NEWS
Joyful, singing crowds were walking through Lisbon long after the opening Mass of World Youth Day 2023 was over Aug. 1. The atmosphere surprised even those that lived in the Portuguese capital throughout their lives.
Ukraine officially moves Christmas to Dec. 25
By Gina Christian, OSV NewsUkraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law a bill moving the official observance of Christmas Day to Dec. 25 from Jan. 7, when Moscow and the Russian Orthodox Church mark the holiday.
Anti-MAiD forces ‘need to tell better stories’
By Angelica Vecchiato, Register CorrespondentA Christian think tank is spinning a hopeful narrative for MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) legislation expansion in Canada.
Catholics hope WYD will boost lay people’s involvement with Portuguese church
By Eduardo Campos Lima, OSV NewsWith 80% of people identifying as Catholic, Portugal is among the countries with the highest church presence in Europe. The signs of the nation's intimate relationship with Catholicism are visible all across Lisbon, where thousands of youth have already arrived for World Youth Day. Pope Francis is joining them Aug. 2-6.
Of bots and men: AI and the Church
By Sheila Nonato, Catholic Register SpecialIn the brave new world of artificial intelligence, many have raised questions and voiced fears about AI’s potential to surpass human intelligence and bypass human agency.
WYD pilgrims challenged to be seekers
By Anna FarrowLess than 24 hours before her departure for Portugal on July 13, Isabel Correa, national coordinator for the Canadian delegation to World Youth Day (WYD), appeared to exemplify something of the Biblical verse that is the theme for this year’s pilgrimage, “Mary arose and went with haste.”
It’s been a full 40 years for Winnipeg archbishop
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterWinnipeg Archbishop Richard Gagnon said his 40 years of service to the Canadian Catholic Church, first as a priest and then as a bishop, “has gone by so quickly and is so full of events and people.”
Ukraine humanitarian needs grow
By Susan KorahAs the war in Ukraine approaches its 18th month with no end in sight, the humanitarian needs are greater than ever in the war-devastated country, says Anna Dombrovska, Ukraine program coordinator for the pontifical charity Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA).
‘Religious women’ have more kids, study shows
By Anna FarrowStrong and active faith in God helps put more religious Canadian women in the family way, says a new report from think tank Cardus.
Peterborough priest facing sex charges
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterA 33-year-old Catholic priest is charged with sexual assault and sexual interference with a minor as a result of an investigation by Peterborough Police Service’s Sexual Offences Unit.
Extreme weather forces Lac Ste. Anne pilgrimage cancellation
By Quinton Amundson, The Catholic RegisterThe second half of the 2023 Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage in Alberta, which was scheduled from July 21-27, has been cancelled due to “extreme weather.”