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July 2016

July 6

Syria needs political, not military, solution to crisis, Pope says

July 6, 2016

VATICAN CITY – The world community needs to get serious about ending the conflict in Syria and call out those who claim to support peace while making money off of arms sales, Pope Francis said.

Proulx named new bishop of Gaspé

July 6, 2016

OTTAWA – Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Gaspé Bishop Jean Gagnon July 4 and named Quebec auxiliary Bishop Gaétan Proulx, OSM, as his replacement.

For most Zimbabweans, 'life is unbearable now,' priest says

July 6, 2016

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Violent protests in Zimbabwe reflect people's frustrations in extremely difficult times, a church official said.

Three Amigos make progress on climate commitments

July 6, 2016

OTTAWA – North American leaders are making progress on climate commitments but more needs to be done, Catholic and other climate-change advocacy groups said after the so-called “Three Amigos” summit in Ottawa.

Pope Francis prays with parents of U.S. student killed in Rome

July 6, 2016

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has met the parents of an American teenager who died in suspicious circumstances just after he arrived to start a foreign study program.

Jesuits hope to keep Truth and Reconciliation ball rolling

July 6, 2016

Taking responsibility for a deeply painful history may be difficult, but it’s the Jesuit thing to do.

July 7

YSN Reads: 2016 Summer Reading List (Part 2)

July 7, 2016

The Catholic Register and the Youth Speak News team have put together a list of faith-based youth titles that we think young booklovers might enjoy for their summer reading. In the second instalment of the series, we feature some action-packed reads alongside unique resource companions for a young reader’s journey in faith.

Attack on minor seminarians sparks outrage in Venezuela

July 7, 2016

MEXICO CITY – An attack on four high school-age seminarians by pro-government thugs has sparked outrage in Venezuela and underscored the tense political situation and social unrest in the South American country.

Interfaith Ramadan dinner builds bonds

July 7, 2016

TORONTO – During Ramadan, Muslims across the globe share the Iftar meal each evening. Iftar allows Muslims to physically replenish the body’s energy after fasting from dawn until dusk and to mentally reflect on the beauty and sacrifice of their faith.

In dark days, put prayer into action

July 7, 2016

In the midst of all the bad news over the past month, especially the legalization of euthanasia, it is easy to forget there is a world of the spirit and prayer that rises above the grime and connects us to our true home where truth shines bright.

Worldwide refugee numbers pass 65 million

July 7, 2016

TORONTO – It’s only a number, but 65.3 million for Martin Mark is a heart-breaking number.

Pray when the world hates you

July 7, 2016

In the UK, a Catholic teenager is suing his former employer and co-workers for religious aggravated assault. The teenager claims he was subjected to a “mock crucifixion,” tying him from a makeshift wooden cross. The court case addresses other indidents in which his co-workers drew crosses and phallic symbols all over the teenager’s body with permanent marker, setting spray deodorant aflame near his head and giving him a forcible wedgie that caused cuts and bruises.

Bangladesh restaurant shooters prayed, ate and awaited their fate as martyrs

July 7, 2016

Before being shot by security forces, the Islamist militants who attacked a café in Dhaka said they would happily become “martyrs” because they had successfully completed their jihadi mission and were bound for heaven, eyewitnesses said.

God’s investment in humanity brings us to the fullness of life

July 7, 2016

On summer evenings, without intending it, one hears interesting conversations.

To this day, the Christ-child is under threat

July 7, 2016

The Gospels tell us that after King Herod died, an angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, telling him: “Get up! Take the child and His Mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the child’s life are now dead” (Matthew 2, 19-20). The angel, it would seem, spoke prematurely, the child, the infant Christ, was still in danger, is still in danger, is still mortally threatened, right to this day.

Venezuelan College in Rome to close due to country's economic crisis

July 7, 2016

ROME – The Venezuelan bishops' conference will close its college for priests in Rome at least for the 2016-2017 academic year because of the economic difficulties facing the country, the seminary rector said.

Our place is at Lord’s feet

July 7, 2016

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) July 17 (Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15; Colossians 1:24-28; Luke 10:38-42) Sometimes there is more than meets the eye in the people we encounter each day. Thousands pass us anonymously, while occasionally we exchange a few words or a gesture with certain individuals. Is this accidental or coincidental?

Our daily choices truly matter

July 7, 2016

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) July 24 (Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:12-14; Luke 11:1-13)

Vatican court recognizes press freedom, acquits journalists

July 7, 2016

VATICAN CITY – A Vatican court, citing freedom of the press, acquitted two journalists who published confidential documents while their source, a Spanish monsignor, was sentenced to 18 months behind bars.

Irish parliament rejects amendment that would have liberalized abortion

July 7, 2016

DUBLIN – The Irish parliament has defeated legislation that would have allowed abortion of fetuses diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.