Canadian News

News and events from across the country.

Where are young priests? Right here

June 19, 2008

Looking for bright young, spirited and inspirational priests? In despair because you believe the media mantra about the dying priesthood? Have a little faith. They're out there, believe me. I keep tripping over them, especially here at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City.

The Eucharist sanctifies the institution of the Church

June 18, 2008

QUEBEC CITY - Human beings may be fallible but the Catholic Church as an institution remains sanctified through the Eucharist, says Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J. And it is this sanctified institution that always deserves defending, even if its individual members err, the archbishop of Buenos Aires and primate of Argentina explained in a large catechesis session here at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress June 18.

Why is it always a United Church?

June 18, 2008

I have many good friends in the United Church, and they always seem very respectful toward Catholic teachings and practices, even if they disagree with them. Yet it seems lately that every protest by disaffected Catholics takes place in a United Church. Perhaps I exaggerate, but a little incident here in Quebec reinforces that impression.

There's plenty of elbow room

June 18, 2008

It's taken me about three days to get my bearings here at the Eucharistic City, the new name for the Expo City grounds for the duration of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress here in Quebec City

Rain or applause?

June 18, 2008

On the far end of the Pepsi Coliseum here in Quebec City, a white tent houses the media room for the International Eucharistic Congress. We have internet hook ups, a bank of computers for common use, tables with fresh flowers and a big screen TV to watch proceedings inside the Coliseum.

This just in from head office

June 18, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI sent his regards and blessings Wednesday, June 18, to the 12,000 or so pilgrims gathered here in Quebec City for the International Eucharistic Congress. Below is the text of his message from the Vatican Information Service.

The Eucharist around the world

June 18, 2008

QUEBEC CITY - Several cardinals from around the world gave the status of church life in their countries and regions at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress. "The Eucharist finds in Africa very favourable soil," with people who believe in God and are open to God, Cardinal Theodore-Adrien Sarr of Dakar, Senegal, told thousands of pilgrims in a Quebec stadium.

Your TV eye on the Eucharistic Congress

June 17, 2008

News is flowing like a river, as they say, from the International Eucharistic Congress here in a very wet Quebec City (it stopped raining long enough yesterday just to dry up the sidewalks for the next deluge). And much of that news is flowing to the TV world via Canada's Salt+Light TV.

Political action needed to end food crisis

June 17, 2008

QUEBEC CITY - Cardinal Marc Ouellet urged a concerted effort by governments and the United Nations to solve a world food crisis that has seen the prices of rice and corn double and triple in recent weeks. During his homily June 16 while celebrating the Eucharist at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Ouellet noted that poor people are unable to buy these necessities at the exorbitant prices they are now going for.

Christ lives in the Eucharist

June 16, 2008

QUEBEC CITY - When people pause and question the purpose of their lives, they "yearn for a spiritual answer," said Slovakian Cardinal Jozef Tomko at the opening Mass of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress.