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March 2019

March 14

Autism changes draw concern from educators

March 14, 2019

A sudden shift of up to 8,000 autistic children from government-funded therapy to full-time attendance at school could put the children, teachers and other students at risk, said the chair of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association.

Cardinal Parolin urges Poland to uphold Christian heritage in Europe

March 14, 2019

WARSAW, Poland – The Vatican secretary of state praised the Polish church's traditional closeness to Rome as key to its survival under hostile regimes, in a speech marking the centenary of the nation's conference of bishops and diplomatic ties with the Vatican.

Argentine bishops will ask Pope Francis to visit homeland

March 14, 2019

VATICAN – In a letter commemorating the sixth anniversary of Pope Francis' election, the bishops of Argentina said they will ask the Pope to visit his homeland.

Pope Francis’ seventh year will be ‘synodal’, Vatican spokesman says

March 14, 2019

VATICAN – On the sixth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election Wednesday, the Vatican's chief spokesman said Francis will continue to lead the Church as a synodal “field hospital” in the year ahead.

Liturgy needs 'language of flowers', but not during Lent

March 14, 2019

VATICAN – Of the many traditions and penitential practices observed during the season of Lent, one of the more visible is the stark change in church decor and a complete absence of flowers.

Belgian Cardinal Godfried Danneels dies at 85

March 14, 2019

VATICAN – Belgian Cardinal Godfried Danneels, retired archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, died March 14 at the age of 85.

New issues raised over Canada Summer Jobs grants

March 14, 2019

OTTAWA – Some applicants for 2019 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) grants are receiving troubling notices from the government, said a lawyer from a Canadian charities organization.

Dating with holy intention: Youth share their stories on matching faith life and love life

March 14, 2019

When 20-year-old Ruth Savidge meets a guy, several questions run through her mind before she even begins to consider dating him.

The world of Sr. Laura: Serving Ethiopians for more than 25 years

March 14, 2019

OTTAWA – When Sr. Laura Girotto first set foot in Adwa, Ethiopia, in late 1993, it was hard to envision the miracle about to unfold.

Ordinandi, nun share their paths to religious life with youth

March 14, 2019

Seven-hundred and forty-six kids, Grades 9 to 12, shouted, laughed, sang, prayed. Some of them even cried. They came to the Ordinandi Youth Event for one reason — to hear a story.

Charles Lewis: The Catholic writer has a burden of truth

March 14, 2019

Years ago I lived in Wakefield, Que., a rural area about 40 minutes north of Ottawa in the Gatineau Hills. Many of the people who lived there plied a trade — carpenter, potter, painter and such.

Editorial: The truth is near

March 14, 2019

One of the most contentious debates involving Church figures of the 20th century involves the actions of Pope Pius XII during World War II.

March 15

Church must follow, accept local laws on abuse, Fr. Hans Zollner says

March 15, 2019

VATICAN – The Catholic Church must respect the law and accept court decisions regarding clerical sexual abuse and its cover-up, said Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, a leading expert in child protection.

Polish church releases first report on clerical sex abuse

March 15, 2019

WARSAW, Poland – A top Polish Catholic leader, named the first bishops' conference delegate for child protection, welcomed a church report on sexual abuse by clergy in his country and vowed efforts to combat it.

After mosque attacks, New Zealand bishops tell Muslims: 'We hold you in prayer'

March 15, 2019

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – New Zealand's Catholic bishops have expressed horror and distress at a terrorist attack in two mosques in Christchurch that saw at least 49 people killed.

Fr. Raymond J. de Souza: Basilians must search for a ‘priestly’ response

March 15, 2019

In the few weeks since the revelations of Fr. Thomas Rosica’s long history of plagiarism, it has been a prime topic of conversation in Canadian Catholic circles, and not a few of my Catholic Register readers have asked for my view.

Francis Campbell: Canada’s Syrian promise soon turned to sorrow

March 15, 2019

With great promise can come deep sorrow.

Historians welcome archives on Pius XII but caution against finding a ‘smoking gun’

March 15, 2019

Historian Robert Ventresca is already planning visits to Rome sometime after March 2, 2020, where he will immerse himself in hundreds of thousands of letters, cables and speeches covering the papacy of Pius XII from 1939 to 1958.

Church must have serious debate on celibacy, role of women, Cardinal Marx says

March 15, 2019

The Catholic Church in Germany is at a point where serious debate – including on priestly celibacy and the role of women – and openness to doing things in a new way must encouraged, said the president of the German bishops' conference.

New Evangelization Summit changes tack in time of Church scandal

March 15, 2019

OTTAWA – When Cardinal Gerald Lacroix speaks at the New Evangelization Summit here May 4, he will address how to share the Good News when the Church is engulfed in bad news.