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August 2017

August 15

Pope entrusts to Mary victims of disasters, conflict, social tension

August 15, 2017

VATICAN CITY – In a week in which natural disasters, war and racial conflicts dominated the headlines, Pope Francis prayed that Mary would bring peace to a divided world.

August 16

Bishops ask for peace after white nationalist rally turns deadly

August 16, 2017

WASHINGTON – In the aftermath of a chaos- and hate-filled weekend in Virginia, Catholic bishops and groups throughout the nation called for peace after three people died and several others were injured following clashes between pacifists, protesters and white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia, Aug. 11 and 12.

Pope prays for victims of 'devastating' mudslide in Sierra Leone

August 16, 2017

Pope Francis offered his condolences and his prayers to the people of Sierra Leone after flooding and a major mudslide Aug. 14 led to the deaths of hundreds of people and displaced thousands.

Catholic leaders, groups urge all Americans to confront 'sin of racism'

August 16, 2017

WASHINGTON - The Franciscan Action Network called on all Americans, "especially ourselves and those who have benefited from white privilege," to look within themselves "and confront America's original sin -- the sin of racism."

August 17

Iceland population of people with Down syndrome 'disappearing'

August 17, 2017

WASHINGTON - Iceland is on its way to "eliminate" people with Down syndrome, a report from CBS News explained, causing uproar in the pro-life community over the high numbers of abortions following prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

August 18

Pope offers prayers for victims of terrorist attack in Barcelona

August 18, 2017

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims of a terrorist attack in Barcelona, Spain, that left at least 12 people dead and injured dozens of others.

Catholic leaders urge prayers, unity after attacks in Spain

August 18, 2017

OXFORD, England - Spanish church leaders urged prayers and national unity after two terrorist attacks left at least 19 people dead.

August 21

Pope urges respect for the life and dignity of migrants, refugees

August 21, 2017

VATICAN CITY – With millions of people fleeing violence, persecution and poverty around the globe, individual nations must expand options that make it possible for migrants and refugees to cross their borders safely and legally, Pope Francis said.

Ottawa matches $21 million for famine relief

August 21, 2017

With the final numbers in, the Canadian government is kicking in $21.3 million to protect 20 million people in Africa and Yemen from imminent starvation, but Canada’s Catholic development agency is continuing to collect more funds even as Ottawa closes down its matching fund program.

Pope leads prayers for an end to 'inhuman violence' of terrorism

August 21, 2017

VATICAN CITY – "Let us beg the Lord, God of mercy and peace, to free the world from this inhuman violence," Pope Francis prayed after a week of deadly terrorist attacks in Africa and Europe.

Man needs beauty out of hunger for God, says author

August 21, 2017

BARRY’S BAY, Ont. – Man’s need for beauty springs from his profound hunger for God, artist and best-selling author Michael D. O’Brien told a conference at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College.

Former First Nations head is optimistic about reconciliation

August 21, 2017

OTTAWA – Bob Watts, former CEO of the Assembly of First Nations and key player in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), says he is optimistic about reconciliation.

August 22

Two die in earthquake on Italian island

August 22, 2017

ROME – One of the two women who died when an earthquake struck the Italian island of Ischia was killed by falling debris from a 19th-century church. The other died in her home, which was destroyed by the quake Aug. 21.

‘God’s amazing,’ says science teacher after viewing eclipse

August 22, 2017

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky.– Science teacher Jane Irwin isn't often left without words, but the total solar eclipse that swept across America left her in a quiet reflective mood.

August 23

Three-day Canadian pilgrimage inspired by famous Chartres trek

August 23, 2017

OTTAWA – An annual three-day, 100 km walking pilgrimage to Notre-Dame-du-Cap in Quebec Sept. 2-4 was inspired by a similar pilgrimage to from Paris to Chartres, France, says an organizer.

Canoe pilgrimage reaches its final shore

August 23, 2017

OTTAWA – Despite physical exhaustion, storms, rough waters, food shortages and waking up to slip into wet socks some mornings, Jesuit paddlers said an 850-km canoe pilgrimage fulfilled all their expectations and more.

Bishops press Trudeau for action on mining in Latin America

August 23, 2017

In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops president Bishop Doug Crosby has accused Canadian mining companies of “unethical, unjust and irresponsible ways of mining” in Latin America.

Nun known as 'Mother Teresa of Pakistan' to receive state funeral

August 23, 2017

THRISSUR, India – The government of Pakistan will accord a state funeral to Sister Ruth Katharina Martha Pfau, a German-born member of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary who devoted her life to eradicating leprosy in Pakistan.

August 24

God-centred thinking sees higher purpose

August 24, 2017

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 3 (Year A) Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27 Jeremiah was thoroughly sick of his mission and ministry and wanted to quit.

Comment: CBC columnist sends message of ignorance

August 24, 2017

It would be grand to believe the CBC is for everyone. It is, after all, a national broadcaster that we all support with our tax dollars, whether we want to or not.