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March 2017

March 1

Catholic nuns the target of growing Congolese attacks

March 1, 2017

Roman Catholic sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo are coming under increased attacks as vandals destroy churches and convents in an attempt to frustrate the church’s efforts to act as mediator in an election dispute.

The fight never ends for free speech, say panelists at Manning conference

March 1, 2017

OTTAWA – Freedom of expression on university campuses must be fought for despite threats said a Censorship on Campus panel Feb. 25 at the Manning Centre Conference.

Pope's homily: Full text from Ash Wednesday Mass

March 1, 2017

Pope Francis celebrated Holy Mass for Ash Wednesday at the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine hill in Rome.

These 17th century monks did a beer fast for Lent

March 1, 2017

WASHINGTON – As Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lenten season, Catholics enter into 40 days of abstaining from sweets, technology, alcohol and other luxuries.

Lent isn’t just about penance – it’s also a time of hope, Pope Francis says

March 1, 2017

VATICAN CITY – On Ash Wednesday Pope Francis said that while Lent is certainly a time of mortification, it’s also a journey of hope that leads to the joy of Christ’s Resurrection – a journey that requires both daily sacrifice and love.

Pope at Ash Wednesday Mass: Lent breathes life into world asphyxiated by sin

March 1, 2017

ROME – Lent is a time to receive God's breath of life, a breath that saves humanity from suffocating under the weight of selfishness, indifference and piety devoid of sincerity, Pope Francis said.

Documentary captures spirit of World Youth Day in Krakow

March 1, 2017

The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy is over, but the call to mercy lives on.

Irish abuse victim lashes out at Vatican bureaucracy as she quits panel

March 1, 2017

ROME – Irish abuse survivor Marie Collins has accused the Vatican bureaucracy of “shameful” resistance to fighting clerical sex abuse in the Catholic Church as she quit a key panel set up by Pope Francis.

Calgary's new bishop William McGrattan meets his new flock

March 1, 2017

Bishop William McGrattan won’t pretend to be as “very bold” as his predecessor, but hopes to be just as steadfast as Bishop Fred Henry as he assumes leadership of Calgary’s diocese.

Congo's bishops: Don't blame Catholics for blockage of peace accord

March 1, 2017

KINSHASA, Congo – Congo's bishops criticized continued obstruction of a church-brokered peace accord and urged citizens not to blame Catholics for the deadlock.

Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo leaves Toronto Catholics reeling

March 1, 2017

Congolese Catholics in Toronto are in shock as they learn about politically-motivated attacks on Catholic churches and schools in their majority-Catholic homeland.

March 2

Pope's homily: Ideological faith adores a 'disincarnate' god

March 2, 2017

The compass of the Christian directs him to follow Christ crucified, not a disincarnate god, but God made flesh, Who bears in Himself the wounds of our brothers. That was the message of Pope Francis at the morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on Thursday.

Opinion: Turning the other cheek is still good advice

March 2, 2017

A stately old Nova Scotia landmark was home to its fair share of contemporary drama over the past couple of weeks. The landmark is Province House in downtown Halifax, the place where the Nova Scotia legislature has met since 1819. The three-storey Province House edifice is the longest serving legislative building in Canada.

Editorial: Our Christian duty to care for refugees crossing the border

March 2, 2017

As Canadians debate how we should respond to a surge in asylum seekers crossing southern borders, Catholics should reflect on recent words from Pope Francis about what he calls the scandal of hypocrisy.

More groups are joining the fight for conscience rights

March 2, 2017

OTTAWA – Groups defending conscience rights and religious freedom will be allowed to participate in a court case challenging the Ontario physicians’ college.

Women are at the heart of D&P's Lent campaign

March 2, 2017

The next $8 million Development and Peace raises will be in the name of women.

After Trump’s address to Congress, pro-lifers stress protections in health care

March 2, 2017

WASHINGTON – After President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, pro-life leaders wished he had spoken more to their concerns of federal abortion funding in health care.

Lent shines a light on our path to renewal

March 2, 2017

Andrew and Martha sat glumly. They were stuck in the same argument they’d had so many times before in their life together as a couple. One stabbed using sharp words, the other stonewalled using the silent treatment.

There’s honest sin and dishonest sin

March 2, 2017

There’s an axiom which says: Nothing feels better than virtue.

Daily Lenten to-do list helps in Easter preparations

March 2, 2017

The season of Lent is all about preparing, which means there are plenty of to-do lists for Catholics as they count down the days to Easter Sunday and the Resurrection.