Nativity scene arouses awe and wonder

St. Francis of Assisi set up the first Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve in 1223. He invited villagers and friars from Greccio, Italy, to gather for Mass at his manger. He set it up in a cave with live animals and feeding trough converted into a crib. He said, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger, and how the ox and ass stood by.” The tradition grew and people began constructing nativity scenes in their homes. A nativity scene or crèche may be made More

Give to Christmas collection for priests

The annual Christmas collection is the primary source of income for the Clergy Welfare Fund, which supports 15 senior (retired) and infirm priests of the Diocese of Little Rock. This special collection will be taken up during all Masses at Catholic parishes in Arkansas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  "Many of these priests continue a life of service by hearing confessions, praying for parishes and congregations and even substituting in parishes for pastors absent due to vacation or illness," wrote Bishop Anthony B. Taylor in a letter to be read at all Christmas More

Celebrate Opening of Jubilee Year 2025

The Diocese of Little Rock will kick off its celebration of Jubilee Year 2025 with a special procession and Mass on Sunday. Dec. 29 in Little Rock. It begins with a half-mile procession from St. Edward Church to the Cathedral of St. Andrew at 2:30 p.m. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will then celebrate a bilingual Mass at 3:15 p.m. at the Cathedral. During the Mass, he will give an apostolic blessing to all in attendance. Refreshments will be served after Mass in McDonald Hall. An apostolic blessing, also known as a papal blessing, includes a plenary indulgence and may be given More