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October 2023

October 2

Archbishop Francis Leo vows to keep his flock safe

October 2, 2023

As Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo was conferred the pallium at a Sept. 29 ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, the archbishop promised that he would, like the shepherd, keep watch over his flock and keep them safe.

On retreat, synod members look at ways to accept, overcome differences

October 2, 2023

Knowing they would be wrangling with different opinions and that Catholics around the world had different hopes and fears for their work, the 364 full members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops gathered for a retreat.

Hundreds stand in line to greet new cardinals from the 'peripheries'

October 2, 2023

One consequence of Pope Francis choosing new cardinals from the "peripheries" is that friends, family and fans of the newly elevated are just as shocked and surprised as the new cardinals are themselves to have been given the honor.

Creating cardinals from 16 nations, Pope Francis asks them to join church 'symphony'

October 2, 2023

Coming from different parts of the world and having different experiences and talents, members of the College of Cardinals are called to create a "symphony," listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis said.

Roof collapse at Mexican church kills 10 during baptism celebration

October 2, 2023

A roof collapsed during Mass in a Mexican church, claiming at least 10 lives as Catholic leaders offered prayers for the dead and injured, and Mexican society expressed sorrow over the tragedy.

October 3

Pope Francis responds to cardinals on blessings for homosexuals, female priests

October 3, 2023

The Catholic Church, in pursuit of "pastoral prudence," should discern if there are ways of giving blessings to homosexual persons that do not alter the church's teaching on marriage, Pope Francis said.

October 4

Synod delegates seek ‘new vision’

October 4, 2023

Leading into the Synod of Bishops on Synodality’s first week, hopes were high that the almost four weeks of discussions will set the Church on a secure path for the future, despite today’s multiple competing perspectives and priorities.

Pope Francis addresses fears around synod: 'Not a political gathering'

October 4, 2023

Members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops are not gathered in Rome to implement a "plan of reformation" but to walk together as a church that discerns God's will for the present moment, Pope Francis said at the assembly's opening Mass.

No to MAiD, bishops reiterate

October 4, 2023

The incoming president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has served notice that so-called Medical Assistance in Dying is a no-go for institutions and associations the operate under the Church’s name.

Atheist turned Catholic turned comedian

October 4, 2023

The “hard work” of making others laugh is a labour of love and faith for standup comic Jen Fulwiler, a former atheist and Catholic convert delivering a “fresh take on modern life as a woman” to audiences throughout the nation with her 2023 “Maternal Instinct” comedy tour.

Even small acts can help fight food insecurity

October 4, 2023

Leaders from the Yonge Street Mission (YSM) declared to over 200 Catholic Women’s League (CWL) members living in the Greater Toronto Area that they can all make a difference in the fight against hunger.

October 5

International gathering pushes reconciliation forward

October 5, 2023

Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith says he left a recent international conference on Indigenous-Church relations “very encouraged,” but cautioned the Washington, D.C., event was one step on a long path ahead.

Synod begins work with focus on Holy Spirit and listening

October 5, 2023

Pope Francis opened the work of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops asking members to meditate on ancient theological texts about the Holy Spirit, have the courage to be honest about their disagreements and focus much more on listening than on sharing their opinions.

For the de la Ganas, service is a family affair

October 5, 2023

Claire and Ronnie de la Gana are a couple on a mission. Married for 27 years, the couple have put faith and community service at the centre of their marriage and family life.

'Laudate Deum': Planet mirrors a deeply flawed view of human life and activity

October 5, 2023

Pope Francis claims the clock is ticking on the dangers of climate change -- and both a paradigm shift and practical action are critically needed to avert looming disasters in nature and human society.

Academics must take back history, Bolen says

October 5, 2023

Archbishop Donald Bolen charged young Canadian academics with a call to action to be critical contributors to the telling of history surrounding Canada’s past relations with its Indigenous people.

For 50 years, Sr. Heil has strived to be a Eucharistic presence

October 5, 2023

For 50 years of vowed religious life, Sr. Carolyn Heil, the sole Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) living in Canada, has been committed to radiate the love of Christ as an educator to Canadian and American youth and retreat participants in Ontario.

The p’tit pére’s little project that grew

October 5, 2023

In a little corner of the cavernous basement of Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal, Fr. Jean-Pierre Couturier has spent every Thursday of the last 25 years mending shoes.

Verbatim: Pope Francis' homily ahead of the Synod on Synodality

October 5, 2023

Pope Francis’ homily delivered in St. Peter’s Square ahead of the Oct. 4 opening of the Synod on Synodality.

A good week in Catholic journalism

October 5, 2023

The last week of September felt like a time to be remembered for Catholic journalism in Canada.