December 2019

Editorial: Mangers a must

December 4, 2019

If it’s true that the best ideas are often the simplest ones, then give credit to Pope Francis for endorsing an 800-year-old strategy to place Christ at the centre of Christmas.

Readers Speak Out: December 8, 2019

December 4, 2019

Sad reminder Re: Nine priests identified in Archdiocese of Vancouver report on sexual abuse (Dec. 1):

Pope Francis, council of cardinals discuss greater role for lay men and women

December 4, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals reviewed aspects of the draft of the apostolic constitution that would govern the Roman Curia, including a greater role for lay men and women.

Mary Marrocco: Looking for signs on the periphery

December 5, 2019

Amusingly, and confusingly, two signs were posted, one above the other, on the charming wrought-iron gate leading to a country estate: “Welcome” and “No trespassing.” The place seemed to say simultaneously, “Come in, we want you,” and “Stay away, we’re afraid of you.”

Governments urged to shed fear of working with churches on persecution

December 5, 2019

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Speakers at the second International Conference on Christian Persecution called upon governments to shed the "fear of working with the churches."

Grief at Christmas: You are not alone

December 5, 2019

Generation after generation have shared the classic Christmas poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Seeking Jesus in people of the night

December 5, 2019

Award-winning columnist Deacon Robert Kinghorn has assembled a collection of his Catholic Register columns into a new book, The Church on the Street. In this excerpt, he explains his calling to minister to the forsaken on the streets of Toronto.

Politics and faith an uneasy mix: poll

December 5, 2019

OTTAWA -- A belief that federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer’s Catholic faith contributed to his failure to become prime minister has been supported by the results of a new poll.

Vatican unveils Nativity scene, lights Christmas tree

December 5, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican unveiled the Nativity scene and lit the Christmas tree with energy-saving lights in St. Peter's Square during a late afternoon ceremony Dec. 5.

Indonesia to deploy 160,000 security personnel to protect churches for Christmas

December 5, 2019

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Nearly 160,000 security personnel will be deployed to try to make Christmas and New Year celebrations in Indonesia safe, reported ucanews.org.

Hallelujah! Handel's Messiah still has special quality for choristers decades later

December 6, 2019

When Susan Worthington gets home from “Messiah” rehearsals with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir she’s hungry and tired, but her brain is still full of music.

D&P partner angry over bishops’ questions

December 6, 2019

For the second time in five months the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is being criticized by a Development and Peace partner caught up in an ongoing inquiry.

Week of Dec 6, 2019

December 6, 2019

Survivors group releases list of 'credibly accused' priests in Diocese of London

December 6, 2019

The Diocese of London has confirmed that a list of priests credibly accused of abusing minors, released by a network of abuse victims, is “substantially correct.”

Pope Francis 'scandalized' by anti-migrant rhetoric

December 6, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis told Jesuits in Thailand he was "scandalized" by some of the anti-migrant rhetoric he hears in Europe, and he is convinced people are being manipulated into thinking the only way they can preserve their lifestyles is by building walls.

Australian government revising religious discrimination legislation

December 6, 2019

SYDNEY -- The Australian government has decided to revisit its religious discrimination legislation after key religious groups -- including the Archdiocese of Sydney -- said they would withdraw their support.

March makes desperate plea for planet

December 6, 2019

The Laudato Si’ Generation and young members of Development and Peace marched again among more than 5,000 protesters who rallied in front of Queen’s Park and streamed down Toronto’s Yonge Street Nov. 29.

Kenney revives Alberta prayer breakfast

December 6, 2019

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is reviving the tradition of a provincial Christian prayer breakfast, calling it one sign of respect for religious freedom in a diverse society.

Deacon Greg Kandra: Making Advent matter requires some patience

December 6, 2019

Christmas is still weeks away and already we’re exhausted.

Terror’s roots tied to changing climate

December 7, 2019

Victoria Filibus and her nine children have suffered the terrorism of Boko Haram and seen their lives upended as displaced persons living in a camp.