Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church

I was reflecting, not so long ago, on the day of the week Christmas falls on — and how it affects our lives at work, home and church. None of the days feel like Christmas fits them. Sunday Christmases hardly feel different from any other Sunday, so that’s no good. Monday Christmases feel like one Read More…

It always feels strange when Christmas falls on …

Pope Leo XIV gave his first urbi et orbi (to the city and the world) blessing on this Christmas Day. As is often the case, this occasion is an opportunity for the Successor of Peter to mention the places where his flock is suffering most. “Let us not allow ourselves to be overcome by indifference Read More…

Pope Leo’s first Christmas blessing (text and photos)

Pope Leo celebrated the Mass of Christmas Day in St. Peter’s Square. His homily drew from the Gospel of this 4th Mass of the liturgical day, which is the Prologue of John’s Gospel. “The Word has pitched his fragile tent among us,” the Pope said, reflecting then on the fragility of humanity itself. For example: Read More…

A fragile tent: Pope’s Christmas Day homily (full text, photos)

Pope Leo celebrated Mass on the evening of Christmas Eve in St. Peter’s Square. Before the Mass, which began at 10 pm, he greeted those who didn’t fit in the Basilica and followed the Mass from the Square. Here is the text of his greeting to those in the Square, and below, his homily: ~ Read More…

The “wisdom” of Christmas: Pope’s Christmas Eve homily (full text)

In his account of Jesus’ birth, the Gospel writer Luke shows us what Christmas is all about. More than a birthday story, Christmas has a meaning for which two well-known Christmas stories only scratch the surface. We know both main characters carry childhood insecurities into adulthood with hearts that are petty, jealous, and cynical. First Read More…

What the Grinch, Scrooge, and 2 Kings tell us about Christmas

Christmas feels miraculous in the little things — when snow leaves a grubby world looking clean and beautiful, when the Grinches and Scrooges of society find in themselves the heart to give. But God sometimes sends bigger miracles — spiritual and physical ones — on this feast of the birth of his Son. Many of Read More…

Expect a miracle this Christmas: Saints’ lives show us why (Video)

The Christmas message shines through in It’s a Wonderful Life as George Bailey, played by James Stewart, comes to understand that if not for him, the Bedford Falls narrative would be far different. He thinks he’s ir-redeemable. In fact, as Clarence the angel, sent from heaven, tells him, “You really had a wonderful life.” But, Read More…

It’s a Wonderful Life: A pitch-perfect Christmas message

Editor’s note: This homily was preached, in slightly different form, at the Church of the Holy Innocents, Manhattan, on Christmas 2025. ————- Let me set the stage for our reflection on this glorious Solemnity of [...]

Pope Leo XIV delivers his Christmas "Urbi et Orbi" message at the Vatican on December 25, 2025. / Daniel Ibañez/ EWTN News Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA). In his first Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” message as pope, Leo XIV urg... [...]

Pope Leo XIV blesses a baby on All Saints Day’ 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media Vatican City, Dec 25, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA). Pope Leo XIV has welcomed and greeted a plethora of babies at the Vatican since his election on May 8. As Christians every... [...]