Lord we pray "Help me to continually increase parish vitality and reflect the presence of Christ in the world."

Browsing News Entries

Browsing News Entries

Pontiff closes holy door of St. Peter's Basilica, ending jubilee year (CWN)

Pope Leo XIV closed the holy door of St. Peter’s Basilica this morning, ending the ordinary jubilee year of 2025 (booklet, pp. 3-13; video, 7:12-24:17, especially 20:25).

Vatican, Italian officials take stock of jubilee year; 33.4 million pilgrims came from 185 nations (CWN)

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, one of the two pro-prefects of the Dicastery for Evangelization, said at a Vatican press conference yesterday that at least 33.4 pilgrims from 185 countries came to Rome for the 2025 jubilee year (video).

Jan. 6 Tuesday after Epiphany; Opt. Mem. of St. André Bessette, Religious (US); Epiphany (in some dioceses), Opt. Mem.

In the USA the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of Saint André Bessette (1845-1937) was born near Quebec, and entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross as a Brother. He performed humble tasks for over forty years and entrusted all of the poor and sick who flocked to his cell to the care of St. Joseph. During his life he was able to have a chapel built to the spouse of the Virgin Mary. After his death, the shrine grew into the great basilica known as St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal.

Jan. 5 Memorial of St. John Neumann, Bishop (USA); Monday after Epiphany, Memorial

Jan. 4 The Epiphany of the Lord, Solemnity

On the Epiphany of the Lord, after the singing of the Gospel, a Deacon or cantor, in keeping with an ancient practice of Holy Church, announces the Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts following this formula.

Jan. 3 Saturday of Christmas Time; Opt Mem of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Opt. Mem.

Jan. 2 Memorial of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors, Memorial

Dec. 31 Seventh Day within the Octave of Christmas; Opt Mem of St. Sylvester I, Pope, Opt. Mem.

Dec. 30 Sixth Day within the Octave of Christmas, Weekday