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January 2019

January 29

Jean Ko Din in Panama: WYD leaves behind a wealth of memories

January 29, 2019

Packing up after a pilgrimage, you sort through the souvenirs you’ll bring home. They are reminders of friends made, marvels witnessed and lessons discovered along the way.

Myanmar cardinal says China-funded dam project must be stopped

January 29, 2019

YANGON, Myanmar – A controversial China-funded dam project in Myanmar must be stopped, said Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, noting that the affected river is the country's most sacred symbol.

Zimbabwe bishops collect data on human rights abuses

January 29, 2019

HARARE, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe bishops' justice and peace commission is collecting information on violence and human rights abuses in dioceses across the country.

Religious orders ‘astounded’ by Development and Peace issue

January 29, 2019

Twenty-two religious orders have signed a letter questioning the wisdom of withholding funds from Development and Peace and expressing dismay over the extended investigation into 52 of the organization’s 180 partners around the world.

Pope Francis calls on youth lead the way for Church and community

January 29, 2019

PANAMA CITY – Jesus is a God of now, Pope Francis told a crowd of more than 600,000 young people at World Youth Day in Panama.

Canada’s abuse guidelines earn praise

January 29, 2019

The priest hand-picked by Pope Francis to chair the Feb. 21-24 summit on clerical sexual abuse at the Vatican has thrust the Canadian model for protecting minors into the spotlight as Church leaders from around the world prepare for the unprecedented meeting.

Asia Bibi headed to Canada

January 29, 2019

This story has been modified to clarify the perspective of the Canadian bishop quoted below.

January 30

Pope disagrees with 'optional celibacy', but open to ordaining married men in remote regions

January 30, 2019

VATICAN – Many people were surprised when Pope Francis told reporters flying with him from Panama Jan. 27 that he did not think optional celibacy for priests in the Latin-rite church was a good idea.

Global 'symphony' of WYD challenges nationalism, walls, Pope Francis says

January 30, 2019

VATICAN – The joyous harmony of people coming together from so many different nations for World Youth Day stands in sharp contrast to today's "sad" situation of confrontational nationalist feelings, Pope Francis said.

Canon law examined in wake of push for politician excommunication over abortion

January 30, 2019

WASHINGTON – On Jan. 22, the New York Statehouse burst into cheers after a landmark abortion bill had been passed.

Pilgrim's diary: Volunteers' sacrifice made our faith more real

January 30, 2019

“Put service and mission first and you will see that everything else will follow.” - Pope Francis, January 27, Panamá WYD Volunteer Gathering

Bishops in troubled region praise Congo president, despite poll dispute

January 30, 2019

KINSHASA, Congo – Some Catholic bishops from Congo have endorsed the disputed election of Felix Tshisekedi as president, despite continuing criticisms from other church leaders.

January 31

Covington boys incident won’t deter Canadian March for Life

January 31, 2019

OTTAWA – Organizers of Canada’s National March for Life will be vigilant but believe no additional safety precautions are required following a controversial incident that marred the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

WikiLeaks releases dossier on Knights of Malta controversy

January 31, 2019

VATICAN – Internal documents relating to the public crisis that led to the resignation of the grand master of the Knights of Malta in 2017 were released by WikiLeaks.

Universal day care does not work: Cardus report

January 31, 2019

OTTAWA – Federal and provincial governments should support parental choice in child care and back multiple types of care options instead of solely promoting universal publicly funded day care, says a new report from Cardus Family.

Art show raises money to help students-in-need through Angel Foundation

January 31, 2019

At one Toronto Catholic school, situated in an affluent part of the downtown core, about 13 per cent of its students go to sleep each night surrounded by others struggling to get by in a wealthy city that can often forget its downtrodden.

India's Supreme Court rejects bail for nun held seven months, not charged

January 31, 2019

NEW DELHI – India's Supreme Court rejected bail for a Missionaries of Charity nun arrested nearly seven months ago on suspicion of child trafficking.

Priests must be men of joy, Pope Francis says at Mass

January 31, 2019

VATICAN CITY – A priest must be able to see the people around him as his children, as brothers and sisters, and must be willing to risk everything for them out of love, Pope Francis said in his morning homily.

Pope Francis praises respect for diversity in United Arab Emirates

January 31, 2019

VATICAN – "Al Salamu Alaikum," Arabic for "peace be with you," Pope Francis said at the beginning of a video message to the people of the United Arab Emirates, which he will visit Feb. 3-5.

St. Isidore bringing out the best in its students

January 31, 2019

EDMONTON – Named after the patron saint of the Internet, St. Isidore Catholic Learning Centre in Sherwood Park, Alta., is far from a traditional school setting.