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VATICAN – On Tuesday Pope Francis said there is a strong link between the death of St. Stephen, the Church's first martyr, and the birth of Christ, who came to offer message that is often uncomfortable and calls us to convert.

Fr. Peter Turrone went to MontrealöÏÓãÊÓƵapp St. JosephöÏÓãÊÓƵapp Oratory to thank the patron saint for the blessings received this year at the Newman chaplaincy and parish. What he didn’t expect was to leave with even more to be thankful for.

VATICAN – Those who recognize the Lord in the baby Jesus in the manger also should recognize his presence in children suffering today because of war, poverty and immigration, Pope Francis said.

When the story of Jesus’ birth is told in the same breath as the story of Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, itöÏÓãÊÓƵapp easy for the greatest story ever told to lose its weight as historical truth.

Unless you have been homeless, as Mary and Joseph were on that first Christmas, it is difficult to understand the deep peace a roof over your head can bring.

Francesco Ferrigno sums up his first winter in Canada in two words: Cold and lonely.

On Christmas Eve, before the presents are handed out, the kids at Covenant House will gather in the chapel, referred to as the sanctuary room at the shelter for homeless youth, to hear the story of Christmas — the birth of the saviour as a homeless refugee.

The following is the Christmas message released by Bishop Lionel Gendron, Bishop of Saint-Jean-Longueuil and president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

MONTREAL – Christmas is just around the corner, and so are thousands of Catholics who ritually fill churches every Christmas Eve.

The scene in the movie The Nativity Story where Mary jumps off the cart after returning from ElizabethöÏÓãÊÓƵapp house always chokes me up.

Come Christmas morning in churches around the world, Christians are told once again that “In the beginning was the Word.�

VATICAN – Countries with low birthrates suffer from that awful disease called "demographic winter," Pope Francis said in a morning homily.

VATICAN – The Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square is not getting rave reviews: The backdrop does not look like a stable and the characters in need – hungry, naked, dead, imprisoned – don't exactly evoke a silent night when all was cozy, calm and bright. Franciscan Father John Puodziunas said he didn't like it at first.

One of my closest friends, Carrie, has always inspired me by her generosity and kind heart. Everything she does, she does for God. 

The Christmas season is a hectic time and staying sane — not to mention enjoying this time of the year — is even more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family.