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March 2020

March 18

Why I love being a Catholic

March 18, 2020

I love being a Catholic. I am a “cradle Catholic” from Essex County, Ont. I have been a Catholic priest for 54 years. Every day, I discover fresh insights into the richness of our faith. My reasons are personal to me, but probably shared by many others as well. I want to cite them here so that others may be inspired to draw up their own list. It is a grace-filled exercise.

Christianity without mercy is impossible, Pope Francis says at audience

March 18, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Mercy, which is at the heart of the Christian life, is not a one-dimensional virtue but instead is the acceptance of God's love and the giving of that love to others, Pope Francis said.

Everyone must do their part, says civil rights league

March 18, 2020

OTTAWA -- As communities rally to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the president of the Catholic Civil Rights League said any concerns that government-mandated church closures infringe on religious freedom rights are unwarranted.

March 19

People turning to Mass in digital world

March 19, 2020

A health crisis is not how Deacon Mike Walsh envisioned attracting more eyeballs to the Daily TV Mass, but that’s what is happening to a ministry that serves people who are unable to attend Mass at a church.

Peter Stockland: Pandemic forces sacrifice of Mass

March 19, 2020

The Church in Quebec, many parts of Ontario and even in Rome appeared late last week to say “No Más” in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Pope Francis prays for coronavirus victims, workers who died serving others

March 19, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis asked people to pray for all victims of COVID-19, including the health care workers who sacrificed their lives caring for others.

Editorial: Doing our duty

March 19, 2020

School closures, business disruptions, stock market panic, grocery hoarding and widespread cancellations of Sunday Masses. Few if any of us have seen anything like this.

Readers Speak Out: March 22, 2019

March 19, 2020

Coronaphobia The coronavirus is dominating world news, shaking all kinds of human activities and becoming a hysteria rarely seen. The fear of it might be called coronaphobia, and it could be more dangerous than the virus itself.

Religious life ‘is about falling in love’

March 19, 2020

VANCOUVER -- Discovering one’s vocation, whether it happens in a surprising instant or over many years, always feels the same way, says Sr. Maria Serra Garcia. It’s always like falling in love.

Mass continues online and on TV

March 19, 2020

Church doors may be closed and the opportunity for a communal celebration of the Eucharist have ceased for the time being, but the Mass will go on, said Cardinal Thomas Collins.

It’s up to each of us to plant vocation seed

March 19, 2020

Eight years ago, just weeks before I was ordained to the priesthood, I delivered a speech at the annual Ordinandi Dinner in Toronto that left me a marked man.

Ancient music given YouTube makeover

March 19, 2020

FRIBOURG, Switzerland -- Dominican Brothers Stefan Ansinger and Alexandre Frezzato are teaching people to sing 800-year-old Gregorian chant through free weekly lessons on their YouTube channel called OPChant.

March 20

Shelters step up efforts for vulnerable

March 20, 2020

Society’s most vulnerable are often lost in the shuffle at the best of times, but with the world being blindsided by COVID-19 those operating programs for the homeless and marginalized are working to ensure these people are not forgotten.

Australian bishops begin canceling Masses to contain COVID-19

March 20, 2020

SYDNEY -- Catholic dioceses in Australia began canceling Masses as the government limited indoor gatherings to fewer than 100 people in mid-March in an effort to contain COVID-19.

Toronto Good Friday procession cancelled in wake of COVID-19

March 20, 2020

The annual Good Friday procession through downtown Toronto streets is another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conference puts women at centre stage

March 20, 2020

There’s a long-held perception that the voice of women in the Church is one that is seldom heard. It’s why Colleen Carroll Campbell sees the importance of galvanizing that voice so that it doesn’t get drowned out.

Vatican says general absolution may be permissible during pandemic

March 20, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- In places particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and with severe limits on people leaving their homes, conditions may exist to grant general absolution without people personally confessing their sins first, the Vatican said.

Vatican says Holy Week liturgies must proceed even if pews are empty

March 20, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that is causing public Mass cancellations worldwide, the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter can not be postponed or suspended, said the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

Apostolate brings rosary into classroom

March 20, 2020

The Rosary Apostolate that shares the mysteries reflected upon in the rosary with students may be Sr. Marilina Cinelli’s baby since its origins in 1997, but she takes no credit for all the good it has done for nearly a quarter century.

Charles Lewis: Imagine a Lent lasting the whole year

March 20, 2020

As you read this we will be in the last few weeks of our Lenten promises. If you are like me you have probably slipped once or twice.