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February 2019

February 7

Catholic teen speaks out against child exploitation

February 7, 2019

Mira Gillis wants to be a voice for the voiceless and she’s not going to stop until she is heard.

Speaking Out: Taking a stand against abortion

February 7, 2019

I don’t handle conflict well, especially when it comes to social media. I don’t like to engage in online arguments. I don’t like to throw my opinion in the circle. It scares me. It makes me uneasy.

Editorial: A place for mercy

February 7, 2019

Of the thousands of words spoken last month inside a Saskatchewan courtroom, none were more profound than this simple declaration: I forgive you.

Peter Stockland: At overdose prevention centre, success is measured by every breath

February 7, 2019

On a recent Saturday morning visit to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, a person mummy-wrapped in a dragonfly blue blanket lay motionless a few feet from the corner of Hastings and Main.

The Browns hit all the right notes at 60 years of marriage

February 7, 2019

For 60 years, David and Jeannette Brown have made beautiful music together.

Humboldt Broncos families struggle with grief and forgiveness

February 7, 2019

There were tears, there was pain and there was forgiveness as 30-year-old truck driver Jaskirat Singh Sidhu faced the families of the people killed and maimed in the Humboldt Broncos’ bus crash.

Choirs unite for a sacred music mission at Holy Land

February 7, 2019

Sacred music meets the most sacred place in the world next month as the MOSAIC vocal ensemble and the St. Michael’s Choir School (SMCS) alumni choir embark on their first performance pilgrimage.

London council committee allows 'buffer zone' around abortion clinic

February 7, 2019

LONDON – A council in London could become the second local authority in the U.K. to approve an exclusion zone around an abortion clinic.

February 8

Vatican commemorates 90th anniversary of peace pact between Italy, Holy See

February 8, 2019

VATICAN – The historic signing of the Lateran Pacts between the Holy See and Italy 90 years ago is an important example of cooperation and peace that is needed in today's world, a Vatican official said.

Trump protects rights of faith-based adoption agencies at prayer breakfast

February 8, 2019

WASHINGTON – Touting efforts to protect religious freedom, President Donald Trump told the National Prayer Breakfast that his administration would defend the right of faith-based adoption agencies to place children in families based on firmly held religious beliefs.

Nigerian bishops urge voters to pray, fast ahead of country's elections

February 8, 2019

LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria's Catholic bishops called on voters to prepare to cast their ballots in upcoming elections by reflecting, fasting and praying on how best the country's future can be served.

Journalist highlights plight of Christian converts in Iran

February 8, 2019

OTTAWA – An increase in Muslims converting to Christianity has prompted a crackdown by Iran’s theocratic government, says Kiaa Aalipour a representative of Article18, a London-based NGO supporting persecuted Christians in Iran.

Anti-natalist in India wants to sue parents for giving birth to him

February 8, 2019

MUMBAI, India – An Indian businessman has expressed his intention to sue his parents for giving him life without his permission.

Cardinal Müller warns against being silent, in error about Catholic faith in new manifesto

February 8, 2019

VATICAN – To keep silent about the truths of the Catholic faith or to teach the contrary is a form of religious deception that comes from the anti-Christ, said Cardinal Gerhard Muller.

Simple friendship, discipleship are key to missionary work, Pope Francis says

February 8, 2019

VATICAN – Proclaiming the Gospel is not the same thing as proselytism and often means simply being a neighbor and friend to someone while living an authentically Christian life, Pope Francis said.

Court date set after Lethbridge pulled five ads promoting pro-life message

February 8, 2019

EDMONTON – The lawyer representing Lethbridge Pro-Life says the right to free speech is at stake in a judicial review which will come before the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench this fall after the City of Lethbridge rejected five pro-life ads on Lethbridge Transit.

Pro-life views deemed problematic for volunteer Ottawa transit post

February 8, 2019

OTTAWA – A pro-life group is calling for the resignation of an Ottawa city councillor who opposed a candidate for Ottawa’s Transit Commission because of his pro-life beliefs.

Maduro's call for Vatican mediation rejected by Venezuelan cardinal

February 8, 2019

MERIDA, Venezuela – The Archbishop of Merida has ruled out Vatican mediation of the Venezuelan crisis after president Nicolas Maduro made public a letter to Pope Francis requesting intervention.

Chinese new year is off to optimistic start

February 8, 2019

Vancouver – As billions of people around the world prepared to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Feb. 5, a pastor in Surrey, B.C., was also taking the opportunity to celebrate another significant milestone for the local Chinese community.

February 9

Why are you here? Theologian Mary Jo Leddy looks to Canada's newcomers and the land itself for answers

February 9, 2019

For Mary Jo Leddy the question on the cover of her new book leads immediately to other questions. Why Are You Here? is Leddy’s way of asking Canadians, “Who are we? And who do we want to be?”