It’s the feast of St. Nicholas of Myra — the original “Santa Claus” — whose legendary secretive gift-giving to help a poor family has inspired the tradition of children leaving shoes out on this day to be filled with treats. … Continue reading →

(OSV News) — The devastating images — whether viewed from the banks of the Seine River in Paris or on millions of glowing screens around the world — stunned onlookers. Many wept, clutching tissues to smoke- and sorrow-reddened eyes, others … Continue reading →

(OSV News) — A Catholic diocese on New York’s Long Island has seen its long-running bankruptcy filing finally concluded, enabling hundreds of sexual abuse claims to be settled. “We are grateful to God that on December 4th, the court confirmed … Continue reading →

(OSV News) — The incoming Trump administration should “rethink” its plans to carry out mass deportations, the bishops of New Mexico wrote in an open letter. President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on hardline immigration policies, including his call for mass deportations, … Continue reading →

PARIS (OSV News) — Five years after Parisians lined the streets of their city, wiping their tears as Notre Dame Cathedral burned, the faithful will have their jewel back as it victoriously reopens Dec. 7 and 8. While the reopening … Continue reading →

TORONTO (OSV News) — Rewind the clock to a little over one year ago. The Canadian Human Rights Commission was attracting scorn for a discussion paper declaring that statutory holidays such as Christmas are a manifestation of the “discrimination against … Continue reading →

(OSV News) — An uneasy calm hangs over Aleppo, Christian leaders report, following the recent lightning takeover of Syria’s second-largest city by Islamist rebels driving out forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Concerns also mount over government airstrikes. “A relatively … Continue reading →

BUENOS AIRES (OSV News) — Catholic leaders in Central America expressed alarm over the idea of repealing a national prohibition on extractive activities in El Salvador — putting the church in opposition to the country’s popular president. Archbishop José Luis … Continue reading →

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Dec. 4 in a case concerning a challenge to a Tennessee state law banning certain types of medical or surgical gender reassignment procedures for minors who identify as transgender. It’s … Continue reading →

(OSV News) — Advent is the perfect time to make a retreat, and opportunities abound, whether it’s overnight retreats, days of reflection, parish missions or evening events. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle is enticing, especially as we prepare … Continue reading →