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December 2018

December 21

Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift, Pope Francis says

December 21, 2018

VATICAN – This Christmas will people go to adore and be amazed by Jesus, or will they let themselves be detoured by distractions? Pope Francis asked.

Priest apologizes for funeral homily that focused on teen's suicide

December 21, 2018

WASHINGTON – A Michigan priest criticized for emphasizing suicide in his homily during a recent funeral for an 18-year-old who took his own life has since apologized.

2018: When madness reigned

December 21, 2018

Eight-hundred years before Christ the prophet Micah was sure the world was mad: “Put no trust in a friend, have no confidence in a loved one; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your embrace,” Micah warned.

2018: Year of Youth

December 21, 2018

Youth issues took centre stage in the Catholic Church this year, and it’s very likely they will stay there in the new year.

Speaking Out: The new year is for spiritual growth

December 21, 2018

It is easy for me to search the Internet for “experts” who will tell me exactly what I should do to fix my life this year.

St. Michael’s College School ponders a new future

December 21, 2018

Radical changes at St. Michael’s College School are a genuine possibility, the superior general of the Basilian Fathers has told The Catholic Register.

Toronto releases funds to Development and Peace

December 21, 2018

With $800,000 from Toronto in their bank account, Canada’s Catholic development agency is looking forward to settling all outstanding questions about whether 52 of its 180 partners are out of step with Catholic teaching before it begins its fund-raising campaign in March.

December 22

God's Word on Sunday: God only asks for our obedience and trust

December 22, 2018

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 23 (Year C) Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

December 23

Charles Lewis: Baby, it’s getting way too cold for us

December 23, 2018

I often admonish my brother for labeling too many things he dislikes as “stupid.” That word should be reserved for that which goes beyond the merely foolish or inane to the really, really stupid.

December 24

Figure of Speech: This story of devotion hinges on hinges

December 24, 2018

At St. Mary’s University here in Calgary, we open all our meetings with a reflection. Sometimes it is the university prayer, but often it is a meditation on a relevant issue, meant to support, comfort and uplift.

This Christmas, come to the manger with love, charity, simplicity, Pope Francis says

December 24, 2018

VATICAN – Jesus' birth in a stable, God's coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said.

December 25

Urbi et Orbi: Incarnation of Christ tells us that salvation comes through love, acceptance, Pope says

December 25, 2018

VATICAN – Delivering his formal Christmas message and blessing, Pope Francis prayed for a world where all people would recognize that they are brothers and sisters and would work for justice and for peace.

December 29

Vatican begins sex abuse investigation of McCarrick

December 29, 2018

WASHINGTON – James Grein, a Virginia man who said Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, former archbishop of Washington, sexually abused him for years beginning when he was 11, gave his testimony about what occurred Dec. 27 before a judicial vicar for the New York Archdiocese.

'Dialogue is not a fad', Nicaragua auxiliary bishop says

December 29, 2018

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Managua Auxiliary Bishop Silvio Jose Baez reiterated his calls for dialogue and respecting human dignity in Nicaragua, where the president has crushed protests, closed critical media outlets and persecuted anyone – including priests – publicly opposing his administration.

God's Word on Sunday: Being a child of God is a journey of faith

December 29, 2018

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Dec. 30 (Year C) 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28; Psalm 84; 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24; Luke 2:41-52

December 31

Robert Brehl: Ringing in the New Year with optimism

December 31, 2018

It’s easy to look around and be pessimistic. Public and household debt levels are alarmingly high in Canada. The Church is roiling from one abuse scandal to another. So many parts of the world seem in chaos with rampant corruption, wars and terrorism.

Editorial: A prayer for justice

December 31, 2018

One way to view world history could be through a lens of justice. In courts, on battlefields, in parliaments and in many other settings where humans interact, justice has been a constant pursuit — but remains elusive in so many ways.