In his message for Lent 2023, Pope Francis reflected on the Transfiguration of Our Lord and the “’retreat’ on Mount Tabor” as an image of the Church’s journey to Easter as well as of the synodal path. The Holy Father said that “Lent leads to Easter: the ‘retreat’ is not an end in itself, but ...read more

Many people associate Lent with sacrifice and giving up something they enjoy. However, Lent isn’t just about suffering and repentance: it’s also about spiritual growth. It’s a time for introspection, reflection, and self-examination. As Catholics, we are called to look inward, turn away from our vices, and seek God’s healing, strength, and guidance to make ...read more

I find that Lent is a certain “dying to ourselves.” Often, we imagine this happens through giving something up, and it certainly does. There are many things that we can remove from our lives to amplify God more: social media, coffee, online shopping.  But what if amplifying God can come about through a different means, ...read more

  Pope Benedict XVI: A Lifelong Commitment to Ecumenism by Sr. Donna Geernaert, SC   One day after his election to the papacy on April 19, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the College of Cardinals. He affirmed his commitment to the ecumenical agenda of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, and identified his primary task ...read more

Gratitude for a generous gift. That is my overwhelming response to the life, ministry, and towering intellect of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Gratitude for this foremost public theologian of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Gratitude for his tireless efforts to communicate the faith of the Church in a world that is forgetting its theological ...read more

On January 5, Pope Francis presided over the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at St. Peter’s Square. Read below the full text of the homily he gave on this solemn occasion:   Homily of His Holiness Pope Francis St. Peter’s Square Thursday, 5 January 2023   “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” ...read more

In today’s catechesis on discernment, Pope Francis pays his respects to Benedict XVI and speaks on spiritual accompaniment and the Virgin Mary as a “great teacher of discernment.” Read the full text below: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning! Before beginning this catechesis, I would like us to join with those here beside us who ...read more

A year into his pontificate, Benedict XVI wrote his Spiritual Testament. He thanked God, his parents, and loved ones, and reflected on the insights and challenges of theology in the 20th century. The Vatican released it on the day he died, December 31, 2022. Read the full text below: Spiritual Testament of Pope Emeritus Benedict ...read more

Statement by Bishop Raymond Poisson, Bishop of St-Jérôme-Mont-Laurier and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on the Passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI   Today, the Bishops of Canada join Pope Francis and all the People of God in mourning the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and thank God for his life ...read more

“The heart of Christianity is the Paschal mystery of [Christ’s] death and resurrection….The centre of it all is the triune God, and, therefore, love as the Alpha and Omega of the world. [In these statements] the self-same truth is indicated: sharing in the witness of Jesus by that dying which is faith and love. Such ...read more