The 12 days of Christmas have special religious significance. This article by Catholic News Agency explains that significance and reminds us that Christmas is more than one day. That's right, contrary to what our secular society teaches us, Christmas has its own season and lasts for 12 days, ending on the Feast of the Epiphany. … Continue reading The 12 Days of Christmas–Via Catholic News Agency →

*Today is a holy day of obligation. Please go to Mass and if you don't without a serious reason, you must go to Confession before receiving Communion again.* He's here. After 4 weeks of preparation and waiting, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is born! The little Baby, looking so tiny and helpless in the … Continue reading For Unto Us a Savior is Born: Merry Christmas! →

The announcement of the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ is most appropriately chanted or recited during first Vespers on December 24. It can also be chanted or recited before the celebration of the Midnight Mass: The twenty-fifth day of December,/ when ages beyond number had run their course/ from the creation of the world,/ … Continue reading The Proclamation of Christmas →

This evening at Vespers (evening prayer), the Church begins the traditional O antiphons that are recited before and after the Magnificat and highlight the prophecies of the prophet Isaiah regarding the Messiah. They are also paraphrased in the traditional Advent hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." There are 7 of them, to be recited on … Continue reading The O Antiphons →

Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, a day of joy in anticipation for the birth of Christ. Gaudete means "rejoice" and comes from the first word of the Introit for today's Mass. This day is a reminder that we are halfway through our Advent journey and is a day of respite from our penitential preparations to … Continue reading Gaudete Sunday: He’s almost here! →

Unlike the Novus Ordo rite, the traditional rite celebrates the Immaculate Conception on its proper date, December 8, regardless of the day, meaning that it is not overridden by the Second Sunday of Advent. And this great feast should retain its proper day, as it is the official beginning of the story of our salvation. … Continue reading Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary →

Happy feast of St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church and patron saint of Lumen Fidei! Enjoy this article from Catholic Restoration detailing the life of this incredible saint. https://wp.me/p8cBMM-1FL

A happy and blessed Advent season to all of you. Why exactly do we have Advent? For the same reason that we have Lent before Easter. It's a time to step back and reflect on what we are getting ready to celebrate and consider how we are to prepare ourselves for that celebration. In this … Continue reading Advent: A Blessed, Hopeful Time of Spiritual Preparation →