Catholic Church

By Philip Kosloski, Aleteia - In the weeks before Christmas many Christians around the world celebrate a season of preparation called “Advent.” However, few know what this word actually means... The word “Advent” stems from the Latin word adventus, which literally means “coming” or “arrival.” In context, this commonly refers to the coming of Jesus on Christmas day... St. Jerome, when composing the Latin Vulgate, also used adventus when translating the Greek word parousia. This word has a similar meaning, but in a broader context refers to Jesus’ second coming at the end of time.

By Thomas Reese, Religion News - Language matters… Saying that the Catholic church did not protect children is just as wrong. It was the bishops. It was the hierarchy… We should not blame the people of God for the sins of the hierarchy. In many other churches, the people have some say in selecting their leadership and therefore have some responsibility for their hierarchy’s actions. Not so in the Catholic Church, where new leaders are chosen by current leaders… If the hierarchy had been open with the laity about the sex abuse crisis, if the bishops had listened to the people, we would not be in the mess we are today…

Fr. Mark Goring, Companions of the Cross, Catholic Charismatic Center, Director

By Philip Kosloski, Aleteia - Advent, similar to Lent, is a time of spiritual warfare. Its a period when the devil attacks us more openly, as we strive to reorient our lives to Jesus Christ... Pope Benedict XVI reminded us of this reality during a general audience in 2008, stating that “Advent also means anticipation. The dark night of evil is still strong.”