Papal Canonizations

Toronto to join in canonization ceremonies

TORONTO - Before the sun rises on April 27, celebrations to honour the canonizations of Blesseds Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII will have already begun in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Pilgrims stand outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City. Christian groups say police action keeps pilgrims from accessing the site during Holy Week and Easter.

Police actions hamper Jerusalem celebrations

By Judith Sudilovsky, Catholic News Service

JERUSALEM - Palestinian Christian institutions charged that Israeli police security measures during Holy Week and Easter hamper access by Christian pilgrims to holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Marichka Galadza, left, and a workshop participant prepare pysanky, the colourful Ukrainian Easter eggs that are a tradition among Ukraine’s Catholics.

Ukrainian tradition helps out good causes

By Vanessa Santilli-Raimondo, The Catholic Register

TORONTO - For the local artisans who belong to Kosa Kolektiv, making pysanky — Ukrainian Easter eggs — is a way to share the skills passed down from generation to generation of Ukrainians.

St. Elias the Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church before (left) and after it was destroyed by fire. The church will still host Easter services under a tent on parish grounds.

Easter services are a go for St. Elias

By Vanessa Santilli-Raimondo, The Catholic Register

BRAMPTON, ONT. - Despite their church being in ruins following a devastating fire, the parish community at St. Elias the Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church still plan to gather and celebrate Easter together.

Michelle Duklas (right) visits with Fr. Daniel Utrecht at the Archdiocese of Toronto’s Pastoral Centre during the April 9 Day of Confessions.

Archdiocese opens up its confessionals

By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic Register

TORONTO - More than 200 churches in the GTA opened their doors to receive thousands of repentants on April 9 as the Archdiocese of Toronto held a Day of Confessions in preparation for Easter.