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February 2021

February 4

Priest brings CWL a youthful perspective

February 4, 2021

It is safe to assume Fr. Pilmaiken Lezano became theologically and philosophically knowledgeable about the concept of Divine Providence during his years of study at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton from 2012-2015.

February 5

Mary Marrocco: The farther we go, the more we will find

February 5, 2021

Remember the old fairy tales? They are told, or re-told, by great story-tellers like the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and my favourite, Andrew Lang — who, back in the 19th century, gathered stories from around the world into the Red Fairy Book, Green Fairy Book and plenty of other colours.

African Heritage Month launched at TCDSB

February 5, 2021

The Toronto Catholic District School Board has kicked off February with celebrations recognizing the contributions of Black people to Canada and to the world.

Jean Augustine sees future in the past

February 5, 2021

At this pivotal moment in the conversation around anti-Black racism in North America and beyond, Jean Augustine is reminded of the Sankofa — a bird associated with a west African proverb used to express the importance of reaching back for knowledge gained from the past.

Glen Argan: When will we learn that less is more?

February 5, 2021

General Motors, the auto manufacturer which made billions from the sale of Hummers and other gas guzzlers, has committed itself to end production of petroleum powered vehicles by 2035 and be carbon neutral by 2040. The announcement is a significant step forward in the battle against climate change. Not only will the decision eliminate tailpipe emissions from GM’s vehicles, it will also encourage other automakers to step up their work in developing electric cars.

February 6

Sisters’ service still looms large at 99

February 6, 2021

The Sisters of Service of Canada may not be pioneering Catholic schools and institutions in remote communities like they did from the 1920s through to the start of the 21st century, but these missionaries are still having a sizable impact.

February 7

Classroom’s ‘Grandma Rose’ sorely missed

February 7, 2021

The Grade 1 class at Sacred Heart School in Wetaskiwin, Alta., is missing its secret weapon.

God's Word on Sunday: Compassion must be our guiding principle

February 7, 2021

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 14 (Year B) Leviticus 13:1-2, 45-46; Psalm 32; 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45 Fear can be the most impenetrable barrier in the world, far surpassing any fortress or wall built by humans. Fear is strongest when people feel that their well-being and safety is being threatened.

Robert Kinghorn: A time of lament on streets of suffering

February 7, 2021

One of my favourite authors is George Mackay Brown, who rarely left his native Orkney, a remote island off the coast of Scotland.

February 8

U.S. Senate again fails to pass Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

February 8, 2021

WASHINGTON -- Failure to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act "shows just how extreme the majority of Senate Democrats are," said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life.

Pope Francis gives a woman a vote in next synod of bishops

February 8, 2021

VATICAN CITY -- Xaviere Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart will not be the first woman undersecretary of a major Vatican office, but she will be the first woman with a right to vote at a meeting of the Synod of Bishops.

In Iraq, Pope Francis hopes to encourage Christians, build bridges to Muslims

February 8, 2021

AMMAN, Jordan -- On his historic visit to Iraq in March, Pope Francis hopes to encourage his Christian flock, badly bruised by sectarian conflict and brutal Islamic State attacks, while building further bridges to Muslims by extending fraternal peace.

February 9

Kansas bishop steps aside following abuse allegation

February 9, 2021

DODGE CITY, Kan. -- Denying any wrongdoing, Bishop John B. Brungardt of Dodge City has stepped away from his duties and pledged to cooperate with authorities investigating an allegation of abuse of a minor made against him.

February 10

Senate decision on C-7 expected Feb. 17

February 10, 2021

OTTAWA -- Canada’s Senate will give its verdict on the federal government’s effort to make it easier for Canadians to legally commit suicide with the help of a doctor by the end of the day Feb. 17.

Speaking Out: In giving we will receive

February 10, 2021

The typical image of poverty is often presented to us when we walk down a busy street. We see a man or woman holding a coffee cup, baseball cap or some other vessel to receive the pocket change of passers-by.

Virtual invitation to youth on vocations

February 10, 2021

The Newman Centre Catholic Mission at the University of Toronto wasn’t going to let a province-wide stay-at-home order keep it from spreading the word on a religious vocation.

Proposed lawsuit links Mount Cashel, Vancouver

February 10, 2021

VANCOUVER -- The Archdiocese of Vancouver has been named in a proposed class-action lawsuit involving allegations of sexual abuse at two Catholic high schools run by the Christian Brothers.

Fr. Raymond de Souza: The truth and fiction about Vatican wealth

February 10, 2021

It was, evident to everyone who knows anything about Vatican finances, a monstrous lie from the beginning. Or at least a monstrous mistake. But that it was believed by many is an indication that what a great number think they know about the Vatican is not true.

Dioceses cry foul over funding report

February 10, 2021

U.S. dioceses are crying foul over an investigative report on coronavirus relief funding they say grossly mischaracterized the Catholic Church’s finances and unrestricted cash flows, leaving the impression the Church used the 2020 CARES Act to hoard cash.

February 11

‘Me first’ attitude devastating: advocates

February 11, 2021

More than 80 million refugees and others forced from their homes by war, climate change and natural disasters need COVID-19 vaccines just as much as the rest of us, but Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny worries they’re easily overlooked.