On this episode of Catholic Review Radio, George Matysek explores the diaconate from its apostolic origins to its modern-day expression. The program begins with Father Michael Foppiano, pastor of St. Mark in Fallston and director of the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, who addresses common misunderstandings about permanent and transitional deacons, explains their liturgical role at Mass and outlines the formation process for men discerning this vocation.

El pesebre —María, José y el Niño Jesús— es una imagen navideña que se encuentra en todo el mundo. Grande o pequeño, tallado en madera, esculpido en piedra o tejido con lana, el pesebre representa el verdadero significado de la festividad.

The Nativity scene – Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus – is a Christmas image found worldwide. Big or small, carved from wood, sculpted from stone or knitted from yarn, the crèche represents the true meaning of the holiday. 

The Jubilee of Hope, begun by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo XIV, reaches its pinnacle as we make our way through Advent toward the dazzling light of Christmas. It is a sacred moment for us to gather up our fears and anxieties, including those we absorb from the world around us, and entrust them to the Lord of history, the redeemer of the world.

So rejoice this day. For the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is the beginning of the wedding feast of the Lamb. And we are guests to both.