Notable Figures
St. Francis created this very important symbol of Christmas. What was it?
The creche or nativity scene.
Who is the current Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and what is his episcopal motto?
Bishop Mark A. Eckman.
Motto: "To serve in faith and charity"
In the bible, Jesus' genealogy is described. How many generations are recounted?
Three sets of fourteen generations, totaling 42 generations.
What is the meaning of the word advent?
The arrival of a notable person, thing or event.
What is unique about the Pittsburgh Crèche, located outside the U.S. Steel Tower downtown?
It is the world's only authorized life-size replica of the Vatican's Nativity scene.
This "King of the Jews" was known for his paranoia; his name is Greek in origin and roughly translates to "Song of the Hero".
Herod (the Great).
Pastor Robert Prevost, today, is more popularly known as who?
Pope Leo XIV.
What is the name of the town that Mary and Joseph come from?
Bonus Question: What does the Hebrew name mean?
Nazareth.
Which means branch or sprout.
What does the word Emmanuel mean?
God is with us.
In Southern Italian culture, what is the traditional Christmas eve, ritual to observe the meatless vigil before Christ's birth?
La Vigilia, or the Feast of the Seven Fishes, baccalà, smelts, calamari, shrimp, ...
John quoted this person when he said: "I am the voice crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord." Who was he quoting?
The Prophet Isaiah.
Although born in the U.S., Pope Leo spent over 20 years as a missionary and later a bishop in this South American country. Which country is it?
Peru.
Why did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?
To participate in a Roman census ordered by Emperor Caesar Augustus.
(Jesus' birth there fulfills the Old Testament prophecy which foretold that the Messiah would be born in that specific town.)
Coming from the Old French mangier (to eat), this term refers to a feeding trough for animals where the infant Jesus was laid. What is the word?
Manger.
In a Christmas time ritual among Polish-american family members, what is it that is shared to exchange blessings?
Oplatki, blessed wafers stamped with Nativity scenes.
What is the name of this descendant of King David whose name originally meant "May He (God) Add" or "May He Increase" in Hebrew.
Joseph.
What religious order is Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa a member of?
The Franciscans.
This "devout and God-fearing" man was promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah; his name means "He has heard" or "God has heard". What is his name?
Simeon.
This Old English word for the "good news" of the Nativity is a literal translation of the Greek evangelion. What is this word?
Gospel.
What is the cherished 9-day series of dawn masses celebrated by Filipino Catholics, in anticipation of Christmas called?
Simbang Gabi.
What dogma concerning Mary, the mother of Jesus, was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854?
The dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
Breaking with centuries of tradition, Pope Francis chose to live in this Vatican guesthouse rather that the grand Apostolic Palace. What is the name of the guesthouse?
Casa Santa Marta
Who were the first people to visit the infant Jesus after an angel announced his birth, finding him lying in the manger as a sign?
The shepherds.
Bethlehem is the name of the town of Jesus' birthplace. What is its' literal translation from Hebrew?
House of Bread.
In Mexican culture, what is the pre-dawn serenade which marks the start of the holiday season with celebrations for Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th, leading into the main Christmas festivities through Christmas day called?
Las Mañanitas.