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On Dec. 6, the faithful commemorate a bishop in the early church who was known for generosity and love of children. Born in Lycia in Asia Minor around the late third or fourth century, St. Nicholas of Myra is more than just the inspiration for the modern day Santa.
Archbishop Zeferino Zeca Martins of the Catholic Archdiocese of Huambo in Angola has described the recent visit of the U.S. President Joe Biden in the southern African country as an important moment for the country, highlighting its potential to strengthen partnerships between the two nations, and advance economic development in key sectors.
The Papal representative in South Africa has emphasized the Apostolic Nunciature’s role as a symbol of communion between the Holy See, the local Church, and government authorities, likening the Nunciature’s mandate to the unity celebrated during the Christmas season.
The Bishop of Zomba Diocese in Malawi has urged Catholic Members of the Parliament (MPs) to always refer to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) while making decisions during debates on Bills and other discussions.
Fr. Gerald Ohaeri, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) who was kidnapped on November 30 in the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has been set free, is alive and in good health, members of the Congregation have said.
In a message to participants in this year’s conference on popular piety in Seville, Spain, from Dec. 4-8, the pope emphasized the significance of “beauty.”
As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal, Bible sales rose 22% in the U.S. through the end of October 2024 compared with the same period last year.
The following timeline is based on court documents; news stories; public statements on the website of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas; and public statements.
Catholic activists under their umbrella organization, CitizenGO Africa, are calling upon Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss the country’s health ministers, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad and Dr. Osagie Ehanire, for teaming up with abortion-promoting organizations in the West African country.
St. Gerald was an English monk, and the bishop of Mayo. The date of his birth is unknown, however we do know that after the Synod of Whitby in 664, he followed St. Colman to Ireland, and settled in Innisboffin, in 668.
Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called for a re-evaluation of gender roles in African society and the Catholic Church on the continent, highlighting the “disadvantaged” position of women due to cultural traditions and entrenched attitudes within the Church.
The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese in Nigeria has attributed the safety of Priests during 15 years of insurgency to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mons. Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie who was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia on November 6 has expressed humility and gratitude to members of the Religious Institute of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ).
On the 31st anniversary of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Johannesburg, the Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa has lauded the Croatian immigrants who established the church, describing their efforts as a lasting legacy of faith, prayer, and community.
“Preachers must preach an idea, a feeling, and a call to action. Beyond eight minutes the preaching starts to fade, it is not understood,” Pope Francis said.
Catholics remember and celebrate the life of the great Arab Church Father St. John of Damascus on Dec. 4.
Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Embu has urged young people in the East African country to embrace Church sacraments, singling out Matrimony as the sacrament that he says sanctifies couples and ensures that families are holy.
Members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) are appealing for “fervent prayers” for the safety and release of Fr. Gerald Ohaeri who was abducted on November 30.
The Local Ordinary of the newly erected Catholic Diocese of Bentiu in South Sudan has issued a Pastoral message on this year’s Advent and Christmas, urging a shift away from the “dominant human ways” that he says continue to cause horrors in the world, disfiguring it and making it increasingly inhumane and uninhabitable.
Members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Ivory Coast have been urged to embrace their identity as “fishers of men,” drawing inspiration from the Gospel’s call to evangelize and transform society.