Reading 1 Is 26:1-6 On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: “A strong city have we;he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.Open up the gatesto let in a nation that is just,one that keeps faith.A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;in peace, for its trust…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Homilies must be prepared with the help of the Holy Spirit, be shorter than 10 minutes and put the spotlight on the Lord, not oneself, Pope Francis said. Those who preach must convey “one idea, one sentiment and an invitation to action,” he said. Preaching loses its power and starts to…
Readings for the Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest Reading 1 Is 11:1-10 On that day,A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,and from his roots a bud shall blossom.The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,A Spirit of counsel and of strength,a Spirit of knowledge and…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Hours after the last visitors and pilgrims left St. Peter’s Basilica for the day, a chisel clanged and dust flew as a group of prelates chanted their prayers before a simple wall marked with a cross. In preparation for the opening on Christmas Eve of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s…
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Despite the problems and worries in the world, Jesus invites Christians to look toward heaven, trust in his saving love and make room for him in order to find hope again, Pope Francis said. “Sadness is awful,” he told visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Angelus Dec. 1, the…
Readings for the Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time-Thanksgiving Readings for the Thanksgiving Day Reading 1 RV 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9A I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor. He cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the…