A dramatic shutdown of the Caritas Internationalis offices in Rome by papal decree was a surprise, and not a surprise, to the leaders of the 162 Catholic agencies that belong to the world’s second largest humanitarian network after the Red Cross.

‘They have the right to be children’

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In far off places, I’ve seen children under armed guard, fenced in, sitting in the dust, holding themselves up on the edges of human existence — exiled to places where any notion of the rights of children seems fanciful, even sadly comical.

Tough times ahead for shelters, food banks

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Though Canada has largely entered a post-pandemic landscape in recent months, lingering scars from the two-year public health emergency mingled with fresh economic challenges are forcing homeless shelters to brace for a tough winter.

Poverty produced by senseless war

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War produces tremendous poverty, and its violence strikes those who are defenseless and vulnerable, Pope Francis said.

‘Seismic’ shift hits religious landscape in Canada

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There were 10.9 million self-identified Catholics in Canada in 2021, a sharp drop of two million from 2011, according to the latest census religion numbers. 

A refugee crisis looming, advocates say

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There’s a storm coming, warns FCJ Refugee Centre executive director Loly Rico.

Campion alum touched by sojourn to Ukraine

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Dr. Katherine Owens’ long career as a psychologist has afforded her opportunities to go abroad and provide post-disaster psychological support, serving among those affected by devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Somalia.

Brescia professor’s dream comes true

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Growing up in Middlesex County in southwestern Ontario, Peggy O’Neil said she and her family would encounter Brescia College — now Brescia University College — on their route to pick up pizza for dinner.

King’s course shows economics should seek meaning

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Pope Francis challenged young Catholics to “transform an economy that kills into an economy of life” at a three day “Economy of Francesco” meeting in Assisi Sept. 22-24.

Encounter, heal and purify: St. Jerome’s plan for reconciliation

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All histories are contested. If they weren’t, there would be no reason to study history. For an historian running a Catholic university in Canada right now, this nation’s history of colonialism and residential schools has created a special responsibility — not to the past but to our future understanding of ourselves.

Irish unity: will dream come true?

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The historic emergence of a Catholic majority in Northern Ireland will be a significant, though not the decisive, factor in achieving a reunited country, says a Belfast MP visiting Canada.