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March 2020

March 14

Victims irritated by bishops’ secrecy

March 14, 2020

MONTREAL -- The Canadian bishops’ standing committee for the Responsible Ministry and Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons met for the first time in January, but the fact that the identities of the majority of its members is kept secret irritates victims, who see a lack of transparency.

Parish Action at starting line

March 14, 2020

The Archdiocese of Toronto has launched a non-partisan initiative to empower parishioners in their engagements with civic leaders and to help them become active in the public square.

Ontario invests in anti-trafficking battle

March 14, 2020

Ontario’s new five-year, $307-million strategy to combat human trafficking “looks really great on paper,” said Catholic Women’s League Ontario president Colleen Perry.

Cathy Majtenyi: Don’t forget about justice in winter of discontent

March 14, 2020

It’s been a turbulent few months. Crowds blocking rail lines, protesters waving placards and RCMP officers barricading land are some of the dramatic images of discontent across Canada.

March 15

God's Word on Sunday: Judgment lies in reading the human heart

March 15, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 22 (Year A) 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7,10-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 Do not judge by outward appearances! We would save ourselves a lot of grief if we would only heed these instructions from God to Samuel. It has been repeated by Jesus in the Gospel of John and many spiritual writers since then.

A powerful moment has turned ugly

March 15, 2020

Last year I attended an incredible spiritual retreat in Trosly-Breuil, France, the birthplace of the first L’Arche community.

Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies

March 15, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican office that distributes free tickets to papal events has posted a notice on its website that "the liturgical celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful."

‘Press the pause button,’ filmmaker urges

March 15, 2020

Instead of going all in on expanding assisted suicide, Canada should have the full discussion that was promised when legislation was forced upon the country by the Supreme Court five years ago, said filmmaker Kevin Dunn.

Fr. Yaw Acheampong: Joseph holds special place in Canada

March 15, 2020

Do you know that St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is not only the patron saint of the universal Church but also the principal patron saint of Canada?

March 16

Italian priests, religious women are among victims of COVID-19

March 16, 2020

ROME -- A number of priests and religious women have been among the nearly 2,000 people who have died in Italy because of illness connected with COVID-19.

Pope Francis prays for clergy, public service employees working during lockdown

March 16, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Standing in the window of the library of the Apostolic Palace overlooking an empty St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis blessed the city of Rome still under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Pope Francis makes mini-pilgrimage outside Vatican to pray for end of pandemic

March 16, 2020

ROME -- With Italy on lockdown and Rome streets almost deserted, Pope Francis left the Vatican March 15 in a mini-pilgrimage to an icon and to a crucifix associated with miraculous interventions to save the city and its people.

Amid COVID-19, half of U.S. seminarians in Rome returned home

March 16, 2020

ROME -- About half of the U.S. seminarians and priests living at the Pontifical North American College and the Casa Santa Maria in Rome have left the locked-down city, the rector said.

Pope Francis updates Vatican City State judicial system

March 16, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis updated the laws that govern the Vatican judicial system in an effort to establish greater transparency and independence, particularly in financial and criminal matters.

Quebec bishops' ban now includes funerals and weddings

March 16, 2020

MONTREAL -- The bishops of Quebec have taken the unprecedented step of suspending all celebrations and events in churches across the province.

March 17

Former French priest sentenced for sexual assaults

March 17, 2020

LYON, France -- A former French priest was sentenced to jail for five years for sexual assaults against Scouts.

Faith communities join the fight against COVID-19

March 17, 2020

Faith communities across Canada are answering a call to make sacrifices to their faith practices in the national battle to control the spread of the COVID-19.

March 18

Archdiocese of Toronto cancels all public Masses

March 18, 2020

Canada's largest diocese has implemented sweeping new cancellations and suspensions after a state of emergency was declared in Ontario due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking Out: Making the time for youth ministry

March 18, 2020

A year ago, I decided to take on a position at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto as a part-time sacristan. I knew this role would present new priorities, but while on the job I aimed to maintain my involvement in youth ministry at my home parish, Vietnamese Martyrs, to the best of my abilities. At that time, I was a Grade 12 student, completing high school.

Teen emerges as voice for climate change action

March 18, 2020

Making an impact in the world doesn’t have to be an accomplishment reserved for the later years of life. At 16, Haana Edenshaw has already made considerable strides towards raising environmental awareness and protecting her land.