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Pope Leo XIV welcomes the President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. With the Secretary of State, talks included mutual appreciation for the strong bilateral relations and the international context, with a focus on the war in Ukraine and its repercussions for European security.
Holy See Press Office
Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in audience His Excellency Mr. Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic, who later met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, accompanied by the Reverend Monsignor Mihăiță Blaj, Under-Secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State, mutual appreciation for the strong bilateral relations was expressed, particularly in light of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Agreement between the Holy See and the Slovak Republic. The commitment to supporting and strengthening social cohesion, promoting justice, and safeguarding the family was also reaffirmed.
The international context was also discussed, with particular attention given to the war in Ukraine and its impact on European security, as well as the situation in the Middle East.
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The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations continues its efforts, including through Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, for the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
Vatican News
The Holy See will continue its efforts to ensure that Ukrainian children return to their families - including “through the efforts of the Special envoy of the Holy Father for humanitarian issues in Ukraine”, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi - and to ensure the release of prisoners of war.
This is what was stated in the declaration of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations during an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly. This meeting was an occasion to encourage the parties involved in the conflict in Ukraine, as well as the international community, to “continue working for the return of children to their families, which is an issue of justice and must not be overshadowed by political considerations.”
“The protracted war in Ukraine,” the statement continues, “with its profound and painful consequences, has resulted in the devastation of once-vibrant cities and the disruption of the lives of children, who should be growing up in a peaceful environment, not one afflicted by conflicts.”
The statement thus appeals for “an immediate ceasefire, which will pave the way for sincere and courageous dialogue,” to bring an end to the war “not at some undefined moment in the future, but right now.”
“With each passing day, the number of victims increases, the destruction widens and the hatred deepens. Every day without peace steals something from all of humanity,” the declaration insists.
The Holy See urges the nations gathered at the UN in New York to “reject passivity and provide tangible support for any initiative that could lead to genuine negotiations and lasting peace.”
The General Assembly has therefore asked Russia - with a non-binding resolution passed with 91 votes in favor, 12 against and 57 abstentions - for “the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported.”
The resolution also urges Moscow “to cease, without delay, any further practice of forcible transfer, deportation, separation from families and legal guardians, change of personal status, including through citizenship, adoption or placement in foster families, and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.”
They also express “deep concern about the impact of the war on children, in particular the fate of all Ukrainian children who have been separated from their families since 2014, including those forcibly transferred within the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and those deported to the Russian Federation.”
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Search and rescue operations are underway in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand following last week’s catastrophic floods and landslides. In Indonesia, the Franciscan community has mobilised to help rescuers and provide shelter to the most vulnerable.
By Vatican News
In Indonesia alone, at least 800 people are dead and over 550 are still missing after a tropical cyclone caused floods and landslides across the provinces of West Sumatra, North Sumatra and Aceh.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers struggle to reach remote villages. At least a million others are displaced.
Speaking to Fides News Agency, the Provincial Superior of the Capuchin Friars in Sibolga in northern Sumatra said that entire villages have been swept away.
“Many people are homeless”, Friar Yoseph Norbert Sinaga said, “Rescue teams are now trying to reach the displaced” but some areas remain isolated.
The Capuchin Friars of Sibolga mobilised all their resources after Tropical Cyclone Senyar brought torrential rains, floods, and landslides to the nation and beyond
They are evacuating people, providing aid, and accompanying the displaced throughout the territory of their diocese.
Now, Friar Sinaga explains,“We are suffering from the lack of water and electricity, but above all, the lack of drinking water is a serious problem.”
The Franciscan fraternity established itself in the area more than 100 years ago. Today, it counts some 65 professed friars and more than 30 novices bearing witness in a territory where the majority is Muslim.
In the current crisis, they have opened the doors of the monastery and are sheltering over 200 vulnerable displaced persons in the Novitiate. They have also launched an appeal for solidarity to all the Franciscan communities in Indonesia who are responding with compassion and promptness.
“Now our brothers and sisters need immediate help, says Friar Sinaga, Later, we will also try to help rebuild their homes.”
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In addition to meeting with Pope Leo, the President also meets with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. These talks focused on cultural collaboration and the Church's contribution to the country, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education.
Holy See Press Office
On 4 December 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in audience the President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Following the audience, the President met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, and the Reverend Monsignor Mihăiță Blaj, Under-Secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussions at the Secretariat of State, the good relations between the Holy See and Mongolia were highlighted, with a shared desire to further develop these ties, particularly in the cultural field. The positive contribution of the local Catholic Church to Mongolian society was also noted, especially in the areas of education and healthcare.
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The U.N. human rights chief has warned of another wave of atrocities in Sudan as fighting intensifies across the Kordofan region.
By Nathan Morley
The U.N. human rights chief has warned of another wave of atrocities in Sudan as fighting intensifies across the Kordofan region.
Volker Turk said clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North have forced more than 45,000 people from their homes in the past month.
He called for safe passage for civilians, protection of aid workers and the restoration of telecommunications.
Since late October, when the RSF seized Bara in North Kordofan, the U.N. rights office has documented at least 269 civilian deaths from airstrikes, artillery fire and summary executions.
A Sudanese refugee from al-Fashir, gestures inside the Tine transit refugee camp in eastern Chad
Turk said the true toll is likely far higher, with internet and phone outages hampering reporting.
The office has also received accounts of retaliatory killings, arbitrary detention, abductions, sexual violence and forced recruitment, including of children.
Civilians have been detained on accusations of collaborating with rival groups, Turk said, while divisive rhetoric is fueling fears of further violence.
“It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in El Fasher,” Turk said. “We must not allow Kordofan to become another El Fasher.”
Displaced Sudanese who fled El-Fasher after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (AFP or licensors)
Deadly attacks have continued across the three Kordofan states. On November 3, an RSF drone strike on a mourning tent in El Obeid reportedly killed 45 people, mostly women. On November 29, an SAF airstrike in Kauda, South Kordofan, killed at least 48, most of them civilians, according to the U.N.
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As a result of consultations with the Council for the Economy and other experts, Pope Leo XIV issues a chirograph suppressing the Commission for Donations to the Holy See, which had been established by Francis on 11 February 2025.
By Christopher Wells
With a chirograph (a papal decree intended for the Roman Curia) signed on 29 September but released today, 4 December, Pope Leo XIV suppresses the Commission for Donations for the Holy See, less than ten months after its establishment by Pope Francis in February 2025.
Francis had intended to the new commission to promote donations from the faithful, episcopal conferences, and other potential benefactors in support of the mission and charitable work of the Holy See. The chirograph establishing the commission was signed on 11 February 2025 and made public two weeks later, on 26 February, while Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Policlinic in Rome.
In the new chirograph, Pope Leo writes, “The issue of donations and fundraising for the Holy See represents an important aspect of the bond of unity and charity between the particular Churches and the Apostolic See, particularly from the perspective of the effective exercise of the Petrine ministry.”
He goes on to note that the Council for the Economy, charged with overseeing the administrative and financial structures and activities of the Holy See “has devoted particular attention” to the study of fundraising for the Holy See, and made “several recommendations aimed at reshaping the current institutional structure responsible for managing this area.”
In accordance with the procedures outlined in Praedicate Evangelium, after evaluating the suggestions of the Council and consulting experts, Pope Leo goes on to approve the content of the Council’s “resolution and recommendations,” beginning with the suppression of the Commission for Donations to the Holy See.
The chirograph goes on to repeal the statutes of the suppressed Commission, and decrees that all members of the commission immediately cease their function. Further, it requires that “all assets currently belonging to the Commission be immediately transferred to the Holy See,” delegating to the President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See the power “to proceed with the liquidation of the Commission” according to the current legislation.
Pope Leo provides for the Secretariat for the Economy, together with a working group appointed by it, to be responsible for any issues that arise from the dissolution of the Commission, instructing them to keep the Council for the Economy informed of all measures undertaken for that end.
Another working group “will be established to formulate proposals regarding the general issue of fundraising for the Holy See, along with the definition of an appropriate structure. The Council for the Economy will propose the names of the members of this group, which will be submitted to the Roman Pontiff through the Secretariat of State.”
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The Vatican will inaugurate the 8th edition of the exhibition featuring nativity scenes from around the world as part of the cultural event series “Jubilee is Culture”.
By Kielce Gussie
The International Exhibition “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican” will return for its 8th edition beginning on 8 December. Under the left colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, the inauguration ceremony will take place at 4pm that day.
Part of the cultural event series “Jubilee is Culture”, this exhibition features pieces made by artists from various parts of the world, each expressing their artistry through creative versions of Nativity scenes.
Pilgrims visiting the 100 Nativity Scenes Exhibition in 2024 (Vatican Media)
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and head of the Jubilee organization, will inaugurate the exhibition with other members of the Dicastery. A traditional folkloric performance organized by the Embassy of Mexico to the Holy See will also be featured.
About 23 countries from across the globe will be showcased in 132 nativity scenes. Some include Croatia, Romania, Peru, Eritrea, and Taiwan. A wide variety of materials such as Japanese paper, silk, resin, wool, coconut and banana fibers, and glass have been used in the nativity scenes.
One has been designed on the front of an ATAC bus; another is made from a tannery drum. The exhibition showcases a number of mechanical nativity scenes and a large traditional Mexican rendition as well.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella to inaugurate the exhibition on 8 December (Vatican Media)
This year, the large displays which will frame the entrance have been made possible by Urban Vision Group—an Official Supporter of the Jubilee 2025. The CEO of this group, Gianluca de Marchi, described this exhibition as a reminder of the Christian faith and the origins of Christmas.
“Today, through technological innovation, we offer our expertise to serve the community of believers, participating in a spiritual and cultural journey that brings together stories, traditions, and peoples from all over the world, continuing our broader commitment to the Jubilee 2025.”
The “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican” exhibition will be open from 8 December to 8 January, 2026.
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The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) has said that Cardinal Pietro Parolin will visit Mozambique this week. The visit is being seen as a gesture of reassurance and closeness by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, given the ongoing insurgency in the restive Cabo Delgado Province. Attacks by Islamist militants have displaced thousands and caused the deaths of many innocent civilians. CEM’s plenary assembly will also take place during this period. Cardinal Parolin is expected to be in Mozambique
Cremildo Alexandre – Nampula
The announcement was made by Archbishop Inacio Saure, President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique and Archbishop of Nampula.
According to Archbishop Saure, in addition to the honour of hosting the Vatican Secretary of State, the Bishops will convene for their annual Plenary Assembly. This gathering will bring together all the country’s Bishops. It will run concurrently with the Third National Youth Day—one of Mozambique’s largest Catholic youth event and festival.
Archbishop Saure emphasised the significant pastoral and organisational importance of these upcoming events for the Mozambican Church.
Regarding Cardinal Parolin’s visit, Archbishop Saure highlighted its importance as a strong sign of Pope Leo’s closeness and solidarity with the Mozambican people, particularly those affected by social, economic, and security challenges.
“The Cardinal will carry a message of solidarity and the Holy Father’s closeness to the suffering Mozambican people,” said the Archbishop. He further expressed confidence that the visit would bring comfort especially to the populations of Cabo Delgado and Nampula.
The Third National Youth Day, on the other hand, is expected to gather thousands of young people from all dioceses and archdioceses of Mozambique, fostering faith, peer fraternity, and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to its youth.
The Church hopes that the tripartite events taking place in the coming days will strengthen unity, hope, and the evangelising mission at a time when Mozambique continues to face numerous social and humanitarian challenges.
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Africa’s economic crisis expected to continue after creditors’negative response to appeals for debt relief.
By John Baptist Tumusiime
The Holy Year 2025, also commonly referred to as the Jubilee year, will officially conclude on January 6th 2026, the solemnity of the Epiphany, with the closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The objectives of the Holy Year have been to promote reconciliation, conversion, and a deeper relationship with God, with one another, and with creation. Some of its goals have been to foster hope and peace in our troubled world, performing acts of mercy, and encouraging social justice, such caring for the poor, the sick, and migrants and in line with biblical tradition, cancelling debts of poor countries. Advocacy for debt cancellation has been a major theme of the Jubilee Year by the Catholic church and by many secular leaders and organisations.
The late Pope Francis, for example, called several times for the cancellation of foreign debt for the world's poor countries during the Jubilee year, citing the current debt crisis as a major obstacle to development and justice. According to statistics privided by Caritas Internationalis 54 countries are in a debt crisis today compared to 22 in 2015. Thirty-four of these are in Africa.
Unfortunately, while many creditors cancelled the debts of poor countries 25 years ago, following the appeals and campaign mounted by St. Pope John Paul II in 2000, this time large-scale cancellation has not occurred despite the appeals of the Church and of many humanitarian organisations, which have highlighted the devastating consequences of the ongoing debt crisis on developing countries.
According to Roberto Carlés, a lawyer, researcher and author on the debt crisis, most countries in Africa are spending more than half of their revenues on paying their debts. This year alone, African countries have paid around 89 billion US dollars in debt service. These countries spend more on interest payments than on social investment in health, education and infrastructure. Such levels of indebtedness, according to Mr. Carles, erode the efforts of these nations to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.
African countries are continuously falling into debt due to a combination of factors: first, they borrow money from international lending institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and from rich countries at high interest rates to finance infrastructure and other projects. During economic crises such as sharp drops in the value of the dollar and the devaluation of national currencies, the interest rates are usually raised by creditors, leading to a rise in the amount of money the borrower must pay to the lender to service the debt.
At this actual time, many African countries have not been in position to start paying the actual debts they took 15 years ago because their revenues are sometimes not enough to cover the annual interest. Secondly, natural disasters, epidemics, rises in oil prices, and sudden changes in policy often compel governments to borrow money to cover the crises. Thirdly, African countries have a weak domestic tax base. This means they have few economic activities that are taxable for government revenue. Consequently because of insufficient revenue, in order to pay salaries of public servants and to cover the costs of providing services such as education, health, security, etc, they borrow money by issuing securities and bills to institutions and other countries, which have to berepaid with interest.
Fourthly, many Africa countries are victims of public financial mismanagement. This includes corrupt handling of government money, which starts with dishonesty in collecting revenue, corrupt allocation of funds in the national budgets, poor planning, deliberate misuse of government funds, and illegal diversion of funds for private gain. Mismanagement leads to loss of funds and inability to deliver services, and keeps governments in a vicious circle of borrowing. Solutions to the debt crisis must correctly address these factors.
The G20, a club of the world's major economies, which held its summit from November 22nd to 23rd this year in the South African City of Johannesburg, addressed the debt crisis of poor countries, after its 2020 debt cancellation schemes came under strong criticism for being extremely slow and for providing inadequate relief. In its final declaration it recognized that high debt levels and mounting financing costs are gravely affecting many low and middle-income countries, especially in Africa, by limiting their capacity to invest in development and to reduce poverty and inequality.
The heads of state and government at the summit expressed concern over the sharp rise in interest payments over the past decade and reaffirmed their commitment to help the affected countries to address debt vulnerabilities in a comprehensive way. They pledged to enhance debt transparency, and support the review of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank debt sustainability framework for low-income countries. That framework is a joint tool that guides a country's borrowing decisions by comparing its financing needs with its capacity to repay debt. The declaration underlined the importance of dialogue in debt management and repayment, and reflected a shared awareness of today’s debt challenges, and how to address them.
For the past 40 years, the Catholic Church has pressed for reform of the international debt system, beginning with the Millennium Jubilee campaign inspired by St. Pope John Paul II, which secured debt relief in 2000. Since then, every pope has called for debt relief as an instrument of poverty reduction. Currently, the church is promoting a global campaign, Turn Debt into Hope, through its charity, Caritas Internationalis.
In his message to the United Nations Climate Conference that took place in Brazil from November 10th to 21st this year, Pope Leo XIV, in continuity with his predecessors, called for a new human-centred international financial system that ensures that all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to climate disasters, can reach their full potential and see the dignity of their citizens respected, taking into account both external debt and ecological debt.
According to Roberto Carlés, the gravity of today’s debt crisis calls for large-scale efforts that only the wealthiest states can initiate and sustain. Unfortunately, deep divisions continue within them, as shown by the boycott of the G20 summit in South Africa by the United States of America. These divisions make it difficult to reach the kind of agreements needed to confront the debt crisis, and other great challenges facing humanity today, for example, the climate emergency and the inequality emergency. Mr. Carles appeals to the major powers to understand that these problems go beyond borders and will eventually reach their own territories in one way or another, if they don’t cooperate in finding actual solutions.
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The Pope Francis Migrant’s Centre & Short Stay Home will offer pastoral care, counselling services, legal aid, skill development programmes, and emergency support.
By Vatican News
The Archdiocese of Bangalore, India, has expanded its charitable outreach to migrant families, with the establishment of a new centre near Mathikere.
In partnership with the Scalabrinian Missionaries, the Archdiocese has opened the Pope Francis Migrant’s Centre & Short Stay Home, which will offer pastoral care, counselling services, legal aid, skill development programmes, emergency support, and community-building initiatives.
An external shot of the new centre
The centre was inaugurated on 3 December 2025, and the Inauguration Stone was blessed by Cardinal Silvano Tomasi, together with Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore.
In his address, Cardinal Tomasi spoke with pastoral tenderness about the Church’s enduring mission in a rapidly changing world. “The Church is alive here and now whenever she bends down to care for migrants," he said. "Every act of welcome is a living Gospel.”
The Cardinal praised the partnership between the Archdiocese and the Scalabrinian family, affirming that the new Centre is as a concrete expression of faith put into action.
The inauguration ceremony
Shri K.J. George, Cabinet Minister of Energy in Government of Karnataka, shared his own family’s centuries-long journey of migration. He recalled that his ancestors migrated from Syria to Kerala nearly 1,600 years ago, and he himself migrated to Bangalore in search of opportunity and growth.
“Migration is part of my family’s story,” he said. “I know what it means to start again. That is why I feel such closeness to every migrant seeking hope.” The minister added that “the Government will always stand by the Catholic Church in its efforts to uplift and build a society where everyone, migrant or local, can live with dignity and confidence.”
The gathering also heard messages from Church leaders engaged in migrant ministry. Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur, Chairman of the CCBI Migrants Commission, reminded those present that “A migrant should never feel alone. The Church must be a home that listens, protects, and walks with them.”
The leadership of the Scalabrinians, whose mission is entirely focused on migrants, spoke with conviction and warmth. Fr. Leonir Chiarello, Superior General of the Scalabrinians, said that “For over 130 years, our mission has been to accompany migrants with compassion and professionalism. This Centre continues that mission, ensuring that no migrant is left unseen or unsupported.”
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The most comprehensive overview.
The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us again, and here at the ACSC we will be continuing our tradition of visiting a Christmas market.
This year we will be going to Antwerp!
Fun fact… their cathedral also happens to be named OLV.
We will be going the weekend of December 6th-7th, which coincides with the weekend of Sinterklaas so you can be sure it will be extra festive.
The itinerary has not been finalised yet, but the plan is to get a Flixbus that Saturday morning and stay overnight at a hostel.
Want to join us? Please join the group chat so we have an idea of how many tickets and rooms to book.
Hope to see you there!
Meer info:Are you spending your days thinking deep about how you can evangelize this Advent?
Think no further...
On Wednesday 10 December we will have a Night Fever in the Augustinuskerk in Utrecht.
There will be adoration, music (including the organ) and the opportunity to invite people from outside to light a candle inside the Church.
Meer info:We nodigen jullie graag uit om samen naar de Kerstspecial ’Holy Night’ van The Chosen te kijken! Aan het begin van de film krijgen we in een inleiding heel betekenisvolle en gekende liederen te horen die ons meenemen in het kerstgebeuren. Nadien beleven we door de ogen van Maria en van een herdersjongen de geboorte van Jezus.
Het is een kans om in de adventsperiode dieper binnen te treden in het kerstmysterie en ons innerlijk voor te bereiden op Kerstmis.
De voertaal van de film is Engels, ondertiteling wordt voorzien in het Nederlands.
Iedereen is welkom!
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We would like to invite you to watch the Christmas special ’Holy Night’ by The Chosen together! At the beginning of the movie we hear in an introduction very meaningful and well-known songs that take us into the Christmas event. Afterwards we experience the birth of Jesus through the eyes of Mary and the eyes of a shepherd boy.
It is an opportunity to get deeper into the Christmas mystery during the Advent period and to prepare ourselves for Christmas.
The spoken language of the movie is English, subtitles are provided in Dutch.
Everyone is welcome!
Meer info:The Come & See evenings are moments of meeting, introduction and prayer at Gerardus Majella Church. The evening is for parishioners, and anyone else who is interested.
Dates
Program
Every Come & See evening there will be an introduction and matching testimony on various elements that are important within the ideas of the missionary parish. In this way, everyone can become more familiar with this thinking, and it can also become more alive in the parish. There is also room during an evening for both personal prayer and joint prayer for the parish. The hope is that the Come & See evenings will be a way in which the Holy Spirit brings and inspires the parish together. Thus, these evenings can contribute to a strengthened unity among parishioners, so that together they can increasingly offer a ’welcoming home’ to people who are not yet so familiar with the parish or Church. It is also hoped that these new people will become increasingly invited and feel at home.
A Come & See evening starts at 19:45 in the friars’ priory with coffee and tea. Then a programme of praise, an introduction and testimony, and Eucharistic adoration with music, silence and free prayer follows in the church from 20:15. From 21:30 - 22:00 there will be closing drinks in the basement of the church, where there will be room for meeting and sharing. Parishioner or not, old or young, everyone is welcome (even if you can only join for part of it). Come and see!
Meer info:Sycamore is een informele cursus over het katholieke geloof en de relevantie ervan voor het leven van vandaag. Het geeft je de ruimte om andere mensen te ontmoeten, ideeën uit te wisselen, je geloof te onderzoeken en na te denken over vragen die er echt toe doen.
Elke avond begint met een drankje en een hapje. Hét moment om elkaar op een ontspannen manier goed te leren kennen. Daarna volgt een korte, inspirerende film over een van de onderwerpen en vervolgens alle ruimte voor reacties, vragen en gesprekken in zowel Nederlands als Engels.
Praktisch
Data
For any young women in the Limburg area interested in learning more about the faith (whether you know nothing at all or have been Catholic your whole life and want to deepen your knowledge) and are looking for a Catholic community, we will be continuing with our young adult women’s group! The meetings will be once a month on Sunday in our convent in Brunssum. We speak a mix of English and Dutch at the events.
Young women between the ages of 18 and 28 who are looking for a Catholic Community and formation in the faith.
Program
16:00 - Arrival
16:45 - Presentation
18:00 - Adoration
18:30 - Vesper with the Sisters
19:00 - Dinner
Data
Sr. Perpetual Help
(06) 4268 6407
Our Lady Queen of the Travellers Ministry plans a retreat on the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Need in Heiloo.
Led by Sr. Ann Maria SH & Manoj Thayyil Uk
Meer info:+353 85 215 3192
Van zondag 28 december 2025 t/m donderdag 1 januari 2026 is er in Parijs een internationale ontmoeting in Taizé-stijl. Er vertrekt vanuit Utrecht een jongerenbus naar Parijs: Prijs rond € 179 pp… all inn (vervoer, slapen, eten intercultureel programma). Welkom zijn jongeren tussen 18 en 35 jaar.
Aanmelden via dit formulier:
nt2t0w2l.forms.app/aanmeldformulier-busreis-taize-parijs
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The Taizé European Meeting in Paris is scheduled to take place from December 28, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This event will occur in Paris and the broader Île-de-France region, as announced by Brother Matthew, the prior of the Taizé Community, during the 2024 meeting in Tallinn, Estonia.
This annual gathering, organized by the Taizé Community, brings together young people from across Europe for a New Year’s event focused on prayer, reflection, and community. Paris has hosted this event multiple times in the past, including the inaugural meeting and editions in 1983, 1988, 1994, and 2002.
Meer info:Het is weer tijd!
Met een grotere groep dan ooit tevoren gaan we weer de pistes op voor een onvergetelijke week! Met 76 man trekt de Gemeenschap Emmanuel dit jaar naar Chamrousse, waar we zullen skiën van 28 december t/m 4 januari.
Hou die week vrij, begin met sparen en strijk je skisokken – het wordt een gezellige reis vol sport en inhoud. Kortom: dit wil je niet missen!
Meer info over aanmelding volgt snel, dus houd je telefoon in de gaten!
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It’s that time again!
With a larger group than ever before, we’re hitting the slopes again for an unforgettable week! This year, 76 people from the Emmanuel Community will be heading to Chamrousse, where we’ll be skiing from December 28th to January 4th.
Keep that week free, start saving, and iron your ski socks – it’s going to be a great trip full of sports and fun. In short: you don’t want to miss this!
More information about registration will follow soon, so keep an eye on your phone!
Meer info:(06) 2381 4949 (Whatsapp)
Sycamore is een informele cursus over het katholieke geloof en de relevantie ervan voor het leven van vandaag. Het geeft je de ruimte om andere mensen te ontmoeten, ideeën uit te wisselen, je geloof te onderzoeken en na te denken over vragen die er echt toe doen.
Elke avond begint met een drankje en een hapje. Hét moment om elkaar op een ontspannen manier goed te leren kennen. Daarna volgt een korte, inspirerende film over een van de onderwerpen en vervolgens alle ruimte voor reacties, vragen en gesprekken in zowel Nederlands als Engels.
Praktisch
Data
For any young women in the Limburg area interested in learning more about the faith (whether you know nothing at all or have been Catholic your whole life and want to deepen your knowledge) and are looking for a Catholic community, we will be continuing with our young adult women’s group! The meetings will be once a month on Sunday in our convent in Brunssum. We speak a mix of English and Dutch at the events.
Young women between the ages of 18 and 28 who are looking for a Catholic Community and formation in the faith.
Program
16:00 - Arrival
16:45 - Presentation
18:00 - Adoration
18:30 - Vesper with the Sisters
19:00 - Dinner
Data
Sr. Perpetual Help
(06) 4268 6407
Join us for the Jong Katholiek Weekend 2026!
We dive into a faith that truly goes deeper — through an encounter with Christ, rooted in the tradition of the Church, and lived out in daily life.
Theme
“You shall bear witness, because you have been with Me” (John 15:27)
Our focus is worship & witness: we can only speak about Christ after we have truly been with Him.
For whom?
Young adults 16–30 years seeking inspiration, depth, and real community.
What to expect?
Price: €125 p.p. (incl. meals & accommodation)
Register now! Cancellation till 15th of January!
Don’t miss it!
Meer info:www.rkkerk.nl/jongkatholiek/jongkatholiek-weekend-2026/jong-katholiek-weekend-2026-english
Sycamore is een informele cursus over het katholieke geloof en de relevantie ervan voor het leven van vandaag. Het geeft je de ruimte om andere mensen te ontmoeten, ideeën uit te wisselen, je geloof te onderzoeken en na te denken over vragen die er echt toe doen.
Elke avond begint met een drankje en een hapje. Hét moment om elkaar op een ontspannen manier goed te leren kennen. Daarna volgt een korte, inspirerende film over een van de onderwerpen en vervolgens alle ruimte voor reacties, vragen en gesprekken in zowel Nederlands als Engels.
Praktisch
Data
For any young women in the Limburg area interested in learning more about the faith (whether you know nothing at all or have been Catholic your whole life and want to deepen your knowledge) and are looking for a Catholic community, we will be continuing with our young adult women’s group! The meetings will be once a month on Sunday in our convent in Brunssum. We speak a mix of English and Dutch at the events.
Young women between the ages of 18 and 28 who are looking for a Catholic Community and formation in the faith.
Program
16:00 - Arrival
16:45 - Presentation
18:00 - Adoration
18:30 - Vesper with the Sisters
19:00 - Dinner
Data
Sr. Perpetual Help
(06) 4268 6407
Sycamore is een informele cursus over het katholieke geloof en de relevantie ervan voor het leven van vandaag. Het geeft je de ruimte om andere mensen te ontmoeten, ideeën uit te wisselen, je geloof te onderzoeken en na te denken over vragen die er echt toe doen.
Elke avond begint met een drankje en een hapje. Hét moment om elkaar op een ontspannen manier goed te leren kennen. Daarna volgt een korte, inspirerende film over een van de onderwerpen en vervolgens alle ruimte voor reacties, vragen en gesprekken in zowel Nederlands als Engels.
Praktisch
Data
The Come & See evenings are moments of meeting, introduction and prayer at Gerardus Majella Church. The evening is for parishioners, and anyone else who is interested.
Dates
Program
Every Come & See evening there will be an introduction and matching testimony on various elements that are important within the ideas of the missionary parish. In this way, everyone can become more familiar with this thinking, and it can also become more alive in the parish. There is also room during an evening for both personal prayer and joint prayer for the parish. The hope is that the Come & See evenings will be a way in which the Holy Spirit brings and inspires the parish together. Thus, these evenings can contribute to a strengthened unity among parishioners, so that together they can increasingly offer a ’welcoming home’ to people who are not yet so familiar with the parish or Church. It is also hoped that these new people will become increasingly invited and feel at home.
A Come & See evening starts at 19:45 in the friars’ priory with coffee and tea. Then a programme of praise, an introduction and testimony, and Eucharistic adoration with music, silence and free prayer follows in the church from 20:15. From 21:30 - 22:00 there will be closing drinks in the basement of the church, where there will be room for meeting and sharing. Parishioner or not, old or young, everyone is welcome (even if you can only join for part of it). Come and see!
Meer info:Sycamore is een informele cursus over het katholieke geloof en de relevantie ervan voor het leven van vandaag. Het geeft je de ruimte om andere mensen te ontmoeten, ideeën uit te wisselen, je geloof te onderzoeken en na te denken over vragen die er echt toe doen.
Elke avond begint met een drankje en een hapje. Hét moment om elkaar op een ontspannen manier goed te leren kennen. Daarna volgt een korte, inspirerende film over een van de onderwerpen en vervolgens alle ruimte voor reacties, vragen en gesprekken in zowel Nederlands als Engels.
Praktisch
Data
For any young women in the Limburg area interested in learning more about the faith (whether you know nothing at all or have been Catholic your whole life and want to deepen your knowledge) and are looking for a Catholic community, we will be continuing with our young adult women’s group! The meetings will be once a month on Sunday in our convent in Brunssum. We speak a mix of English and Dutch at the events.
Young women between the ages of 18 and 28 who are looking for a Catholic Community and formation in the faith.
Program
16:00 - Arrival
16:45 - Presentation
18:00 - Adoration
18:30 - Vesper with the Sisters
19:00 - Dinner
Data
Sr. Perpetual Help
(06) 4268 6407
Sycamore is een informele cursus over het katholieke geloof en de relevantie ervan voor het leven van vandaag. Het geeft je de ruimte om andere mensen te ontmoeten, ideeën uit te wisselen, je geloof te onderzoeken en na te denken over vragen die er echt toe doen.
Elke avond begint met een drankje en een hapje. Hét moment om elkaar op een ontspannen manier goed te leren kennen. Daarna volgt een korte, inspirerende film over een van de onderwerpen en vervolgens alle ruimte voor reacties, vragen en gesprekken in zowel Nederlands als Engels.
Praktisch
Data
The Come & See evenings are moments of meeting, introduction and prayer at Gerardus Majella Church. The evening is for parishioners, and anyone else who is interested.
Dates
Program
Every Come & See evening there will be an introduction and matching testimony on various elements that are important within the ideas of the missionary parish. In this way, everyone can become more familiar with this thinking, and it can also become more alive in the parish. There is also room during an evening for both personal prayer and joint prayer for the parish. The hope is that the Come & See evenings will be a way in which the Holy Spirit brings and inspires the parish together. Thus, these evenings can contribute to a strengthened unity among parishioners, so that together they can increasingly offer a ’welcoming home’ to people who are not yet so familiar with the parish or Church. It is also hoped that these new people will become increasingly invited and feel at home.
A Come & See evening starts at 19:45 in the friars’ priory with coffee and tea. Then a programme of praise, an introduction and testimony, and Eucharistic adoration with music, silence and free prayer follows in the church from 20:15. From 21:30 - 22:00 there will be closing drinks in the basement of the church, where there will be room for meeting and sharing. Parishioner or not, old or young, everyone is welcome (even if you can only join for part of it). Come and see!
Meer info:For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
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