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November 2020

November 25

Archdiocese put Church before victims

November 25, 2020

Secrets, lies and threatened lawsuits protected Brian Boucher through two decades of priestly life before Montreal Church authorities finally investigated the former pastor’s bizarre, aggressive and abusive behaviour.

November 26

Elders’ presence missed in Fort McMurray schools

November 26, 2020

Unique circumstances are part and parcel of Indigenous learning at Catholic schools in Fort McMurray, Alta., in a year where education has already been anything but normal.

Lighting candles on our path to Christmas

November 26, 2020

How are you preparing for Christmas?

Editorial: Blame to share

November 26, 2020

In the weeks since the Vatican released its report regarding disgraced former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the blame game has been in full swing.

Readers Speak Out: November 29, 2020

November 26, 2020

Risky business Pope Francis should be commended for his persistent attempts to reach a mutual agreement with the Chinese government on exercising the rights of the papacy in the governance of the Catholic Church in China. The probability of his success, in my opinion, is minimal, based on China’s recent unilateral abrogation of its “one country two systems” treaty with the UK.

Plenty of talk with little action from G20 summit

November 26, 2020

Discovering a hint of moral backbone at this year’s G20 negotiations, hosted by Saudi Arabia online over the Nov. 20th weekend, was more than Canada’s representative to the G20 Interfaith Forum expected.

Gerry Turcotte: Don’t underestimate power of a laugh

November 26, 2020

COVID-19 has triggered many things, some of them predictable, many not. Who, for example, would have guessed that the first major response to the virus would be panic buying of toilet paper? A rush on cellphone cases and Lego were two other unexpected results of the pandemic. Apparently, our behaviour has become so unusual that it is negatively impacting artificial intelligence algorithms, with one AI consultant claiming that “automation is in a tailspin.”

November 27

‘Negligible’ savings from assisted suicide, report says

November 27, 2020

OTTAWA -- A fiscal analysis of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) system shows that making access to an assisted suicide easier could save Canada’s health-care system up to $149 million a year.

Court says N.Y. pandemic limits on houses of worship restrict religious freedom

November 27, 2020

WASHINGTON -- In a 5-4 decision issued just before midnight Nov. 25, the Supreme Court lifted the pandemic restrictions on congregation sizes at houses of worship imposed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Fr. Ho Lung’s people of hope

November 27, 2020

If you’ve never heard the Lord’s Prayer set to Caribbean rhythm, with all the colourful vibrancy and distinctness of reggae percussion and vocals, then you’ve never heard the ministry of Fr. Richard Ho Lung.

Peter Stockland: Legault fails to grasp faith’s central role

November 27, 2020

Truer words have never been spoken than Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix’s methodical castigation of the Quebec government failure to consult the province’s religious believers on COVID-19 planning.

November 28

Ethiopian fighting could spark new refugee crisis

November 28, 2020

Church networks are getting ready for a humanitarian disaster and a massive wave of new refugees as the civil war in Ethiopia rages on.

Season of waiting can live in our homes

November 28, 2020

A great story will certainly emerge from this Advent; a year like no other. An Advent to remember for sure and the stories we tell about this time will be noteworthy.

Problem solved: Camilleri appointed Toronto auxiliary

November 28, 2020

As a man naturally drawn to problem solving, Fr. Ivan Camilleri says he finds fulfilment in helping others in their journey of faith.

Harry McAvoy: Reaching out with prayers and a phone

November 28, 2020

It is late, dark and cold outside. Neve, our 97-pound dog, is standing in the middle of the road in front of our house. I think, silly dog, but just as quickly it occurs to me I am standing right beside her. As Neve and I look down Vincent Street I admire the Christmas lights which make our neighbourhood sparkle.

November 29

The Good Shepherd’s volunteers stay engaged

November 29, 2020

As Toronto and Peel Region officially went into lockdown on Nov. 23, they joined Good Shepherd volunteers who have already been in lockdown for 10 months.

God's Word on Sunday: Restoration begins with a focus on God

November 29, 2020

Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 6 (Year B) Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 The God of the philosophers and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are very different.

November 30

Pope Francis creates 13 new cardinals at consistory

November 30, 2020

VATICAN CITY -- One by one 11 senior churchmen, including two U.S. citizens -- Cardinals Wilton D. Gregory of Washington and Silvano M. Tomasi, a former Vatican diplomat -- knelt before Pope Francis to receive their red hats, a cardinal's ring and a scroll formally declaring their new status and assigning them a "titular" church in Rome.

Pandemic, economy worsen situation for Syria's minority Christians

November 30, 2020

AMMAN, Jordan -- The worsening coronavirus pandemic and economic conditions in Syria are further deepening poverty and hardship for Christians, who find themselves trapped in a political stalemate, religious freedom advocates say.