VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Sunday gave the Catholic Church new saints, including hundreds of 15th-century martyrs who were beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam, as he led his first canonization ceremony Sunday in aDiscussion/lecture
Lifetree Café will discuss fate, luck and divine intervention from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at New Ground Coffee Company, 5925 N. Clinton St. The event, “Fate, Free Will, or God’s Plan?” will include a showing of “Crossword,” a short film about a lonely woman who finds solace in her daily crossword puzzle where the clues seem to link to her own life.
The University of Saint Francis, 2701 Spring St., is hosting the lecture “An Eastern Christian Assessment of Vatican II” at 3 p.m. Sunday in the North Campus Auditorium.
Holiday events
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 7308 St. Joe Road, is hosting a Christmas program dinner and play by the church’s youth group at 6 p.m. Sunday. For ticket information, call 485-8022.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2417 Getz Road, is having a Christmas concert with the Aldersgate choirs at 7 p.m. Monday.
First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., is having a blue Christmas service for those who find the holidays to be difficult at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The service will include reflection, music and meditation.
Special music
Holy Scripture Lutheran Church, 8811 Kinnerk Road, will host organist Charles Bonow for his concert “O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee?” at 9 a.m. Sunday.
The First United Methodist Church of Van Wert (Ohio), will host Van Wert native Jacob Wilder in a vocal recital at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the church sanctuary. Vocal selections include “Ave Maria,” “O Holy Night” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
