By Princess Jones – November 30, 2024

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a delightful adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s now-classic Christmas book, in theaters now. (Lions Gate Entertainment)

As you dust off your holiday boxes and pull out beloved ornaments and twinkling lights this weekend, odds are good that you already have a list of nostalgic holiday movies as long as the tinsel in your hand. But alongside your treasured classics this season, there are some new gems worth adding to your Christmas movie rotation for a fresh sprinkle of holiday cheer.

From indie gems, to box office movie stars, to Hallmark favorites, these new films offer a delightful range of unique stories that are perfect for the season. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming romance, festive family fun or a good laugh, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“Red One” (PG-13) brings together blockbuster icons Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in an action-packed comedy. Directed by Jake Kasdan, Johnson plays commander of E.L.F. (Enforcement, Logistics and Fortification, and also “Extremely Large and Formidable”), who teams up with Evans to rescue none other than Santa Claus himself — who has been kidnapped! Expect plenty of hilarious banter, epic fight scenes and even a talking bear. You can catch this silly holiday adventure in theaters now.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (PG) is a delightful adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s now-classic Christmas book. When the Herdman siblings — known for lying, stealing and bullying — somehow land the lead roles in the local church’s Christmas pageant, the townspeople are less than thrilled. Directed by Dallas Jenkins, best known for his work on “The Chosen,” the film offers a fresh take on the Christmas story and delivers a touching reminder that no one is beyond God’s grace. Fun for all ages, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is now playing in a movie theater near you.

“To Have and To Holiday” (G) is the kind of whimsical Christmas romance that Hallmark is known for. Newly engaged Celeste and Jason find their journey to the altar taking an unexpected twist when Pastor Mark, the couple’s officiant — and also Celeste’s father — puts the pair through a challenging pre-wedding “boot camp” of Christmas-themed tasks.

Starring Madeleine Arthur, Robert Bazzocchi and Eric Close, this charming movie is sure to captivate couples and Christmas enthusiasts alike. This film is now playing on the Hallmark Channel and streaming on Peacock.

“Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point” (PG-13) is a heartwarming dramedy centered around a family preparing for what could be their final Christmas in their ancestral home. Determined to make this holiday one to remember, the adults’ heartfelt efforts are interspersed with the antics of the teenagers stirring up a bit of trouble along the way. Directed by Tyler Taormina, the film showcases a talented cast of rising stars including Michael Cera (“Barbie”), Francesca Scorsese (“We Are Who We Are”), Gregg Turkington (“Ant-Man”), Elsie Fisher (‘Eighth Grade”) and Sawyer Spielberg (“Masters of the Air”). Available for streaming on AMC+ on Dec. 6, this film promises a mix of nostalgia, humor and heart.

“Three Wiser Men and a Boy” (G) is the sequel to Hallmark’s 2022 hit film, “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” finding the Brenner brothers returning for another unforgettable Christmas, set five years after the first. Luke is determined to make his son’s stage dreams happen, and needs his brothers’ help to pull off a school holiday musical when the director quits. Starring Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker and Margaret Colin, this movie is sure to elicit giggles from young and old. Now playing on the Hallmark Channel and streaming on Peacock.

News & Events

Vatican’s anime-style mascot Luce goes viral on internet with Catholic memes, fan art – CNA

November 3, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Vatican’s anime-style mascot Luce goes viral on internet with Catholic memes, fan art – CNA – By Tyler Arnold – Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 3, 2024

The Vatican on Oct. 28, 2024, unveiled the official mascot for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year: “Luce,” which is Italian for “light.” | Credit: Simone Legno/Toki Doki/Vatican Media

The Vatican introduced an anime-style mascot named Luce to represent Catholic pilgrims in the 2025 Jubilee year on Monday, Oct. 28 — and within a week, the character has already become a viral internet sensation.

In less than seven days, hundreds of memes and fan art renditions of Luce (pronounced Lu-Chay) popped up on social media websites such as Facebook, X, Reddit, and TikTok and have been circulating the platforms.

The character has become particularly popular with Catholic meme accounts and groups but also has a presence in non-Catholic spaces, such as with amateur anime artists, Protestant meme accounts, and some secular and political meme accounts. It has also inspired Halloween costumes and the creation of a cryptocurrency called Luce Token, which has a market capitalization that has surpassed $50 million.

Luce’s symbolism

Luce, which is Italian for “light,” is a blue-haired mascot who wears a rosary around her neck and a yellow raincoat that is meant to symbolize journeying through life’s storms and reflect the color of the Vatican flag. She wears green muddy boots that represent a long and difficult journey and carries a staff meant to symbolize the pilgrimage toward eternity.

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization commissioned the creation of the character, which was designed by Italian artist Simone Legno, who owns the company tokidoki, which creates products with Japanese-inspired designs. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Vatican’s chief organizer for the jubilee, unveiled the mascot during a news conference.

Many of the Luce-inspired memes invoke Christian messages of prayer and warding of the devil. One popular meme, which parodies a famous scene from “The Shining,” shows Luce use her staff to break a hole into a wooden door and stick her face through the hole as the devil cowers in the corner. Some others depict Luce kneeling in prayer.

Several Luce memes spreading around the internet also invoke pro-life messages, such as one that depicts Luce saving a baby from a Planned Parenthood abortion facility. Some memes have put Luce side-by-side with Crusaders.

Father Matthew P. Schneider, LC, a Catholic priest with a large social media following, has embraced the mascot, creating threads on X with more than 70 of his favorite fan art renditions of Luce. Some of the amateur artists are Catholic, but dozens of amateur anime artists who normally produce secular art have also jumped on the trend.

“I like Luce, the mascot for the holy year 2025,” Schneider said on X. “The images seem like a good Christian adaptation of modern culture or inculturation.”

Thomas Graf, the social media manager for Catholic Answers, wrote in an article on Thursday that he worried at first that the character would be a failed attempt to “try to make Church cool and relevant.” However, he notes it was ultimately embraced by some Catholics within all age groups.

“Luce is undeniably adorable,” Graf wrote. “Maybe you disagree, but I have to hand it to the creators: They nailed the look of childlike faith and innocence. And the pilgrimage symbols embedded in her character — muddy boots, Camino de Santiago shells in her eyes, pilgrim’s cross, and World Mission rosary — are subtle. Nothing evokes the overbearing ‘Jesus is COOL, kids!!’ lunkheadedness of, say, VBS mascots.”

Christians who are not Catholic have also jumped on the Luce thread to create their own versions of the character.

One post in the Anglicanism subreddit developed an Anglican version of Luce with symbolism that represents their own denomination. Lutherans on Facebook and X have done the same, making Lutheran versions of Luce and claiming she converted — prompting strong responses from Catholics reclaiming the character. Some Orthodox Christians have made similar posts.

“Been seeing a ton of ‘I’m not Catholic, but Luce is so cute’ posts — THIS IS HOW WE WIN,” one Twitter user said.

Not all Catholics are fans

In spite of the Luce success on social media, not all Catholics are fans of the character.

Traditionalist Catholic theologian Peter Kwasniewski wrote on X that “even if Luce is not ‘evil,’ the fact that she’s kitschy, cutesy, cringey, merchy, and childish is already offensive to the religion of the Logos.”

Kwasniewski also criticized Legno, the artist who designed the character, calling him “a moral degenerate.” Legno’s company tokidoki has promoted homosexual pride and has partnered with one company to produce sex toys.

Edward Feser, a Catholic philosopher and professor at Pasadena City College, also criticized the character on X: “Infantilizing the young with a dumbed down version of Catholicism does them a disservice.”

Some traditionalist-minded Catholics, such as The Daily Wire host Michael Knowles, have been supportive of Luce.

“I attend the Traditional Latin Mass,” Knowles wrote on X. “I wear bowties. I read old books. I smoke cigars. I’m married with three kids under four. I’m what they call a ‘trad.’ And I stan [am a fan of] Luce.”

The Vatican intends to keep moving forward with the mascot. Luce made an appearance at the Lucca Comics & Games convention in Tuscany, Italy this past weekend and will also appear at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan next year.

Community Events, News & Events

PLANT TREES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – Guardian Angels Foundation

July 23, 2024 admin Leave a comment

PLANT TREES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – Guardian Angels Foundation.

PLANT TREES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – Not only plant A Tree but Watch It Grow!!

Even before the world realized the problems with the environment, Lucy Larcom wrote a beautiful poem “Plant a tree” (before 1893). Please read it below:

દર વર્ષે સમગ્ર વિશ્વમાં ૫ જૂન નો દિવસ વિશ્વ પર્યાવરણ દિવસ તરીકે મનાવવામાં આવે છે. પર્યાવરણની જાળવણી માટે વૃક્ષોની વાવણી અને તેનો ઉછેર કરવાની ઉત્કંઠા બધે જ જોવા મળે છે. આપણા ભારત દેશમાં ૨૦૦ કરોડ વૃક્ષોની જરૂર છે. લોકોએ વૃક્ષારોપણની સમસ્યા સરકારના માથે છોડી દીધી છે. વૃક્ષોનુ વાવેતર, ઘડતર, માવજત જરૂરી છે. વૃક્ષ વાવ્યા ના વરસ પછી એ વૃક્ષની હયાતીનું પ્રમાણપત્ર રજૂ કરવાની કોઈ જોગવાઈ કે નિયમ જરૂરી છે એવું નથી લાગતું? હમણાં જ ગુજરાત સમાચાર માં આવેલો આ લેખ વાંચીને ચિંતા થાય એ સ્વાભાવિક છે.

એથી જ આજ પંખી, બહુ ખુશખુશાલ છે;
ઉપવનમાં એનું વૃક્ષ, હવે રાજ્યપાલ છે.
– સુનીલ શાહ

ગાર્ડિયન એન્જલ્સ ફાઉન્ડેશન દ્વારા જૈતુન વાડી પ્રોજેક્ટ પંચવર્ષીય વૃક્ષારોપણ યોજનાનો આરંભ

ગાર્ડિયન એન્જલ્સ ફાઉન્ડેશન (USA) દ્વારા જૈતુન વાડી પ્રોજેક્ટ “પંચવર્ષીય વૃક્ષારોપણ યોજના” નો આરંભ કરવામાં આવ્યો. જૈતુન વાડી પ્રોજેક્ટ યોજના હેઠળ ગાર્ડિયન એન્જલ્સ ફાઉન્ડેશન દ્વારા આગામી ૫ વર્ષમાં કુલ ૫૦૦ ઓલિવ ટ્રી રોપવાનું ધ્યેય રાખવામાં આવેલ છે. જેમાંથી ચાલુ વર્ષે ૧૪૫ ઓલિવ ટ્રી નું રોપણ કરવાનું આયોજન કરેલ છે. આ ઓલિવ/જૈતુન પ્લાન્ટ ઇઝરાયેલથી મંગાવવામાં આવ્યા છે. ગાર્ડિયન એન્જલ પ્રેસિડેન્ટ શિલ્પાબેન મકવાણા તથા પાસ્ટર વી.કે મકવાણા (USA) અને પરિવાર તેમજ સંસ્થાના સર્વ વ્હાલાઓનો આ કાર્ય માટે આભાર. શાંતિ અને એકતાના પ્રતિક સમા ઓલિવ ટ્રી રોપવાની યોજનાનો આરંભ ઈશ્વર કૃપાથી ગંગા ડેરી ફાર્મ CDS રાવળાપુરા આણંદ ખાતે ૨૭/૬/૨૪ ના રોજ કરવામાં આવ્યો. જો કોઈએ આ સેવામાં જોડાવું હોય કે સંસ્થા તથા જૈતુન વાડી પ્રોજેક્ટ વૃક્ષારોપણ યોજના વિશે વધારે માહિતી જોઈતી હોય તો તમે help@GuardianAngels.Foundation ઇ-મેલ ઉપરથી સંસ્થાનો સંપર્ક કરવા નમ્ર વિનંતી.

વૃક્ષારોપણનો આ પ્રોજેક્ટ અને એમાંય આ ઓલિવ વૃક્ષની પસંદગી ખરેખર દાદ અને ધન્યવાદને પાત્ર છે. ફરી આવતા વરસે આ યોજના હેઠળ વૃક્ષારોપણના કાર્યક્રમ પહેલાં આ વરસે રોપેલા ૧૪૫ ઓલિવ ટ્રી ના હયાતી, ઉછેર અને તંદુરસ્તીનો અહેવાલ રજૂ કરશો એવી અપેક્ષા.

Guardian Angels Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Our mission is to cultivate a sustainable future through three core pillars: Environmental stewardship, women’s empowerment, and educational enrichment.

Driven by our values of environmental sustainability, gender equality and education for all, we strive to create a world where communities thrive harmoniously with nature, women and girls are empowered agents of change, and education catalyzes progress and prosperity.

Join us in planting seeds of change, nurturing communities, and growing a brighter future together.

Guided by Faith, embracing Psalm 91:11 ‘For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.’

Nurturing the future: Inspiring olive tree planting initiative

Planting olive trees, symbolizes the growth of love, compassion, and spirituality. Spreading love and harmony is a beacon of hope.

With faith and determination, fostering a culture of peace and understanding.

ગાર્ડિયન એન્જલ્સ ફાઉન્ડેશન (USA) દ્વારા જૈતુન વાડી પ્રોજેક્ટ ના નેજા હેઠળ ગુજરાતના વિવિધ શહેરોમાં ઓલિવ વૃક્ષનું રોપણ કરવામાં આવ્યું એના પિક્ચર્સ………………..

News & Events

How’s that? Keralite priests and seminarians make up official cricket team of Vatican – The New Indian Express

July 2, 2024 admin Leave a comment

How’s that? Keralite priests and seminarians make up official cricket team of Vatican – The New Indian Express.

Amita George Updated on: 27 Jun 2024

The team is presently in England for a tournament which starts on June 28.

Image form the Vatican Cricket Club Facebook page

St. Peter’s Cricket Club, the official cricket team of Vatican, is making waves with its unique composition and aspirations.

The team, formed in 2014, has undergone a significant transformation. At present the team comprises entirely of Keralite priests and seminarians

Initially started as an ecumenical initiative with the Anglicans, the Vatican Cricket Team has expanded to play teams outside the religious sphere.

Inspired by Pope Francis, who in his first year championed the value of sport as a means of fostering dialogue, the club was formed with the aim of strengthening ties with countries and maintaining brotherhood through cricket.

Former team member Fr. Anil Ottakunel said that most members of the team are Indians. This stems from the fact that most of the priests and brothers in Rome are from India or the state of Kerala.

“There were years when it used to be 98 percent Malayalis and 1-2 from other countries,” he said.

At the time of his coming back to India he had participated in a four – match tournament in Malta.

On Friday, St Peter’s Cricket Club will mark a historic milestone as this team plays its first international match.

The competition titled Journey to the Light of Faith, will see the Vatican team competing against England at Wormsley Estate.

“It is a sort of an Evangelisation. It’s also more about forming connections with people”, Fr. Jose Eettulli, present captain of the team, told the newindianexpress. com.

For Fr. Jose, who hails from Changanassery, it’s an enriching experience. It is his seventh year in the team and he has been to Portugal, Kenya, Argentina and many more countries for tournaments. It is his third time in England and he said that they take the tournament seriously but it also serves a greater purpose.

“It is the first time we have an all Malayali team. We have always had mostly Indians in the team with two from England, one from Australia, one from Sri Lanka, three from Pakistan and one from Canada in different years.”

This demographic spread is due to the popularity of cricket in Asian countries and the prominent diversity in culture that is present among Asians. The players keep changing because most of the people who come here are seminarians who have come to study for a period of 3-5 years, said Fr. Jose Reechus, another teammate hailing from Trivandrum.

The practice sessions are the only time when these teammates get together, they are all in different universities or serving in different places.

The coach of the team is Dane Kirby, a former Australian district cricket team player.

“We are trained thoroughly,” said Fr. Eettulli.

“We play County 2 level teams and we have a 70 percent winning rate”. This is not his first captaincy stint. He led the team during the 2019-2020 season as well.

According to him, even though they are all players on the ground, there is a sort of a priestly witness during playing. “Getting angry or frustrated during a sport is common and is accepted. But we try to take and deal with everything gently and with a smile”, he said.

“The priest who is our team manager gave us all the advice that we have always kept close to us. He said that winning or losing is not important, playing with excellence is”.

Apart from the captain Fr. Jose Eetulli, the other members are Fr Nelson Puthuparampil (Kannur), Fr Jose Richus (Thiruvananthapuram), Fr Prince Augustine (Kottayam), Fr Abin Mathew (Pala), Fr Joji Kavunkal (Chalakudy), Fr Santo Thomas (Kannur), Fr Paulson Kochuthara (Kochi), Fr Ebin Illikal (Thrissur), Brother Ebin Jose (Idukki), Brother Jays Jamie (Kothamangalam) and Brother Ajay Poovanpuzha (Kannur).

Image from the Vatican Cricket Club Facebook page

The team is in England for the tournament till July 4th.

News & Events

Bishop Checchio ordains 15 permanent deacons, one transitional deacon – The Catholic Spirit

June 15, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Bishop Checchio ordains 15 permanent deacons, one transitional deacon – The Catholic Spirit – May 20, 2024 by Deacon Patrick Cline

“What a wonderful day for an ordination,” said Bishop James F. Checchio as he began the Mass of Ordination for 16 men to the Diaconate on May 3, the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles. He said these two saints will be “wonderful intercessors and inspiring examples for our brothers today.”

Reflecting on the lives of these two saints, Bishop Checchio told the men he was about to ordain that just as Jesus called down the Holy Spirit upon his Apostles, “the Church now calls down the Holy Spirit upon you. You are ordained today not to fulfill a role in the Church but rather to light a fire, to light a fire in our world, and in our Church.”

Bishop Checchio said St. James reminds us that faith must never be reduced to simply an abstract or verbal declaration but must always be expressed in acts. “So brothers, your ministry must be marked by good works, particularly loving the poor,” the Bishop instructed.

In the Gospel of St. John, St. Philip introduced the Apostle Nathanial to Jesus using the Lord’s own words, “Come and see.” Bishop Checchio said that St. Philip thus urges us to become closely acquainted with and fall in love with Jesus. He assured the candidates that “Jesus promises to be with you always, don’t forget that. May your road to sainthood always be guided by him and by his Blessed Mother.”

Then Bishop Checchio questioned the candidates regarding their willingness to undertake the tasks and obligations of the diaconate. In response, the men expressed their resolve to fulfill the office of deacon in accord with the mind of Christ and of his Church.

In one of the most moving moments common to all ordination rites, to the diaconate, presbyterate and episcopacy, the 16 men prostrated themselves in the biblical gesture of humility. As they did so, they and the congregation were invited to pray the Litany of Supplication invoking “All holy men and women, Saints of God,” many by name, to pray for those men.

Bishop Checchio prayed that God would mercifully hear our prayers for his aid in sanctifying and blessing these candidates the Church has deemed worthy to be tasked with the Office of the Diaconate. Through the laying on of hands by the Bishop on each man, the gift of the Holy Spirit was conferred upon them.

After they were vested with the Stole and Dalmatic, the signs of their new office, the Book of the Gospels was presented to each Deacon by the Bishop with the admonition, “Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practice what you teach.”

A recurring comment from many of the people attending the Ordination Mass was how joyful and moving the Mass was, especially when all the other deacons present exchanged the Kiss of Peace with the newly ordained men. “You could truly see the look of joy on all their faces,” said Anna Bui, wife of Deacon Tuan Bui of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville.

In addition to the men ordained to the permanent diaconate, Rev. Mr. Jerome Roxas Ocampo was ordained a transitional deacon as he continues his journey towards priesthood. Deacon Ocampo said, “Although I knew two deacons from my hospital ministry at St. Peter, I was overwhelmed by the welcome I received from all the deacons present.”

Peter Cain, the son of newly ordained Deacon Paul Cain, paid tribute to his father when he said, “ Dad has been a blessing to our family all my life and now I know that he will be a blessing to all the people of our parish,” Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville, where Deacon Cain will minister.

In his closing remarks as in his homily, the Bishop thanked everyone who had played a role in bringing the new deacons to that day, especially their wives and families. He also expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to making that Mass such a wonderful celebration.

May 3rd was also the eighth anniversary of Bishop Checchio’s episcopal ordination and installation as the Shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen. In a message to the people of the Diocese earlier that day he thanked everyone for their love, prayers, and wonderful cooperation throughout those eight years, “And what a blessing it has been for me!”

Deacon Patrick Cline served as associate director of Formation for the Ordination Class of 2024 and serves in St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater.

ORDINATION TO THE ORDER OF THE DIACONATE by Bishop James F. Checchio/ 05.03.2024 @ 4:00PM / Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen – Please watch the video of the live streaming.

ORDINATION TO THE ORDER OF THE DIACONATE by Bishop James F. Checchio/ 05.03.2024 @ 4:00PM / Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen – Some pictures of the event.

Please click on the image to read the article from The Catholic Spirit dated May 23, 2024.

Please click here to read the whole news paper. – THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT IS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Please click here to read the weekly bulletin of the Church of the Sacred heart, South Plainfield dated 05-19-2024 – the parish of Deacon Ketan Christian. Page 7 about his ordination.

Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield – Sunday Morning Mass // 11:30am // May 5, 2024 Welcome! This morning Mass is brought to you by the Church of the Sacred Heart in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Today, we celebrate newly ordained Deacon Ketan Christian as he preaches his first homily. Our celebrant for today is Father Edmund Luciano assisted by Deacon Ketan Christian. – Video of the Live streaming.

Sunday Mass in Gujarati with Father Paresh Parmar, Episcopal Vicar, Diocese of Ahmedabad and Deacon Ketan Joseph Christian // 3:00pm // May 5, 2024. Welcome! This afternoon Mass is brought to you by the Church of the Sacred Heart in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Our celebrant for today is Father Paresh Parmar, Episcopal Vicar, Diocese of Ahmedabad, assisted by Deacon Ketan Christian. – Video of the Live Streaming.

Please click on the image below to read the article of the Ordination from the Gujarati Catholic monthly magazine “DOOT” – June 2024. This magazine was started in 1911.