The formation of seminarians, the Catholic Church as a welcoming home for all, migration and ecumenism arose as common themes of discussion among participants of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops Oct. 6, the Vatican said.

Hospital ministry: Labouring with hope, love

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On my first day upon returning to work at St. Michael’s Hospital as a hospital priest, I was wondering what things would be like in my role. On the jammed subway, suddenly I found myself reflecting on Jesus’ words — “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37).

For the de la Ganas, service is a family affair

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Claire and Ronnie de la Gana are a couple on a mission. Married for 27 years, the couple have put faith and community service at the centre of their marriage and family life.

For 50 years, Sr. Heil has strived to be a Eucharistic presence

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For 50 years of vowed religious life, Sr. Carolyn Heil, the sole Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) living in Canada, has been committed to radiate the love of Christ as an educator to Canadian and American youth and retreat participants in Ontario.

The p’tit pére’s little project that grew

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In a little corner of the cavernous basement of Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal, Fr. Jean-Pierre Couturier has spent every Thursday of the last 25 years mending shoes.

Synod begins work with focus on Holy Spirit and listening

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Pope Francis opened the work of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops asking members to meditate on ancient theological texts about the Holy Spirit, have the courage to be honest about their disagreements and focus much more on listening than on sharing their opinions.

Pope Francis addresses fears around synod: 'Not a political gathering'

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Members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops are not gathered in Rome to implement a "plan of reformation" but to walk together as a church that discerns God's will for the present moment, Pope Francis said at the assembly's opening Mass.

Synod delegates seek ‘new vision’

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Leading into the Synod of Bishops on Synodality’s first week, hopes were high that the almost four weeks of discussions will set the Church on a secure path for the future, despite today’s multiple competing perspectives and priorities.