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December 2017

December 20

Government denies summer job funding for pro-lifers

December 20, 2017

OTTAWA – Catholic and other employers who refuse to endorse a woman’s right to abortion will be denied funding from a government program intended to create summer employment for youth, according to new guidelines.

December 21

Edmonton City Hall scraps outdoor Nativity scene after 40 years

December 21, 2017

EDMONTON – Faith leaders in Edmonton are disappointed that City Hall scrapped its outdoor Nativity scene after more than 40 years and replaced it with a smaller art display indoors.

Council of Churches wins standing in court case

December 21, 2017

The Canadian Council of Churches, Amnesty International and Canadian Council for Refugees are one step closer to arguing in court that Canada’s Safe Third Country agreement with the United States is illegal.

"Funeral faces", pessimism of life are not Christian, Pope says

December 21, 2017

VATICAN – Christians have good reason to be joyful and should let it shine in their faces rather than sport sad, pessimistic looks, Pope Francis said.

Archbishop Penney set up sex abuse inquiry

December 21, 2017

The Canadian archbishop who three decades ago stood at ground zero of the global child sexual abuse scandals has died.

Curia exists for service, not for glory, Pope says

December 21, 2017

VATICAN – The people who work at the Vatican and in the Roman Curia are supposed to be "sensitive antennas" that faithfully transmit the desires of the Pope and receive information from dioceses and Eastern Catholic churches around the world, Pope Francis said.

‘Fastest growing crisis’ growing worse for Rohingya

December 21, 2017

Development and Peace has raised $590,000 to fund its work in Bangladesh and Myanmar with Rohingya refugees, $450,000 of which is eligible for matching funds from Ottawa.

Cardinal Law's funeral celebrated at Vatican

December 21, 2017

VATICAN – Cardinal Bernard F. Law, who resigned as archbishop of Boston when it became clear he had knowingly transferred priests accused of sexually abusing children, made mistakes as all people do, Cardinal Angelo Sodano said at his funeral.

December 22

Robert Brehl: Christmas treasure found in Klondike gold rush

December 22, 2017

On Christmas Eve during the Klondike gold rush, three young miners found an unexpected treasure more valuable than gold dust, and their chivalry is worth remembering 120 Christmases later.

Cathy Majtenyi: The story of Jesus’ birth filled with lessons for all

December 22, 2017

The scene in the movie The Nativity Story where Mary jumps off the cart after returning from Elizabeth’s house always chokes me up.

Editorial: Christmas prayers

December 22, 2017

For much of the past two decades, Christmas celebrations in the birthplace of Christ have been muted. Recent Decembers, however, have seen Bethlehem start to become a more joyous place and the annual Christmas tree lighting last month in Manger Square was said to be the most festive in years.

Cardinal Maradiaga of Honduras accused of financial mismanagement

December 22, 2017

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – An Italian media outlet has reported allegations of financial mismanagement on the part of Honduran Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga, although no formal allegations or charges have been raised against the cardinal to date.

Poverty reduction and action on climate change major items for 2018

December 22, 2017

OTTAWA – While many positive steps have been taken on poverty-reduction and climate change, big gains on those fronts have yet to come, says the head of Citizens for Public Justice.

Cardinal Maradiaga responds to allegations of corruption

December 22, 2017

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradiaga has rejected accusations of financial mismanagement, and offered an explanation for allegations that he has received an excessive salary for a largely ceremonial role at the Catholic University of Honduras.

High school students bring Christmas cheer to needy

December 22, 2017

It was like a movie scene of elves working in Santa’s workshop.

Speaking out: Small ways to celebrate Christ

December 22, 2017

This time of transitioning from Advent to Christmas is a time when you can truly evaluate how well you prepare for Christ’s coming.

'Christmas Catholics' an opportunity to grow Church

December 22, 2017

MONTREAL – Christmas is just around the corner, and so are thousands of Catholics who ritually fill churches every Christmas Eve.

December 23

Students bring out the best in Scrooge tale

December 23, 2017

It is the classic tale of redemption — Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Ottawa priest's dream of Christmas album becomes a reality after a few rough notes

December 23, 2017

OTTAWA – For years, Fr. Vincent Pereira, an Ottawa priest and canon lawyer, mused about producing a Christmas CD, perhaps featuring one of his own musical compositions.

St. Michael's Choir veteran leaves on a high note

December 23, 2017

Matthew Riola was a nervous 12-year-old when he auditioned in 2012 for St. Michael’s Choir School. He had no idea he could sing, but his rendition of “O Canada” impressed a group of adults who would soon become his teachers and mentors.