The most significant 11 minutes and 48 seconds in the history of Christianity have been widening the gulf between Orthodox and Western Christians since 1582. But if Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Protestant Christians can get their act together, the world’s Christians might finally start celebrating Easter on the same day.
Black Nazarene a ‘gold mine of spiritual treasures’
By THANDIWE KONGUAVI, Canadian Catholic NewsWETASKIWIN, ALTA. - Eddie Año’s eyes brim with tears as he recounts taking part in the annual procession of Señor Nazareno in the heart of Manila.
Passion plays brings Gospel to life
By Jean Ko Din, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - The Passion Play originated from the Church’s tradition that the Gospel on Good Friday should be sung in Latin, in parts divided among several people. Its popularity took off in 13th-century Europe and over the centuries has spread worldwide.
‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?’
By Bishop Douglas CrosbyEditor’s note: the following is the Easter message released by Bishop Douglas Crosby, O.M.I., president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
As Syrian refugees begin to settle into their new reality of life in Canada, stories of their journeys to this new land all have similar themes. Feeling under siege and faced with an uncertain future in the midst of war, many people were compelled to flee their land, their homes, their work, their education and all that seemed familiar in order to find new life.
Homeless Jesus finds a new home at the Vatican
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterHomeless Jesus has found another home, this time in the Vatican.
Easter baptism follows ancient Church tradition
By Tony Gosgnach, Catholic Register SpecialHAMILTON, Ont. - The practice of Christian Baptism at Easter, preceded by several weeks of instruction, prayer and other rites, dates as far back as the fourth century. In early times, candidates for the Catholic Church, known as catechumens, recited a creed on Holy Saturday to signify the completion of their studies and then, at dawn on Easter morning, were immersed in a font and baptized.
Archdiocese looking for huge jump in refugee sponsorships
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterThe Archdiocese of Toronto is asking Ottawa for the chance to sponsor another 4,000 refugees over the coming year, said Martin Mark, director of the refugee office.
Progress is not always a good thing, says cardinal
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - We have the technology to extend life beyond its natural limits, so why not apply our technological resources to end a life when natural death eludes us? Why not take full responsibility for the control humans already exercise over life?
Canada's Office of Religious Freedom mandate comes to an end
By Catholic Register StaffOTTAWA - The Liberal government kicked off Holy Week on March 21 by giving the boot to the Office of Religious Freedom.
Catholic thought mixed on political wisdom of deficit spending
By Deborah Gyapong, Canadian Catholic NewsOTTAWA - As Canada enters a new round of large budget deficits and rising federal debt, Catholic social teaching provides no straightforward answers on the wisdom of deficit economics.
Modernist churches a thing of the past
By Michael Swan, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - There are a lot of very traditional Catholics who would have trouble explaining what a baldaccino is. Even the select few who know might have trouble identifying the hexagonal baldaccino above the altar in St. Joan of Arc on Bloor Street West.