Feature Series

Why are you here? Theologian Mary Jo Leddy looks to Canada's newcomers and the land itself for answers

Mary Jo Leddy is founder of Romero House for refugees. She uses the summertime to take refugees on a Canadian discovery adventure near Manitoulin Island.

For Mary Jo Leddy the question on the cover of her new book leads immediately to other questions. Why Are You Here? is Leddy’s way of asking Canadians, “Who are we? And who do we want to be?”

The Browns hit all the right notes at 60 years of marriage

By Mickey Conlon, The Catholic Register

David and Jeannette Brown, who will celebrate 60 years of marriage next month, will be honoured with a special blessing at the Celebration of Marriage Mass Feb. 10.

For 60 years, David and Jeannette Brown have made beautiful music together.

January 31, 2019

Pilgrim's dairy: Hurting my ankle was just what I needed

By Samantha Goh, Catholic Register special

think I had a lot of unanswered questions before my trip to World Youth Day. But God answered questions I didn’t even know I had.

January 30, 2019

Pilgrim's diary: Volunteers' sacrifice made our faith more real

By Jeff Taylor, Catholic Register special

World Youth Day volunteers shield themselves from the afternoon sun while listening to the Pope's address in Panama Jan. 27.

“Put service and mission first and you will see that everything else will follow.” - Pope Francis, January 27, Panamá WYD Volunteer Gathering

January 30, 2019

Global 'symphony' of WYD challenges nationalism, walls, Pope Francis says

By Catholic News Service

Pope Francis greets the crowd during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Jan. 30, 2019.

VATICAN – The joyous harmony of people coming together from so many different nations for World Youth Day stands in sharp contrast to today's "sad" situation of confrontational nationalist feelings, Pope Francis said.

January 29, 2019

Jean Ko Din in Panama: WYD leaves behind a wealth of memories

By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic Register

World Youth Day pilgrims pray before Our Lady of Perpetual Help during opening-day festivities in a Panama City park Jan. 22, 2019.

Packing up after a pilgrimage, you sort through the souvenirs you’ll bring home. They are reminders of friends made, marvels witnessed and lessons discovered along the way.

January 29, 2019

Pope Francis calls on youth lead the way for Church and community

By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic Register

Canadian pilgrims wait patiently for the Pope's arrival at Pope John Paul II field in Panama City Jan. 22.

PANAMA CITY – Jesus is a God of now, Pope Francis told a crowd of more than 600,000 young people at World Youth Day in Panama.

January 24, 2019

Pilgrim’s diary: We’re here, and we’re ready

By Rachel Wong, Catholic Register Special

Rachel Wong addresses the pilgrims during a catechesis session at WYD.

PANAMA CITY — I stood on a stage, looking out over a sea of young pilgrims. I had seen such crowds before, but never with such profound diversity. Flags representing countries from all over the world waved under the hot Panama sun. Despite the heat, there was a great sense of excitement and great expectation.

Shona Mass is a little bit of home for Zimbabweans in Edmonton

By Thandiwe Konguavi, Canadian Catholic News

Maroro Zinyemba, centre, and other Zimbabwean Catholics celebrate a special Mass once a month with songs sung in Shona.

EDMONTON – On a wintry Sunday morning in an Edmonton church, Eve Masenda ties a blue chitenge — an African sarong-like garment — around her daughter’s waist before Mass begins.

January 28, 2019

As WYD Panama closes, Pope urges volunteers to keep serving

By Catholic News Service

Pope Francis arrives at Panama City's Rommel Fernandez Stadium Jan. 27, 2019, to thank World Youth Day volunteers for their service in making the event a reality.

PANAMA CITY – Just before leaving the physical and human warmth of Panama Jan. 27, Pope Francis stopped to thank the thousands of official volunteers, young and old, gathered at the capital city's Rommel Fernandez Stadium to tell them that they had just participated in an event similar to one that took place early in Christianity.

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January 27, 2019

World Youth Day 2022 will be in Portugal

By Catholic News Service

Pope Francis greets the crowd before celebrating Mass for World Youth Day pilgrims at St. John Paul II Field in Panama City Jan. 27, 2019.

PANAMA CITY – Lisbon, Portugal, will open its doors to the world's young people in 2022 for the next World Youth Day.

January 27, 2019

Locals shows solidarity with Nicaraguan, Venezuelan pilgrims en route to World Youth Day vigil

By Catholic News Service

A sign calls attention to Venezuela as Pope Francis leads the World Youth Day prayer vigil at St. John Paul II Field in Panama City Jan. 26, 2019.

PANAMA CITY – As thousands of pilgrims streamed through the neighborhood of Las Acacias en route to the World Day Youth vigil, those from Nicaragua and Venezuela received special cheers and applause as they carried the flags of their respective countries.

January 27, 2019

Be 'influencers' for God, imitate Mary, Pope urges at World Youth Day vigil

By Catholic News Service

Young people attend the World Youth Day vigil at St. John Paul II Field in Panama City Jan. 26, 2019.

PANAMA CITY – Although Mary would not be considered an "influencer," like many social media personalities, she still became the most influential woman in history by trusting "in the love and promises of God, the only force capable of making all things new," Pope Francis told young people at the World Youth Day prayer vigil Jan. 26.

January 27, 2019

U.S. pilgrim questions Pope on abuse crisis during lunch in Panama

By Catholic News Service

Pope Francis has lunch with a group of World Youth Day pilgrims at the San Jose seminary in Panama City Jan. 26, 2019.

PANAMA CITY – While sharing a private lunch with pilgrims from around the world, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy and emphasized the need for unity and prayer, a U.S. pilgrim said.