Octave of Christmas

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Fresco of the Holy Family in Dobling Carmelite Monastery in Vienna, Austria. The Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family this year on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022.

The 8 days of Christmas? A look at the Christmas octave

Dec 25, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

The Church’s Western liturgical tradition sees Christmas as an octave, an eight-day celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Read more

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Pope Francis prays with members of the Synod on Synodality during one of its meetings in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall on the morning of Oct. 12, 2024.

Catholics invited to ‘adopt’ Synod on Synodality members in prayer

Pope Francis celebrated Mass on the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, 2023, where he also blessed the pallia for new archbishops.

Vatican shares Pope Francis’ schedule for December consistory to create cardinals

Pope Francis prays at the Mass in suffrage for the cardinals and bishops who have died in the past year, Nov. 2, 2022.

Pope Francis writes letter to new cardinals: You express the Church’s unity

Ana Finat said writing her conversion story “was very scary,” especially because of the implications for her husband and daughters.

Ana Finat — aristocrat, influencer, and convert: Trusting in God gives immense freedom

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his Cabinet.

March called in Colombia to protest government for pushing sex changes for minors

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What does the Catholic Church teach about lying?

Participants arrive at the synod hall, Oct. 10, 2204, at the Vatican

Live updates: The Synod on Synodality debates the Catholic Church’s future

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris on July 29, 2024, in Ambler, Pennsylvania.

Michigan’s Catholic bishops condemn Gov. Whitmer’s chip video as ‘mocking’ faithful

Eight people in this church and adjoining buildings in Derdghaya, Lebanon, were killed.

Israeli missile destroys Catholic church in Lebanon; at least 8 dead

The General House of the Society of Jesus in Rome.

Top Jesuit supports ‘LGBTQ Catholics’ event held at order’s headquarters in Rome

Liturgical Calendar Show this year
Oct 13
St. Edward the Confessor
Today's readings

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