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Irish archbishops question Vatican report on female deacons (The Tablet)

Posted on 12/28/2025 23:12 PM (CatholicCulture.org - Catholic World News)

Ireland’s two leading Catholic prelates questioned a Vatican report, issued early this month, that “excludes the possibility” of diaconal ordination for women.

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh told The Tablet that he was surprised by the unanimous report, issued by a special Vatican study group. He questioned why the report was released “in isolation,” suggesting that it should have been released along with other studies on controversial issues. Archbishop Martin noted, however, that “Pope Leo has said that this question remains open.”

Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin told The Tablet that “many people, both women and men, will have been disappointed at the reported outcome of the study.” He too insisted that the issue of female ordination to the diaconate remains open. Archbishop Farrell said that he expects to see women leading parishes in the near future, and added: “It is important that we constantly see that leadership and ministry are not the prerogative of the ordained.”

Dec. 28 Feast of the Holy Family, Feast

Posted on 12/28/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Today is the Fourth Day within the Octave of Christmas. The Feast of the Holy Family is a movable feast, assigned to the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas.

Dec. 27 Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, Feast

Posted on 12/27/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Dec. 26 Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr, Feast

Posted on 12/26/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

On the Second day within the Octave of Christmas the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stoned outside Jerusalem, he died praying for his executioners. He was one of the seven deacons who helped the apostles; he was "filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit," and was "full of fortitude." The Church draws a comparison between the disciple and his Master, emphasizing the imitation of Christ even unto the complete gift of self. His name is included in the Roman Canon.

'Born in the night is the One who redeems us from the night,' Pope preaches on Christmas night (CWN)

Posted on 12/25/2025 07:12 AM (CatholicCulture.org - Catholic World News)

Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass of Christmas night in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10:00 PM on Christmas Eve and preached that Christ’s nativity is the light that illumines human darkness (booklet, video).

Dec. 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Solemnity

Posted on 12/25/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Dec. 24 December 24, Christmas Eve, Weekday

Posted on 12/24/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Dec. 23 December 23, O Emmanuel; Opt Mem of St. John of Kanty, Priest, Opt. Mem.

Posted on 12/23/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty (1390-1473), priest. Born in Kanty (Cracow, Poland), he taught at the university and became pastor of a parish. He was distinguished for his piety and love of neighbor.

Dec. 22 December 22, O King of the Nations (O Rex Gentium), Weekday

Posted on 12/22/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Today is the Sixth of the O Antiphons, O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations). "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return" (Luke 19:12). This nobleman is Christ, the Son of God, King of all nations. His kingdom is over all men and over all things, both material and spiritual. He has everything in His hand as God and man. But another, Satan, has broken into His kingdom and has made himself master of many of Christ's subjects. In the old dispensation only a small part of humanity, the chosen people, remained faithful to the almighty King.

Dec. 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent; O Dayspring (O Oriens), Sunday

Posted on 12/21/2025 00:00 AM (Catholic Culture Liturgical Year)

Gospel Excerpt: Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Mt 1:20-24).