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October 2018

October 1

Pray the rosary daily to step up abuse fight, protect church from the devil, Pope says

October 1, 2018

VATICAN – Signaling his belief that the Catholic Church is facing a serious crisis, Pope Francis asked every Catholic in the world to pray for the protection of the church from attacks by the devil, but also that the church would be more aware of its sins and stronger in its efforts to combat abuse.

Church's problems are created by 'winds of scandal' by its own members, Pope says

October 1, 2018

VATICAN – The barque of the church is being buffeted by strong winds of scandal created by its own members, Pope Francis told a group of priests from France.

Media must build communities, not sow division, Pope says

October 1, 2018

VATICAN – Christians must do more to make sure the media, especially social networks, are places of dialogue and respect for others, rather than instruments for highlighting differences and increasing divisions, said the prefect of the Vatican communications office.

Women must fight clericalism to heal church from abuse, Vatican publication says

October 1, 2018

VATICAN – In response to current scandals, clericalism and the need for reform, Catholic women must take the initiative and make their voices be heard, according to a series of articles in a Vatican magazine.

Loving the terminally ill can make shadow of euthanasia disappear, Pope says

October 1, 2018

VATICAN – Caring for the sick, especially those near death, cannot be reduced simply to giving them medicine, but must include providing healing and comfort that gives their lives value and meaning, Pope Francis said.

Synod helps to renew the Church to help young Catholics, cardinal says

October 1, 2018

VATICAN – To strengthen and support young people in the faith, members of the Synod of Bishops will need to listen to their real-life stories, interpret what they hear in the light of the Gospel and make decisions that will lead to an authentic renewal of the Catholic Church, said Brazilian Cardinal Sergio da Rocha.

‘Don’t call it an old ladies’ home!’: Catholic home for senior women is re-discovered

October 1, 2018

VANCOUVER – Hostelling International boasts some interesting locations for their nightly accommodations. World travellers booking with HI can spend a night in a cell at the Carleton County jail in Ottawa, in old army barracks on Jericho Beach, or inside the former Olympic Village in Whistler.

Figure of Speech: Listen to what the Lord wants us to hear

October 1, 2018

Mondegreens are those wonderful phenomena in language where a misheard phrase is substituted for the real thing, usually in music. The term comes from American writer Sylvia Wright who explained that she misheard the phrase “and laid him on the green” in a Scottish ballad as “and Lady Mondegreen.”

Peter Stockland: Canada on hot seat for freedom forum

October 1, 2018

The phrases “hot ticket” and “religious freedom forum” appear only infrequently in the same sentence, especially on Parliament Hill where the operative word is secularism, secularism and more secularism.

October 2

Hearing examines China's new deal with Vatican, policy on religion

October 2, 2018

WASHINGTON – Debate continues about whether the Vatican's provisional agreement with China will improve relations between the Chinese state and members of religious groups, which have had a long history of conflict.

Calgary's One Rock 2.0 festival inspires youth to evangelize under cloud of abuse crisis

October 2, 2018

CALGARY – Maddie Catling is ready to be a Catholic warrior for the Church.

'Do you listen to your angel?': Guardian angels accompany us to God, Pope says

October 2, 2018

VATICAN – Christians have guardian angels to encourage and guide them so they won't become sluggish on their journey in life, Pope Francis said.

Society calls on Canadian Catholics to live out the Church's missionary nature

October 2, 2018

Everyone is called to mission and this year, the Pontifical Mission Society is calling for Canadian Catholics to answer that call.

Canadian bishops’ new sex abuse guidelines focus on prevention

October 2, 2018

OTTAWA – New sexual abuse policies which Canada’s bishops have vowed to implement will focus on prevention, but will not include a mechanism to censure a bishop who commits or covers up an offence.

October 3

Catholic agencies aid victims of Indonesia earthquake, tsunami

October 3, 2018

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Catholic aid agencies were among those working to assess the needs and get relief to the island of Sulawesi after an earthquake and tsunami left more than 1,400 people dead.

Pope's favourability numbers down, and worse for handling of abuse, Pew Research polls show

October 3, 2018

WASHINGTON – With Pope Francis midway into the sixth year of his pontificate, the percentage of U.S. Catholics who view him favourably, while still strong, is noticeably down.

Canada’s religious freedom at risk in the courts and in Parliament

October 3, 2018

OTTAWA – Experts warned religious freedom is at risk in Canada as it is no longer seen as a fundamental right but something that can be trumped by vague “charter values” and partisan politics.

At opening Mass, Pope Francis welcomes first ever bishops from communist China to attend synod

October 3, 2018

VATICAN – Setting the stage for a monthlong gathering of bishops, Pope Francis urged synod fathers not to be crushed by "prophets of doom," but to be the signs of hope and joy for which today's young people yearn.

Canadian bishops working on palliative care resources for every parish

October 3, 2018

CORNWALL – Canada’s Catholic bishops aim to have palliative care resources available in every parish to help Catholics grapple with suffering and dying under a regime of legal euthanasia.

Prayer to St. Michael makes resurgence in response to sex abuse crisis

October 3, 2018

WASHINGTON – In response to the church abuse crisis, many parishes around the country have been bringing out the big guns in a spiritual sense -- calling on St. Michael the Archangel to help the church.