Advent

The Latest

Father David Michael Moses takes part in UST MAX Studios Great, Big Christmas Show.

Celebrate the joy of the season with ‘The Great Big Christmas Show’

Dec 10, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Join Father David Michael Moses and other Catholic social media personalities on Dec. 12 for this livestreamed Christmas variety show. Read more

The Vatican’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3, 2022.

PHOTOS: Vatican Christmas tree lighting ceremony 2022

Dec 3, 2022

By Courtney Mares

A large hand-carved wooden nativity scene was unveiled in St. Peter Square on Saturday night at the Vatican’s Christmas tree... Read more

Hallow's Advent feat. The Chosen: #Pray25 Prayer Challenge

Pray with the cast of ‘The Chosen’ this Advent season on Hallow

Nov 29, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

This Advent, Hallow, a Catholic meditation and prayer app, invites us to dive further into the journey that led to... Read more

Advent candles.

What is Advent, anyway?

Nov 28, 2022

By CNA Staff

Here are a few points that might help you have a great Advent this year. Read more

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Don’t let Christmas take you by surprise: lessons for Advent from the Church

Nov 28, 2022

By Kelsey Wicks

The Church provides songs, signs, and symbols to enter into the season of Advent more fruitfully. Read more

Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit. CNA file photo.

Detroit bishop calls for penitential Advent after passage of abortion initiative

Nov 26, 2022

By CNA Staff

“Abortion is now legal in Michigan at an unprecedented level, and millions of lives are at stake. We must pray... Read more

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Advent 2022: Check out some of our favorite Advent calendars for 2022

Nov 20, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The U.S. bishops’ conference says Advent calendars “can help you fully enter into the season ... to prepare you spiritually... Read more

Giotto's Nativity fresco projected on the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Assisi is illuminated with Giotto’s frescoes this Christmas season

Dec 17, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Assisi debuted its Giotto Christmas light display in December 2020, but Italy’s coronavirus restrictions last year prevented people from visiting. Read more

Mary on the Mantel.

'Mary on the Mantel'? Think 'Elf on the Shelf', but Catholic 

Dec 9, 2021

By Mary Farrow

Elf on the Shelf? How about helping kids live Advent with Mary on the Mantle? Read more

CNA

The meanings and traditions of Advent

Nov 29, 2021

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Advent is a time of preparation. We prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, and welcome his presence into... Read more

Advent wreath

Everything you need to know about the Advent wreath

Nov 27, 2021

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Advent wreaths are traditionally made from evergreen branches and have four candles. The four candles represent the four weeks of... Read more

Advent calendar

The best Catholic Advent calendars for 2021

Nov 17, 2021

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Here’s a list of our favorite Advent calendars to bring the Nativity story to your family, and hopefully create cherished... Read more

Giotto’s Nativity is projected on the facade of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Assisi in Advent: illuminated frescoes and a nurse in a nativity scene

Dec 9, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Assisi unveiled a nativity scene Tuesday made of 50 figurines of shepherds, angels, and barn animals with a new addition... Read more

Sign over death row.

End executions for Advent, Catholic bishops tell Trump

Dec 7, 2020

Leading U.S. bishops are imploring the Trump administration to stop scheduled federal executions during the season of Advent.  Read more

Pope Francis delivers an Angelus address overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis: Ask God for the gift of conversion in Advent

Dec 6, 2020

We should ask God for the gift of conversion this Advent, Pope Francis said in his Angelus address Sunday.  Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 1, 2019.

Pope Francis: 'Advent is the season for remembering the closeness of God'

Nov 29, 2020

By Courtney Mares

On the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis recommended a traditional Advent prayer to invite God to draw close during... Read more

Advent at Home: How Catholics are preparing for a season of joy - even in 2020 

Nov 28, 2020

By Mary Farrow

Wry jokes and memes about the decided awfulness of the year 2020 - with the pandemic, ensuing lockdowns and economic... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Gaudete Sunday Mass with Rome's Filipino community Dec. 15, 2019.

Pope Francis celebrates a Filipino Christmas tradition at the Vatican

Dec 15, 2019

By Courtney Mares

On Gaudete Sunday, Pope Francis celebrated a Filipino Christmas tradition in St. Peter’s Basilica -- the Simbang Gabi Christmas novena.  Read more

Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square on December 9, 2016.

Pope Francis: Advent is a time of conversion

Dec 15, 2019

By Courtney Mares

As Pope Francis blessed children's nativity scene figurines Sunday, the pope said that the Advent season is a time of... Read more

Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia, OP.

'The key is not to fight, but just to bear witness': How to preach Advent

Dec 5, 2019

By Christine Rousselle

The season of Advent roots us in the true mission of the Church, Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia, O.P., adjunct secretary... Read more