Day: December 6, 2025

Sagittarius B2 Molecular Cloud – NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope took a look at the Sagittarius B2 molecular cloud, the most massive, and active star-forming region in our galaxy, located only a few hundred light years from our central supermassive black hole.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope took a look at the Sagittarius B2 molecular cloud, the most massive, and active star-forming region in our galaxy, located only a few hundred light years from our central supermassive black hole.

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Lord God,
no one is a stranger to you
and no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war,
those separated from their loved ones,
young people who are lost,
and those who have left home or who have run away from home.
Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be
and help us always to show your kindness
to strangers and to all in need
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

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Christ Pratt to release documentary on tomb of St. Peter – #Catholic – 
 
 Chris Pratt speaks at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. / Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

CNA Staff, Dec 6, 2025 / 12:00 pm (CNA).
American actor Chris Pratt, best known for his roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World,” is currently filming a documentary on the Vatican Necropolis, which lies underneath Vatican City containing tombs dating from the first to fourth century A.D., at depths varying between 16 and 39 feet below St. Peter’s Basilica. The film, which is being produced by Vatican Media, the Fabric of St. Peter, and AF Films, will be released in 2026 for the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and dedication of the basilica. Pratt will guide viewers on a journey to discover the tomb of St. Peter through stories of faith, history, and archaeology.“It is an extraordinary honor to partner with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project. St. Peter’s story is foundational to the Christian faith, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust and access granted to help bring his legacy to the screen,” Pratt told Vatican News in an interview. 
  While Pratt is not Catholic, he and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, a practicing Catholic, attend Mass regularly and are raising their children Catholic. Pratt speaks openly about his faith and the importance he places on praying daily. He has also partnered with Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app, on multiple occasions and been featured in its Lent, Advent, and daily prayer challenges. Through historical evidence and archaeological discoveries, viewers of the new film are invited to discover St. Peter’s burial place in the Vatican Necropolis, which was officially announced by Pope Pius XII in 1950. In 1939, Pope Pius XII had workers begin excavations under the basilica in order to try to find the location of the beloved apostle’s burial place. In 1950, the pope officially announced that the location of the tomb was found, along with bone fragments likely belonging to the saint. In 1968, Pope Pius XII announced that the bone fragments found were indeed those of St. Peter. St. Peter’s bones were publicly displayed for the first time in 2013 by Pope Francis. The late pontiff held the relics during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square, which marked the end of the Church’s Year of Faith.

Christ Pratt to release documentary on tomb of St. Peter – #Catholic – Chris Pratt speaks at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. / Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons CNA Staff, Dec 6, 2025 / 12:00 pm (CNA). American actor Chris Pratt, best known for his roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World,” is currently filming a documentary on the Vatican Necropolis, which lies underneath Vatican City containing tombs dating from the first to fourth century A.D., at depths varying between 16 and 39 feet below St. Peter’s Basilica. The film, which is being produced by Vatican Media, the Fabric of St. Peter, and AF Films, will be released in 2026 for the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and dedication of the basilica. Pratt will guide viewers on a journey to discover the tomb of St. Peter through stories of faith, history, and archaeology.“It is an extraordinary honor to partner with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project. St. Peter’s story is foundational to the Christian faith, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust and access granted to help bring his legacy to the screen,” Pratt told Vatican News in an interview.  While Pratt is not Catholic, he and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, a practicing Catholic, attend Mass regularly and are raising their children Catholic. Pratt speaks openly about his faith and the importance he places on praying daily. He has also partnered with Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app, on multiple occasions and been featured in its Lent, Advent, and daily prayer challenges. Through historical evidence and archaeological discoveries, viewers of the new film are invited to discover St. Peter’s burial place in the Vatican Necropolis, which was officially announced by Pope Pius XII in 1950. In 1939, Pope Pius XII had workers begin excavations under the basilica in order to try to find the location of the beloved apostle’s burial place. In 1950, the pope officially announced that the location of the tomb was found, along with bone fragments likely belonging to the saint. In 1968, Pope Pius XII announced that the bone fragments found were indeed those of St. Peter. St. Peter’s bones were publicly displayed for the first time in 2013 by Pope Francis. The late pontiff held the relics during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square, which marked the end of the Church’s Year of Faith.


Chris Pratt speaks at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International for “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. / Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

CNA Staff, Dec 6, 2025 / 12:00 pm (CNA).

American actor Chris Pratt, best known for his roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Jurassic World,” is currently filming a documentary on the Vatican Necropolis, which lies underneath Vatican City containing tombs dating from the first to fourth century A.D., at depths varying between 16 and 39 feet below St. Peter’s Basilica. 

The film, which is being produced by Vatican Media, the Fabric of St. Peter, and AF Films, will be released in 2026 for the 400th anniversary of the inauguration and dedication of the basilica. 

Pratt will guide viewers on a journey to discover the tomb of St. Peter through stories of faith, history, and archaeology.

“It is an extraordinary honor to partner with Pope Leo and the Vatican on this project. St. Peter’s story is foundational to the Christian faith, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust and access granted to help bring his legacy to the screen,” Pratt told Vatican News in an interview

While Pratt is not Catholic, he and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, a practicing Catholic, attend Mass regularly and are raising their children Catholic. Pratt speaks openly about his faith and the importance he places on praying daily. He has also partnered with Hallow, a Catholic prayer and meditation app, on multiple occasions and been featured in its Lent, Advent, and daily prayer challenges. 

Through historical evidence and archaeological discoveries, viewers of the new film are invited to discover St. Peter’s burial place in the Vatican Necropolis, which was officially announced by Pope Pius XII in 1950. 

In 1939, Pope Pius XII had workers begin excavations under the basilica in order to try to find the location of the beloved apostle’s burial place. In 1950, the pope officially announced that the location of the tomb was found, along with bone fragments likely belonging to the saint. In 1968, Pope Pius XII announced that the bone fragments found were indeed those of St. Peter. 

St. Peter’s bones were publicly displayed for the first time in 2013 by Pope Francis. The late pontiff held the relics during a Mass at St. Peter’s Square, which marked the end of the Church’s Year of Faith.

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10 Changes Coming To Warner Bros Films After Netflix Acquisition #BabylonBee – After a bidding war, Netflix has secured a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for a reported .7 billion. Once the deal is finalized, fans will notice significant changes to beloved WB properties like Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

After a bidding war, Netflix has secured a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for a reported $82.7 billion. Once the deal is finalized, fans will notice significant changes to beloved WB properties like Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

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Picture of the day





A shattered ceiling light fixture on a bamboo floor mat. The lamp was a semi flush mounted light fixture with a shallow glass dome of clear glass coated with white glass on the inside. In the fixture are LED light bulbs with E27 Edison screw. The hook in the ceiling suddenly came lose one day and the lamp crashed to the floor in an apartment in Brastad, Lysekil Municipality, Sweden. Photographed in natural light from the window. Focus stacked from 10 photos.
 #ImageOfTheDay
Picture of the day
A shattered ceiling light fixture on a bamboo floor mat. The lamp was a semi flush mounted light fixture with a shallow glass dome of clear glass coated with white glass on the inside. In the fixture are LED light bulbs with E27 Edison screw. The hook in the ceiling suddenly came lose one day and the lamp crashed to the floor in an apartment in Brastad, Lysekil Municipality, Sweden. Photographed in natural light from the window. Focus stacked from 10 photos.
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On Dec. 6, 1957, the Naval Research Laboratory attempted to launch Vanguard Test Vehicle 3, an answer to Sputnik and part of the American effort to put a satellite in orbit during the International Geophysical Year (July 1957-December 1958). Vanguard TV3 was diminutive, weighing only 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) and only 6 inches (15.24 centimeters)Continue reading “Dec. 6, 1957: Vanguard TV3 explodes”

The post Dec. 6, 1957: Vanguard TV3 explodes appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

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New Slovak Virgin Mary mosaic highlights spiritual bonds between Slovakia and Vatican – #Catholic – 
 
 Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, president of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, blesses the new mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows in the Vatican Gardens at a ceremony attended by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Vatican officials on Dec. 5, 2025 / Credit: Bohumil Petrík

EWTN News, Dec 6, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).
Just before the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows, Protectress of Slovakia, was inaugurated in the Vatican Gardens. Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, president of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, blessed the artwork during a ceremony attended by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, whom Pope Leo XIV received in audience the day before.Among other bishops and diplomats, two cardinals took part: the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Re, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti unveil the new Slovak Our Lady of Sorrows mosaic in the Vatican Gardens on Dec. 5, 2025. Credit: Bohumil PetríkThe Slovak president said he was happy to see the Slovak Virgin Mary image inside the Vatican as she “is a source of hope, faith and unity.” Peter Pellegrini stressed that his Central European country and the Holy See “share common values, such as the dignity of human person, true liberty and open dialog.”During the audience with Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican said, pontiff and president reaffirmed their commitment to supporting social cohesion, promoting justice, and safeguarding the family, and discussed the war in Ukraine, its impact on European security, and the situation in the Middle East.Each time we pass by this beautiful artwork, Cardinal Gugerotti underlined in his speech at the inauguration, “we will pray for the Slovak people” who suffered during atheist communism, and yet “were able to maintain and renew its Christian roots.”Likewise, Cardinal Giovanni Re told CNA that he is very happy for the new artwork. “I have always loved Slovakia because it is still very Catholic,” the prelate said.It is a great honor for us that the mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows has reached the heart of the Church, Archbishop Bober underscored. The Slovak Virgin Mary is “a symbol of the spiritual connection between Slovakia and the Vatican.” It reminds us, the archbishop continued, that “Our Lady of Sorrows has a special place in our nation, but also in the lives of all believers.”The colorful mosaic, created by Greek Catholic priest and artist Father Kamil Dráb, is a copy of an image in the chapel of the Pontifical Slovak College of St. Cyril and Methodius in Rome and has been installed in the Vatican Gardens near the bell used during the Great Jubilee of 2000.

New Slovak Virgin Mary mosaic highlights spiritual bonds between Slovakia and Vatican – #Catholic – Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, president of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, blesses the new mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows in the Vatican Gardens at a ceremony attended by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Vatican officials on Dec. 5, 2025 / Credit: Bohumil Petrík EWTN News, Dec 6, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA). Just before the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows, Protectress of Slovakia, was inaugurated in the Vatican Gardens. Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, president of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, blessed the artwork during a ceremony attended by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, whom Pope Leo XIV received in audience the day before.Among other bishops and diplomats, two cardinals took part: the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Re, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti unveil the new Slovak Our Lady of Sorrows mosaic in the Vatican Gardens on Dec. 5, 2025. Credit: Bohumil PetríkThe Slovak president said he was happy to see the Slovak Virgin Mary image inside the Vatican as she “is a source of hope, faith and unity.” Peter Pellegrini stressed that his Central European country and the Holy See “share common values, such as the dignity of human person, true liberty and open dialog.”During the audience with Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican said, pontiff and president reaffirmed their commitment to supporting social cohesion, promoting justice, and safeguarding the family, and discussed the war in Ukraine, its impact on European security, and the situation in the Middle East.Each time we pass by this beautiful artwork, Cardinal Gugerotti underlined in his speech at the inauguration, “we will pray for the Slovak people” who suffered during atheist communism, and yet “were able to maintain and renew its Christian roots.”Likewise, Cardinal Giovanni Re told CNA that he is very happy for the new artwork. “I have always loved Slovakia because it is still very Catholic,” the prelate said.It is a great honor for us that the mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows has reached the heart of the Church, Archbishop Bober underscored. The Slovak Virgin Mary is “a symbol of the spiritual connection between Slovakia and the Vatican.” It reminds us, the archbishop continued, that “Our Lady of Sorrows has a special place in our nation, but also in the lives of all believers.”The colorful mosaic, created by Greek Catholic priest and artist Father Kamil Dráb, is a copy of an image in the chapel of the Pontifical Slovak College of St. Cyril and Methodius in Rome and has been installed in the Vatican Gardens near the bell used during the Great Jubilee of 2000.


Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, president of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, blesses the new mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows in the Vatican Gardens at a ceremony attended by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Vatican officials on Dec. 5, 2025 / Credit: Bohumil Petrík

EWTN News, Dec 6, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).

Just before the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows, Protectress of Slovakia, was inaugurated in the Vatican Gardens. Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, president of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, blessed the artwork during a ceremony attended by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, whom Pope Leo XIV received in audience the day before.

Among other bishops and diplomats, two cardinals took part: the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Re, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti unveil the new Slovak Our Lady of Sorrows mosaic in the Vatican Gardens on Dec. 5, 2025. Credit: Bohumil Petrík
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti unveil the new Slovak Our Lady of Sorrows mosaic in the Vatican Gardens on Dec. 5, 2025. Credit: Bohumil Petrík

The Slovak president said he was happy to see the Slovak Virgin Mary image inside the Vatican as she “is a source of hope, faith and unity.” Peter Pellegrini stressed that his Central European country and the Holy See “share common values, such as the dignity of human person, true liberty and open dialog.”

During the audience with Pope Leo XIV, the Vatican said, pontiff and president reaffirmed their commitment to supporting social cohesion, promoting justice, and safeguarding the family, and discussed the war in Ukraine, its impact on European security, and the situation in the Middle East.

Each time we pass by this beautiful artwork, Cardinal Gugerotti underlined in his speech at the inauguration, “we will pray for the Slovak people” who suffered during atheist communism, and yet “were able to maintain and renew its Christian roots.”

Likewise, Cardinal Giovanni Re told CNA that he is very happy for the new artwork. “I have always loved Slovakia because it is still very Catholic,” the prelate said.

It is a great honor for us that the mosaic of Our Lady of Sorrows has reached the heart of the Church, Archbishop Bober underscored. The Slovak Virgin Mary is “a symbol of the spiritual connection between Slovakia and the Vatican.” It reminds us, the archbishop continued, that “Our Lady of Sorrows has a special place in our nation, but also in the lives of all believers.”

The colorful mosaic, created by Greek Catholic priest and artist Father Kamil Dráb, is a copy of an image in the chapel of the Pontifical Slovak College of St. Cyril and Methodius in Rome and has been installed in the Vatican Gardens near the bell used during the Great Jubilee of 2000.

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Jefferson parish marks more than 65 years since church completion #Catholic - With joy, St. Jude Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood of Jefferson, N.J., marked more than 65 years of the construction of the church and even longer as a significant — and constantly improving — part of the spiritual and civic life of the community on Nov. 15 during a Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.
Bishop Sweeney was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Father Kamil (Peter) Wierzbicki, pastor of St. Jude’s, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Thomas Friel of St. Jude’s, John Meyer of St. Michael Parish in Netcong, N.J., and Timothy Dunmyer of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mount Arlington, N.J., who is studying for the permanent diaconate in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, assisted with the liturgy. The parish’s anniversary celebrations have been delayed, initially starting with COVID-19.
“The parishioners at St. Jude’s are close to each other, are good to each other, and help each other. They do what they can to make things happen. They are family,” said Father Wierzbicki, who was named the parish’s administrator in 2018 and pastor the following year. “Lake Hopatcong is a beautiful small rural community. It’s quiet, except in the summer, when people come to their vacation homes around the lake. The community recognizes St. Jude’s importance spiritually, historically, and socially and relies on us.”

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The 400-family St. Jude’s has groups such as the Rosary Altar Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the Men’s Prayer Group. The parish has supported outreaches such as food and holiday gift drives for families in need, programs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Alcoholics Anonymous, and community activities, such as blood drives, carnivals, dances, card parties, variety shows, Bingo, and school events. St. Jude’s belongs to the Lakeland Association of Churches of Lake Hopatcong.
To help meet the needs of the parish and community, St. Jude’s has made improvements to its facilities, including to its parish center and the parking lot, which was repaved. Renovations to the church have included a new altar of the tabernacle, an organ, a choir loft, and the renovation of the readers’ stands.
The heritage of St. Jude parish lies in the mission churches that sprang up around Lake Hopatcong in the early 20th century to serve the needs of the resort community’s large summer population.
In the fall of 1958, church construction began, with the formal dedication occurring Aug. 16, 1959, as a mission church of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mount Arlington, N.J. In 1966, the mission church St. Jude was promoted to parish status and assumed responsibility for the mission church St. Joseph in the Northwood section of Hopatcong, N.J. Father Joseph W. Molloy was the first pastor of St. Jude’s, which initially served 90 families.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
 [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

Jefferson parish marks more than 65 years since church completion #Catholic – With joy, St. Jude Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood of Jefferson, N.J., marked more than 65 years of the construction of the church and even longer as a significant — and constantly improving — part of the spiritual and civic life of the community on Nov. 15 during a Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Bishop Sweeney was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Father Kamil (Peter) Wierzbicki, pastor of St. Jude’s, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Thomas Friel of St. Jude’s, John Meyer of St. Michael Parish in Netcong, N.J., and Timothy Dunmyer of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mount Arlington, N.J., who is studying for the permanent diaconate in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, assisted with the liturgy. The parish’s anniversary celebrations have been delayed, initially starting with COVID-19. “The parishioners at St. Jude’s are close to each other, are good to each other, and help each other. They do what they can to make things happen. They are family,” said Father Wierzbicki, who was named the parish’s administrator in 2018 and pastor the following year. “Lake Hopatcong is a beautiful small rural community. It’s quiet, except in the summer, when people come to their vacation homes around the lake. The community recognizes St. Jude’s importance spiritually, historically, and socially and relies on us.” Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The 400-family St. Jude’s has groups such as the Rosary Altar Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the Men’s Prayer Group. The parish has supported outreaches such as food and holiday gift drives for families in need, programs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Alcoholics Anonymous, and community activities, such as blood drives, carnivals, dances, card parties, variety shows, Bingo, and school events. St. Jude’s belongs to the Lakeland Association of Churches of Lake Hopatcong. To help meet the needs of the parish and community, St. Jude’s has made improvements to its facilities, including to its parish center and the parking lot, which was repaved. Renovations to the church have included a new altar of the tabernacle, an organ, a choir loft, and the renovation of the readers’ stands. The heritage of St. Jude parish lies in the mission churches that sprang up around Lake Hopatcong in the early 20th century to serve the needs of the resort community’s large summer population. In the fall of 1958, church construction began, with the formal dedication occurring Aug. 16, 1959, as a mission church of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mount Arlington, N.J. In 1966, the mission church St. Jude was promoted to parish status and assumed responsibility for the mission church St. Joseph in the Northwood section of Hopatcong, N.J. Father Joseph W. Molloy was the first pastor of St. Jude’s, which initially served 90 families. BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

Jefferson parish marks more than 65 years since church completion #Catholic –

With joy, St. Jude Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood of Jefferson, N.J., marked more than 65 years of the construction of the church and even longer as a significant — and constantly improving — part of the spiritual and civic life of the community on Nov. 15 during a Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney.

Bishop Sweeney was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Father Kamil (Peter) Wierzbicki, pastor of St. Jude’s, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Thomas Friel of St. Jude’s, John Meyer of St. Michael Parish in Netcong, N.J., and Timothy Dunmyer of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mount Arlington, N.J., who is studying for the permanent diaconate in the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, assisted with the liturgy. The parish’s anniversary celebrations have been delayed, initially starting with COVID-19.

“The parishioners at St. Jude’s are close to each other, are good to each other, and help each other. They do what they can to make things happen. They are family,” said Father Wierzbicki, who was named the parish’s administrator in 2018 and pastor the following year. “Lake Hopatcong is a beautiful small rural community. It’s quiet, except in the summer, when people come to their vacation homes around the lake. The community recognizes St. Jude’s importance spiritually, historically, and socially and relies on us.”


Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The 400-family St. Jude’s has groups such as the Rosary Altar Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the Men’s Prayer Group. The parish has supported outreaches such as food and holiday gift drives for families in need, programs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Alcoholics Anonymous, and community activities, such as blood drives, carnivals, dances, card parties, variety shows, Bingo, and school events. St. Jude’s belongs to the Lakeland Association of Churches of Lake Hopatcong.

To help meet the needs of the parish and community, St. Jude’s has made improvements to its facilities, including to its parish center and the parking lot, which was repaved. Renovations to the church have included a new altar of the tabernacle, an organ, a choir loft, and the renovation of the readers’ stands.

The heritage of St. Jude parish lies in the mission churches that sprang up around Lake Hopatcong in the early 20th century to serve the needs of the resort community’s large summer population.

In the fall of 1958, church construction began, with the formal dedication occurring Aug. 16, 1959, as a mission church of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mount Arlington, N.J. In 1966, the mission church St. Jude was promoted to parish status and assumed responsibility for the mission church St. Joseph in the Northwood section of Hopatcong, N.J. Father Joseph W. Molloy was the first pastor of St. Jude’s, which initially served 90 families.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

With joy, St. Jude Parish in the Lake Hopatcong neighborhood of Jefferson, N.J., marked more than 65 years of the construction of the church and even longer as a significant — and constantly improving — part of the spiritual and civic life of the community on Nov. 15 during a Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney. Bishop Sweeney was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Father Kamil (Peter) Wierzbicki, pastor of St. Jude’s, concelebrated the Mass. Deacon Thomas Friel of St. Jude’s, John Meyer of St. Michael Parish in Netcong, N.J., and Timothy Dunmyer of Our Lady of

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2 Filippini Sisters mark 50 years of service in Morristown #Catholic - Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio and Sister Donna Gaglioti of the Religious Teachers Filippini of the Province of St. Lucy Filippini on Nov. 15 rejoiced in each celebrating 50 years in consecrated life during a Mass in the community’s motherhouse chapel in Morristown, N.J.
Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey celebrated the Mass for the two Jubilarians. Father Robert Kaeding, a retired priest of the Trenton Diocese, also in New Jersey, and a longtime associate of Sister Gaglioti’s, concelebrated the liturgy.

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The Filippini Sisters schedule a Mass for their Jubilarians close to Nov. 12, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That’s when the sisters renew their oblation, their vows to the Pontifical Order Teachers Filippini.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
 [See image gallery at beaconnj.org]  

2 Filippini Sisters mark 50 years of service in Morristown #Catholic –

Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio and Sister Donna Gaglioti of the Religious Teachers Filippini of the Province of St. Lucy Filippini on Nov. 15 rejoiced in each celebrating 50 years in consecrated life during a Mass in the community’s motherhouse chapel in Morristown, N.J.

Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey celebrated the Mass for the two Jubilarians. Father Robert Kaeding, a retired priest of the Trenton Diocese, also in New Jersey, and a longtime associate of Sister Gaglioti’s, concelebrated the liturgy.


Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

The Filippini Sisters schedule a Mass for their Jubilarians close to Nov. 12, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That’s when the sisters renew their oblation, their vows to the Pontifical Order Teachers Filippini.

BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI

Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio and Sister Donna Gaglioti of the Religious Teachers Filippini of the Province of St. Lucy Filippini on Nov. 15 rejoiced in each celebrating 50 years in consecrated life during a Mass in the community’s motherhouse chapel in Morristown, N.J. Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey celebrated the Mass for the two Jubilarians. Father Robert Kaeding, a retired priest of the Trenton Diocese, also in New Jersey, and a longtime associate of Sister Gaglioti’s, concelebrated the liturgy. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. The Filippini Sisters schedule a Mass

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The saint of Christmas and ecumenism: Bari celebrates St. Nicholas – #Catholic – 
 
 Statue of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Bari, Italy, at the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas. / Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa

ACI Stampa, Dec 6, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).
The people of Bari, a city in southern Italy, have a deep devotion to St. Nicholas, their patron saint and beloved protector.“How can you not love St. Nicholas? And how can you not feel loved by St. Nicholas?” Father Giovanni Distante, the rector of Bari’s Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas, told ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner.“The relationship between the people of Bari and St. Nicholas is one of love,” the rector continued, “a relationship that began in 1087 and continues to this day.”On Dec. 6, Bari, Italy, is filled with “illuminations,” a choreographed display of lights in the narrow streets of the city that are lit up for the feast of St. Nicholas and also for Christmas. This year’s program is once again full of events and celebrations. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.It all began in 1087 when 62 brave sailors managed to rescue the relics of St. Nicholas, bringing them from the city of Myra in Asia, St. Nicholas’ hometown, to their beloved city in southern Italy, Bari, in Puglia. The Basilica of St. Nicholas was built to hold the relics, which it still does today. Every year, countless pilgrims continue to pay homage at the tomb of St. Nicholas, the saint of Christmas, who is loved by adults and children alike.St. Nicholas is also an important figure in ecumenical dialogue, uniting Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Protestants.“St. Nicholas, as bishop of Myra, naturally influenced millions of faithful in the East and West, not only as bishop of Myra but also as patron, if we may say so, of Eastern and Western Christianity.  So much so that St. Nicholas is venerated as the ‘Saint of Ecumenism,’ because he manages to unite the two realities, the two Christian traditions, both Eastern and Western,” Distante said.St. Nicholas occupies a special place in everyone’s hearts in December. Considered the saint of Christmas and remembered for his care for children, he was much loved for the protection he offered them. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession, particularly for the benefit of young women and children.“St. Nicholas intervenes where concrete action is needed in love, practicality, justice, and, of course, sharing,” Distante explained.St. Nicholas is celebrated twice a year in Bari: on Dec. 6 and on May 9.“Dec. 6 is the liturgical feast of the saint, commemorating the day of his death, which becomes the new birth of St. Nicholas in heaven,” the rector of the Basilica of St. Nicholas explained. On May 9, he continued, “we celebrate the event of the transfer of St. Nicholas’ relics to Bari with a large procession by sea.”On Dec. 6, Bari is filled with “illuminations,” a choreographed display of lights in the narrow streets of the city that are lit up for the feast of St. Nicholas and also for Christmas. This year’s program is once again full of events and celebrations.On the feast of St. Nicholas, the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari opened at 4 a.m. and at 5 a.m., the first Mass was celebrated, followed by five more Masses throughout the morning. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.The Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari opened at 4 a.m. on Dec. 6. At 5 a.m., the first Mass was celebrated, presided over by Distante, and followed by five more Masses throughout the morning.The start of the first Mass was preceded, at 4:30 a.m., by the sounding of reveille and the arrival of the St. Nicholas torchlight procession. In the early hours of the day, a group of bagpipers will enliven the alleys of the old town around the basilica. At 6 p.m., there will be a solemn Mass celebrated by Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi of Cagliari and Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari-Bitonto. At the end of Mass, the procession with a statue of the saint will pass through the streets of the old town. In the evening, at 8:30 p.m., there will be a fireworks display from the Sant’Antonio pier.On the feast of St. Nicholas, Dec. 6, the faithful flock to the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy, where Masses are celebrated throughout the day. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI StampaOne of the essential customs of the feast of St. Nicholas for the people of Bari is hot chocolate, enjoyed in the alleys of old Bari to warm up after Mass in the basilica.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

The saint of Christmas and ecumenism: Bari celebrates St. Nicholas – #Catholic – Statue of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Bari, Italy, at the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas. / Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa ACI Stampa, Dec 6, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA). The people of Bari, a city in southern Italy, have a deep devotion to St. Nicholas, their patron saint and beloved protector.“How can you not love St. Nicholas? And how can you not feel loved by St. Nicholas?” Father Giovanni Distante, the rector of Bari’s Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas, told ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner.“The relationship between the people of Bari and St. Nicholas is one of love,” the rector continued, “a relationship that began in 1087 and continues to this day.”On Dec. 6, Bari, Italy, is filled with “illuminations,” a choreographed display of lights in the narrow streets of the city that are lit up for the feast of St. Nicholas and also for Christmas. This year’s program is once again full of events and celebrations. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.It all began in 1087 when 62 brave sailors managed to rescue the relics of St. Nicholas, bringing them from the city of Myra in Asia, St. Nicholas’ hometown, to their beloved city in southern Italy, Bari, in Puglia. The Basilica of St. Nicholas was built to hold the relics, which it still does today. Every year, countless pilgrims continue to pay homage at the tomb of St. Nicholas, the saint of Christmas, who is loved by adults and children alike.St. Nicholas is also an important figure in ecumenical dialogue, uniting Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Protestants.“St. Nicholas, as bishop of Myra, naturally influenced millions of faithful in the East and West, not only as bishop of Myra but also as patron, if we may say so, of Eastern and Western Christianity.  So much so that St. Nicholas is venerated as the ‘Saint of Ecumenism,’ because he manages to unite the two realities, the two Christian traditions, both Eastern and Western,” Distante said.St. Nicholas occupies a special place in everyone’s hearts in December. Considered the saint of Christmas and remembered for his care for children, he was much loved for the protection he offered them. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession, particularly for the benefit of young women and children.“St. Nicholas intervenes where concrete action is needed in love, practicality, justice, and, of course, sharing,” Distante explained.St. Nicholas is celebrated twice a year in Bari: on Dec. 6 and on May 9.“Dec. 6 is the liturgical feast of the saint, commemorating the day of his death, which becomes the new birth of St. Nicholas in heaven,” the rector of the Basilica of St. Nicholas explained. On May 9, he continued, “we celebrate the event of the transfer of St. Nicholas’ relics to Bari with a large procession by sea.”On Dec. 6, Bari is filled with “illuminations,” a choreographed display of lights in the narrow streets of the city that are lit up for the feast of St. Nicholas and also for Christmas. This year’s program is once again full of events and celebrations.On the feast of St. Nicholas, the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari opened at 4 a.m. and at 5 a.m., the first Mass was celebrated, followed by five more Masses throughout the morning. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.The Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari opened at 4 a.m. on Dec. 6. At 5 a.m., the first Mass was celebrated, presided over by Distante, and followed by five more Masses throughout the morning.The start of the first Mass was preceded, at 4:30 a.m., by the sounding of reveille and the arrival of the St. Nicholas torchlight procession. In the early hours of the day, a group of bagpipers will enliven the alleys of the old town around the basilica. At 6 p.m., there will be a solemn Mass celebrated by Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi of Cagliari and Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari-Bitonto. At the end of Mass, the procession with a statue of the saint will pass through the streets of the old town. In the evening, at 8:30 p.m., there will be a fireworks display from the Sant’Antonio pier.On the feast of St. Nicholas, Dec. 6, the faithful flock to the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy, where Masses are celebrated throughout the day. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI StampaOne of the essential customs of the feast of St. Nicholas for the people of Bari is hot chocolate, enjoyed in the alleys of old Bari to warm up after Mass in the basilica.This story was first published by ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.


Statue of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Bari, Italy, at the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas. / Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa

ACI Stampa, Dec 6, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

The people of Bari, a city in southern Italy, have a deep devotion to St. Nicholas, their patron saint and beloved protector.

“How can you not love St. Nicholas? And how can you not feel loved by St. Nicholas?” Father Giovanni Distante, the rector of Bari’s Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas, told ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner.

“The relationship between the people of Bari and St. Nicholas is one of love,” the rector continued, “a relationship that began in 1087 and continues to this day.”

On Dec. 6, Bari, Italy, is filled with “illuminations,” a choreographed display of lights in the narrow streets of the city that are lit up for the feast of St. Nicholas and also for Christmas. This year’s program is once again full of events and celebrations. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.
On Dec. 6, Bari, Italy, is filled with “illuminations,” a choreographed display of lights in the narrow streets of the city that are lit up for the feast of St. Nicholas and also for Christmas. This year’s program is once again full of events and celebrations. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.

It all began in 1087 when 62 brave sailors managed to rescue the relics of St. Nicholas, bringing them from the city of Myra in Asia, St. Nicholas’ hometown, to their beloved city in southern Italy, Bari, in Puglia. The Basilica of St. Nicholas was built to hold the relics, which it still does today. Every year, countless pilgrims continue to pay homage at the tomb of St. Nicholas, the saint of Christmas, who is loved by adults and children alike.

St. Nicholas is also an important figure in ecumenical dialogue, uniting Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Protestants.

“St. Nicholas, as bishop of Myra, naturally influenced millions of faithful in the East and West, not only as bishop of Myra but also as patron, if we may say so, of Eastern and Western Christianity.  So much so that St. Nicholas is venerated as the ‘Saint of Ecumenism,’ because he manages to unite the two realities, the two Christian traditions, both Eastern and Western,” Distante said.

St. Nicholas occupies a special place in everyone’s hearts in December. Considered the saint of Christmas and remembered for his care for children, he was much loved for the protection he offered them. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession, particularly for the benefit of young women and children.

“St. Nicholas intervenes where concrete action is needed in love, practicality, justice, and, of course, sharing,” Distante explained.

St. Nicholas is celebrated twice a year in Bari: on Dec. 6 and on May 9.

“Dec. 6 is the liturgical feast of the saint, commemorating the day of his death, which becomes the new birth of St. Nicholas in heaven,” the rector of the Basilica of St. Nicholas explained. 

On May 9, he continued, “we celebrate the event of the transfer of St. Nicholas’ relics to Bari with a large procession by sea.”

On Dec. 6, Bari is filled with “illuminations,” a choreographed display of lights in the narrow streets of the city that are lit up for the feast of St. Nicholas and also for Christmas. This year’s program is once again full of events and celebrations.

On the feast of St. Nicholas, the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari opened at 4 a.m. and at 5 a.m., the first Mass was celebrated, followed by five more Masses throughout the morning. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.
On the feast of St. Nicholas, the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari opened at 4 a.m. and at 5 a.m., the first Mass was celebrated, followed by five more Masses throughout the morning. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa.

The Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari opened at 4 a.m. on Dec. 6. At 5 a.m., the first Mass was celebrated, presided over by Distante, and followed by five more Masses throughout the morning.

The start of the first Mass was preceded, at 4:30 a.m., by the sounding of reveille and the arrival of the St. Nicholas torchlight procession. In the early hours of the day, a group of bagpipers will enliven the alleys of the old town around the basilica. At 6 p.m., there will be a solemn Mass celebrated by Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi of Cagliari and Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari-Bitonto. At the end of Mass, the procession with a statue of the saint will pass through the streets of the old town. In the evening, at 8:30 p.m., there will be a fireworks display from the Sant’Antonio pier.

On the feast of St. Nicholas, Dec. 6, the faithful flock to the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy, where Masses are celebrated throughout the day. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa
On the feast of St. Nicholas, Dec. 6, the faithful flock to the Pontifical Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy, where Masses are celebrated throughout the day. Credit: Veronica Giacometti/ACI Stampa

One of the essential customs of the feast of St. Nicholas for the people of Bari is hot chocolate, enjoyed in the alleys of old Bari to warm up after Mass in the basilica.

This story was first published by ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Christmas 2025: Handmade gifts from 14 Catholic monasteries #Catholic 
 
 The contemplative Sisters of the Monastery of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor, New York, support themselves by offering their hand-painted chinaware and other unique gifts for sale. / Credit: Monastery of Bethlehem

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 6, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).
Many monasteries and communities of religious brothers and sisters depend on proceeds from the sales of their products to sustain their lives of prayer and service throughout the year. These days, most have online gift shops that will ship your purchases to arrive before Christmas.Here’s a guide to some of our favorite handmade gifts to give and receive this year:Fudge and candyMonk Bakery Gifts, Monastery of the Holy Spirit: Monks in Conyers, Georgia, make their famous fudge with premium chocolate and real butter. Try a 12-ounce gift box for . And for a taste of Georgia, try their Southern Touch fudge, “made with real peach morsels, pecans, and a touch of peach brandy.”Monastery Candy, Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey: These contemplative nuns in Dubuque, Iowa, are known for their delicious caramels, which they make by hand to support their way of life. A 9-ounce box of chocolate-covered caramels sells for .55.Monastery Creamed Honey, Holy Cross Abbey: The monks at Our Lady of the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia, support themselves financially through their own labor, a characteristic of the Cistercian order’s way of life. Their 100% natural Monastery Creamed Honey, locally sourced in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, makes a great gift. A set of four 10-ounce tubs includes natural-, cinnamon-, almond-, and brandy-flavored honey and sells for .95. Add some delicious chocolate truffles to the order for a sure-to-be-appreciated Christmas gift.CookiesClarisa Cookies, Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters: The Capuchin Poor Clare nuns make their famous butter cookies from their monastery in Denver. The “Clarisas” come in a beautiful gift box featuring an image of St. Clare and sell for  for a 1.5-pound box.Monks’ Biscotti, Abbey of the Genesee: The Trappist monks of the Abbey of the Genesee have been baking from their monastery in western New York since 1953. As their website explains: “The bakery supports the monastery’s primary mission, which is to pray for the world.” The twice-baked biscotti is a popular item, which makes a great gift basket when combined with monk-made coffee and a mug. A bundle of four boxes of biscotti in a variety of flavors sells for .99. Springerele Christmas cookies, Sisters of St. Benedict: The Benedictine religious sisters are known for their Springerele cookies, a traditional German treat with an “Old World” charm. A package of six cookies, each bearing a different, intricate design, sells for . CoffeeMystic Monk Coffee, Carmelites Monks of Wyoming Monastery: The Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel live a cloistered life in the Rocky Mountains in the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. They help support themselves through Mystic Monk Coffee, which they roast in small batches. The website CoffeeReview.com ranks their coffee among the highest of the coffees it reviews. A 12-ounce bag of their most popular flavor, Jingle Bell Java, sells for .95 in the EWTN Religious Catalogue. Visit their website for more coffee selections.FruitcakeBrandy-dipped fruitcake, New Camaldoli Hermitage: With all due respect, this is not your grandmother’s fruitcake. The monks of New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California, offer a fruitcake soaked in brandy and aged for three months. It “has converted many a fruitcake ‘atheist,’” according to its creators. Order a 1-pound fruitcake for .98.Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcake, Monks of the Abbey of Gethsemani: At their monastery in New Haven, Kentucky, Trappist monks offer a 20-ounce Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcake along with a jar of Trappist Apricot-Pineapple preserves and a jar of Trappist Quince Jelly, which makes a lovely Christmas gift for .50.BeerBirra Nursia, Benedictine Monks of Norcia: In 2012, a community of Benedictine monks revived the order’s ancient beer-making tradition at their 16th-century monastery in Nursia, the birthplace of St. Benedict. Tragically, four years later, a devastating earthquake struck, seriously damaging their monastery and threatening their way of life. Today, their monastery is open again thanks to money raised in part from the beer they make and sell and export to the United States and elsewhere. Beer in 750-milliliter (25-ounce) bottles is available at their U.S. online store for .99 each.Handmade Christmas-themed giftsChristmas Boutique, Monastery of Bethlehem: The contemplative Sisters of the Monastery of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor, New York, support themselves by offering their hand-painted chinaware and other unique gifts for sale. This Christmas their online shop features several Christmas-related items that would make wonderful gifts. A beautiful hand-carved Nativity, made in the sisters’ monastery in Mougères, France, includes Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus, and a wooden manger, and sells for 0. This is a great value for a keepsake that is sure to be passed down from generation to generation. Or why not come bearing the gift of myrrh this Christmas with an attractive tin of imported incense ()? Also available: a pack of five Christmas greeting cards, hand-calligraphed by the sisters and duplicated on fine paper. Each card features a mystery of the lives of Jesus and Mary.Custom rosaries, Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts: The cloistered nuns of the Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts in Colorado also offer several handmade items that would make beautiful gifts including custom, handmade rosaries. Those interested can choose their own beads, crucifix, centerpiece, the option to add decorative caps and side medals, and whether you would like the rosary to be a one-decade, five-decade, or 15-decade rosary.Gifts from the Holy LandHoly Land gifts, Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America: The Franciscan friars based at their monastery in Washington, D.C., are dedicated to supporting and protecting the sacred sites and people of the Holy Land. They sell products made by artisans in the Holy Land to help their businesses so they can continue to live in the land of their forefathers. Among the gifts at the Holy Land gift shop are hand-painted ceramic candleholders made by a young artist in Bethlehem; olive wood Nativity sets, crosses, and rosaries; and olive oil soap. Visit the Holy Land Gift Shop here. Soaps and candlesCloister Shoppe, Summit Dominicans: The nuns from the Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary in Summit, New Jersey, live a life of prayer through Eucharistic adoration and dedication to the rosary. To support this way of life they create handmade candles and skin-care products, which they sell at their Cloister Shoppe. Create your own Christmas gift bag of two bars of soap, a hand cream, a jar candle, a face moisturizer, and a handmade rosary made from olive wood beads from the Holy Land for . Throw in a pair of Bayberry Christmas Eve Tapers for  to give your holiday table a festive glow.

Christmas 2025: Handmade gifts from 14 Catholic monasteries #Catholic The contemplative Sisters of the Monastery of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor, New York, support themselves by offering their hand-painted chinaware and other unique gifts for sale. / Credit: Monastery of Bethlehem Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 6, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA). Many monasteries and communities of religious brothers and sisters depend on proceeds from the sales of their products to sustain their lives of prayer and service throughout the year. These days, most have online gift shops that will ship your purchases to arrive before Christmas.Here’s a guide to some of our favorite handmade gifts to give and receive this year:Fudge and candyMonk Bakery Gifts, Monastery of the Holy Spirit: Monks in Conyers, Georgia, make their famous fudge with premium chocolate and real butter. Try a 12-ounce gift box for $15. And for a taste of Georgia, try their Southern Touch fudge, “made with real peach morsels, pecans, and a touch of peach brandy.”Monastery Candy, Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey: These contemplative nuns in Dubuque, Iowa, are known for their delicious caramels, which they make by hand to support their way of life. A 9-ounce box of chocolate-covered caramels sells for $16.55.Monastery Creamed Honey, Holy Cross Abbey: The monks at Our Lady of the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia, support themselves financially through their own labor, a characteristic of the Cistercian order’s way of life. Their 100% natural Monastery Creamed Honey, locally sourced in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, makes a great gift. A set of four 10-ounce tubs includes natural-, cinnamon-, almond-, and brandy-flavored honey and sells for $35.95. Add some delicious chocolate truffles to the order for a sure-to-be-appreciated Christmas gift.CookiesClarisa Cookies, Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters: The Capuchin Poor Clare nuns make their famous butter cookies from their monastery in Denver. The “Clarisas” come in a beautiful gift box featuring an image of St. Clare and sell for $18 for a 1.5-pound box.Monks’ Biscotti, Abbey of the Genesee: The Trappist monks of the Abbey of the Genesee have been baking from their monastery in western New York since 1953. As their website explains: “The bakery supports the monastery’s primary mission, which is to pray for the world.” The twice-baked biscotti is a popular item, which makes a great gift basket when combined with monk-made coffee and a mug. A bundle of four boxes of biscotti in a variety of flavors sells for $33.99. Springerele Christmas cookies, Sisters of St. Benedict: The Benedictine religious sisters are known for their Springerele cookies, a traditional German treat with an “Old World” charm. A package of six cookies, each bearing a different, intricate design, sells for $11. CoffeeMystic Monk Coffee, Carmelites Monks of Wyoming Monastery: The Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel live a cloistered life in the Rocky Mountains in the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. They help support themselves through Mystic Monk Coffee, which they roast in small batches. The website CoffeeReview.com ranks their coffee among the highest of the coffees it reviews. A 12-ounce bag of their most popular flavor, Jingle Bell Java, sells for $14.95 in the EWTN Religious Catalogue. Visit their website for more coffee selections.FruitcakeBrandy-dipped fruitcake, New Camaldoli Hermitage: With all due respect, this is not your grandmother’s fruitcake. The monks of New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California, offer a fruitcake soaked in brandy and aged for three months. It “has converted many a fruitcake ‘atheist,’” according to its creators. Order a 1-pound fruitcake for $27.98.Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcake, Monks of the Abbey of Gethsemani: At their monastery in New Haven, Kentucky, Trappist monks offer a 20-ounce Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcake along with a jar of Trappist Apricot-Pineapple preserves and a jar of Trappist Quince Jelly, which makes a lovely Christmas gift for $33.50.BeerBirra Nursia, Benedictine Monks of Norcia: In 2012, a community of Benedictine monks revived the order’s ancient beer-making tradition at their 16th-century monastery in Nursia, the birthplace of St. Benedict. Tragically, four years later, a devastating earthquake struck, seriously damaging their monastery and threatening their way of life. Today, their monastery is open again thanks to money raised in part from the beer they make and sell and export to the United States and elsewhere. Beer in 750-milliliter (25-ounce) bottles is available at their U.S. online store for $15.99 each.Handmade Christmas-themed giftsChristmas Boutique, Monastery of Bethlehem: The contemplative Sisters of the Monastery of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor, New York, support themselves by offering their hand-painted chinaware and other unique gifts for sale. This Christmas their online shop features several Christmas-related items that would make wonderful gifts. A beautiful hand-carved Nativity, made in the sisters’ monastery in Mougères, France, includes Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus, and a wooden manger, and sells for $180. This is a great value for a keepsake that is sure to be passed down from generation to generation. Or why not come bearing the gift of myrrh this Christmas with an attractive tin of imported incense ($56)? Also available: a pack of five Christmas greeting cards, hand-calligraphed by the sisters and duplicated on fine paper. Each card features a mystery of the lives of Jesus and Mary.Custom rosaries, Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts: The cloistered nuns of the Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts in Colorado also offer several handmade items that would make beautiful gifts including custom, handmade rosaries. Those interested can choose their own beads, crucifix, centerpiece, the option to add decorative caps and side medals, and whether you would like the rosary to be a one-decade, five-decade, or 15-decade rosary.Gifts from the Holy LandHoly Land gifts, Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America: The Franciscan friars based at their monastery in Washington, D.C., are dedicated to supporting and protecting the sacred sites and people of the Holy Land. They sell products made by artisans in the Holy Land to help their businesses so they can continue to live in the land of their forefathers. Among the gifts at the Holy Land gift shop are hand-painted ceramic candleholders made by a young artist in Bethlehem; olive wood Nativity sets, crosses, and rosaries; and olive oil soap. Visit the Holy Land Gift Shop here. Soaps and candlesCloister Shoppe, Summit Dominicans: The nuns from the Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary in Summit, New Jersey, live a life of prayer through Eucharistic adoration and dedication to the rosary. To support this way of life they create handmade candles and skin-care products, which they sell at their Cloister Shoppe. Create your own Christmas gift bag of two bars of soap, a hand cream, a jar candle, a face moisturizer, and a handmade rosary made from olive wood beads from the Holy Land for $50. Throw in a pair of Bayberry Christmas Eve Tapers for $18 to give your holiday table a festive glow.


The contemplative Sisters of the Monastery of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor, New York, support themselves by offering their hand-painted chinaware and other unique gifts for sale. / Credit: Monastery of Bethlehem

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 6, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Many monasteries and communities of religious brothers and sisters depend on proceeds from the sales of their products to sustain their lives of prayer and service throughout the year. These days, most have online gift shops that will ship your purchases to arrive before Christmas.

Here’s a guide to some of our favorite handmade gifts to give and receive this year:

Fudge and candy

Monk Bakery Gifts, Monastery of the Holy Spirit: Monks in Conyers, Georgia, make their famous fudge with premium chocolate and real butter. Try a 12-ounce gift box for $15. And for a taste of Georgia, try their Southern Touch fudge, “made with real peach morsels, pecans, and a touch of peach brandy.”

Monastery Candy, Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey: These contemplative nuns in Dubuque, Iowa, are known for their delicious caramels, which they make by hand to support their way of life. A 9-ounce box of chocolate-covered caramels sells for $16.55.

Monastery Creamed Honey, Holy Cross Abbey: The monks at Our Lady of the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia, support themselves financially through their own labor, a characteristic of the Cistercian order’s way of life. Their 100% natural Monastery Creamed Honey, locally sourced in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, makes a great gift. A set of four 10-ounce tubs includes natural-, cinnamon-, almond-, and brandy-flavored honey and sells for $35.95. Add some delicious chocolate truffles to the order for a sure-to-be-appreciated Christmas gift.

Cookies

Clarisa Cookies, Capuchin Poor Clare Sisters: The Capuchin Poor Clare nuns make their famous butter cookies from their monastery in Denver. The “Clarisas” come in a beautiful gift box featuring an image of St. Clare and sell for $18 for a 1.5-pound box.

Monks’ Biscotti, Abbey of the Genesee: The Trappist monks of the Abbey of the Genesee have been baking from their monastery in western New York since 1953. As their website explains: “The bakery supports the monastery’s primary mission, which is to pray for the world.” The twice-baked biscotti is a popular item, which makes a great gift basket when combined with monk-made coffee and a mug. A bundle of four boxes of biscotti in a variety of flavors sells for $33.99

Springerele Christmas cookies, Sisters of St. Benedict: The Benedictine religious sisters are known for their Springerele cookies, a traditional German treat with an “Old World” charm. A package of six cookies, each bearing a different, intricate design, sells for $11. 

Coffee

Mystic Monk Coffee, Carmelites Monks of Wyoming Monastery: The Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel live a cloistered life in the Rocky Mountains in the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. They help support themselves through Mystic Monk Coffee, which they roast in small batches. The website CoffeeReview.com ranks their coffee among the highest of the coffees it reviews. A 12-ounce bag of their most popular flavor, Jingle Bell Java, sells for $14.95 in the EWTN Religious Catalogue. Visit their website for more coffee selections.

Fruitcake

Brandy-dipped fruitcake, New Camaldoli Hermitage: With all due respect, this is not your grandmother’s fruitcake. The monks of New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, California, offer a fruitcake soaked in brandy and aged for three months. It “has converted many a fruitcake ‘atheist,’” according to its creators. Order a 1-pound fruitcake for $27.98.

Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcake, Monks of the Abbey of Gethsemani: At their monastery in New Haven, Kentucky, Trappist monks offer a 20-ounce Kentucky Bourbon Fruitcake along with a jar of Trappist Apricot-Pineapple preserves and a jar of Trappist Quince Jelly, which makes a lovely Christmas gift for $33.50.

Beer

Birra Nursia, Benedictine Monks of Norcia: In 2012, a community of Benedictine monks revived the order’s ancient beer-making tradition at their 16th-century monastery in Nursia, the birthplace of St. Benedict. Tragically, four years later, a devastating earthquake struck, seriously damaging their monastery and threatening their way of life. Today, their monastery is open again thanks to money raised in part from the beer they make and sell and export to the United States and elsewhere. Beer in 750-milliliter (25-ounce) bottles is available at their U.S. online store for $15.99 each.

Handmade Christmas-themed gifts

Christmas Boutique, Monastery of Bethlehem: The contemplative Sisters of the Monastery of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor, New York, support themselves by offering their hand-painted chinaware and other unique gifts for sale. This Christmas their online shop features several Christmas-related items that would make wonderful gifts. 

A beautiful hand-carved Nativity, made in the sisters’ monastery in Mougères, France, includes Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus, and a wooden manger, and sells for $180. This is a great value for a keepsake that is sure to be passed down from generation to generation. Or why not come bearing the gift of myrrh this Christmas with an attractive tin of imported incense ($56)? Also available: a pack of five Christmas greeting cards, hand-calligraphed by the sisters and duplicated on fine paper. Each card features a mystery of the lives of Jesus and Mary.

Custom rosaries, Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts: The cloistered nuns of the Carmelite Monastery of the Sacred Hearts in Colorado also offer several handmade items that would make beautiful gifts including custom, handmade rosaries. Those interested can choose their own beads, crucifix, centerpiece, the option to add decorative caps and side medals, and whether you would like the rosary to be a one-decade, five-decade, or 15-decade rosary.

Gifts from the Holy Land

Holy Land gifts, Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America: The Franciscan friars based at their monastery in Washington, D.C., are dedicated to supporting and protecting the sacred sites and people of the Holy Land. They sell products made by artisans in the Holy Land to help their businesses so they can continue to live in the land of their forefathers. Among the gifts at the Holy Land gift shop are hand-painted ceramic candleholders made by a young artist in Bethlehem; olive wood Nativity sets, crosses, and rosaries; and olive oil soap. Visit the Holy Land Gift Shop here

Soaps and candles

Cloister Shoppe, Summit Dominicans: The nuns from the Dominican Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary in Summit, New Jersey, live a life of prayer through Eucharistic adoration and dedication to the rosary. To support this way of life they create handmade candles and skin-care products, which they sell at their Cloister Shoppe. Create your own Christmas gift bag of two bars of soap, a hand cream, a jar candle, a face moisturizer, and a handmade rosary made from olive wood beads from the Holy Land for $50. Throw in a pair of Bayberry Christmas Eve Tapers for $18 to give your holiday table a festive glow.

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