Vigil of Christmas
Vigil of Christmas Feast date: Dec 24 In the first ages, during the night before every feast, a vigil was kept. In the evening the faithful assembled in the place or church where the feast was to be celebrated and prepared themselves by prayers, readings from Holy Writ (now the Offices of Vespers and Matins), … Read more
Trafficking victims rise worldwide as experts, survivors call for stronger action
Rome’s International Conference on Human Trafficking was held at the Pontifical Gregorian University on Dec. 10, 2025. / Credit: EWTN News/Screenshot Rome Newsroom, Dec 23, 2025 / 15:55 pm (CNA). Fifty million people are currently being trafficked around the world, according to the 2023 Global Slavery Index, driving over $236 billion into the hands of … Read more
Pope Leo XIV revives tradition during first Christmas of his pontificate
Pope Leo XIV greets pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the recitation of the Angelus on Dec. 21, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media Vatican City, Dec 24, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA). Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his first Christmas at the Vatican by reviving the tradition of offering Christmas Mass … Read more
St. Cecilia
St. Cecilia Feast date: Nov 22 St. Cecilia’s family was one of the principle families of Rome. According to the cultural custom of the time, Cecilia’s family betrothed her to a pagan nobleman named Valerian despite St. Cecelia’s consecration to God. On their wedding night, Cecilia told Valerian that she had sworn to remain a … Read more
Dec. 23 December 23, O Emmanuel; Opt Mem of St. John of Kanty, Priest, Opt. Mem.
The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty (1390-1473), priest. Born in Kanty (Cracow, Poland), he taught at the university and became pastor of a parish. He was distinguished for his piety and love of neighbor.
Dec. 22 December 22, O King of the Nations (O Rex Gentium), Weekday
Today is the Sixth of the O Antiphons, O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations). “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return” (Luke 19:12). This nobleman is Christ, the Son of God, King of all nations. His kingdom is over all men and over … Read more
Pope Leo XIV tells Vatican employees doing work well gives glory to God
Pope Leo XIV addresses employees of the Vatican on Dec. 22, 2025, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican. / Credit: Vatican Media Vatican City, Dec 22, 2025 / 12:37 pm (CNA). Pope Leo XIV told Vatican and Holy See employees to see their daily work as part of the Church’s mission, saying that doing one’s … Read more