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February 2019

February 9

God's Word on Sunday: When God calls, response is clear

February 9, 2019

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 10 (Year C) Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; Psalm 138; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11

February 11

Women religious organization in U.S. issues statement on abuse of sisters

February 11, 2019

WASHINGTON – Days after the Pope acknowledged abuse of nuns and sisters by priests and bishops, the largest U.S. organization of women religious thanked the pontiff for shedding "light on a reality that has been largely hidden from the public," but the group also called for measures to address the issue.

Cardinal Müller is following the path of Martin Luther with new manifesto, Cardinal Kasper says

February 11, 2019

MUNICH, Germany – Cardinal Walter Kasper has released a criticism of Cardinal Gerhard Müller’s “Manifesto of Faith,” accusing it of containing half-truths and blanket statements that could lead to division and confusion in the Church.

People need liberation and healing, not condemnation, Pope says

February 11, 2019

VATICAN – Taking their cue from Christ, moral theologians can see that people need to be liberated and healed, not condemned, Pope Francis said.

French order clarifies Pope's remarks over its founder's abuse

February 11, 2019

VATICAN – The leaders of three branches of the French religious Community of St. John insist their order has enacted strong protections against clerical sexual abuse, including the abuse of its nuns by its priests and brothers.

Religious beliefs at centre of Christian couple’s dispute with child services agency

February 11, 2019

OTTAWA – The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) has warned an Ontario child services agency it could face legal action for discriminating against a Christian couple.

Agencies in urgent need of aid dollars for Venezuelan refugees

February 11, 2019

The $53 million Ottawa plans to spend on migrants, refugees and ordinary people suffering through economic breakdown in Venezuela could help cover an open wound of human suffering in neighbouring Brazilian towns that are hosting thousands of refugees.

Glen Argan: Forgiveness opens door to new possibilities

February 11, 2019

Forgiveness is one of the highest human capacities, something which might help explain why it is so difficult to forgive.

Bob Brehl: Covington kids encounter in Washington opens old wounds

February 11, 2019

The repercussions from last month’s viral video of a confrontation between a group of Catholic high school students and a Native American man in Washington, D.C., feed into the schism of faith and politics in the U.S.

University of Notre Dame to cover historic Columbus murals described as ‘demeaning’

February 11, 2019

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame has decided to keep famed explorer Christopher Columbus under wraps.

Readers Speak Out: Action on nuclear treaty, Fox facts, rocking the boat (February 10, 2019)

February 11, 2019

Ban the nukes Re: Churches want action on nuclear treaty (Jan. 27): It’s safe to say that nuclear weapons now pose the greatest threat to humanity. Rising tensions between major powers have increased the danger of a nuclear war that could end human civilization. The United States and Russia alone possess 90 per cent of the world’s nuclear arms.

Mary Marrocco: The priceless power of the gift of self

February 11, 2019

Our collective annual engagement in gifts at Christmas-time has wound up for the year. Consumer Christmas can be frustrating and painful, but still it recognizes and develops in us the power of gift.

February 12

Archbishop: 152 priests in Mexico removed for abuse in last nine years

February 12, 2019

MONTERREY, Mexico – Over the past nine years, 152 priests in Mexico have been removed from ministry for sexual abuse of youth or vulnerable adults, the president of the Mexican Bishops’ Conference said Sunday.

Churches at Colombian border work to help Venezuelan refugees

February 12, 2019

CUCUTA, Colombia – Lunch started early at the Divine Providence House, a church-run soup kitchen located just a few hundred feet away from the Venezuelan border.

Juan Guaido delegation says Vatican supports new elections in Venezuela

February 12, 2019

ROME – Although it has publicly taken a neutral stance in the current political crisis in Venezuela, the Vatican has expressed its support for new elections in the country within the year, said a member of a delegation representing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Caritas members in Latin America look for ways to apply wisdom of Indigenous peoples, 'Laudato Si''

February 12, 2019

Catholic representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean, defining work for the next four years, looked for ways to build on the foundations of Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si'" so it is taken into account by all nations.

February 13

Greed, thirst for profit threatens humanity, Vatican official says

February 13, 2019

ROME – Left unchecked, unbridled greed and a thirst for profit leads down a slippery slope that endangers the earth and all who live on it, especially indigenous populations, a Vatican official said.

Pope advances sainthood causes of Blessed Newman, Cardinal Mindszenty

February 13, 2019

VATICAN – Pope Francis has signed a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed John Henry Newman, the English cardinal, clearing the way for his canonization.

Vatican abuse summit to have realistic goals, address not just 'concrete cases'

February 13, 2019

VATICAN – All eyes and ears will be on the Vatican during an unprecedented gathering Feb. 21-24 to discuss the protection of minors in the Catholic Church.

In Christian prayer, there is an absence of the word 'I', Pope says

February 13, 2019

VATICAN – Prayer is not just a private and intimate dialogue between a person and God, but rather an opportunity for Christians to bring the needs of others before the Lord, Pope Francis said.