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June 2020

June 1

U.S. Bishops 'sickened' by Floyd's death, urge racism be met 'head-on'

June 1, 2020

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Catholic bishops said May 29 they "are broken-hearted, sickened and outraged to watch another video of an African American man being killed before our very eyes."

Pope Francis issues new Vatican contract laws to prevent corruption

June 1, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- To prevent fraud and corruption, uphold Catholic principles and save money, Pope Francis has issued a new set of laws covering contracts for the purchase of goods, property and services for both the Roman Curia and Vatican City State offices.

Bosnian church official defends Mass for victims of communist massacre

June 1, 2020

WARSAW, Poland -- Bosnian church leaders defended their decision to hold a Mass for civilians and former soldiers slaughtered by victorious communist forces in Yugoslavia, despite international condemnations and domestic protests.

Church united by Spirit, not personal beliefs, Pope Francis says on Pentecost

June 1, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- Just as the apostles were united once they received the Holy Spirit, the church is united by that same spirit and not by keeping company just with those who agree on a certain interpretation of Christian teaching, Pope Francis said on Pentecost.

June 2

Churches battle hunger in new COVID epicentre

June 2, 2020

LIMA, Peru -- Diego Ramirez, a single father in a rural village in southern Guatemala, worked in a restaurant and kept a chicken farm, selling the birds in a market to support his three daughters.

Bishop urges U.K. to act to protect Hong Kong democracy agreement

June 2, 2020

MANCHESTER, England -- An English bishop urged the U.K. government to take action against violations of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.

Trump visits shrine on anniversary of St. John Paul II visit to Poland

June 2, 2020

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Washington June 2 shortly before he was expected to sign an executive order at the White House to expand U.S. support for international religious freedom efforts.

‘Normal’ church-going a year away … or longer

June 2, 2020

It could be a year or longer before churches in Canada can begin welcoming large numbers of worshippers, said a member of the country’s Special Advisory Committee on COVID-19.

Fr. Van Hee bubble-zone case faces a long journey

June 2, 2020

OTTAWA -- The case against an Ottawa Jesuit priest for violating Ontario’s abortion clinic bubble zone restrictions could go on for years, the lawyer for Fr. Tony Van Hee says.

June 3

Pope Francis: Trusting in God does not mean never arguing with him

June 3, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- In the story of the patriarch Abraham -- honored by Jews, Christians and Muslims -- faith becomes a direct relationship with God that is marked by constant prayer, which sometimes takes the form of "debating" with God, Pope Francis said.

Northern Ireland's Legislative Assembly rejects U.K.-imposed abortion law

June 3, 2020

MANCHESTER, England -- Politicians in Northern Ireland rejected an "extreme" new abortion law imposed on the province from Parliament in London.

Speaking Out: Sacramentality needs to return

June 3, 2020

On May 14, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled the first phase of the province’s cautious re-opening strategy. Approved businesses received the green light to resume operations if in compliance with the safety protocols advised by public health.

Virtual pro-life march inspires young supporters

June 3, 2020

COVID-19 has shut down schools and halted public rallies, but it couldn’t stop young pro-lifers from supporting their cause at the second Toronto March for Life on May 15.

Fr. Raymond de Souza: The virus, churches and religious liberty

June 3, 2020

Is the closure of churches and the suspension of the public celebration of Holy Mass a religious liberty issue?

June 4

Profit motive blamed in long-term care crisis

June 4, 2020

The 88-year-old godmother of palliative care in Ontario knows exactly what’s wrong with long-term care in the province. Much of it is motivated by profit.

China makes preaching patriotism compulsory to reopen churches

June 4, 2020

BEIJING -- Catholics are upset about a directive from China's communist government asking priests to "preach on patriotism" as a condition for reopening liturgical services, suspended earlier this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bob Brehl: Holy Joe’s principles worth preserving

June 4, 2020

It was sad news to see the once dominant Toronto Star sold for a mere pittance of $52 million. Only 16 years ago, Torstar Corp., the parent company of the newspaper, was trading above $30 a share and worth about $2.4 billion.

June 5

Mary Marrocco: Searching for the source of our hunger

June 5, 2020

What did Jesus mean by “this is My body”?

Australia's bishops, religious consider proposals for change in governance

June 5, 2020

MUDGEE, Australia -- Australia's bishops and religious are considering the recommendations for change in a 208-page review into the governance of the church.

Editorial: A Blessed priest

June 5, 2020

Closed churches have provided a blunt reminder of how much we rely on our parish priests — and perhaps sometimes take them for granted.