This may be my favorite Christmas story this year, via NJ.com:  It was a traditional Jewish Christmas dinner — Chinese food. But the guests at the synagogue in Montclair were neither Jewish nor Christian. They were recently arrived Muslim Syrian refugees. Feeling concern over the “demonizing of immigrants,” members of Bnai Keshet, a Reconstructionist congregation, invited 10 refugee families in Elizabeth to join them Friday night—which also happens to be the start of the Jewish Sabbath. “They were very enthusiastic,” said Kate... Read more

Full text of his remarks yesterday, via Vatican Radio: + Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Christmas! Christ is born for us, let us rejoice in the day of our salvation! Let us open our hearts to receive the grace of this day, which is Christ himself.  Jesus is the radiant “day” which has dawned on the horizon of humanity.  A day of mercy, in which God our Father has revealed his great tenderness to the entire world.  A day of... Read more

The full text, via the BBC, below. You can view the video here.  + At this time of year, few sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill than the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree. The popularity of a tree at Christmas is due in part to my great-great grandparents, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. After this touching picture was published, many families wanted a Christmas tree of their own, and the custom soon spread. In 1949, I spent Christmas... Read more

To mark the Feast of St. Stephen, first deacon and first martyr, I’m reposting a prayer I first put up at “The Deacon’s Bench” last year. It’s credited to Deacon Lazaro J. Ulloa.  A Deacon’s Prayer Come to my assistance my Lord and my God, that I may do for You all that you ask. Strengthen me in adversity and do not let me succumb to my feelings of worthlessness. Help me to feel in my heart all that You... Read more

Details:  The spirit of the Christmas season was upon the city as Timothy Cardinal Dolan welcomed two refugee families to New York at Midnight Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Dolan asked worshipers at the church to open their hearts to two brothers, ages 17 and 19, from El Salvador. The siblings immigrated in 2014 to the U.S. to avoid gang violence and persecution. He also brought attention to a Muslim family from Ivory Coast. The family included a mother, father... Read more

A few shots from around my place on Christmas Eve, just before Midnight Mass. [img attachment=”85402″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_4123″ /] Crozier and mitre, ready to go. [img attachment=”85403″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_4121″ /] The trumpeter warmed up in the basement. [img attachment=”85404″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_4116″ /] Roger Aguinaldo, a parish trustee, recently received the honor of being inducted into the Order of St. Gregory in the Knights of Malta. For Midnight Mass, he wore his robes and medal. [img attachment=”85405″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_4126″ /]... Read more

From my tent to yours. Christmas blessings for 2015! —Deacon Greg and the camel    Read more

From the Vatican, the official text from tonight: Tonight “a great light” shines forth (Is 9:1); the light of Jesus’ birth shines all about us. How true and timely are the words of the prophet Isaiah which we have just heard: “You have brought abundant joy and great rejoicing” (9:2)! Our heart was already joyful in awaiting this moment; now that joy abounds and overflows, for the promise has been at last fulfilled. Joy and gladness are a sure sign... Read more

From the CBS affiliate station in Atlanta: What some are chalking up as simply a “faulty coating” has others believing that a divine phenomenon has touched the window of one local church — along with the hearts of its parishioners. That’s because an image that bears a striking resemblance to the Virgin Mary seems to have appeared on a portion of glass at the Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, bringing throngs of onlookers eager to see what some believe to be... Read more

Reading over Melinda Selmys’s thoughtful reflection on “Christmas and Easter Catholics,” those who only show up on the pews twice a year, I was reminded of something a priest I know says almost every year in his homily at Christmas and Easter: “Please make room in the pews for all the extra people and if you can’t sit in your usual place, don’t worry. There will be plenty of empty seats next week.” I’ve also heard this variation: “Where are... Read more