As the first native-born American saint, the 50th anniversary of Mother Seton’s canonization will be celebrated with a full year of spiritually immersive activities — beginning Jan. 4 with an EWTN-televised Mass celebrated by Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori — at the pilgrimage destination bearing her name.

Although Christian leaders in Syria are trying to stay positive about the new Islamist interim government in Damascus, others are pointing to worrying concerns about what lies ahead for the country’s diverse population.

Now 2025 begins. I’m always a little sad to close the book on the past year, but I love the idea of a new beginning. What will this new year bring? What will we bring to this new year?

The Wye Oak Tavern at Visitation Frederick, the new hotel in Frederick, has made quite a stir since its opening on Dec. 19 and not because it is run by Frederick’s famous chefs, brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.

During the Holy Year 2025, Christians should deepen their spiritual lives through adoration and then transform their prayer into concrete acts of service, Pope Francis said.