Browse › 2014 › March

March 2014

March 27

The divine Spirit strengthens

March 27, 2014

Death comes in many guises. Degradation, humiliation and oppression are considered by many as far worse than the literal cessation of biological life.

We face our Maker each day

March 27, 2014

Some day you will have to face your Maker! We’ve all heard that phrase. The hour will come when we will stand alone before God with no place to hide, no room to rationalize and no excuses to offer for our weaknesses and sin. We will stand in a searing light, naked and exposed, and all we ever did, good and bad, will stand with us in that light. That prospect, however vaguely felt, makes for a dark corner in every person’s mind.

Black Madonna in Canada

March 27, 2014

OTTAWA - Hundreds of people lined up to venerate, pray and touch an icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the so-called Black Madonna, that was on display Mar. 18 at St. Patrick’s Basilica.

Jerusalem patriarch says Pope Francis' May trip to focus on Christian unity

March 27, 2014

JERUSALEM - When Pope Francis visits the Holy Land in May, he will follow the pattern he set last year in Brazil by meeting with the leaders of the three nations he will visit as well as with the less fortunate.

March 28

Philippine cardinal praises both sides in peace deal for 'wisdom'

March 28, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' newest cardinal was among 1,000 guests who witnessed the peace agreement between the government and the country's largest Muslim rebel group.

Focolare spreading the love for 70 years

March 28, 2014

TORONTO - The Canadian wing of the world-wide Focolare movement brought together interfaith leaders from Catholic, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu faiths March 20 to celebrate the memorial of Focolare founder Chiara Lubich at Toronto’s Noor Cultural Centre.

Canada-bound refugees still waiting

March 28, 2014

There’s little chance Canada will fulfill a pledge to resettle 1,300 Syrian refugees before the end of 2014, said the director of the Office of Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto.

God, the ultimate exam invigilator

March 28, 2014

There are few words that fill a student’s heart with more dread than the word “exam.” And yet, it is that time of the year again for many university students.

Heroine at heart of dystopian film

March 28, 2014

NEW YORK - If Hollywood has its way, teenagers won’t have it easy in the post-apocalyptic future.

Conservative MP Stephen Fletcher introduces assisted-suicide bills

March 28, 2014

OTTAWA - Canadian legalization of assisted suicide is inevitable so Parliament should settle the issue before it goes to the Supreme Court, said a former Conservative cabinet minister as he introduced two private members bills in support of assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Religious founders aid interfaith peace

March 28, 2014

TORONTO - Despite religious differences, people are capable of showing one another love, compassion and mercy, says Jari Qudrat. These qualities, he says, are attributed to God, and it is God who is at the heart of the World Religions Conference.

Applications in limbo

March 28, 2014

Organizations that sponsor most of the refugees who come to Canada are still waiting to find out how many refugees each will be allowed to bring in this year.

Centuries old choir performs

March 28, 2014

WASHINGTON - Since the 13th century, the Escolania de Montserrat has sung daily for pilgrims at Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey in Catalonia, Spain. It took 800 years, but the famous boys choir finally arrived in North America to share their ministry of sacred music.

Jordan transfers desert patch into new refugee camp for Syrians

March 28, 2014

AZRAQ, Jordan - This desolate dusty patch of desert near Jordan's borders with Syria and Iraq is soon to be home to the latest victims of Syria's three-year civil war.

March 29

Conference puts focus on life

March 29, 2014

To people who say they oppose abortion except in cases of rape, Mary Ellen Douglas would like to introduce them to Rebecca Kiessling. She is the “except,” a child conceived by rape.

Dual events to rejuvenate Catholic women and girls

March 29, 2014

TORONTO - Raising daughters today is difficult because much of what they learn at home is attacked by modern culture, says Dorothy Pilarski, Catholic mom and author.

Vespers for artists

March 29, 2014

The world often treats artists as special, exceptional people. For nine years at Regis College the Jesuits have been treating Toronto artists just like everyone else by inviting them to pray.

March 30

Quebec Trappists adapt marketing for new reality

March 30, 2014

These are not your parent’s Trappist monks.

Biblical films back in style

March 30, 2014

A decade after The Passion of the Christ, Hollywood has seen the light — again — and it’s the colour of money.

March 31

Pope Francis confirms heads of Vatican curial agencies

March 31, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis confirmed the head of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and named among its new members Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Australian Cardinal George Pell, and Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin of Indianapolis.