In 1921 Pope Benedict XV formally inserted the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph into the Universal Calendar of the Church. He did this to present the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and Jesus, as the model and exemplar of all Christian families. (click message for more)

What is special about the Third Sunday of Advent called “Gaudete Sunday?” The word “Gaudete” is Latin for “Rejoice.” On Gaudete Sunday, the season of Advent shifts its focus. For the first two weeks of Advent, the focus can be summed up in the phrase, “The Lord is coming.” (click message for more)

This year the Second Sunday of Advent falls on December 8th. As a result, the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Patronal Feast of the United States of America, is transferred to Monday, December 9th. (click message for more)