Advent is all about welcome—about preparing a way for the Lord and being received as members of Jesus’ family gathered at the manger. It’s about recognizing Christ in the people around us and welcoming them as openly as he would. It’s about removing every barrier and obstacle to the Spirit’s work. More »

Every parent knows this scenario: you go into your child’s bedroom and say, “Rise and shine! Time to get up for school.” More »

Let us join with Christians around the world in praying for these special intentions of our Holy Father. More »

“Family” and “prayer” belong together. After all, as the Second Vatican Council taught, our families are the “domestic church.” More »

There is absolutely no reason to be fearful and no need to rehearse what you might say. Jesus promises: “I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute” (21:15). More »

In February 1927, with one stroke of the pen, Mexican President General Plutarco Elias Calles turned every priest in his country into an outlaw. He ordered them to leave their posts, wherever they were, and to report immediately to Mexico City. More »

Here’s a paradox that is central to Christianity: We lose what we keep, and we gain what we give away! “Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it,” Jesus told his disciples (Luke 17:33). More »

Have you ever noticed how much being in love can change someone? Think, for instance, of a man and woman engaged to be married. Their hearts are consumed with thoughts of one another. More »