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December 2019

December 12

Causes for sainthood require thorough investigation, Pope Francis says

December 12, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- The saints are "the true light of the church," so before they are proposed to all Catholics for imitation and veneration, a scrupulous investigation is required, Pope Francis said.

World needs peacemakers, not empty words, Pope Francis says in message

December 12, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- The world does not need more empty words, it needs committed, active peacemakers who do not exclude or manipulate, but are open to respectful dialogue, Pope Francis said in his annual message for the World Day of Peace Jan. 1.

Author aims to build a Christmas tradition

December 12, 2019

EDMONTON -- Sometimes the best gifts are not bought at a shopping mall, wrapped in paper and tied with ribbon.

Glen Argan: Political will is lacking on climate change

December 12, 2019

Pope Francis is increasingly critical of the lack of political will to grapple with the growing threat of climate change. The Pope’s frustration raises the critical issue of how whole societies can be persuaded to change their behaviour to avert threats to their existence.

Mary is loving mother, humble disciple, Pope Francis says on Guadalupe feast

December 12, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis said she reminds Catholics of her true essence as a woman, a mother and a "mestiza" or person of mixed race.

December 13

Fire destroys New Jersey church; suspected arsonist arrested

December 13, 2019

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. -- After a fire destroyed Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Franklin Lakes in the early hours of Dec. 11, the suspected arsonist was arrested. He was receiving burn treatment at a local hospital prior to his court hearing.

People's hearts yearn for God, not possessions, Pope Francis says

December 13, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- The Christmas season is a time to reflect on what life is all about, Pope Francis told an international group of performers.

Court challenge fails against Quebec’s Bill 21 ban on religious symbols

December 13, 2019

A second attempt to have the anti-religious symbols provisions of Quebec’s controversial Bill 21 suspended until court challenges to the legality of the bill are determined has failed.

Faith groups praise Australia's religious discrimination legislation

December 13, 2019

CANBERRA, Australia -- The Australian government has released its second "exposure draft" of its religious discrimination legislation, winning widespread praise from faith groups, including the Catholic bishops, following changes to the original legislation released in October.

'Two Popes' in search of truth

December 13, 2019

Anthony McCarten wants the truth and nothing but the truth. To get at the truth, he has made up a fictional dialogue between the Church’s two living popes.

Following election, U.K. bishop urges vigilance on issues

December 13, 2019

MANCHESTER, England -- A British bishop said he was relieved by the election defeat of political parties committed to liberalizing Britain's abortion laws, but he was "not particularly enthused" by the Conservative Party agenda. A British cardinal called for a fresh start "in more ways than politics."

Peter Stockland: 'The Irishman' takes long road to genius

December 13, 2019

Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman is already scooping up movie awards despite its swerve to Netflix barely a month after being released in theatres.

Palliative care doctors draw the line

December 13, 2019

As Ottawa prepares to rewrite Canada’s euthanasia law, palliative care doctors and hospice operators are urging lawmakers to acknowledge that palliative care and medically induced death are separate and distinct things.

December 14

Haiti living on edge of disaster

December 14, 2019

A vicious circle of disasters and unresolved injustices are feeding one another and starving the citizens of Haiti. But the crisis is widely unknown.

Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor wants spirituality in public sphere

December 14, 2019

VATICAN CITY -- The heady realm of philosophy got special accolades in November when the preeminent Canadian philosopher, Charles Taylor, won the Ratzinger Prize.

B.C. First Nations deacon hopeful about new law

December 14, 2019

VANCOUVER -- Deacon Rennie Nahanee remembers collecting seafood on the shores of the Tsleil-Waututh reserve, near the Second Narrows Bridge, in the 1960s.

Canadians divided on faith vs. secularism

December 14, 2019

OTTAWA -- Most Canadians believe a faith-based upbringing has a positive impact on society even as a significant minority of Canadians would like the country to become more secular, especially in public life.

December 15

God's Word on Sunday: God will always be with us and for us

December 15, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 22 (Year A) Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24; Romans 1:1-Matthew 1:18-24 The Word of God echoes and reverberates throughout human history. It’s the same voice, often with the same words, but they can carry many meanings, depending on the time in which one hears them.

Quebec bishops release declaration on violence against women as world remembers massacre

December 15, 2019

Despite what we’ve learned in the 30 years since the massacre of 14 women at a Montreal university, there still remains so much more that needs to be done, says the principal author of a declaration on violence against women in our society.

Women challenged to be ‘warriors’

December 15, 2019

SPRUCE GROVE, Alta. -- For Kelsey Papastritas, motherhood is a delicate balancing act.