Browse › 2018 › November

November 2018

November 27

Christmas at the beach: 'Sand Nativity' brings unique style to Vatican

November 27, 2018

VATICAN – From the beach town of New Smyrna, Florida, just a stone's throw away from Daytona Beach, Rich Varano never imagined his unique talent of sculpting sand would take him to the heart of Christianity.

Prohibit 'killer robots' now before they are used in wars, Vatican official says

November 27, 2018

VATICAN – Fully automated and autonomous lethal weapons systems must be banned now before they become a reality in tomorrow's wars, a Vatican representative said.

Catholic groups pledge to make church's voice heard at U.N. climate conference

November 27, 2018

WARSAW, Poland – As government delegations from across the globe prepare for a Dec. 2-14 U.N. conference on climate change, Catholic organizations are pledging to make the church's voice heard.

November 28

Ottawa's St. Clement Parish celebrates 50th year of Latin Mass

November 28, 2018

OTTAWA – Notre Dame Cathedral was packed on Nov. 23 for a Pontifical High Mass marking the 50th anniversary of Ottawa’s Traditional Latin Mass community at St. Clement’s Parish.

Kenyan priest killed in Cameroon shot by government soldiers, bishop says

November 28, 2018

NAIROBI, Kenya – Although official reports say Mill Hill Father Cosmas Omboto Ondari was caught in the crossfire of government and opposition forces, the local bishop says Father Ondari was killed by government soldiers.

Bishops urge for compassion toward migrants amid rising caravan concerns

November 28, 2018

HOUSTON – Laredo's Bishop James A. Tamayo is calling church leaders and lay faithful to "extend the compassion of Christ" to those who come to Catholic churches in need.

No one has right to demand a Pope's resignation, Cardinal Muller says

November 28, 2018

VATICAN – People can disagree about problems and the best ways to resolve them, but no one should launch a formal accusation against a Pope much less ask for his resignation, German Cardinal Gerhard Muller said.

Pope Emeritus corrects 'false insinuation' by German theologian

November 28, 2018

VATICAN – Retired Pope Benedict XVI sent a letter correcting a German theologian who implied that the former pontiff encouraged the evangelization of the Jewish people as a mission.

St. Michael’s scandal a humbling experience for Basilian Fathers

November 28, 2018

As the Basilian Fathers await announcement of an expert panel to investigate the culture and policies that may be factors in a sexual assault scandal at St. Michael's College School, the priests are praying for the victims, their families and the community they serve.

Abuse summit ‘critical’ for Church, Cardinal O'Malley says

November 28, 2018

VATICAN – The universal Church will face a critical juncture when Pope Francis meets with the world’s bishops to address the abuse and protection of minors, said Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley as the Vatican named members of the organizing committee for the February conference.

November 29

Nigerian Catholics victimized by Boko Haram have 'unshakable faith', bishop says

November 29, 2018

WASHINGTON – Bishop Oliver D. Doeme of Maiduguri, Nigeria, has seen his share of death, violence and destruction in the past nine years, but he keeps his focus on his firm belief that the local church will be restored.

Central African Republic bishops call for 'day of sorrow and prayer' after massacre near cathedral

November 29, 2018

WARSAW, Poland – Bishops in the Central African Republic urged Catholics to boycott their country's National Day observance Dec. 1 to protest the failure of government and United Nations forces to prevent the massacre of church members by rebel groups.

Pilgrims are the most important part of Catholic shrines, Pope Francis says

November 29, 2018

VATICAN – People who visit Catholic shrines must find a place of warmth and welcome, as well as good priests who enjoy being with and listening to the faithful, Pope Francis said.

Toronto parish steps up for Panama World Youth Day pilgrims

November 29, 2018

Alicia Escobar was 10 years old when Pope St. John Paul II came to Toronto in 2002 for World Youth Day. She was too young to participate but remembers the excitement, and now she’s looking forward to experiencing that for herself.

Canadian Catholics to start using new French translation of Our Father

November 29, 2018

QUEBEC CITY – French-speaking Canadians will begin using a new translation of the Our Father Dec. 2.

Fr. Van Hee launches constitutional challenge of bubble zone law

November 29, 2018

OTTAWA – Fr. Tony Van Hee, who was arrested and charged Oct. 24 for violating Ontario’s exclusion zone around abortion facilities, is mounting a constitutional challenge of the law.

#LaResistance target Ford government decision on French university

November 29, 2018

French Catholic school boards across Ontario are joining protests over the decision to stop plans for a French-language university in southern Ontario.

Editorial: Canada must step up

November 29, 2018

Canadians generally prefer that people wait their turn, but compassion sometimes demands that we unite and jog someone to the front of the line. That time has come in the case of Asia Bibi. We should take her hand and hurry her to save haven in Canada.

Readers Speak Out: December 2, 2018

November 29, 2018

A peacemaker Re: Reflections of a nation in a time of grief (Nov. 18): Fr. J.A. McDonagh’s account of the events following John F. Kennedy’s assassination was remarkable. Reflecting on the tragedy, he wrote: “Nothing will be the same again until merciful time has weighed all the evidence produced.”

Young adults discuss abuse scandals within Church

November 29, 2018

Discussing Church scandals at a pub was unusual for Fr. Jack Costello, but the informal setting allowed young adults to learn about scandals in a safe and social environment.