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September 2020

September 16

Empathy arises from tabernacle theft in St. Catharines

September 16, 2020

Parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Catharines of Alexandria were given a punch to the gut during morning Mass Sept. 8.

Catholic award for attorney general ‘shocking’

September 16, 2020

WASHINGTON -- The Association of U.S. Catholic Priests and the Catholic Mobilizing Network said they strongly object to an award the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast organizers plan to present to U.S. Attorney General William Barr during the annual breakfast, which is to be livestreamed Sept. 23 from Washington.

Pope takes message to global stage with UN address

September 16, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- When he addresses, via video message, the UN General Assembly Sept. 21, Pope Francis is expected to speak about using the coronavirus crisis as an opportunity to re-think economic, political and environmental policies in a way that will benefit humanity and the Earth.

Seminaries reopen in a pandemic world

September 16, 2020

Six months since seminarians were sent home as a precaution against the rising tide of COVID-19, Canadian seminaries are only now recommencing community living, formation and on-campus lectures.

Speaking Out: Our Lady helps us find our way

September 16, 2020

Employers often require references from new hires to ensure they are the best candidate. A worthwhile process, to be sure, but not an approach one should have when sampling Marian devotions.

Rosary campaign offers hope for troubled times

September 16, 2020

More than a century since the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Portugal in 1917, the message and secrets of the Fatima apparitions have spread throughout the globe conveying a need for devotion to God and to pray the rosary.

Caring for the Earth and its people

September 16, 2020

The retreat master’s job is all about the big reveal — showing people what’s already there. For Jesuit spiritual director Fr. Greg Kennedy the job is a delight, a joy and at the same time a humbling experience.

Charles Lewis: Partisan speech treads dangerous waters

September 16, 2020

Sr. Deirdre Byrne is a remarkable woman. Many of you have heard her life story because of the address she gave to the Republican National Convention in August.

Counselling offered to Vancouver clergy abuse victims

September 16, 2020

VANCOUVER -- The Archdiocese of Vancouver is following through on the first recommendation in last year’s clergy sexual abuse report by establishing an external office to handle clergy sexual abuse complaints.

Netflix's 'Cuties': Exploration of immigrant experience or child exploitation?

September 16, 2020

NEW YORK -- Controversy has surrounded the airing on Netflix of the French film "Cuties" ("Mignonnes").

September 17

Politicians at heart of Lebanon’s problems

September 17, 2020

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Rai wants a revolution in Lebanon, but not too much revolution.

Edmonton college now offering Catholic Studies degree

September 17, 2020

EDMONTON -- Newman Theological College has launched a new three-year Bachelor of Arts in Catholic Studies degree, targeting students who want a classical education combined with intellectual rigour and faith tradition.

Bruce Springsteen gives pep talk of sorts to Boston College freshmen

September 17, 2020

WASHINGTON -- As this unusual school year gets underway, Boston College freshmen were reminded that they've already been through a lot and were urged -- as college graduating seniors usually are -- that they have to go out and change the world.

Editorial: Map for the future

September 17, 2020

The Pope’s first official trip outside Rome in more than seven months couldn’t come at a better, or more critical, time.

Readers Speak Out: September 20, 2020

September 17, 2020

Loving enemies Re: Tabernacle stolen from St. Catharines cathedral: It is rather interesting that the discarded tabernacle was found on Sept. 9, and the very next day the Gospel reading from Luke (Ch. 6: 27-38) was as if Jesus came out to speak to anyone who might be feeling angry and hateful towards the criminals who did such a disrespectful act: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who abuse you.” When I read the article I did feel very angry and wanted to exchange with family and friends all kinds of hateful words about the criminals, just making my assumption who they might be.

Retreat centres acclimatize to new normal

September 17, 2020

Through prayers and dreams, Angie Carboni has counted on God to help her navigate through the six months since COVID-19 emerged in Canada.

‘Existential danger’ threatens Lebanon’s future

September 17, 2020

RYE, N.Y. -- Amid the turmoil of a global pandemic coupled with a devastating August explosion that destroyed Beirut’s port while killing 200, injuring 6,000 more, Lebanon is facing “an existential danger” it has never experienced before, said Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai.

Canadians want real debate on abortion, says MP

September 17, 2020

OTTAWA -- An MP who wants a law to make it illegal to abort an unborn child based solely on a baby’s sex thinks her biggest challenge is not to convince Canadians of this, but instead is to convince those in the halls of power.

Leah Perrault: Finding grace in awkward stages of life

September 17, 2020

Awkward floated to my lips a few times last week before I saw the pattern. The stumbling and crashing of growing children and adolescents finding themselves in bigger bodies than the days before. Constant adjustments during mask practice sessions. Remembering the diapers and the keys and the shoes, only to forget to pack lunch in a new season’s morning routine. We are making it through, but it is painfully awkward.

September 18

Closing churches ‘the most horrible thing’

September 18, 2020

Cardinal Thomas Collins said there is no mistaking what the last six months of dealing with COVID-19 has been: a plague on our world.