Canadian News

News and events from across the country.

Maria Komisar ever the optimist even at 100

October 24, 2006

Maria Komisar [images/stories/toronto_people/kosimar.jpg]TORONTO - A handful of women huddled together after , whispering: “she looks so good for her age.” Dolled up in a black jumper and a matching pearl necklace and earring set with barely a wrinkle on her face, Maria Komisar celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 17 with 85 seniors who offered Mass for her special day.

Religious perspective missing from political sphere: Manning

October 24, 2006

Preston Manning [images/stories/canada_people/manning.jpg]WINDSOR, Ont. - Former Reform Party and federal Opposition Leader Preston Manning says people of faith need, as Jesus said, to be as “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” in bringing religious perspectives to the political arena.

Clergy abuse raised at bishops’ plenary

October 24, 2006

[images/stories/logos/logos10/CCCB.jpg]CORNWALL, Ont. - Clerical sexual abuse remained a hot topic for Canada’s Catholic bishops as they gathered for their annual plenary in Cornwall Oct. 16-21.

Canada must accept 'responsibility to protect' in Darfur

October 13, 2006

TORONTO - Canada can and should use its military to ensure the safety of civilian refugees in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region before a Dec. 31 deadline could see African peacekeepers removed from the area, according to Canada’s largest churches.

N.S. Sunday shopping ban overturned

October 13, 2006

TRURO, N.S. - Nova Scotians now have the option to shop on Sundays as of Thanksgiving weekend.

Sr. Moran invested into the Order of Canada

October 13, 2006

OTTAWA - At a ceremony at Rideau Hall Oct. 6, Sr. Susan Moran became a Member of the Order of Canada for her work among the homeless and disenfranchised in the Toronto area. “I’m here because of all the beautiful, suffering people who are now my sisters and brothers,” Moran said in an interview following the ceremony. “It is through them that I’ve learned such love and compassion.”

Sinfulness can lead to culture of blame

October 13, 2006

Pope Benedict II [images/stories/PopeBenedictXVI/benedicths2.jpg]VATICAN CITY - When individuals lose sight of their own sinfulness, it is impossible to promote real reconciliation and establish true justice in society, Pope Benedict XVI told bishops from Western Canada.

Homeless an election issue

October 5, 2006

TORONTO - As Toronto's homeless face another winter on the streets and in the shelters, their fate is again an election issue.

Slovak cathedral loses its status

October 5, 2006

Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Unionville, Ontario [images/stories/toronto/slovakcathedral.jpg]TORONTO - One of Canada's most architecturally impressive and ambitious cathedrals is no longer a cathedral. Eparch John Pazak, spiritual head of Byzantine rite Slovak Catholics in Canada, has removed the blessed sacrament and the antimension, or altar stone, from the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, a giant gold-domed church on the edge of Unionville, north of Toronto.

Legislation aims to protect religious from same-sex challenges

October 5, 2006

TORONTO - The federal government is planning to introduce a Defence of Religions Act to protect from legal harassment those who challenge same-sex marriage or refuse to participate in such ceremonies. The Globe and Mail reported Oct. 4 that the federal Justice Minister Vic Toews is preparing such legislation in case the House of Commons rejects a motion to reopen the debate over the legal definition of marriage.