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November 2020

November 1

Hospitals see rise in moral distress

November 1, 2020

“I knew I had to quit when my 15-year-old daughter would say, ‘Mom, don’t go to work and cry again.’ ”

God's Word on Sunday: Wisdom is found in our daily struggles

November 1, 2020

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Nov. 8 (Year A) Wisdom 6:12-16; Psalm 63; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 There is no self-help book or weekend seminar for gaining wisdom.

Organ donation: The gift of a lifetime

November 1, 2020

Stuart Asselstine had every intention of becoming an organ donor but never thought he would be alive to witness a friend benefitting from his generosity.

Shepherd’s Trust a blessing for retired priests

November 1, 2020

Though eight years into retirement, Msgr. John Pilkauskas still has plenty to give in service to the community, thanks, he says, in large part to the support provided by The Shepherd’s Trust.

Peter Stockland: Outrage drowns in the Kool-Aid

November 1, 2020

It’s been clear to me for nearing a decade that the vast majority of my fellow journalistic worker bees have drunk the Kool-Aid on MAiD.

Common questions for future goals and five answers to start building a plan

November 1, 2020

As individuals progress through various life stages, a number of changes or experiences can add layers and complexity to our personal situation and possibly impact our final future goals and intentions.

November 2

Being meek is rare today, but it's essential for holiness, Pope Francis says

November 2, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The Eight Beatitudes describe the path to holiness, but the call to meekness seems particularly challenging today, Pope Francis said.

UK bishops want evidence public Masses must be stopped in lockdown

November 2, 2020

MANCHESTER, England -- Catholic leaders in England are appealing to the government to reverse its decision to ban public Mass during a second national lockdown.

Pope Francis not changing church teaching on gay unions, Secretariat of State says

November 2, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican Secretariat of State has sent an explanatory note to nuncios around the world insisting that when Pope Francis spoke about civil unions, he was not changing or challenging "the doctrine of the church, which he has reaffirmed numerous times over the years."

Pope Benedict declines his late brother's inheritance

November 2, 2020

BERLIN -- Retired Pope Benedict XVI has declined the inheritance of his brother Georg, who died in July, reported the German Catholic news agency KNA.

French bishops 'cleanse' Nice basilica after attack

November 2, 2020

NICE, France -- French bishops conducted a "penitential rite of reparation" inside a church in which three people were murdered in late October.

Syriac patriarch: 'Our martyrs are the torches of faith'

November 2, 2020

BEIRUT -- Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the massacre by Islamic militants at Our Lady of Deliverance Church in Baghdad, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan reminded the faithful that "our martyrs are the torches of faith that illuminate our paths of life and ignite in us the fire of love toward everyone."

November 3

Pope Francis, Austrian church leaders urge end to hatred after Vienna attacks

November 3, 2020

Pope Francis and Austrian church leaders expressed dismay and sorrow after terrorists attack that left at least five dead in central Vienna, and they urged citizens to uphold key values of tolerance and respect.

Investments by Secretariat of State now under tighter control, says bishop

November 3, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- A lack of oversight and control over the Vatican Secretariat of State's investment activities may have facilitated some bad property deals, said Bishop Nunzio Galantino, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See.

November 4

Vatican shuts down museums as COVID-19 cases, deaths mount in Italy

November 4, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- As COVID-19-related deaths in Italy reached their highest daily level since early May and Italy began enacting new restrictions to slow the spread, the Vatican decided it will once again close its museums to the public.

Court challenge targets Quebec secularism law

November 4, 2020

OTTAWA -- Lawyers challenging Bill 21, Quebec’s so-called secularism law, are arguing that because the law disproportionately targets women the provincial government cannot use the notwithstanding clause to shield it from any challenge.

Speaking Out: Why we wear the poppy

November 4, 2020

The immortal poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, has brought countless reflections on the past to vividly remember and connect with brave soldiers who fought virtuously for freedom in the major conflicts of the past century.

Boyhood passion reignited in priest during lockdown

November 4, 2020

Let’s hop in a time machine back to 1999. It was a year that, among others, saw Tony Hawk skateboarding his way to the top of the cultural scene.

China’s threats to religious freedom worrying

November 4, 2020

OTTAWA -- Religious and human rights groups have applauded a parliamentary committee’s condemnation of the Chinese government for its “genocide” on religious minorities.

Sr. Helena Burns: Creeds: What do you believe?

November 4, 2020

Across the U.S., prominent, colourful and verbose lawn signs have been popping up. They all begin with “We Believe…” with slight variations in the body of the text. The text is basically a compendium of recent slogans on various hot-button issues. One of my Sisters commented to me as we drove by: “It’s like a secular Creed.” (Simply google “we believe lawn signs” for a sample.)