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October 2014

October 25

'Without God, you can do nothing,' says Scottish singer Susan Boyle

October 25, 2014

ORANGE, Calif. - If you think singing in front of Simon Cowell would be terrifying -- well, you're not far wrong.

October 26

McQueen: Campus voice to Vatican advisor

October 26, 2014

Surviving cancer won’t bring an appointment to the International Theological Commission. Neither will it matter that you’ve been married forever and surrounded yourself with seven children and nine grandchildren. Volunteering at your parish for everything from the Catholic Women’s League to marriage preparation courses is nice, but it won’t make you part of an elite body of 30 Catholic theologians who advise the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the pope himself.

A new Catholic hub for commuter students

October 26, 2014

TORONTO - Until he entered the priesthood, the house next to St. Michael’s Cathedral was home for Fr. Seamus Hogan. Today the building is being transformed into a home for Catholic university students, and Hogan couldn’t be happier.

Professor sets St. Augustine to music

October 26, 2014

RICHMOND, B.C. - An assistant professor at UBC has fused his interest in blues, jazz and Mexican folk music to create a harmonious discussion on one of his favourite saints.

Elections seen as test of change in Ukraine

October 26, 2014

KIEV, Ukraine - Although they disagree about how unstoppable the process is and they have a varying degree of fear about what Russia might do, religious and political leaders in Ukraine say their society underwent a fundamental shift in February, making Ukrainians realize they have both dignity and responsibilities for their country's future.

October 27

Pope Francis says Pope Benedict was a 'great pope'

October 27, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Retired Pope Benedict XVI is a perfect example of how intellectual knowledge and scientific curiosity do not lead a person further from God, but can strengthen their love for God and for his human creatures, Pope Francis said.

Cardinal Pell calls for 'no doctrinal back-flips' at next family synod

October 27, 2014

ROME - Looking ahead to the October 2015 world Synod of Bishops on the family, Cardinal George Pell said the task for Catholics "over the next 12 months" is to explain "the necessity of conversion, the nature of the Mass," and "the purity of heart the Scriptures require of us to receive holy Communion."

Retired Sudanese bishop condemns ongoing bombing in Nuba Mountains

October 27, 2014

NAIROBI, Kenya - A bishop who served in Sudan until his retirement a year ago appealed to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to end a months-long bombing campaign that has killed and injured dozens of innocent civilians in the Nuba Mountains.

Pope Francis: ‘Evolution … is not inconsistent with the notion of creation’

October 27, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Monday (Oct. 27) waded into the controversial debate over the origins of human life, saying the big bang theory did not contradict the role of a divine creator, but even required it.

October 28

Muslim leaders worldwide issue stern rebuke to ISIS

October 28, 2014

WASHINGTON - More than 100 Muslim leaders -- clerics and laypeople alike -- have signed on to a letter criticizing the Middle East Muslim military group ISIS, short for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Mexican Church responds in case of missing students

October 28, 2014

MEXICO CITY - The Archdiocese of Mexico City called for a "reconstruction of the country" in response to the disappearance of 43 teacher trainees in an act that authorities allege was authored by a mayor and his wife and carried out by police working alongside an organized crime network.

Salvadoran youths find music provides path to escape cycle of violence

October 28, 2014

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - Eleven-year-old Jamin Diaz is finding that music and his participation in a symphony orchestra are giving him the chance to steer clear of violence that plagues his country.

Pope says official exorcists show church's love for the suffering

October 28, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Exorcists, assigned to that ministry by their bishops, demonstrate the love and care of the church for "those who suffer because of the work of the devil," Pope Francis said in a message to the International Association of Exorcists.

Pope urges activists to struggle against 'structural causes' of poverty

October 28, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis urged an international gathering of grassroots social activists to struggle against the "structural causes" of poverty and inequality, with a "revolutionary" program drawn from the Gospels.

October 29

Mother of James Foley says faith, people's prayers kept her son strong

October 29, 2014

WASHINGTON - Prayers from around the world and an unwavering faith in God have continued to provide a strong foundation for John and Diane Foley after their son, journalist James Foley, was murdered in Syria by Islamic State militants Aug. 19.

Observers see Ukrainian election as concrete step toward reform

October 29, 2014

VATICAN CITY - With international observers reporting largely free and fair parliamentary elections in Ukraine, hopes increased that promised reforms would follow, including an end to high levels of government corruption.

We must remain compassionate, open in wake of soldiers’ deaths

October 29, 2014

OTTAWA - Amid a rising fear of lone-wolf terrorist attacks, Catholic leaders are urging a Christian response to terrorism that ensures Canada remains a compassionate and open society.

A nation mourns a fallen son

October 29, 2014

His nation wept, his city bowed and knelt in prayer and his family bore a greater pain than human hearts were made to endure as Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was sent to his final rest from Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton, Ont., Oct. 28.

Negotiations with Boko Haram a farce, says Catholic priest

October 29, 2014

NAIROBI, Kenya - While the Nigerian government negotiates with the Islamic militant group Boko Haram for the release of 200 abducted schoolgirls, some Church leaders in the country’s conflict-ridden north are expressing doubts about any impending resolution.

October 30

Tread carefully

October 30, 2014

After the attack on Parliament by a lone gunman the instinctive temptation is to respond aggressively. First, to respond politically by supporting new laws that empower police and security officers at the expense of some civil liberties. Second, to respond socially by waffling on Canadian principles that uphold tolerance and respect for all citizens of all backgrounds.