Although in most of Christendom, especially on the Catholic liturgical calendar, we have the eight days or the Octave of Christmas, along with the feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, you wouldn’t know it in the U.S. thanks to … Continue reading
Location of the First Nativity Gives New Insight to Old Christmas Carols As I stood there overlooking the Rieti valley, in the hilltop town of Greccio, the lyrics to more than one much-loved Christmas carol came to mind. Away … Continue reading
In 1223, St. Francis of Assisi, a deacon, was in Greccio, Italy for Christmas. He had recently visited the Holy Land, and wanted to inspire devotion in the villagers, and himself, for midnight Mass. We don’t know exactly how the … Continue reading
(Makes two dozen miniature Cannoli or about a dozen regular sized) Ingredients: 2 pounds of Ricotta Cheese Pre-made cannoli shells (can be purchased at bulk food stores or Italian markets) 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of cinnamon … Continue reading
Tu scendi dalle stelle (From Starry Skies Descending) is an Italian Christmas Carol written by St. Alphonsus Ligouri in 1732. It is a beloved carol sung by many families on Christmas Eve, including ours. It was my father’s favorite carol … Continue reading