St. Anthony's Parish

Eucharistic Congress is a contrast to polarized culture: Canadian sculptor

Although he was deeply immersed in fashioning a life-sized bronze tribute to future saint Blessed Carlo Acutis, Canadian Catholic sculptor Timothy Schmalz keenly kept abreast of the discourse at the 10th U.S. National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.

In a nation, indeed a world, that has become so polarized, the congress was a breath of fresh air, bringing thousands together over five days — and several pilgrimages in the weeks before leading to Indianapolis — from every corner of the U.S.

Read the rest “Eucharistic Congress is a contrast to polarized culture: Canadian sculptor”

On 2nd anniversary of Pope’s visit, Canada’s bishops recommit to reconciliation

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) President Bishop William McGrattan has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples to mark the second anniversary of Pope Francis embarking upon his penitential pilgrimage to Canada.

In a July 24 CCCB communique titled a “Letter to the People of God,” the bishops outlined the financial support, record-sharing, dialogue events and other initiatives launched to address the Pontiff’s call for justice, healing and understanding.

Read the rest “On 2nd anniversary of Pope’s visit, Canada’s bishops recommit to reconciliation”

Feeling lazy? Think of Jesus, the apostles, and hard-working saints

Sloth or laziness is one of the capital sins. The root of sloth is often acedia which means “lack of care,” or, as the Catechism defines it: “a form of depression stemming from lax ascetical practice that leads to discouragement.”

Pope Francis said, “it is as though those who fall victim to it are crushed by a desire for death: they feel disgust at everything.

Read the rest “Feeling lazy? Think of Jesus, the apostles, and hard-working saints”

U.S. bishops, Holy See offer prayers following attempt on Donald Trump’s life

In a statement issued in the wake of Saturday’s attack on former U.S. President Donald Trump, the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, said, “Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump, and those who were killed or injured.

Read the rest “U.S. bishops, Holy See offer prayers following attempt on Donald Trump’s life”

Young adults defying secularism trend in Canadian Church

Reports of dwindling religious practice among Catholics in Canada may be more prevalent each year, but a different trend showing increased interest from young adults is giving hope for a possible resurgence of the Church in the near future.

A 2022 research report from Cardus titled The Shifting Landscape of Faith in Canada revealed religious indicators among those who identify as Roman Catholic have overall declined since 2017.

Read the rest “Young adults defying secularism trend in Canadian Church”

Love and logic are the Catholic response to MAiD, international pro-life apologist says

“The pro-life response to assisted suicide is not only the right response,” says pro-life apologist Stephanie Gray Connors. “It’s the beautiful and inspiring one.” 

Catholics needn’t be demoralized by the onslaught of Canada’s “extreme” euthanasia regime, because logical argument and compassionate action offer effective ways to counter the culture of death, Gray Connors told about 200 people at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Port Coquitlam. 

Read the rest “Love and logic are the Catholic response to MAiD, international pro-life apologist says”