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September 2017

September 1

Editorial: Killing is no cure

September 1, 2017

It was interesting to monitor the shock expressed around the world to recent news that Iceland has almost eradicated the birth of Down syndrome babies by prenatal tests and abortion.

Comment: Something good can come from nothing

September 1, 2017

Making something out of nothing. When somebody pulls that off, it tends to evoke wonder and admiration.

Speaking Out: My YSN year in review

September 1, 2017

Not many 18-year-olds can say they’ve written for a national newspaper. And fewer still can say they’ve been given the chance to not only report on current events, but to give their opinions on relevant social issues.

Children’s fund can turn hope into reality

September 1, 2017

Janelle Younge was 14 when she called Toronto’s Catholic Children’s Aid Society. When the social worker arrived and saw bruises spread across Younge’s face and arms, she wanted the girl out of the house right away, before her father got home.

'Hear the cry of the earth,' Pope and patriarch urge in ecology message

September 1, 2017

VATICAN CITY - Environmental destruction is a sign of a "morally decaying scenario" in which too many people ignore or deny that, from the beginning, "God intended humanity to cooperate in the preservation and protection of the natural environment," said the leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Little acts of love make big difference

September 1, 2017

Mary’s Meals is about lots of little acts of love, said founder Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow.

September 2

Faith: Being in silence teaches us God’s voice

September 2, 2017

In an emergency ward, in another country, I lay on a table awaiting the physician. Lightning flashes of pain shot through my body, weak from days-long inability to take in water and food.

Artists join forces to create Catholic humour

September 2, 2017

John Smillie was just 15 when he stumbled into the world of Catholic comics. In October 2015, he posted a drawing on his Facebook page of the child Jesus tugging on the dress of an exasperated Mother Mary, yelling “Mom, mom, mom….”

From one refugee generation to another

September 2, 2017

EDMONTON - Dr. Nhung Tran-Davies will never forget the January day she saw the Alshablis, a family fleeing war in Syria, walk through the doors of Edmonton International Airport.

Water's rise and fall: Harvey's wrath still felt across Gulf Coast

September 2, 2017

HOUSTON - As the waters from Hurricane Harvey rose and fell, prayers uttered in Texas ranged from pleas for protection to asking God for the courage to live with charity and great patience, said Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria.

September 3

Faith: Rituals keep our lives on a steady course

September 3, 2017

I don’t always find it easy to pray. Often I’m over-tired, distracted, caught-up in tasks, pressured by work, short on time, lacking the appetite for prayer or more strongly drawn to do something else.

Digging for the truth

September 3, 2017

Earlier this year protesters in a small Guatemala village blockaded a giant silver mine operated by a Canadian company and for a month stood their ground despite being regularly tear-gassed by paramilitary police.

September 4

Faith: We all share in the power of forgiveness

September 4, 2017

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 10 (Year A) Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20 Sin ultimately affects an entire community. There is no such thing as a private sin. Sooner or later, misdeeds make an impact on the physical, psychological and spiritual environment.

Jesuits fear priest’s life in danger

September 4, 2017

Provincial superiors of the English and French Canadian arms of the Jesuits wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Aug. 11 asking him to put pressure on the government of Honduras to protect the life of Jesuit Fr. Ismael “Melo” Moreno.

September 5

Pope offers prayers for flood victims in U.S., southern Asia

September 5, 2017

VATICAN CITY – After leading thousands of pilgrims in praying the Angelus, Pope Francis offered prayers for flood victims in Texas and Louisiana following a devastating hurricane that caused massive flooding.

Vatican: Lack of legal, safe channels for migration helps traffickers

September 5, 2017

VIENNA – Many people become more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation when safe, legal and affordable opportunities for immigration or asylum are lacking, a Vatican official told global leaders.

Be the first to love, to build bridges, Pope tells Colombians

September 5, 2017

VATICAN CITY – Colombia's transition to a just and lasting peace requires a commitment on behalf of all the nation's people to taking the first step toward reconciliation, Pope Francis said in a video message.

Toronto Catholic schools part of new pedestrian safety initiative for students

September 5, 2017

TORONTO – Parents have a lot of things to worry about on the first day of school. Whether or not their child arrives safely should not be one of them.

Despite peace accords, Colombian victims say indignities continue

September 5, 2017

BOGOTA, Colombia – Milena Cardenas was 6 years old when rebels of the M-19 guerrilla group seized the Colombian Supreme Court in 1985. The army counterattacked and more than 100 lives were lost, including 12 of the 25 judges. Eleven cafeteria employees also disappeared; Cardenas' mother was among them.

Catholics turn out to support 'dreamers' after DACA rescinded

September 5, 2017

WASHINGTON – Mercy Sister Rita Parks stood near the large crowd in front of the White House that was almost silenced after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced shortly after 11 a.m. on Sept. 5 that the Trump administration was ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program.