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Syria: Church pleads for prayers as fresh fighting erupts in Aleppo

Sister Annie Demerjian with displaced girls in Aleppo. File image: ACN

Church ministers have called for prayers for peace after fatal clashes erupted in north-west Syria when a volatile ceasefire broke down. At least seven people, mostly civilians, have been killed and several others wounded following clashes between the government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo yesterday (Tuesday, 6th January). Sister Annie Demerjian, of the Sisters of Jesus and... Read More


Who were the Three Kings?

Dream of the Magi, Kelly Latimore Icons (2025)

On the Feast of the Epiphany, London Catholic Worker volunteer Harry Wills, reflected on who the Magi were and what they teach us about the meaning of the 'Other'." One of my university teachers told us about the time he spent living in rural Africa. He was the only white Christian in a Muslim community. At first, he felt like a distrusted other'. Yet, they shared their space and resources with hi... Read More


CELAM expresses solidarity with Church in Venezuela

Our Lady of Coromoto in Guanare, Wiki Image by Guillermo Ramos Flamerich

The Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM) has expressed its closeness to the Church and the Venezuelan people in their struggle for peace, justice, and reconciliation. The message in Spanish, sent yesterday and signed by the members of the organization's Presidency, expressed deep solidarity with the difficulties the nation is facing and invites a renewed faith in a God who walks... Read More


Christian CND New Year Message

Looking Back With Gratitude, Moving Forward With Hope As we step into a new year, we take time to reflect with gratitude on all that has been shared, built, and witnessed over the past twelve months. In a world still marked by war, fear, and the threat of nuclear violence, Christian CND has continued to offer a faithful Christian witness for peace - rooted in prayer, action, and community. One of ... Read More

Gospel in Art: The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light

Impression, Sunrise, by Claude Monet, 1872, Oil on canvas © Musée Marmottan, Paris

Gospel of 7 January 2026 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 At that time: When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 'The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee ... Read More


Pope Leo's first Extraordinary Consistory opens today

Evangelii Gaudium and the Church's missionary character; the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium; the role of the Curia and its relationship with the particular Churches; synodality; and the liturgy are the topics that will guide the Extraordinary Consistory that Pope Leo XIV has convened-the first of his pontificate- taking place on Wednesday January 7 and Thursday January 8. Over the c... Read More


Pope Leo closes Holy Door, concluding Jubilee Year of Hope

On Tuesday, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV presided over Holy Mass in St Peter's Basilica for some 5,800 faithful. At the start of the Mass, the Pope closed the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica, the last of the Holy Doors opened for the Jubilee Year. The gesture marked the end of months in which "a stream of innumerable men and women, pilgrims of hope," crossed the thresho... Read More


Following the Stars: Three wise women astronomers on faith, humanity and science

Photo by Klemen Vrankar on Unsplash

All Kinds of Catholic - Episode 84 - Special Epiphany episode with Jacqueline, Claudia and Laura, Catholic women from the world of astronomy and astrophysics. They share how they each hold together the questions of science and faith, especially when it comes to the story of the Epiphany. Find out what these three women think about when they look up at a dark, starry sky - with wonder, and faith bu... Read More


RE and Catechesis: Autism-Friendly Resources

Deacon Mark Paine has written two free resources for children and young people with Autism. For RE teachers and Catechists who have no experience or specialist knowledge of Autism and related neurological differences with practical advice, along with the theological and doctrinal basis for this. They draw on current best practice in inclusive and adaptive religious education and catechesis. With ... Read More


Portsmouth Cathedral to host major Gregorian Chant course

Portsmouth is set to resonate with the timeless sound of sacred music as more than 60 participants gather this Saturday, 10 January 2026, for the opening session of the Portsmouth Gregorian Chant Course, hosted at St John's Cathedral. Bringing together both beginners and seasoned singers, this three-part workshop series offers a rare opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of Gr... Read More


Scottish Bishops protest after person charged under new 'buffer zone' law

Image: BCOS

Catholic bishops in Scotland are protesting after the first person has been charged under a new 'buffer zone' law, banning protests outside abortion clinics. Campaigners are prohibited from protesting or even holding silent vigils within around 650ft of clinics offering abortion services in Scotland. In a statement, the Bishops said: "At Christmas, Christians across Scotland gathered around the cr... Read More


Nigeria: Bandits massacre 42 Christian and Muslim villagers

Village of Kasuwan Daji after the attack

The New Year in Nigeria has begun in bloodshed after bandits slaughtered innocent civilians in the country's Middle Belt. In a wave of violence, heavily armed fighters killed 50 people during a series of assaults between 28th December 2025 and 3rd January 2026. The attacks climaxed in a massacre in the village of Kasuwan Daji where 42 people were killed when bandits struck late on Saturday (3rd Ja... Read More


Gospel in Art: Solemnity of The Epiphany of the Lord

Reliquary of the Journey and Adoration of the Magi,  Made in Limoges, France, 1200,  Champlevé enamel on gilded copper; rock crystal; wood core  © The Metropolitan Museum, New York

Gospel of 6 January 2026 Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief pries... Read More


Canon Robin Gibbons: The Epiphany of the Lord

January 6th 2026 Familiarity with many of our Christmas carols and hymns might easily lull us into that rather comfortable state of joyful contentment. Memories of times past and people loved, our half awakened inner child still able to be partly excited at these days of festivity. But the adult in us knows not everything is rosy, not all the stories finish in happy endings. Some of our older caro... Read More

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