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December 2017

December 1

Editorial: Housing rights as human rights

December 1, 2017

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the government’s new housing initiative, even moreso than a multi-billion-dollar pledge, is recognition in Ottawa that every Canadian has a fundamental right to housing.

Pope tells Bangladesh bishops to make laity a priority, especially youth

December 1, 2017

DHAKA, Bangladesh – On Friday Pope Francis met with the bishops of Bangladesh, urging them to be close to the laity, especially young people and families, and to encourage them to serve the Church according to their particular gifts.

Pray for your priests, Pope urges at Mass in Bangladesh

December 1, 2017

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Ordaining 16 new priests in Bangladesh, Pope Francis kept to his practice of using the formal ritual homily for the occasion. But, as often happens, he also felt a need to speak more personally to the people before him.

Tests offer new information on date of site believed to be tomb of Christ

December 1, 2017

WASHINGTON – Scientists who helped restore a shrine above the site believed to be the place where Christ was buried say testing of samples has dated the tomb to at least the fourth century.

Charles Lewis: Pronouns are no big deal, right? Wrong

December 1, 2017

I have two groups I associate with socially: One group consists mainly of secular friends, many I’ve known for decades during my career in journalism; the other group is Catholic, the people I’m involved with in various pro-life causes or RCIA or those I see each week at Mass.

Sisters seek to build a healing path post abortion

December 1, 2017

Angelina Steenstra had an abortion at 15 years old.

Vietnamese youth return to cultural roots at concert

December 1, 2017

While Christmas is for the family, Advent is for the parish.

Pope meets 16 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, says they are 'images of the living God'

December 1, 2017

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Each human being is created in the image and likeness of God, yet so often people desecrate that image with violence as seen in the treatment of Myanmar's Rohingya minority, Pope Francis said.

Speaking out: Working for the Catholic Church

December 1, 2017

When I was 18 years old, a fresh high school graduate with loads of ambition and what seemed like direction for my life, I felt an overbearing sense of guilt.

December 2

Catholic groups make their case in Christian law school hearing

December 2, 2017

OTTAWA – Lawyers representing Trinity Western University faced tough questions from Supreme Court Justices Nov. 30 in an important religious freedom case involving communal rights.

December 3

Pope: What I don't say in public, I say behind closed doors

December 3, 2017

VATICAN – On his return flight from Bangladesh to Rome, Pope Francis offered journalists an insight into his communication strategy, saying that when it comes to a sensitive topic, at times he prefers to hold his tongue publicly so that his message gets across, but is more open in private conversations.

Our own defects and limitations threaten peace, Pope says in Bangladesh

December 3, 2017

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Devoting his last day in Bangladesh to the nation's tiny Catholic community, Pope Francis told clergy and religious that there was no way they could promote interreligious harmony in the country if their communities were marked by gossip, division and bitterness.

December 4

App puts kindness in focus at Advent

December 4, 2017

It started out as a Duffy family tradition and now they’re ready to share it with anyone with a smartphone.

Faith lights the way for blind potter

December 4, 2017

Scarred by a childhood disease that stole her sight and by a violent family past, Anne-Marie Landry has moulded a new life for herself through her church, her friends ... and her pottery.

Advent is time to identify sin, help the poor, see beauty, Pope says

December 4, 2017

VATICAN – Advent is a time to be watchful and alert to the ways one strays from God's path, but also to signs of his presence in other people and in the beauty of the world, Pope Francis said.

God's Word on Sunday: God is found in compassionate hearts

December 4, 2017

1st Sunday of Advent, Dec. 3 (Year B) Isaiah 63:16b-17; 64:1, 3-8; Psalm 80; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 It’s all God’s fault! As bizarre as that may seem, that appears to be at the heart of the prayer in the final section of Isaiah. The words reflect the human tendency to blame everyone and everything for difficulties instead of accepting personal responsibility.

Innu women testify that Oblate missionary inappropriately touched them

December 4, 2017

MONTREAL – Oblate Father Alexis Joveneau was said to have inappropriately touched women and girls in the Innu community in Quebec where he ministered from 1953 until his death in 1992.

Some tips on keeping holidays peaceful

December 4, 2017

The Christmas season is a hectic time and staying sane — not to mention enjoying this time of the year — is even more of a challenge for those who don’t get along well with their extended family.

The Back Porch offers pro-life ministry across abortion clinic

December 4, 2017

There is one abortion clinic in Edmonton: a squat, grey building with a single sign saying “Women’s Health Options” in small letters near a nondescript front door.

December 5

Three gifts sure to make Christmas bright

December 5, 2017

What’s the best Christmas gift you ever received?