Fra Jacopone da Todi, O.F.M. (ca. 1230 – 25 December 1306) was an Italian Franciscan friar from Umbria in the 13th century. He wrote several laude (songs in praise of the Lord) in the local vernacular. He was an early pioneer in Italian theatre, being one of the earliest scholars who dramatized Gospel subjects. Born Jacopo dei Benedetti, he was a member of a noble family. He studied...

Today, December 24, is the day on which we commemorate all the holy ancestors of Jeus Christ. The New Testament has preserved two different genealogies of Our Lord, in Matthew 1; and Luke 3. Saint Matthew's list is divided artificially into three equal parts of 14 names each, with several intentional omissions: from Abraham the father of the chosen people to David the king, to whose...

(From December 17 until Christmas Eve, the Church begins to enhance Evening Prayer with what have become known as the "O Antiphons." These antiphons are used to introduce the "Magnificat," Mary's Song of Praise.  Each of them introduces a title that applies to Jesus, the Christ, our Messiah.) The O Antiphon for December 23, "O Emmanuel," is drawn from...

(From December 17 until Christmas Eve, the Church begins to enhance Evening Prayer with what have become known as the "O Antiphons." These antiphons are used to introduce the "Magnificat," Mary's Song of Praise.  Each of them introduces a title that applies to Jesus, the Christ, our Messiah.) The O Antiphon for December 22, "O Rex Gentium"/"O King...

(From December 17 until Christmas Eve, the Church begins to enhance Evening Prayer with what have become known as the "O Antiphons." These antiphons are used to introduce the "Magnificat," Mary's Song of Praise.  Each of them introduces a title that applies to Jesus, the Christ, our Messiah.) The O Antiphon for December 21, "O Oriens"/"O Dawn of...