Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world on October 7.
He says,
“In this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,” the Christian community is reminded of its call to “put itself at the service of humanity.”
Read more about how fasting relates to prayer…
In Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter, “Laudato si’ – On Care for Our Common Home”, he notes that scripture tells us to “till and keep” the garden of the world (cf. Gen 2:15). “Tilling” refers to cultivating, ploughing or working, while “keeping” means caring, protecting, overseeing and preserving. He calls on all of us to consider how even our smallest daily actions and decisions can shape the future of the planet, for better or for worse.
This winter, staff members in the Collaborative Offices (the former Saint John Convent building) came up with the idea of using the roof of the former sunroom to “till and keep” a vegetable garden – the kind of small step that can help shape a better future. Rooftop gardens can have a positive environmental impact, because the increased surface area of vegetation lowers the surrounding air temperature, and the vegetation helps absorb and purify rainwater and storm runoff…
Following is the Cardinal’s statement on “Fiducia Supplicans,” issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on December 18, 2023 and approved by Pope Francis.
“We thank the Holy Father for his love and care of all the people in the flock. We caution and make clear that the Holy Father has not endorsed gay marriage, but has recognized all Catholics, including those whose unions are not recognized by the Church, as equally in need of God’s grace and love.
It is the Church’s mission to share God’s blessings…
From the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Pope Francis will make a pastoral visit to Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022.
The Pope’s visit will provide a unique opportunity for him, once again, to listen and dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, to express his heartfelt closeness and to address the impact of colonization and the participation of the Catholic Church in the operation of residential schools throughout Canada.
The papal visit will also provide an opportunity for the shepherd of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics to connect with the Catholic community in Canada…
On Friday, March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. At the 9:00am Mass on Friday, we prayed the Act of Consecration along with the Pope and Catholics all around the world.
Copies of the special prayer of consecration (included below) are also available at the entrances to the churches, and we encourage you and your families to pray together at this time when we so need God’s love and mercy…
Synod 2021-2023: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission” Pope Francis has called for a synod in the church. The theme of this upcoming Synod is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The solemn opening of the
Pope Francis has asked Catholics to make a special effort in May to pray the rosary, knowing that by doing so they will be united with believers around the world asking for Mary’s intercession in stopping the coronavirus pandemic. “It