After two weeks of speeches, discussion, study and prayer, the Synod of Bishops on the Middle East came to a close. The last order of business was to had over to the Holy Father a list of recommendations regarding the current situation of the Churches in the Middle East. It’s a long list of propositions. ...read more

Of making many books there is no end. – Ecclesiastes 12:12 I found this Scripture verse, funnily enough, during my reading research for the second season of Salt + Light’s book show, Word for Word. Of making many books there is no end, and I felt like I was wading through them all, trying to ...read more

For the third time in his Papacy, Pope Benedict XVI has named new members to the College of Cardinals. Catholic News Service’s, Cindy Wooden and John Thavis review the list of those who will be donning the red hat. To download Flash Player please click here ...read more

A vibrant reality filled with life. That’s how John Paul II described the Church in India. Like many parts of the world, there are difficulties, but the faith is strong, fervent, and alive. In tonight’s episode of Catholic Focus I speak with Archbishop Albert D’Souza.  He’s the head of the Archdiocese in Agra in the ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI stirred excitement at the end of his general audience today. He announced that he will be elevating 24 prelates to the rank of Cardinal. The red hat will be going to: Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke who currently serves as Prefect of the Apostolic Signature, the Church’s highest tribunal. He is also a ...read more

One hundred and six years ago today, in a small oratory devoted to Saint Joseph at the foot of Mount Royal in Montreal, a first Mass was celebrated. Today, thanks to the miracle of modern technology, patience and an inspiring donation by To God Go, a Foundation created by J-Robert Ouimet, viewers from around the ...read more

It took me a while to figure out what exactly is the Holy Land. I mean, most people probably think of the modern country Israel as “the Holy Land,” but is it? Arriving in Jordan, we quickly figured out that the term “Holy Land” applies to an area much larger than what is modern-day Israel. ...read more

It is Saturday and we arrive to a house in a middle-class neighbourhood of west Amman. There is quite a crowd gathering for the day’s events. Inside, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary have a full-morning planned. In the back room there are dozens of children participating in an activity. They are all Iraqis displaced because ...read more

A council for new evangelization, Bishops from the Middle East (and the world) travel to Rome for a Synod, and an upcoming canonization. Catholic News Service’s, Carol Glatz and John Thavis review a busy week at the Vatican. To download Flash Player please click here ...read more

When the Canadian bishops gather for their annual plenary assembly, it’s fair to say that they’re not overwhelmed with requests for media accreditation. The discussion topics, be they administrative or pastoral, rarely generate much buzz in the nation’s pews. Yet for the past two years, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) plenary has seen ...read more