Chad Pregracke of East Moline, Ill., who is recognized worldwide for energizing people to join him in cleaning up rivers and planting trees, will receive the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award, an interfaith award overseen by the Catholic Diocese of Davenport .

With the opening of the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis’ schedule of liturgies in December and January has expanded.

A ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and France between Israel and the Lebanese-based militant group Hezbollah is being welcomed with “profound hope,” said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace.

After meeting Pope Francis and top Vatican officials, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken praised the pope’s commitment to upholding the dignity of LGBTQ people.

Pray today and this week about how God is calling you to witness to Advent, to observe Advent, to pray this Advent. Seriously. For without Advent, it is impossible to truly understand Christmas.