William Hemsworth's Blog, page 64

The Beloved Disciple

Tuesday, December 27, 2022 – Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist—Feast – Third Day of the Octave of Christmas

The Beloved Disciple

As Dallas charter turns 20, abuse has become issue for much of society

Twenty years ago, in 2002, the revelations of clergy sexual abuse and its cover-up in the Archdiocese of Boston were the metaphorical bombshell that fell on the Catholic Church in the United States. The U.S. bishops, when they met that June in Dallas, approved the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” a […]

As Dallas charter turns 20, abuse has become issue for much of society

Bishops warn of ‘strict action’- The New Indian Express

By Express News Service KOCHI: Syro-Malabar Church Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry and Ernakulam-Angamaly Archeparchy apostolic administrator Mar Andrews Thazhath have expressed their sadness and pain over the protests that took place at Ernakulam St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica on December 23 and 24. According to them, the incidents at the Basilica crossed all limits. “The […]

Bishops warn of ‘strict action’- The New Indian Express

The rock relic of Saint Stephen

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In the Diocesan Museum of Ancona (Italy), a stone is preserved in a reliquary – the stone of Saint Stephen. Tradition claims the rock hit Stephen’s elbow as he was stoned to death. And whereas this is not the only rock of Saint Stephen preserved in a church, this one is credited with being responsible […]

The rock relic of Saint Stephen

Is there a hidden message in The 12 Days of Christmas? – Arkansas Catholic

Canadian Hymnologist believed Christmas carol’s giver, gifts hid Catholic catechism Published: December 26, 2022    By Chris PriceArkansas Catholic Staff ChurchArt In 1979, English teacher and hymnologist Hugh D. McKellar of Canada wrote a short article, “How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas,” in which he theorized the song’s lyrics were intended to help […]

Is there a hidden message in The 12 Days of Christmas? – Arkansas Catholic

12 Great saints of the Christmas story for men

Reflecting on what Scripture says about the men in the Christmas story can help us understand our own parts to play in the story of salvation. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke contain slightly different accounts of the birth of Jesus, so together, they highlight various important aspects of the Christmas story.  The holy men […]

12 Great saints of the Christmas story for men

‘The manger reminds us that Jesus was surrounded by nothing but love’

“The manger of Bethlehem speaks to us not only of closeness, but also of poverty. Around the manger there is very little: hay and straw, a few animals, little else. People were warm in the inn, but not here in the coldness of a stable. Yet that is where Jesus was born. The manger reminds […]

‘The manger reminds us that Jesus was surrounded by nothing but love’

The Incarnation: Beyond the Obvious

There has been something inexplicable going on somewhere deep within me this Advent. I am finding it difficult to put it into words, but Christmas, its true meaning, and all its implications are overwhelming me. Of course, Christmas is the commemoration of Jesus’ incarnation into the world by which human redemption has been accomplished. I […]

The Incarnation: Beyond the Obvious

Christmas message from Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Cardinal Vincent Nichols As I look back on the year that is now drawing to a close, one moment stands out, full of impact and resonance. On 8 September, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died. On that day, we mourned the loss of a unique and gracious mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We cherished her life […]

Christmas message from Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Full text: Pope Francis’ homily for Christmas 2022

Dear brother, dear sister, tonight God is drawing near to you, because you are important to him. From the manger, as food for your life, he tells you: “If you feel consumed by events, if you are devoured by a sense of guilt and inadequacy, if you hunger for justice, I, your God, am with […]

Full text: Pope Francis’ homily for Christmas 2022