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

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a statement earlier today concerning Motion 312. The motion seeks to re-examine the question of when human life should be recognized under the law. The statement, signed by CCCB president Archbishop Richard Smith, is published below. Later this month, on September 21, Members of Parliament will continue debate on Motion 312, proposed by Mr. ...read more

On Day 2 of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he met with members of the government, institutions of the Republic, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and representatives of the world of culture. The meeting took place inside the Presidential Palace at Baabda. Below, you will find a copy of his address. Mr President, Dear Friends, ...read more

Published below is the address that Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, delivered at the 2012 Catholic Media Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. At this year’s awards celebration, Salt + Light received a Gabriel Award for Best Arts Documentary for Panes of Glory: The Windows of St. Peter’s Seminary. Dear ...read more

Our intrepid reporters, Marie and Andre Brunet of Winnipeg, bring us another look at what’s going on in Milan during the VII World Meeting of Families. Milan, Italy –  We are writing this from the Piazza del Duomo (the Milan Cathedral Square), where we await with large crowds and great anticipation the arrival of the ...read more

This post was submitted by Marie and Andre Brunet of Winnipeg. They will be providing blogs from Milan during the World Meeting of Families. In a matter of days, my husband André and I will be leaving on a pilgrimage – one of many we have embarked on in our lives.  Long before we were ...read more

Earlier today, the Permanent Council for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a pastoral letter on freedom of conscience and religion. Issued by the CCCB’s Permanent Council, the letter expresses concern about an “aggressive relativism” in Canada that seeks to relegate religion to the private sphere. More than that, the Permanent Council explains why ...read more

Thousands of pro-life supporters from across Canada gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa yesterday for the 2012 National March for Life. Khoi Vu and I had the great privilege in taking part in this year’s events. Cloudy skies and a constant threat of rain did not deter the young, old, man and woman from coming ...read more

Sunday, April 29 is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Pope Benedict XVI wrote this letter about this year’s day of prayer. Dear Brothers and Sisters, The 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be celebrated on 29 April 2012, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, prompts us to meditate on the theme: ...read more

We tend to forget about Joseph after the Christmas season, but his feast day provides the opportunity for us to contemplate the influential role he played in the life of Jesus. ...read more