Listen to the podcast! Readings at Mass Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I). First reading 1 John 1:1-4 The Word, who is life – this is our subject Something which has existed since the beginning, that we have heard, and we have seen with our own eyes; that we have watched and touched with our hands:…
This year, in keeping with tradition, the Vatican Secretary of State is visiting the Vatican Children’s Hospital, bringing a Christmas message of hope to doctors, nurses, patients and families. By Vatican News Cardinal Pietro Parolin brought the Pope’s closeness and best wishes to the staff and patients of the Bambino Gesù hospital on Friday, reminding…
The traditional gathering of Roman oratories for the blessing of the figurines of the Child Jesus at the Vatican, on Sunday December 22, is enriched this year with an inspired artistic competition on the theme “A heart of light”. By Alessandro De Carolis “Children, isn’t the nativity scene something beautiful? Isn’t that true, you men…
Get Universalis — and change your life! Readings at Mass Liturgical Colour: Red. Year: C(I). First reading Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59 The martyrdom of Stephen Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and…
Vatican news During a meeting with a group of Vietnamese benefactors of the Pontifical Mission Societies of the United States, Pope Francis highlighted the “unwavering faith” of many Vietnamese Catholic immigrants living in America. By Francesca Merlo In a speech addressed to a group of benefactors of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Pope Francis highlighted the…
Wim Wenders’ film Perfect Days, released in 2023, could resonate with many viewers for its intrinsic beauty and stunning soundtrack. Father Greg Apparcel, CSP, film critic, associate pastor of St. Patrick’s American Catholic Parish in Rome, and attorney general of the Paulist Fathers to the Holy See, shares his thoughts on the film. By Greg…
Get Universalis — and change your life! Readings at Mass Liturgical Colour: White. Year: C(I). These are the readings for the Vigil Mass, celebrated during the afternoon or evening of Christmas Eve. These are the readings for the Midnight Mass, celebrated during the night before Christmas Day. These are the readings for the Dawn Mass,…
Vatican news As synodality begins to take root in the Church, the Maronite bishop of Central and West Africa explores how the Synod resonates with African culture. By Nour El Khoury – Beirut Bishop Simon Faddoul, of the Eparchy of the Annunciation, a Maronite diocese in Africa, highlighted the Synod for Synodality and the impact…
Vatican news On the occasion of his 88th birthday, Pope Francis published several excerpts from his autobiography “Hope”, which will hit libraries in January, recounting his childhood in Buenos Aires and the logistical difficulties of his visit to Iraq in 2021. By Isabelle Piro The “concentrate of humanity” experienced in the slums of Buenos Aires…
Get Universalis — and change your life! Readings at Mass Liturgical Colour: Violet. Year: C(I). First reading 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16 Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to…