VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Nativity scene and the Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope, Pope Leo XIV said.

"As we contemplate them in our homes, parishes and town squares, let us ask the Lord to renew in us the gift of peace and fraternity," he said, calling for prayers for all those who suffer because of war and violence. "We must eliminate hatred from our hearts."

The pope was speaking Dec. 15 during a meeting with the government representatives, artisans and donors responsible for providing the Christmas decorations in the Paul VI Audience Hall and in St. Peter's Square.

The November–December 2025 issue of Catholic Herald magazine has been published. The theme of this issue is “International Priests: Shepherds in the Vineyard.” The digital edition is available at 
https://catholicmagazines.org/magazine-archive/catholic-herald/sac1125

In this issue, Catholic Herald shines a light on the international priests who serve faithfully across the Diocese of Sacramento, men who left their homelands to answer God’s call in a new vineyard. In the cover story, "Leading Our Flock: International Priests Are Shepherds in the Diocese of Sacramento," readers will meet three remarkable shepherds whose journeys of faith transcend borders and language but unite in a single mission: to shepherd God’s people with love and devotion.

DAVIS — A spirit of joy and unity filled the city of Davis on Sunday, October 12, as more than 250 students, parishioners, and community members gathered for the Jubilee Mass for Young Adults and the dedication of the newly renovated Newman Catholic Center grounds.

The evening began with a Jubilee Mass at St. James Parish, presided over by Bishop Rey Bersabal, who was joined by Fr. Mauricio Hurtado, diocesan vocations director, and Deacon Stephen Tran. In his homily, Bishop Rey reflected on the profound gift of unity that flows from faith and the sacraments.

“In encounter with Jesus, we become one again,” he preached. “In confession we become one, in communion we become one — in all the sacraments, we are united again in Him.” Bishop Rey Bersabal