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September 2015

September 16

Philadelphia teen arrested in plot targetting Pope Francis

September 16, 2015

A 15-year-old Philadelphia-area boy was arrested last month for allegedly pursuing an Islamic State-inspired plot against Pope Francis, two federal law enforcement officials said Sept. 15.

Pope has high hopes for his 'mission' to Cuba-U.S., asks for prayers

September 16, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis asked for prayers for his trip to Cuba and the United States, calling it "a mission" he had high hopes for.

Action demanded on refugees

September 16, 2015

Church leaders and organizations are demanding stronger action from the Canadian government in response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

What some papal pundits get wrong about the polls — and why

September 16, 2015

Did you know that Pope Francis is so over?

Getting personal with Pope Francis

September 16, 2015

In two wide-ranging new interviews, Pope Francis discusses matters both weighty and personal, including the perils of his popularity.

September 17

Pope comes to a nation divided

September 17, 2015

One nation under God will have five days this month to consider its unity and its divisions, its aspirations and its relationship with God as Pope Francis comes to challenge, console, cajole and confound 325 million Americans.

Human nature: is it somehow all wrong?

September 17, 2015

An American humorist was once asked what he loved most in life. This was his reply: I love women best; whisky next; my neighbour a little; and God hardly at all!

God’s Spirit rests upon whom it chooses

September 17, 2015

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Sept. 27 (Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48) Religion is all about power — that is the judgment of many cynics and skeptics. While this is too harsh a judgment and suffers from a lack of nuance and balance, it contains an element of truth. People sense the power and energy that flows from a close relationship with God and they guard it jealously. Boundaries and rules are established, as well as ways of determining who is in or out, worthy or unworthy. Tight control is maintained over who is allowed to exercise power.

'Unprecedented' security for Pope despite no credible threats

September 17, 2015

WASHINGTON - Less than a week before Pope Francis begins his highly anticipated trip to the United States, Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy said Sept. 16 there are no credible threats against the pontiff.

Stamp of mercy

September 17, 2015

In 1741 Pope Benedict XIV was concerned that some bishops were dissolving marriages too freely so he established stringent protocols to govern annulments. Those canon laws remained virtually unchanged through 18 papacies until now, 274 years later, when they are being rewritten by a Pope who is affixing his stamp of mercy on a process that is often long, expensive and painful.

World hungers for ‘rock star’ Pope’s leadership

September 17, 2015

Pope Francis’ trip to the United States next week, including speeches to Congress and the United Nations General Assembly, will almost certainly put a spotlight on how the leader of the Catholic Church proposes to solve the global problems challenging human security in the world today.

Pope Francis says he is 'a bit feminist,' thanks women religious for hard work

September 17, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Calling himself "a bit feminist," Pope Francis praised women religious for always heading to the "front lines" to bring the church's tenderness and motherly love to those most in need.

Canada’s bishops need to challenge ‘cultural mindset’ on assisted suicide

September 17, 2015

CORNWALL, ONT. - Bishops need to speak out to emphasize that euthanasia and assisted suicide are “morally reprehensible,” Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith told colleagues at the annual meeting of Canadian bishops.

No one can pretend not to know Syrians, Iraqis are suffering, Pope says

September 17, 2015

Millions of Iraqis and Syrians are facing poverty and even death, neighbouring countries are bearing more than their fair share of the burden of helping refugees, arms dealers are getting richer and the international community seems helpless, Pope Francis said.

Proposal to loosen Anglican Communion ties draws mixed responses

September 17, 2015

A proposal to loosen the ties of the bitterly divided Anglican Communion drew mostly favourable reactions in Britain, while African prelates said they needed time to study the matter.

Jerusalem mayor takes tough stand against Al-Aqsa rock throwers as skirmish escalates

September 17, 2015

JERUSALEM - The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem cannot be used to harbour violent agitators, the city’s mayor said after Muslims stockpiled rocks and pipe bombs inside the mosque just before and after the start of the Jewish New Year and violently clashed with Israeli police.

September 18

At St. Patrick’s, many families can be traced back to parish origins

September 18, 2015

PHELPSTON, ONT. - A priest who once celebrated Mass at Phelpston’s St. Patrick’s parish understood the power of radio long before televangelists sought the spotlight stateside.

LEADing youth to service

September 18, 2015

It is not surprising that the youth who participate in Franciscan LEAD are taking the next steps in living out their vocation. These youth already have a deep faith and the LEAD program encourages them to continue to say yes to God’s call in their lives.

Support rises for end to Cuba embargo

September 18, 2015

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Pope Francis’ visit to Cuba and the United States comes as people and politicians in both countries increasingly support ending an economic embargo that has been in place for more than five decades.

Vatican welcomes its first family of refugees following Pope's appeal

September 18, 2015

VATICAN CITY - Embracing Pope Francis' request to sponsor a refugee family, the Vatican's St. Anne parish has welcomed a family of four from Damascus, Syria.