Judith Valente

Judith Valente is a journalist, poet, retreat guide and author of several spirituality titles, including most recently How To Be: A Monk & A Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship. She is completing a book on her experiences in Italy.

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An elaborate crèche decorates each of the Catholic churches in Italy, even in small towns like Guardiagrele in the Abruzzo region, where there are nine churches within the town center. (Judith Valente)

Christmas in a small Italian town

In the U.S., the Christmas season begins pretty much the day after Halloween. In Italy, it arrives in a much more concentrated package, meant to be savored like a fine Chianti.

A lit candle is seen on a wreath for the first Sunday of Advent in this illustration photo. (CNS/Gregory A. Shemitz)

What Advent teaches us about wonder

The season of Advent has a finite beginning and end, but Advent as an experience is ongoing. It is always unfolding because we are being called continuously to be Christ bearers in the world — a world that is infused with the beauty and wonder of God. 

Poet Wendell Berry bequeaths farming legacy to small Catholic college

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