Browse › 2018 › December

December 2018

December 1

God's word on Sunday: God will provide courage to persevere

December 1, 2018

1st Sunday of Advent, Dec. 2 (Year C) Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

December 3

Recreational marijuana use is contrary to Catholic teaching, British Columbia, Yukon bishops say

December 3, 2018

The Catholic bishops of British Columbia and the Yukon have issued a pastoral statement on legalized marijuana that endorses medical cannabis but stresses that recreational use is contrary to Catholic moral teaching.

Pope Francis leads prayers with Aid to the Church in Need for peace in 'tormented' Syria

December 3, 2018

VATICAN – Leading thousands of pilgrims in prayer, Pope Francis lit a candle in remembrance of the people of Syria, especially innocent children tormented by the country's eight-year conflict.

Americans mourn death of 41st president, recalls life of public service

December 3, 2018

WASHINGTON – When he was running for re-election in 1992, President George H.W. Bush told Catholic News Service that he believed that a strong religious faith could provide "an extra shot of strength when you need it."

Advent is a time for vigilance, prayer, Pope Francis says

December 3, 2018

VATICAN – Christians can turn Christmas into a "pagan" or "mundane" holiday by focusing on the gifts and the tree rather than on the birth of Jesus and his promise to come again, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis, President Abbas hope to restart peace process between Israel, Palestine

December 3, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas renewed their commitment to peace in the Holy Land and a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine, the Vatican said.

Do not fall into 'spiritual worldliness', clericalism, Pope Francis tells Jesuits

December 3, 2018

VATICAN – There is no growth without some form of crisis and no victory without a battle, Pope Francis told a group of Jesuits.

The Register Archives: Montreal massacre leaves legacy of pain

December 3, 2018

Few events in recent Canadian history have had a greater impact than the massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal. The gunman, Marc Lepine, killed 14 women and injured 14 others in the Dec. 6, 1989 attack before killing himself. His suicide note revealed his hatred of feminists. In the wake of the tragedy, there were changes to gun laws and the creation of an annual national day of remembrance on Dec. 6 to recognize violence against women. Five days following the attack, a funeral Mass for nine of the women was held at Montreal’s Notre Dame Basilica, as reported in The Register:

Robert Brehl: Friend’s passing puts things in perspective

December 3, 2018

The other day, I went to pay my respects to the widow and two children of a friend and neighbor whom I played pick-up hockey with for several years. He was only 55.

The Church on the Street: The Spirit intercedes with prayer for peace

December 3, 2018

I have become used to the cacophony which inhabits the downtown of the city and usually treat it as background noise as I walk around.

Ukrainians have 'sacred duty' to defend against Russian aggression, bishops say

December 3, 2018

KYIV, Ukraine – In a message marking the anniversary of their country's December 1991 referendum on independence from the Soviet Union, Ukrainian Catholic bishops said Ukrainians had a "right and sacred duty" to defend themselves against "Russian aggression," but should also avoid yielding to alarm and panic.

December 4

We stand before the 'challenge of civilization', Cardinal Parolin says at U.N. Climate Change Conference

December 4, 2018

The Vatican challenged countries gathered for the 24th U.N. Climate Change Conference to focus on the needs of the present and the future as it worked to take swift action.

Still time to curb worst effects of global warming, says climate scientist

December 4, 2018

PHILADELPHIA – An internationally renowned pioneer in climate science and climate change research, in an address at Villanova University, said that rather than "finger-pointing" about the causes of global warming, people need take collective action to slow the process.

Gene-editing human embryos 'a train wreck of a thing to do', ethicist says

December 4, 2018

WASHINGTON – The revelation in late November that a Chinese researcher had edited genes in human embryos and then implanted them in a woman was "a train wreck of a thing to do," said an ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

Be 'artisans of peace' in your daily life this Advent, Pope Francis says

December 4, 2018

VATICAN – The Advent season is a time of preparation for the coming of the prince of peace and not a time of making war with those around you, Pope Francis said.

Papal Lamborghini up for raffle; winner gets trip to Rome

December 4, 2018

VATICAN – A custom-built 2018 Lamborghini Huracan coupe autographed by Pope Francis is back on the block, but, this time with an online fundraising platform, not at an elite European auction house.

Gay clergy must stay celibate or leave, Pope Francis says

December 4, 2018

VATICAN – In a book-length interview to be published next week, Pope Francis addressed gifts and challenges for clerical and religious vocations, among them the challenge of homosexuality in the clergy.

December 5

Names in redacted grand jury report on abuse can't be released, Pennsylvania high court says

December 5, 2018

HARRISBURG, Pa. – In a 6-1 decision Dec. 3, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said the identities of some clergy accused of abuse that were redacted from a grand jury report issued in mid-August must remain permanently blocked from release.

Pope Francis expresses condolences for death of former President Bush

December 5, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the death of the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.

Questioning Faith: Rachel’s weeping brings a sign of peace

December 5, 2018

“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they were no more.” (Matthew 2:18, quoting Jeremiah 31:15)