The first day of the month marked St. Joseph the Worker’s feast day, an incredibly relevant devotion for today’s youth. There are many reasons to foster devotion to this model of strong masculinity each year, but especially in 2021, a special year dedicated to St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis on Dec. 8. 

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March 17, the day he died in 461.  In honour of one of the more celebrated saints, here are a few items that form part of the fact and legend of the patron saint of Ireland.

ROME – In the heart of Rome, near streets of fancy shops already blinged out for Christmas shopping, Pope Francis prayed for Romans struggling to survive and for families in the city and around the world who face the same lack of welcome that Mary and Joseph experienced.

VATICAN – Jesus showed his authority as king not through the power of weaponry, violence or deceit but by the power of his love for the world through his death on the cross, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – John Paul II spent much of his papacy speaking to youth. Now some of those youth are bishops.

VATICAN – Christians have guardian angels to encourage and guide them so they won't become sluggish on their journey in life, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN – Mary's assumption into heaven was a special sign of God's favor, but it also indicates God's desire to save all people, body and soul, Pope Francis said.

MASKWACIS, Alberta – Young. Indigenous. Committed to the Catholic faith.

ROME – As he did with his disciples at Passover, Jesus asks all Christians to prepare a place for him, not in "exclusive, selective places" but rather in uncomfortable places that are "untouched by love, untouched by hope," Pope Francis said.

Body and Blood of Christ, June 3 (Year B) Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

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VATICAN – In an age when technology is ever-evolving, Catholic news organizations must be willing to adapt to effectively proclaim the Gospel to all, Pope Francis said.

Running a small business is a lot like making babka: It takes time, effort and patience but the end result is something truly sweet.

The Irish influence on The Catholic Register was readily apparent during the first half-century of the 125-year-old publication, and it was never more apparent than on St. Patrick’s Day. The March 17 feast day was dutifully and thoroughly covered each year, as evidenced by this abridged account of the St. Patrick’s Day concert at Toronto’s Massey Hall from the March 22, 1906 edition:

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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Toronto was a zoo on the afternoon of Oct. 7.

Pope Francis on Thursday morning celebrated Mass in St Peter’s Square to mark the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.