January 2025

Way cleared to challenge Quebec’s Bill 21

Laicity law appeal to be heard by Supreme Court

Anna Farrow · January 29, 2025

After a nine-month wait, organizations contesting Quebec’s Bill 21 learned on Jan. 23 that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) will hear their case.

Pennings pieces together family role in saving Jews

‘Every person is made in God’s image,’ grandfather stressed to him

Susan Korah · January 29, 2025

Like many Christians, Ray Pennings dreams of visiting the Holy Land some day.

Vatican office clarifies rules for transferred holy days of obligation

Catholic News Service · January 29, 2025

When a holy day of obligation falls on a Sunday and so is transferred to another day, the Catholic faithful are encouraged to attend Mass, but they are not obliged to do so, the Vatican said.

While Ottawa zigs, Alberta’s Smith zags

Premier a 'disruptor' on national scene

Quinton Amundson · January 30, 2025

A Canadian political scientist suggests that on many fronts, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is a “disruptor” willing to explore policy and diplomatic routes starkly divergent from her fellow provincial leaders and the federal government in Ottawa.

Questioning Faith

Table is big enough for the prodigal son and you

Mary Marrocco · January 30, 2025

Should a spouse expect to know what the other spouse says in confession? Some, whether from anxiety, past hurts or other reasons, feel aggrieved at not being told.

The second in a series by Marquardt on Christians and their democratic duties

Catholic Register Special · January 30, 2025

Any democracy, by its very nature, requires commitment on the part of the people it is intended to govern. Democracies exist because sooner or later all other forms of government known to humans have devolved into one form or another of ‘might makes right.’

A chapel, a christening, a cradle and a commission concluded

Lubomyr Luciuk · January 30, 2025

They christened me Lubomirus. They named me in Kingston, in the St James Chapel of St Mary’s Cathedral. It was Tuesday June 29, 1954.

Hope springs free speech will flourish again

Paul Schratz · January 30, 2025

In the words of Pope Francis, there’s reason to hope the best days are still to come, but it’s not an exaggeration to say the past decade hasn’t been the best time for freedom of expression in Canada and around the world.

France's Catholic prime minister wants to fight 'end of life' bill by splitting measure

Caroline de Sury · January 30, 2025

French Prime Minister François Bayrou wants to split an "end of life" bill to separate the issue of "active assistance in dying" from that of palliative care -- a proposal seen as a smart attempt to give a pro-life approach to the legislation without antagonizing rival political sides.

US bishops call for prayer after deadly Washington DC air collision claims dozens of lives

Gina Christian · January 30, 2025

U.S. Catholic bishops -- joined by Pope Francis -- are calling for prayer after a deadly aviation crash in the nation's capital claimed dozens of lives.

Ceasefire overshadows Gaza’s humanitarian crisis

Susan Korah · January 31, 2025

The long-awaited and elusive ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has silenced bombs and halted air raids on the Gaza Strip, for the time being, but the humanitarian situation there is dire, reports the regional director of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.

Do not fear taking risks for our faith

The Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week, Sunday, February 2 to Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Lea Karen Kivi · January 31, 2025

The Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week, Sunday, February 2 to Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Seeing the heart of God in our midst

Cheryl-Ann Smith · January 31, 2025

It is a scene of devastation, love and hope. A scene from the movie The Soloist somehow reveals the stunning beauty and tenderness of the Heart of God.

Life gives us abundant nudges to pray

Laura Kelly Fanucci · January 31, 2025

During my husband’s years in business school, he learned about the power of the “nudge”: how to form a new habit by connecting it to a habit you already have. This practice changed my life.

New York site honouring St. Kateri, Canadian martyrs named a national shrine

Isaac Jogues, René Goupil and Jean de Lalande slain at New York village

OSV News · January 31, 2025

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, New York, as a national shrine for pilgrims, the sanctuary announced Jan. 30.