January 2024

Late Pope Benedict remembered on first anniversary of his death

January 2, 2024

As an expression of ongoing affection and gratitude for the late Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis led tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square in a round of applause for his predecessor on the first anniversary of his death.

Exiled Nicaraguan bishop asks world's bishops 'not to abandon us' as wave of priest arrests ends year in dictator-run country

January 2, 2024

Since Christmas, Nicaraguan police and paramilitaries have detained more than a dozen priests, including an archdiocesan vicar, as the Sandinista regime escalates a campaign of terror against the Catholic Church -- an institution it has struggled to subdue.

Vatican news agency reports 20 missionaries murdered in 2023

January 2, 2024

In its annual report on Catholic missionaries murdered during the year, the Vatican-based news agency, Fides, noted what many of them had in common was living a normal life in areas where violence had become common.

Bring Mary's gratitude and hope into the new year, Pope Francis says

January 2, 2024

On New Year's Eve, believers and non-believers alike give thanks for all they have received in the last 12 months and express their hopes for the coming year, but Christians are called to cultivate their gratitude and hope following the example of Mary, Pope Francis said.

Pakistan Christians end year of persecution hoping new government in 2024 will bring respite

January 2, 2024

As 2024 begins, Christians in Pakistan are winding up a year of violence and mayhem, with the hope of a new government to bring respite to their suffering after the national elections in February.

Christmas attacks target Nigerian Christians

January 3, 2024

About 200 Nigerian Christians lost their lives in multi-day attacks that left hundreds more injured and displaced.

Homeless find no room at the inn

January 3, 2024

For many of the downtrodden who find themselves filling the 108 beds each night at Vancouver’s Catholic Charities Men’s Shelter, it’s a devastating cycle that an ever-worsening economy just won’t let them exit.

King’s finds ‘soulmate’ in Vietnamese school

Catholic college signs partnership deal with Vietnam university

Quinton Amundson · January 4, 2024

King’s University College is hoping the new five-year strategic partnership struck with a prominent Vietnamese university will create a stream of enriching academic opportunities for students and faculty.

Nicaraguan regime publishes photos of Bishop Álvarez as US demands release of imprisoned bishop, other clergy

David Agren · January 4, 2024

The U.S. Department of State has demanded the release of Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa and other imprisoned Nicaraguan religious leaders following a wave of detentions targeting Catholic clergy over the Christmas season.

Argentine church stops receiving state funding

David Agren · January 4, 2024

Argentina's Catholic Church will no longer receive public funding, concluding a process established by the country's bishops' conference for the church to provide its own financing.

Hong Kong Catholic Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty in national security trial

Barb Fraze · January 4, 2024

Prominent Hong Kong Catholic, philanthropist and media mogul Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty to endangering national security in a trial that democracy advocates around the world said includes bogus charges.

Parish aims to be Strathmore’s ‘beating heart’

January 4, 2024

Fr. Cristino Bouvette knew the first guided tour of the future Sacred Heart Parish would be a profoundly stirring experience for his congregation.

Editorial: No business like your business

January 4, 2024

In one of those glorious paradoxes ubiquitous in Christian faith, instantaneous argy-bargy over the Vatican’s pre-Christmas document on blessing “irregular” relationships served to recall the supremacy of Christ among us.

Letter perfect

January 4, 2024

I nearly fell out of my chair when I opened The Catholic Register in November and saw the Letters to the Editor section in its full glory. It was refreshing to once again experience the beating pulse of the community that doubles as a barometer for all, and a compass to you. Can we do it again, please?

Firmly for Fernandes

January 4, 2024

I congratulate Rudy Fernandes for his beautifully expressed sentiments in the Dec. 17th Catholic Register about the effort of he and his wife Maureen to keep Christ in our Christmas wishes.

Goal judge

January 4, 2024

In promoting blessing of same-sex couples, Pope Francis argues “...those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection” or “...be subjected to too many moral prerequisites.” In other words, don’t judge their likely sinful activity.

European charm brewing at Ottawa cathedral

Caffeine culture finds home at Notre Dame’s Café des Tours

Quinton Amundson · January 5, 2024

Café des Tours, located on the lower level of the historic Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, is emerging as a delightful exception to the Canadian cup of joe paradigm since its opening last summer.

Questioning Faith

Ecumenism began with the beginning Church

Mary Marrocco · January 5, 2024

“The proudest moment in my life,” Tom Sawyer calls it. It’s a comically poignant moment in Mark Twain’s novel when Tom and Huck attend their own funeral.

Church on the Street

Truth is a story written in chalk

Dcn. Robert Kinghorn · January 5, 2024

I have written before of my respect for folk singers who look at the world and give voice to truths that are often hidden from our view. Many years ago, I heard such a phrase that has haunted me, and in some ways has shaped the ministry of the Church on the Street: “Truth is a story scribbled in chalk, an hour before the flood.”

Figure of Speech

Modify the world by deepening prayer

Gerry Turcotte · January 5, 2024

I think we can all agree that mobile phones are now ubiquitous. What I hadn’t expected was that their impact was literally changing our body shapes.