Many Syrians remain apprehensive about how religious minorities, including Christians, will be treated in a new political reality being established by a Sunni militia that is still listed as a terror organization by the U.S. State Department.

Preparing the way of the Lord? Then lose some baggage.

The Nativity scene generated headlines when it was unveiled Dec. 7 because of the presence of the keffiyeh, the black-and-white checkered headscarf that has become a potent symbol of the Palestinian cause.

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, by Jill Rice

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church, by Sebastian Gomes

A Reflection for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, by Leilani Fuentes

In places like Compton and East L.A., Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated as a symbol of hope and protection. She is the protector of the unborn, the oppressed and the immigrants.

A Reflection for Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent, by Michael Simone, S.J.

Perhaps even more shocking than the brazen killing of UnitedHealthcare C.E.O. Brian Thompson was the response in some places to this crime: celebration, lionization and valorization of the killer.

Bishop John Cummins had a significant and lasting impact on the Catholic Church in his own diocese and elsewhere through his quiet leadership and ministry. He was a reminder to many of what Pope Francis meant when he called for bishops who are “pastors, not princes.”