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Pope denounces weapons industry in Christmas plea for world peace

ROME — Pope Francis on Monday blasted the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” that fuel wars as he made a Christmas Day appeal for peace in the world and in particular between Israel and the Palestinians. Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to the throngs of people below, Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel on Oct. 7 and called for the release of hostages. And he begged for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians” as he called for humanitarian ...

Spiritual notes

Epiphany service scheduled Trinity Lutheran Parish — St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Marklesburg and Zion Lutheran Church Petersburg — will host an Epiphany service at the Old Stone Church at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Pastor Richard Henry, pastor of the parish, will lead the service. Each January the church celebrates the Festival of the Epiphany of our Lord. Epiphany means “manifestation,” and on this day Christians celebrate the revelation of Christ to all people, celebrate the Magi’s adoration of the Christ child and celebrate Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan River and his ...

Christians focus on Christmas in troubled world

FRANKFURT, Germany — Christians around the world were striving on Christmas Eve to put aside the worries and fears of an unsettled, war-torn world as they prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Before leading Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, ...

Lakemont menorah lighting brings community together

In the setting of Lakemont Park, Altoona witnessed a display of unity and tradition as the local Jewish community, along with diverse attendees, gathered to celebrate Hanukkah on Dec. 13, 2023. The event, marked by the ceremonial lighting of the menorah, was a change of pace from the rise of ...

Diocese’s Proclaim! TV to present Christmas special

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is once again celebrating the beauty and tradition of Christmas in the local Catholic Church with a one-hour Proclaim! TV special, Joy to the World — Christmas in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. The show, airing at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, on WWCP FOX 8, ...

Catholics required to attend two masses

Practicing Catholics will be required to go to Mass twice between Dec. 23-25 to fulfill two separate obligations. “Because of how Christmas falls on the calendar this year, Catholics are obligated to attend Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent — either Saturday night, Dec. 23, or Sunday, Dec. 24,” said Tony DeGol, director of communications for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. “They are also obligated to attend Mass for the Solemnity of Christmas — either after 4 p.m. on Sunday night, Dec. 24, or on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Attending just a vigil Mass on Christmas Eve, ...