VATICAN CITY - The rite of canonization for Blesseds John XXIII and John Paul II April 27 will use the standard formula for the creation of new saints, but the Mass will be preceded by the recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, and it is possible retired Pope Benedict XVI will attend, the Vatican spokesman said.

TORONTO - Before the sun rises on April 27, celebrations to honour the canonizations of Blesseds Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII will have already begun in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

JERUSALEM - With Easter upon us, millions of Catholics around the world have taken part in the Stations of Cross during the Lenten season. While many people prayed the stations in their local parish, each year thousands leave their communities to experience the real thing: the Via Dolorosa.

JERUSALEM - Palestinian Christian institutions charged that Israeli police security measures during Holy Week and Easter hamper access by Christian pilgrims to holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Holy Saturday can be a rich day, full of spiritual contemplation that can be used to prepare for Easter Sunday.

TORONTO - For the local artisans who belong to Kosa Kolektiv, making pysanky — Ukrainian Easter eggs — is a way to share the skills passed down from generation to generation of Ukrainians.

BRAMPTON, ONT. - Despite their church being in ruins following a devastating fire, the parish community at St. Elias the Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church still plan to gather and celebrate Easter together.

TORONTO - More than 200 churches in the GTA opened their doors to receive thousands of repentants on April 9 as the Archdiocese of Toronto held a Day of Confessions in preparation for Easter.