This time of year, Nativity scenes are standard components of almost every church’s Christmas setup. But there is nothing standard about the Nativity scene at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Santa Barbara, where a dedicated parishioner has, quite literally, lit up the church with his own culturally inspired creation. Read more from Mike Nelson, Angelus News
Archbishop José H. Gomez and Father Tom Elewaut, pastor of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, hold the Vatican decree from June 2020 officially elevating the mission to the rank of “minor basilica” at a Dec. 19 Mass of Thanksgiving. The event, which included a candlelight procession and a garden reception afterwards, was postponed to this year due to the pandemic. (Victor Alemán/Angelus News)