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Star of Bethlehem: Special star? Comet? Or …
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) — If it weren’t for the Gospel of Matthew’s brief reference to a star guiding Magi from the East to the newborn Messiah, “we wouldn’t know anything about the star of Bethlehem,” according to a Minnesota astronomer.
Top Catholic news of the year: Roman Missal, economy
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The introduction of the English translation of the Roman Missal topped the religious news stories of 2011, and Pope Benedict XVI was again the top newsmaker, according to the annual poll conducted by Catholic News Service.
Pope lights largest ’tree’ with a tap
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI tapped a tablet computer and successfully lit the world’s largest electronic Christmas “tree” located in the Italian town of Gubbio.
Conway native also had a brother who was a priest
Father Joseph J. Enderlin, a retired priest in the Diocese of Little Rock, died Dec. 14. He was 89 years old. (Obituaries)
Mercy sister could have been a professional ballplayer
PITTSBURGH (CNS) — She was the youngest of eight children growing up in McKeesport. Her brother Bill, closest to her in age, invited her to play baseball with the neighborhood kids in a nearby field — and she was hooked. (Sports)
Women in Bethlehem share their stories on separation wall
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNS) — Sylvana Giacaman, 54, is giving herself a different kind of gift for Christmas: She is allowing her photo and a personal story to be posted on the Israeli separation wall.
If Jesus was born today, what gift would you bring him?
“If Jesus was born today I would give him my soul because material things on Earth do not matter to him. My soul is …” (Youthspeak, Seeds of Faith)
What is Father Christmas bringing to your house?
If you ever want to lose a little altitude in your self-image, try seeing yourself as your children see you. Terms like “slow,” “old-fashioned” and “back in your day, dad” can quickly bring you down to earth when spoken by those little offspring who once made you feel so young. (Columns)
Iraq War is over, but what about refugees?
After World War II there were an unprecedented number of refugees and displaced people. In response to that, in “Exsul Familia,” Pope Pius XII called the Holy Family the “archetype of every refugee family.” (Editorial)
