Pope Benedict XVI donned a specially designed Papal tartan over his shoulders as he traveled from Holyroodhouse Palace to the Archbishop of Edinburgh’s residence.  His route was part of a St. Ninian Day parade; the feast of the 5th century Bishop is celebrated today in Scotland. The tartan itself has great symbolism.  The white line ...read more

It’s a grey overcast day in London, nothing new there. Despite the fact that London is home to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II there is undeniably an air of anticipation in the city. Although the British media has been highlighting all the reasons the Holy Father should not be visiting the UK or why taxpayers ...read more

This morning at 5:30 am EST (10:30am local time), Pope Benedict XVI landed in Edinburgh, Scotland. This journey is history in the making; it is the first ever state-visit to the UK by a Pope. Shortly after the Holy Father’s arrival, we spoke to CNS’ Rome bureau chief, John Thavis who was aboard the flight ...read more

Who really is Cardinal John Henry Newman? Back when I was a student involved in the Newman Centre at Queen’s University, I confess that I knew nothing about the life and works of the centre’s namesake. Now, having spent the past few weeks researching him for Catholic Focus, I’ve learned that it’s not an easy ...read more

Could there be a new group of Cardinals named this fall? In this week’s Catholic News Service Vatican Report, Carol Glatz and John Thavis weigh in on the possibility — and the potential candidates. To download Flash Player please click here ...read more

It seems that every time you turn around there is a new religious community emerging in the Catholic Church. Often times these new communities are the ones that are “bursting at the seams” with vocations. Take the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, for example, who just welcomed 23 new postulants in their ...read more

The anniversary of the September 11th attacks on the U.S. tends to bring discussion about “the other” to the forefront and as a result brings out either the best or worst of people. This year is no different. New Yorkers, and Americans in general, are caught up in a debate over whether a mosque should ...read more

In a previous Catholic Focus, we looked at the little-known ministry of Canada’s military chaplains. While I learned much from preparing that program, particularly from Bishop Donald Thériault, the head of the Catholic military ordinariate, I don’t think I properly understood the dangers chaplains faced. That awareness came with the news that U.S. Army chaplain ...read more

Just over a week from now Pope Benedict will flying from Rome to Scotland to begin his Apostolic Journey to the United Kingdom. Organizers have been posting weekly audio updates on the official Papal Visit website.  The updates are short, and the page also has a transcription of the audio. It provides some nice background ...read more

As it has been for well over 120 years in Canada, this first Monday in September is Labour Day. I suspect we won’t spend a lot of time reflecting on work. We’ll be busy flipping burgers, or soaking up the last day of vacation before returning to school or the regular routine of the workplace. ...read more