothers and sisters, Catholics formally will mark Sept. 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Francis has decided. The day of prayer, the pope said, will give individuals and communities an opportunity to implore God’s help […]

So Where Did the Nativity Scene Originate?

Friday, December 26, 2014

Alicia Ambrosio

In 2007 I was a fresh-faced reporter at a diocesan newspaper. My editor assigned me to write a piece on the history of the nativity scene. I tracked down a priest and professor of church history and set off interview him about the history of the nativity scene. I did not do a Google search […]

Is your neighbor a Saint?

Monday, September 29, 2014

Sebastian Gomes

Historically speaking, the church had to take root somewhere. When in the early 30’s AD Jesus of Nazareth was executed, rose from the dead and sent his Spirit to be with his little band of disciples, Rome was the dominant political and social player. Peter and Paul brought the faith to Rome before being executed […]

Inside the Basilica of Saint Francis: a lesson in catechetics

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Sebastian Gomes

Protruding from the mountainside town of Assisi is the medieval Basilica of Saint Francis. From a distance the basilica looks almost as big as the town itself; a simultaneous testament to the Saint’s widespread influence and modest origins. Still, the basilica is what most moderns would expect from an important medieval church: majesty, stunning architecture […]

Pope Francis’ Homily at Mass in St. Francis Square, Assisi

Friday, October 4, 2013

Salt + Light Media

“I give you thanks, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to babes” (Mt 11:25). Peace and all good to each and every one of you! With this Franciscan greeting I thank you for being here, in this Square so full of […]

Perspectives Daily – Wednesday, Oct. 26

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Salt + Light Media

Tonight on Perspectives: We look ahead to tomorrow’s live coverage of Assisi and officials at the Vatican talk global reform.

St. Francis of Assisi – Pray for us!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Andrew Santos

He was born Giovanni Francesco di Bernadone. He’s Italian. And today, we celebrate his feast day throughout the Universal Church. He is none other than St. Francis of Assisi. Many know St. Francis of Assisi to be a Catholic friar. However, his life is made up of more than just his priestly ministry. St. Francis […]