Arkansas Catholic: your spiritual gift this Christmas

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Published: December 21, 2016

Here are some of the stories you missed if you didn't read Arkansas Catholic's Dec. 17 issue. Some of the stories and columns in Arkansas Catholic appear only in the print and complete digital editions. To read what you're missing, subscribe today.

Welcome Jesus, welcome joy

VATICAN CITY -- As Christmas approached, St. Peter’s Square was filled with balloons, singing and an incredible variety of Baby Jesus figurines -- everything from plastic figures that would fit in a walnut shell to those that were larger-than-life sized.

Cultivating land, life

VATICAN CITY -- Acknowledging the uncertainty faced by many farmers, Pope Francis encouraged members of the International Catholic Rural Association to maintain as much as possible their traditional rhythms of work, family life and respect for the environment.

Higher tech

FAIRLESS HILLS, Pa. -- The Environmental and Spatial Technology Program at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is probably one of the most innovative and cutting-edge high school educational programs you will find anywhere, once you get past the rather ponderous title.

Happy anniversary

Well-wishers at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers gather around Msgr. David LeSieur after Mass Dec. 4 celebrating his 40th anniversary of priestly ordination with Bishop Anthony B. Taylor as the celebrant. (Photo)

Sacred music evangelizes and lifts up hearts, leaders say

VATICAN CITY -- ‘Tis the season for a huge assortment of holiday concerts and carols to choose from, making Advent and Christmas a unique period for reminding people of the evergreen beauty of sacred music.

Pope pleads with Syria’s Assad for peace and aid corridors

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis urged Syrian President Bashar Assad to do everything possible to end the war in his country, to protect civilians and to ensure humanitarian agencies can deliver emergency aid to the people.

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese opens up about Catholic faith

ROME -- In two long interviews with Jesuit publications, director Martin Scorsese described his new film “Silence” as a major stage in his pilgrimage of faith, a pilgrimage that included flunking out of the minor seminary, investigating other religions and recognizing that the Catholic Church was his home.

Jesus still wants to be sought out by the wise and the faithful

In my home parish of St. Edward in Texarkana, we are blessed to have a large round stained glass window depicting the Nativity and Epiphany of Jesus. It is a glorious mix of jeweled colors — purples, greens and blues. The richly garbed Magi from the East are portrayed as men with differences in skin color, age and stature. Yet, they are united in their intense gaze upon the Christ Child in his mother’s arms. (Understanding our Church, Seeds of Faith)

What can we learn from Mary?

“I am happy that Mary is human because I can relate to her. I am happy she is so loving, and that she is so ...” (Youthspeak, Seeds of Faith)

At Christmas, respond to gifts with love, not guilt

Last month, I went on a weeklong silent retreat to address a nagging concern. I felt heavy guilt for how I could be enjoying my life when there are profound deprivations and unspeakable suffering. (Columns)

Who will watch over the civilians of Syria?

What can we do to help the innocent people of Syria? Many of their cities are in war between the Syrian government and rebel groups. These civilians -- thousands of women and children -- are the victims and there is no place for them to go. (Editorial)