Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. We celebrate Ash Wednesday on the 6th March.
On Ash Wednesday, people will have ashes placed on their heads, in the sign of the cross, as a symbol of repentance. This is one of the most important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens the season of Lent, a season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Click to Pray is a platform that invites people from around the world to accompany the Pope on a mission of compassion for the world. It can be accessed through the website, or mobile app.
World Youth Day (WYD) is a worldwide encounter with the Pope, celebrated every three years in a different country. WYD 2019 has just been celebrated in Panama City.
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The visionary and inspiration behind Understanding Faith, Father Leo Donnelly, passed away on Wednesday 23rd January, 2019.
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The liturgical year begins with the first Sunday of Advent. This liturgical year began on the 2nd December, 2018. In this liturgical year, which is cycle C, the Church reflects on the Gospel of Luke. In this liturgical year, most Sunday readings are drawn from Luke’s Gospel.
The Gospels of both Matthew and Luke detail the birth of Jesus. Both of these narratives are more the than a mere story, and certainly not a fairy tale. The gospels are theological reflections on the meaning of Jesus as the long awaited Messiah who is revealed to be the universal saviour of all people.
At some stage in your life, Christian or not, you will come across a nativity scene. And more than likely, you will know that the scene depicts the birth of Jesus. You will recognise the characters of Mary and Joseph, the wise men, some shepherds and a few stable animals. It is also likely you’ll see an angel.
But do you know the true history and origins of the Nativity Scene?
Christ the King marks the last feast of the Church’s liturgical year. The season of Advent starts the Sunday after.
The Feast of Christ the King was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to remind Catholics that Jesus Christ is the Lord of the Universe, both as God and Man. Pius XI announced the feast in his encyclical Quas Primas. Continue reading →
Until recently, the Catholic Church accepted the application of capital punishment under certain circumstances.
