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August 2021

August 1

God's Word on Sunday: God is source of strength and sustenance

August 1, 2021

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Aug. 8 (Year B) 1Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51 Elijah could not take another step — he was finished. At that point, all he wanted was a swift and painless death. There are many who reach that point in their lives. They are overwhelmed, exhausted and discouraged, and just want an end to their suffering. But this is usually where God steps in — that is, if we are open to God’s intervention.

August 3

At Angelus, Pope Francis warns against using God, others for selfish aims

August 3, 2021

VATICAN CITY -- People should seek Jesus out of genuine love, not calculated self-interest, Pope Francis said.

Holy Family icon for unity, peace, begins 'pilgrimage' in Middle East

August 3, 2021

BEIRUT -- The pilgrimage of the icon of the Holy Family of Divine Will of Unity and Peace has begun. The icon, written by Melkite Father Samir Rouhana of St. Elias Parish near Haifa, Israel, will be in Lebanon for a month.

Vatican releases rules for online learning for ecclesiastical universities

August 3, 2021

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education encouraged pontifical universities to expand educational opportunities to those who would normally be unable to attend classes in-person full time, but could manage coursework online, such as prisoners, migrants, the homeless, monks, contemplative nuns and even busy bishops.

August 5

'Today is a day of strength': Mass commemorates Beirut blast victims

August 5, 2021

BEIRUT -- A year after the catastrophic Beirut port blast, the wounds of the people in Lebanon are scarred by the memory of the tragedy, and cries for justice escalate. This year, Aug. 4 was declared a national day of mourning in Lebanon.

August 8

God's Word on Sunday: Battle continues to overcome darkness

August 8, 2021

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15 (Year B) Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a; 10ab; Psalm 45; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56 Revelation is the most puzzling and enigmatic book in the entire Bible.

August 9

Rwandan immigrant turns himself in for killing French priest

August 9, 2021

SAINT-LAURENT-SUR-SÈVRE, France -- A Rwandan immigrant awaiting trial for the arson of the cathedral in Nantes turned himself in to police for killing the French provincial of the Montfort Missionaries.

Police investigating source of letter containing bullets addressed to "the pope"

August 9, 2021

ROME -- Italian police have launched an investigation after postal workers discovered an envelope containing three bullets and addressed to "the pope."

August 11

Vandals continue to target churches across Canada

August 11, 2021

While the rash of arsons and acts of vandalism perpetrated on churches across Canada has lightened considerably compared to the volume of incidents that occurred between late June and mid-July, it’s not gone away.

Poll shows faith a factor in vaccine acceptance

August 11, 2021

WASHINGTON -- There are large differences between religious groups in the United States in their attitudes toward getting the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves or for their children, according to a poll released Aug. 5 by the Public Religion Research Institute.

Pope Francis marks anniversary with appeal for aid

August 11, 2021

VATICAN CITY -- Marking the one-year anniversary of a deadly explosion in Beirut, Pope Francis said Lebanon needs concrete help — not just words — from the international community so it can emerge once again as a symbol of fraternity and peace for the Middle East.

Speaking Out: Hit ‘pause’ on COVID-19 chatter

August 11, 2021

Take a moment and reflect on the last three conversations you had. Was COVID-19 the subject of any of them? If not, give yourself a pat on the back. Clearly, you’ve been making an effort to avoid the topic. But if you’re like myself and many others, pandemic conversation has become a serious problem.

Columbian Squires run strong in Ontario

August 11, 2021

The Knights of Columbus is a household name to Catholics around the world, but less well-known is its youth leadership organization, the Columbian Squires.

Vatican appointments in August feature two Canadian women

August 11, 2021

Vatican appointments in August feature two Canadian women – Anne Jamieson and Donna Strickland.

Sr. Helena Burns: The good (and bad) news about hell

August 11, 2021

I love hell. Let me qualify that. Hell is a great motivator, perhaps the greatest motivator. But shouldn’t love be our greatest motivation? Certainly, but hell is a great backup when we’re feeling less than virtuous.

First Nations and Catholics working ‘shoulder to shoulder’ at North Vancouver residential school site

August 11, 2021

An investigation is going ahead at the former site of St. Paul’s Indian Residential School, roughly where the parking lot sits at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School in North Vancouver.

August 12

Reconciliation goes beyond money

August 12, 2021

Making up for the Catholic failure to raise $25 million to fund healing and reconciliation programs in Indigenous communities is about a lot more than money, says Leah Perrault.

Medieval prayer comes alive at AGO exhibit

August 12, 2021

A small show full of small items on now at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto opens up a vast world of medieval mystical experience.

Western Canada pilgrimages make measured comeback

August 12, 2021

The ongoing spectre of COVID-19 prevents pilgrimages from completely roaring back to life in Canada, but celebrated summer religious summits in western Canada were to make measured comebacks on Aug. 14 and 15.

Editorial: Vandals solve nothing

August 12, 2021

First it was grief, then it was anger, then it was destruction.