Every year on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Benedict takes part in a special tradition: he celebrates Mass in the Sistine Chapel with Vatican workers who have had babies in the last year. He also baptizes the new ones. This tradition originally began with Pope John Paul II in the first ...read more

In preparation for their meeting today, Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, also President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has written to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. The aim of the letter was to assure them of the prayers and encouragement of Canada’s bishops. Published below is ...read more

Published below is a translation of the address that Pope Benedict gave yesterday inside the Paul VI Audience Hall. This week, he reflected on the final days of the Church’s celebration of Christmas. Dear Brothers and Sisters, In this Christmas season we focus once again on the great mystery of God who came down from ...read more

This post was submitted by Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches.  A question that I often ask preachers and pastors is whether anyone in their congregations ever complains if the worship service goes longer than an hour and a half. At least, I ask Roman Catholic and Protestant preachers ...read more

From December 17-23, I’d like to share with you these antiphons, that you will pray with them and they will help you continue to prepare for the Advent of our Lord. May they become part of your Advent tradition as they are becoming part of mine. For December 23, the antiphon is based on Isaiah ...read more

On this month’s edition, Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto continues his series of reflections on the Year of Faith by looking at chapter six of John’s gospel and his message on Faith and the Bread of Life. Join us for our fourth installment of Lectio Divina at the following times: Sunday, December 9 9:00 pm ...read more

Father Matthew-Anthony Hysell was ordained tonight at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Edmonton. Archbishop Richard Smith presided the joyous occasion. Father Hysell will celebrate his first mass at Providence Renewal Centre on Saturday morning, December 8, 2012. He is pictured here with David LeRoss and Cheridan Sanders of the Salt and Light team. Stay tuned to ...read more

Solemnity of Christ the King – November 25, 2012 Homily of Pope Benedict XVI Your Eminences, Dear Brother Bishops and Priests, Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today’s Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, the crowning of the liturgical year, is enriched by our reception into the College of Cardinals of six new members whom, following tradition, ...read more

When a bishop becomes a cardinal, he receives a new red hat and several new jobs within the Church, among them that of pastor for a Roman parish. Six bishops from different parts of the world will become Roman pastors this Saturday. Pope Benedict XVI announced on October 24 that he would elevate six bishops ...read more