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February 2017

February 2

It’s up to us to choose the way of life

February 2, 2017

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 12 (Year A) Sirach 15:15-20; Psalm 119; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Matthew 5:17-37 We are free, but freedom can be frightening. With freedom comes responsibility, and humans are masters at fleeing from this and making excuses for their failures.

There is light even in darkest of places

February 2, 2017

These winter days, in the “ordinary” time from Christmas to Lent, can be tough.

Keystone XL pipeline opponents want decision reviewed

February 2, 2017

EDMONTON – In light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s go-ahead for the Keystone XL pipeline, Canadian environmentalists are urging Ottawa to take another look at the controversial project it approved seven years ago.

In a new video, Pope Francis urges compassion for refugees, people on the margins

February 2, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis called for greater compassion for refugees and marginalized people less than a week after President Trump ordered a temporary immigration ban from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

Philippine cardinal: Tell legislators death penalty does not deter crime

February 2, 2017

MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine cardinal has urged the faithful of his country to tell their lawmakers that the death penalty does not deter violent crime, could potentially legitimize violence and that life is a gift from God.

Trump defends refugee ban as part of protecting religious freedom

February 2, 2017

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that protecting religious freedom is a U.S. priority, while defending his recent halt of refugee admissions as a necessary step to protect that freedom.

February 3

Speaking Out: The Church’s future counts on young people

February 3, 2017

In general, I’m a pretty hopeful person about the future of the Church, even more so with the announcement of the theme for next year’s Synod of Bishops.

Opinion: Murder an evil act, in a place of worship it is even more heinous

February 3, 2017

My first thought, upon hearing the news of the massacre at the mosque in Ste. Foy, was that there must be a special place in hell for those who kill men at prayer, all the moreso in a house of worship.

Controversy overshadows film’s message of loyalty and service

February 3, 2017

I was feeling a tad hypocritical about A Dog’s Purpose. For one, I’m not really a dog person and for another, this movie has been the subject of much controversy regarding the treatment of its canine stars.

O'Connor's funeral business stays true to its principles

February 3, 2017

To Paul O’Connor, family has always been at the centre of the funeral business.

Jean's Photo Diary

February 3, 2017

August-1 [images/WYD2016_1/Facebook_PhotoDiary/August-1.jpg] July 26, 2016: The shrine of the Black Madonna was opened to World Youth Day pilgrims so that they could venerate the miraculous image up close. (Photo by Jean Ko Din) Follow our reporter Jean Ko Din as she photographs her journey to Krakow, Poland for the 2016 World Youth Day.

South African Jesuits appalled by negligence that led to 94 patients' deaths

February 3, 2017

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – South Africa's Jesuit Institute said it is appalled at government actions that led to the deaths of 94 mentally ill patients in Gauteng province, and the bishops' justice and peace commission called for compensation to affected families.

‘Truth’ can take some strange twists in this world

February 3, 2017

Sometime around AD 30, in the context of the Roman Empire, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus of Nazareth “What is truth?”

There’s beauty in 'The Young Pope,' says Sr. Helena

February 3, 2017

For those suffering from a frail, forgotten or non-existent belief in God, the HBO mini-series The Young Pope has a message that may change some minds, says Sr. Helena Burns.

Refugee advocates outline arguments for legal action on presidential ban

February 3, 2017

WASHINGTON – The breadth of President Donald Trump's authority to limit refugees entering the United States will be fought in federal court and some of the legal challenges ultimately may end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trump border wall challenges America’s moral values, says Catholic theologian

February 3, 2017

VATICAN CITY – U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall with Mexico raises serious questions about America’s moral standing as the poor would bear the brunt of the suffering, a leading Catholic theologian says.

Quebec Muslims: Intolerance was already on the rise prior to deadly mosque shooting

February 3, 2017

TORONTO – Bullet holes and blood splatter still marked the walls. Carpets were stained. Even shoes and boots, removed before prayers and lined up, stood abandoned.

February 4

Facts first: Vatican seeks scientific data before making judgments

February 4, 2017

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican believes scientific facts exist and it wants to hear about them from world-renowned scientists before it offers guidance on or criticism of related political, social or economic policies.

Iraqis' experiences recall 'what it means to live as a Christian'

February 4, 2017

ROME, Italy – An Iraqi priest who was forced to flee his village when the Islamic State seized the area in 2014 said the hardship and persecution Christians in Iraq have experienced has taught them what it really means to fully live out their faith.

Krakow's new archbishop talks St. John Paul II and Divine Mercy

February 4, 2017

ROME, Italy – The archdiocese that once sent St. John Paul II to the papacy has a new archbishop: Marek Jedraszewski. The archbishop has special memories of the sainted Pope and the Divine Mercy devotion he brought to the world.