VATICAN – The desire to spend vast amounts on shopping and needless extravagances can prevent Christians from being generous with others, Pope Francis said.

The funding tap is flowing again for Development and Peace, but it remains closed for 52 of 180 partner organizations that continue to be investigated for alleged connections to abortion, artificial conception and other possible conflicts with Catholic teaching.

You’d almost think it wasn’t a big deal to Anne and Dane MacCarthy, the Vatican honouring the Toronto couple for their years of service to the Church.

He was exhausted, lonely, in pain and occasionally maligned. But he carried a vision in his head and a love in his heart that kept him going despite the circumstances.

Liz Lambert will be taking on the greatest physical challenge of her life Sept. 29 when she takes the plunge to swim two-kilometres of the frigid San Francisco Bay from the famous Alcatraz Island to the mainland.

VATICAN – Bono, the lead singer of the Irish band U2, said he told Pope Francis that in Ireland "it looks as though the abusers are being more protected than the victims. And you could see the pain in his face."

Abby Pyrz was 18 years old when she was bitten by the travel bug. 

The umbrella organization for hundreds of St. Vincent de Paul councils in parishes across Canada is getting ready to step into the national spotlight.

VANCOUVER – In 60 years of marriage, Marilyn and Stan Pidsadny have found one of the most fulfilling things they’ve ever done together is to go prison.

Faith is the force Development and Peace counts on when they ask for money. A new study by the Angus Reid Institute shows they have the right idea — but also that it may not be enough.

Sixteen-year-old Mary-Margaret Asoata wasn’t expecting much from Service Week. 

Perhaps the notion of the common good will soon have its day in the sun.

One Sunday morning in church, I wondered why the person beside me was breathing so loudly. Did he have some terrible lung ailment? Was he about to expire? It sounded almost like… snoring. 

What started out as a Grade 10 Civics video project became a new way for Émile Constantin to connect with the memory of his beloved great uncle.

Charity is about being good-hearted, but justice is about something more.