Pope Leo XIV warns against gambling, which ‘ruins many families’
Credit: Zolnierek/Shutterstock Dec 30, 2025 / 10:45 am (CNA). Pope Leo XIV warned about the danger that gambling poses to many families during a Dec. 29 audience with members of the National Association of Italian Municipalities. At the beginning of his address, delivered in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, the Holy Father explained that … Read more
St. Anysius
St. Anysius Feast date: Dec 30 Saint Anysius was a Martyr of Greece. She was a wealthy woman of Salonika, in Thessaly, who used her personal funds to aid the poor. A soldier accosted her in the street and tried to drag her to a pagan sacrifice. Anysius resisted and was killed when the soldier … Read more
PHOTOS: Unforgettable moments from the 2025 papal transition
The coffin of Pope Francis rests before the altar at the funeral Mass on St. Peter’s Square, April 26, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA Vatican City, Dec 30, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA). 2025 began with Catholics around the world uniting in prayer for Pope Francis’ health as he entered the hospital on Feb. 14. … Read more
St. Sechnall of Ireland
Feast date: Nov 27 St. Sechnall was born in 375, and around the year 439 was sent from Gaul to assist his uncle, Saint Patrick, in Ireland, together with Auxilius and Iserninus in thier missionary work there. He became the first bishop of Dunslaughlin in Meath, and then auxiliary bishop of Armagh. He wrote several hymns, notably … Read more
OUR FATHER
Our Father Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us … Read more
Dec. 29 Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas); Opt Mem of St. Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr, Opt. Mem.
Today is the Fifth day within the Octave of Christmas. The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170), bishop and martyr. He was born in London and after studying in Paris, he first became chancellor to the king and then in 1162 was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury. He went from being “a … Read more
St. Thomas Becket
St. Thomas Becket Feast date: Dec 29 St. Thomas was born in London, England around the year 1117. He was the son of pious parents, and his mother converted to Christianity through the example and teachings of his father. From his early youth, Thomas was educated in religion and holiness. After his childhood, Thomas was then … Read more
St. Peter of Alexandria
St. Peter of Alexandria Feast date: Nov 26 Local commemorations of the fourth-century martyr Saint Peter of Alexandria will take place on Nov. 25 and 26. Although his feast day in the Western tradition (on the latter date) is no longer a part of the Roman Catholic Church’s universal calendar, he remains especially beloved among … Read more