’09 Last-Minute Gift Guide

Christmas is about Christ. It is our prayer that you celebrate the true meaning — Love came to earth — even when the hustle and bustle of the season leaves you scrambling to finish your shopping. To that end, the National Catholic Register and its sister publication, Faith Family magazine, have found some wonderful last-minute gifts. There are ideas for everyone on your gift-giving list, from kids to adults — and kids at heart.


2009 Last-Minute Gift Guide -

St. Juan Diego’s First Church

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City enshrines the famous tilma with the miraculous image of Mary. But there’s another church involved in the story: St. James in Tlatelolco, where St. Juan Diego was headed the day he first encountered Our Lady.

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis