What's so Catholic about Christmas? The Church's celebration of Christmas isn't just for a day (or even twelve) but starts with the joyful waiting of Advent and lasts until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Fascinating stories of some favorite saints—such as Nicholas, Lucy, and Stephen—make their legends come alive, while the history and lore surrounding some of our most popular feasts—such as the Epiphany and the Immaculate Conception—will help you understand the importance of keeping the Mass in Christmas.
Kathleen M. Carroll is the author of A Franciscan Christmas and Keeping the Faith in Ohio: Words of Hope and Comfort from Our Spiritual Leaders (Emmis). Sr. Rose Pacatte, from the Daughters of St. Paul, is an educator, author, and movie reviewer for the Catholic press.