Fr. Rafael Capó

Remembered my friends and followers at Christmas Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Thanks to Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv, archpriest of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Vicar General for the Vatican State, for his hospitality and warm welcome, while presiding at Mass.

With Pope Francis, friends, and faithful from around the world at the Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day Blessing. “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid! The Door is open, it is wide open! Come! Let us be reconciled with God, and then we will be reconciled with ourselves and able to be reconciled with one another, even our enemies. God’s mercy can do all things. It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division; it dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge. Come! Jesus is the Door of Peace.” - Pope Francis

“Tonight, the door of hope has opened wide to the world. Tonight, God speaks to each of us and says: there is hope also for you!” – Pope Francis, Christmas Night 2025

Christmas Eve Training and Prayer to St. Nicholas 💪🏼🎅🏼🙏🏼 Good old St. Nicholas, help me stay jacked and holy for the coming of the Kingdom. To be like you: a strong defender of the faith, a courageous and generous shepherd, leading all to Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

At Christmas Night Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and celebrated the nativity of the Lord with children representing all continents. With this rite the Church began a Holy Year, the Jubilee of Hope.

Congratulations, ! We celebrate your nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland. Your dedication to public service and commitment to representing our nation with grace and excellence are truly inspiring. You did so as you served as US Ambassador to the Holy See .

As you step into this new role, may you continue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, fostering peace and goodwill. Be assured of our prayers as you serve with strength, wisdom, and faith.

Wishing you every blessing in this important mission!

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths!” (Mk 1:3)

As Christmas draws near, let’s remember that staying strong in body, mind, and spirit helps us to be ready for the arrival of Christ. Advent reminds us to prepare—not just spiritually, but in every part of our lives.

Let’s stay fit for the Kingdom—prepared to welcome Christ with hearts that are focused, minds that are steadfast, and bodies that are powered to serve!

Come, Lord Jesus, and find us here, kneeling in the stillness of this holy season, before Your altar, where heaven meets earth.

As Mary awaited Your coming with faith, we wait with hearts open and souls bowed low. Fill us with the light of Your presence, that we may prepare a manger in our lives for You.

O Emmanuel, God with us, draw near, and let Your peace reign in our hearts, as we journey to Bethlehem with hope and wonder. Amen.

Advent prayer at the Gym: “May the God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and body, irreproachable at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls us is trustworthy, therefore he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

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O God # of love, as we light the fourth candle of this Advent wreath, we rejoice in the promise of Your Son, who is Emmanuel—God with us. Fill our hearts with the light of Your love, so we may shine as beacons of hope, joy, peace, and love in this world.

Come, Lord Jesus, and prepare us to welcome You with open hearts this Christmas. Amen.

An Advent Prayer Before the Manger: – Lord Jesus, Here before the empty manger, I wait in stillness and hope. In this sacred space, where silence speaks louder than words, I long for Your coming—into my heart, my life, and this world.

As Mary and Joseph journeyed toward Bethlehem,
guide my steps to seek You more deeply. As the manger awaits Your presence, prepare my soul to receive the gift of Your love.

Come, Lord Jesus, and fill this emptiness with Your light.
Amen.

When you know “Santa Claus is coming to town… you better watch out…” He says: “No Lift, No Gift!” So my team says: No flex, no gift! staying strong in body, mind, and spirit for Christmas! 💪🏼💪🏼🎄🙏🏼

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. (Phil 4: 4-5) Gaudete Sunday at

Gaudete Sunday Training after Mass: “Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear.” (cf. 35:4, Gaudete Sunday Antiphon after Communion). Stay strong in the Lord 💪🏼💪🏼⚔️🔥🙏🏼

20th Annual Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols at

The Festival, which celebrates the birth of Jesus, is told in nine Bible reading, from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir music.

The Festival is traditionally celebrated at St. John Cantius Church in Chicago after first Vespers of Gaudete Sunday. It is concluded with exposition and benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and is thus a splendid way for the participants to prepare for the coming of Christ on Christmas.

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” - Psalm 18:32 💪🏼🙏🏼

Stay strong in body, mind, and spirit! Fit for the Kingdom!

A prayer to our Blessed Mother on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: – God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts may your peace reign in the world. Amen.

On behalf of and all of us at , I was happy to congratulate the new President of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico , Jose A. Frontera JD, at his investiture ceremony upon his appointment by the Holy See’s Dicastery of Culture and Education . I was happy as well to say hello to the Bishops of Puerto Rico, to so many brother priests and religious, as well as long time friends from and Puerto Rico. Bendiciones para todos.