VATICAN CITY – When an influential Jesuit-run journal criticized U.S. politics in mid-July, it was not the first time it had caused controversy in the United States.

A flowing white wedding gown is not an everyday sight along the busy streets of Rome.

Canadians from coast to coast have reason to be proud of this country as it marks its 150th birthday, and the Catholic population — about 12.8 million — can be especially proud. Long before Canada was even a country, Catholics were putting their stamp on the history of this land.

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has looked favourably on His people and redeemed them.”

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Father Scott Bullock and Christian Brother Stephen Markham are forever bonded by a kidney transplant a year ago that has changed both men physically and spiritually.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis is first of all a shepherd who makes seeking out the lost and forgotten his top priority. But he also knows that wherever he goes, the cameras and news coverage will follow.

OTTAWA – Seventy years ago, Ottawa, a sleepy government town dominated by the logging industry, had never seen anything like the 1947 Marian Congress.

OTTAWA – Holy Redeemer, a parish in the Ottawa archdiocese, didn’t stop at bringing in one Syrian refugee family. They brought in three — and plan to bring in three more.

Lucila Cordovero, or Lola Lucing as I call her, is very petite. Every day, she sits in the same bamboo rocking chair by the window of her bedroom, listening to the buzz of her radio novellas. Her right hand is always clutching a small promotional fan someone gave her years ago.

VANCOUVER – A famous photograph of a naked child running, screaming and covered with napalm burns captured the horror of the Vietnam War 45 years ago.