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October 2023

October 12

Israeli families missing loved ones wait for proof of life; patriarch appeals for prayer, fasting

October 12, 2023

Just before the children in her kindergarten class went on vacation for the Jewish Sukkot Festival, Romina Shvalb, 42, a kindergarten teacher in the quiet Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border, had baked challah -- the braided sweet bread Jews traditionally eat on the Sabbath and holidays -- with the children.

Christ’s face shines with tears and joy

October 12, 2023

Some weeks, violence raises its ugly head to remind us that it is always lurking, shrouded by the darkness of the night.

October 13

Renew Toronto aims to enrich young adult faith

October 13, 2023

Over 500 Catholic young adults aged 19 to 39 will strive to enrich their faith at the annual Renew Toronto conference, which is being staged at the Canada Event Centre in Whitby, Ont., on Nov. 4.

The Catholic Church and defending against terrorism

October 13, 2023

After the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas terrorist, Israel is now at war with Hamas and the security not only of Israel but of Jews worldwide is at stake. Many journalists, politicians and faith leaders have struggled with what to say either staying silent or releasing nebulous statements failing to assign moral responsibility. To navigate all of this we need firm moral principles, a sense of history and some clear-headed realism.

October 14

Italians at Holy Rosary’s heart for 100 years

October 14, 2023

Josephine “Jo” Dellapenta’s father Geremino hailed from Campobasso, the capital city of the Italian region of Molise. Her mother, Alfonsina Cordileone, lived her first 11 years in a town not far away.

Mental health focus of Saskatoon congress

October 14, 2023

Clergy, pastoral staff, lay leaders and congregants in the Diocese of Saskatoon will learn how the Church can support mental health and well-being during the annual one-day diocesan Fall Congress on Oct. 19.

October 16

Jerusalem cardinal offers himself in exchange for Israeli hostages

October 16, 2023

The Catholic Church's highest ranking prelate in the Holy Land offered his "absolute availability" to be exchanged for Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas.

Holy Land church leaders plead for Gaza humanitarian corridor

October 16, 2023

Patriarchs and heads of all the churches in Jerusalem have issued an urgent appeal to Israel and the international community to open a humanitarian corridor, to assist people caught in what many fear is an imminent humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip.

Confidential synod documents made available on unsecured server

October 16, 2023

Some confidential documents from the assembly of the Synod of Bishops were accessible online to anyone who had the address before synod officials restored the need for a username and password, said Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.

Synod reveals how parish perpetual adoration chapels set hearts on fire

October 16, 2023

As the Synod on Synodality continues, the global gathering is providing an opportunity for Catholic leaders to share ideas and initiatives -- some of which dovetail with the aims of the National Eucharistic Revival underway in the United States.

October 17

Pope Francis calls Gaza parish staff as bombing continues

October 17, 2023

Huddled in a stairwell at the Catholic parish and school in Gaza, Rosary Sister Nabila Saleh, another sister and Father Youssef Asaad filmed themselves speaking to Pope Francis on the phone and begging for his continued prayers.

Pope Francis mentions planned Argentina trip, hints at Oceania tour

October 17, 2023

Pope Francis said a trip to his native Argentina remains on his schedule and that he has been encouraged to travel through Oceania.

Hundreds killed in Gaza hospital rocket strike

October 17, 2023

While Christian faithful across the globe prayed and fasted for peace in the Holy Land, a rocket struck the Christian hospital in Gaza City where hundreds of people were being treated, but also where hundreds were taking shelter. U.S. President Joe Biden is on his way to Israel to make a quick visit Oct. 18.

October 18

Jerusalem Latin Patriarch’s words stand out

October 18, 2023

On the same day the Toronto Board of Rabbis pleaded with their co-religionists to show public solidarity, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, offered himself as one such sign.

Sister nuns retire together

October 18, 2023

The director of Valley Native Ministry in Saskatchewan’s Treaty 4 territory for the last 40 years, Sr. Bernadette Feist and her older sister, Sr. Theresa, both Ursuline nuns, are retiring.

John Paul II still looms large over Vatican

October 18, 2023

Raniero Mancinelli has been an ecclesiastical tailor for more than 40 years. He owns a shop at Borgo Pio, one of the famous Roman streets leading straight to the Vatican gate of Porta Sant’Anna.

EOHSJ intensifies efforts amid Holy Land conflict

October 18, 2023

Amid the devastating violence in Israel and Gaza following Hamas’ deadly surprise attack on Oct. 7, with thousands of casualties on both sides, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has vowed to intensify its already considerable efforts in the Holy Land.

Actor-prof nurtures creative spirit

October 18, 2023

The sprawling line of cinephiles who attended the Anatomy of a Fall premiere screening at the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) on Sept. 22 overheard numerous people exiting the Eau Claire Cinemas raving over a feature they viewed.

October 19

Nicaragua expels a dozen priests, sends them to the Vatican, Ortega regime says

October 19, 2023

Nicaragua has expelled a dozen priests held as political prisoners as the increasingly tyrannical regime continues sending clergy into exile and cracking down on the Catholic Church.

Assumption dialogue tightens interfaith bond

October 19, 2023

Assumption University is continuing its tradition under Dr. John Cappucci of fostering Christian-Jewish ecumenical bonds.