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April 2020

April 24

Pilgrimage sites fall victim to virus

April 24, 2020

The uncertainty surrounding lifting restrictions to stem the spread of the coronavirus is beginning to take a toll on Canada’s shrines and religious pilgrimages.

Jesus 2020: A clay model for the times

April 24, 2020

Sculptor Timothy Schmalz was staring straight into the face of Lucifer when he decided he must carry on with his annual Easter tradition.

Pandemic evokes memories of SARS

April 24, 2020

When retired nurse Hedda Canlas first heard about the outbreak of COVID-19 in Canada, her response was immediate. “Can I volunteer?” she wondered.

Fr. de Valk ’put faith into action’

April 24, 2020

OTTAWA -- Canada’s pro-life movement and the Catholic Church are mourning the death of a “passionate defender of life” who was never shy to speak out against the “culture of death” in modern society.

Francis Campbell: We have the time … let’s use it well

April 24, 2020

I can’t find time for that. COVID-19 has laid bare many of the popular excuses we use to appease ourselves for skipping the things we know we ought to be doing.

Fears mount for threats to religious freedom in northeast Syria

April 24, 2020

AMMAN, Jordan -- Religious freedom advocates and medical practitioners have expressed concerns about the COVID-19 response in northeast Syria.

April 25

Homeless advocates make a plea for help

April 25, 2020

Doctors and homeless advocates are demanding government action to address what they call an inadequate response to COVID-19 outbreaks among Toronto’s homeless.

Virus can’t stop landmark birthday

April 25, 2020

Stuck in quarantine, Eleanor Murphy’s 100th birthday party wasn’t exactly the one she had hoped for, but it was one her family will cherish.

Fr. Raymond de Souza: Fr. de Valk was a model for priest journalists

April 25, 2020

Fr. Alphonse de Valk, a stalwart of the pro-life movement, touched many lives in different spheres, especially in education, the particular charism of the Basilian Fathers. I will remember him as a fellow priest journalist.

Economic rules primed for a change

April 25, 2020

As cases of COVID-19 peak in Canada and talk ramps up about reopening the economy, the economy we return to may not be the same.

April 26

God's Word on Sunday: Be open to a change of mind and heart

April 26, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3 (Year A) Acts 2:14a, 36b-41; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10 When we have done something terribly wrong, it is impossible to call it back. Words remain spoken, deeds remain done, hearts remain broken.

Psychologist embodied Christian values

April 26, 2020

The first COVID-19 death in the Peterborough, Ont., area took a man of faith and service who helped thousands of kids with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Training in palliative care given a big boost

April 26, 2020

Pallium Canada has teamed up with the Canadian Medical Association to help health care workers gain accelerated and enhanced palliative care skills.

April 27

Italian bishops demand plan for resuming public Masses

April 27, 2020

ROME -- The Italian bishops' conference accused the government of adopting plans to ease the country's COVID-19 lockdown rules in a way that "arbitrarily excludes the possibility of celebrating Mass with the people."

Dozens test positive for coronavirus at Rome pontifical university

April 27, 2020

ROME -- At least 39 people at a Rome pontifical university tested positive for the coronavirus, the rector said.

Pope Francis writes rosary prayers to end pandemic

April 27, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis asked Catholics to make a special effort in May to pray the rosary, knowing that by doing so they will be united with believers around the world asking for Mary's intercession in stopping the coronavirus pandemic.

April 28

Parishes in Spain adapt pastoral services during COVID-19

April 28, 2020

OXFORD, England -- When Father Peio Sanchez founded his "field hospital" in an old monastery building in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017, he hoped it would offer some refuge to the Mediterranean city's 3,300 homeless inhabitants.

April 29

Chinese communist officials remove crosses from two church buildings

April 29, 2020

HONG KONG -- Communist authorities in territory covered by the Anhui Diocese removed crosses from the top of two church buildings, sources told ucanews.com April 27. The sources said they fear more such actions.

Long road to churches re-opening

April 29, 2020

As provinces phase in plans to restart economies by gradually reopening some businesses and public spaces, re-opening churches will be no walk in the park.

Speaking Out: A chance for a spiritual reset

April 29, 2020

Nearly a year ago, I began physical therapy for a medical condition. The need for it came at a difficult time as I was excited about starting a new job and moving out for the first time.