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March 28, 2018
The following is the Easter message from Bishop Lionel Gendron, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
VATICAN – Though they may go to church and say they are people of faith, the corrupt and "mafioso" have absolutely nothing Christian about them, Pope Francis said.
A new mandate from trustees of the Halton Catholic District School Board to allow its schools to give donations only to a specific list of charities that uphold Catholic values sets it apart from other nearby Catholic school boards.
HONG KONG – A Chinese bishop was taken away by authorities but was back home the next day, according to a news report.
Pope Francis won’t be coming to Canada to personally apologize for the suffering endured by Indigenous Canadians at residential schools, a decision that has prompted disappointment from several corners, including the prime minister.
March 29, 2018
Maybe it’s just me, but it’s so easy to get lost in the little sacrifices and traditions of Lent, forgetting what the real point is behind them.
VATICAN – If Jesus and his truth are to become truly present in today's world, priests must do what Jesus did and be "street preachers," going out to encounter and accompany sinners with tenderness and compassion, Pope Francis told the world's priests.
After winning in The Catholic Register’s Christmas drawing contest, Jasmeen Arcentales has scored a double victory by taking top honours in our Easter competition for children.
Easter and April Fool’s has comically synced up this year which means Christians are bracing themselves for every Easter pun in the book.
ROME – Before washing the feet of 12 prisoners, Pope Francis told them and hundreds of inmates to remember that Jesus constantly stands before them with love, ready to cleanse their sins and forgive them.
March 30, 2018
VATICAN – Papal preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa dedicated his Good Friday homily to young people, comparing them to the apostle John and urging them to have the courage to go in the opposite direction of the selfishness of the world, running instead toward the sacrificial love of Jesus on the cross.
ROME – Leading a prayer to God for the grace to feel ashamed and repentant for so many sins in the world, Pope Francis highlighted the hope that always comes from Jesus.
March 31, 2018
His teacher describes Aaron Parry as a “gentle soul,” but no one could ever accuse him of lacking passion.
VATICAN – During a customary visit to a prison on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis revealed that he has cataracts and is planning to have an eye operation to correct them next year. The head of Regina Coeli prison in Rome made a comment during the visit about the importance of being “far-sighted” about prisoners’ rehabilitation. Pope Francis responded, “This is good. Because at my age, for example, cataracts arrive and one does not see reality well. Next year, we will have to have an operation.” He encouraged the inmates to have clear eyes – what he called “cataract surgery for the soul” – in order to see and spread hope. Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that is common as people age, is usually correctable with a routine surgery. The pope, who turned 81 in December, maintains a rigorous schedule and still makes several international trips per year. He had a portion of one lung removed when he was young, due to an infection, but is considered to be in generally good health.
Resurrection of the Lord, April 1 (Year B) Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8; John 20:1-18
VATICAN – Truly celebrating Easter means allowing Jesus to triumph over personal fears and give life to hope, creativity and care for others, Pope Francis said.