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February 2020

February 1

Church is given a design wake-up call

February 1, 2020

OTTAWA -- When flames ripped through one of the world’s most famous Catholic churches in Paris, France, on April 15, 2019, the world — not just Catholics — mourned the damage done to one of Western civilization’s most iconic structures.

Lebanese rely on Catholic health clinic amid economic crisis

February 1, 2020

BEIRUT -- In a clinic adjoining a Catholic church, Samira Roncaglia cheerfully welcomed the young couple with their newborn, guiding them to the pediatrician.

Indigenous friendship symbol installed at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, B.C.

February 1, 2020

VANCOUVER -- Sr. Denece Billesberger admits she knew little about the history of the land on which St. Thomas Aquinas Regional High School stood when she began teaching there in 1969.

Robert Kinghorn: It’s all about the ‘to’ and ‘why’

February 1, 2020

I was driving to Nova Scotia with my wife Ria several years ago when we stopped at a garden centre. Since I cannot tell a weed from a wallflower, I hung out in the knickknack section where people can find garden signs that say things like, “I don’t remember planting this.”

February 2

‘I am blessed’ inspires giving from gratitude

February 2, 2020

CALGARY -- Grade 9 student Lidya Estifon was enjoying her lunch outside of St. Monica School in late January when she noticed a classmate without a coat. The temperature was -3 Celsius.

God's Word on Sunday: Worship includes caring for the weak

February 2, 2020

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 9 (Year A) Isaiah 58:6-10; Psalm 112; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 Religious faith should not be confined to specific times and occasions. Genuine faith is a way of life and of being human.

Youth can connect through their faith

February 2, 2020

EDMONTON -- It can be a difficult world for young people, where anxiety, apathy and social isolation abound.

Luke Stocking: Prayer has no limits

February 2, 2020

The phrase “thoughts and prayers” has become so common it has its own Wikipedia page. The page outlines in detail the use of the expression by prominent public figures in times of crisis — most notably following natural disasters or American gun violence — and also offers both a criticism and defence of this practice.

February 3

God's love is worth more than any earthly good, Pope Francis says

February 3, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- When one is totally in love with the Lord, then poverty, chastity and obedience are not sacrifices, but vehicles of freedom, Pope Francis told consecrated men and women.

Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y., considering bankruptcy filing

February 3, 2020

WASHINGTON -- Citing consequences from the abuse scandal, a financial statement from the Diocese of Buffalo, New York, lists a $5 million loss for fiscal year 2019 and in an interview with the diocese's newspaper, the apostolic administrator says a decision will be made soon about whether to file for bankruptcy and reorganize under Chapter 11.

Vatican donates masks to China to combat coronavirus outbreak

February 3, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican donated thousands of protective masks to several Chinese provinces affected by the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.

Germany's synodal assembly draws praise, criticism from participants

February 3, 2020

FRANKFURT, Germany -- The first synodal assembly on the future the Catholic Church in Germany drew both praise and some criticism, with many of the 230 participants lauding what they called a special atmosphere in the debates on key reforms.

Parish leaders at heart of campaign’s success

February 3, 2020

As more parishes take the leap of faith that is the Diocese of Hamilton’s “One Heart, One Soul” Campaign, pastors play an instrumental role, of course.

Chinese government places restrictions on Christian funerals

February 3, 2020

HONG KONG -- Christian funerals outside of churches have been banned in some areas of China as the communist government begins to enforce new regulations on religious practices.

February 4

Euthanasia law survey prompts backlash from Canadian bishops

February 4, 2020

OTTAWA -- The federal government is coming under increasing fire from critics of legal medically-assisted suicide in Canada for how quickly it is moving to change the regulations around assisted suicide and for how short a time period Canadians were given to express their views in an online survey overseen by the Ministry of Justice.

Terrorist attack in London condemned by local bishop

February 4, 2020

LONDON -- An archbishop has called a terrorist attack in London in which three people were stabbed "saddening and shocking."

Abortion statistics don’t tell whole story

February 4, 2020

Recent data that shows the number of abortions in Canadian hospitals and clinics declined by more than 10 per cent in 2018 would be encouraging if not for the lack of statistics on the number of chemically-induced abortions, said Hanna Kepka.

February 5

Speaking Out: The perfect plan starts with trust

February 5, 2020

I have been thinking a lot about the future lately. Maybe it’s because I am graduating soon and like many in their last term of university a question I often get asked is this (dreaded) one: What are your plans for when you are done?

Creator has starring role on Catholic college stage

February 5, 2020

At Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College, theatre is as much about keeping the Creator in the creation as it is about staging an entertaining production.

Pope Francis defrocks Argentine founder of religious institute

February 5, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis expelled from the priesthood the founder of Miles Christi, a religious institute based in Argentina, after he was found guilty of sexual and physical abuse.