November 2019

Canadian joins dicastery’s new youth advisory board

November 25, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- The Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life announced it is setting up a specialized team of 20 young Catholic leaders, including Canadian Joseph Edward San José, as advisors to help with youth ministry issues.

Pope Francis ends Japan trip with visit to Jesuit university

November 26, 2019

TOKYO -- Pope Francis spent his last morning in Japan at the Jesuit-run Sophia University, celebrating Mass with his Jesuit confreres, visiting aged members of the Jesuit community and addressing students and staff.

Argentine priests sentenced for sexually abusing deaf schoolchildren

November 26, 2019

MEXICO CITY -- An Argentine court has convicted a pair of priests of sexual abuse on charges of corrupting minors in a case involving crimes committed against 10 children in the care of a Catholic school for the deaf.

Pope Francis: Scandal shows financial reforms are working

November 26, 2019

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM JAPAN -- Questions about Vatican finances, especially those involving a real estate deal in London, are serious, but they also are a sign that reforms begun by Pope Benedict XVI are working, Pope Francis said.

Bishop asks predecessor to repay $792,000 to diocese

November 27, 2019

WASHINGTON -- Bishop Mark E. Brennan of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, has asked the former bishop of the diocese to pay back more than $792,000 to cover the "inappropriate expenditure of diocesan funds to support a luxurious lifestyle."

Pope Francis prays for Albania after devastating earthquake

November 27, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis led prayers for the people of Albania after the country was struck by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake.

Pope Francis names new head of Vatican financial agency

November 27, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis appointed a seasoned Italian finance inspector to lead the Vatican's financial watchdog agency following the resignation of its president.

Speaking Out: St. Cecilia hits all the right notes

November 27, 2019

Music became a big part of my life at a very young age. When I was only a few years old, I would sit by my father while he played the piano and sing to my heart’s content even if I did not know the words to the song. Then, when I was five, I began the wonderful adventure of playing the violin. With music so deeply ingrained in my heart, St. Cecilia, patroness of music and musicians, became a special figure who continues to inspire me.

Glen Argan: Bolivian turmoil a cause for concern

November 27, 2019

For nearly 500 years, Bolivia has been a cheap source of natural resources for colonial powers. Every time some mineral is mined to extinction, a new metal is discovered to be extracted at bargain basement prices. During the 16th century, silver was the hot commodity and Potosi was one of the richest cities in the Americas. Today, the Potosi region is the poorest section of the poorest country on the American continent.

Changes put disabled at risk, experts warn

November 28, 2019

Canada stands on the brink of legally euthanizing disabled people for no other reason than self-reported suffering because life is difficult, doctors and disability experts are warning.

Former Pentecostal minister to be ordained priest

November 28, 2019

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- Deacon Drake McCalister, a former Pentecostal minister, has been given approval by the Vatican to be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Steubenville.

Editorial: Poor need Minister

November 28, 2019

The poor need our hands to lift them up and give them hope, said Pope Francis on the World Day of the Poor. Three days later, Canada’s new government extended a hand in a different direction when it swore in our first-ever Minister of Middle Class Prosperity.

Readers Speak Out: December 1, 2019

November 28, 2019

Sensory Mass Re: Mass… the sensory-friendly way (Nov. 10): I was thrilled to read the article on sensory-friendly Masses. I would like to add that it is not only children who have trouble processing sensory input. I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivities. All forms of sensory input can be painful and overwhelming for me.

Advent: The season of waiting and preparing

November 28, 2019

If good things come to those who wait, we’re in trouble. In the age of smart phones, Netflix, instant noodles and instant gratification, who waits?

Conscience rights bill dies in committee

November 28, 2019

EDMONTON -- A United Conservative Party MLA has lost his bid to strengthen the rights of health-care providers in Alberta to refuse procedures contrary to their moral beliefs.

Bob Brehl: Optimism has been taking a beating

November 28, 2019

More than a decade ago, I worked with Ted Rogers in writing his memoirs. Recently, I’ve been asked to help revive stories of him to the younger generation who know the name Rogers solely as the corporate brand of the phone in their pockets.

Rights league honours pro-life Jesuit

November 29, 2019

The Catholic Civil Rights League presented its annual Archbishop Adam Exner Award for Catholic Excellence in Public Life to Fr. Tony Van Hee at its annual award dinner in Toronto Nov. 25.

Week of Nov 29, 2019

November 29, 2019

Pope Francis to theologians: 'Don't confuse the faithful'

November 29, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Theologians must explore and debate disputed questions, at times even taking "risks" with what they propose, but those discussions should take place within the academy so as not to confuse the faithful, Pope Francis said.

Canadian missionary named 'venerable' by Pope Francis

November 29, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis advanced the sainthood cause of Bishop Ovide Charlebois -- a Canadian Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate who ministered to First Nations peoples and migrant workers scattered throughout the vast, lake-covered province of Manitoba.