Below is Pope Benedict’s homily, as delivered at the Basilica of San Gregorio al Celio during vespers in Rome. On March 10 he presided at vespers, along with Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, leader of the Anglican Church. Your Grace, Dear Brother Bishops and Priests, Dear Monks and Nuns of Camaldoli, Dear Brothers and Sisters, ...read more

We are about halfway through lent already, the point at which many people begin to think “why did give up chocolate?” or “why did I decide to get up earlier to pray before I start my day?” It’s also the point when many people feel the need for more spiritual nourishment in order to get ...read more

Now that Consistory celebrations have ended in Rome, Cardinal Collins has much more to do here at home. To mark his homecoming, His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving on Feb. 29 at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto. Salt + Light Television will air this celebration LIVE on our network at ...read more

Photo: Basilica of Santa Sabina, Roman station church Countless Churches around the world, and here at home, have their own particular way of praying the Stations of the Cross during the liturgical season of Lent. Rome has its own special way of marking the season of Lent known as “Station churches.” These are churches appointed ...read more

After an incredible mountain-top experience this past weekend, there continues to be a buzz in Rome. Earlier this morning, Cardinal Thomas Collins celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Vatican crypt below St. Peter’s Basilica. He was joined by members of the Canadian delegation who accompanied him to Rome for the consistory celebrations. Reflecting upon ...read more

As we continue with Day 2 of our Consistory coverage, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass this morning in St. Peter’s Basilica with 22 new Cardinals who were inducted at yesterday’s Ordinary Public Consistory. Included among the concelebrants was the Archbishop of Toronto, Thomas Cardinal Collins. During his homily, on this the feast of the Chair ...read more

The time has finally come! After countless interviews and extensive coverage, Archbishop Thomas Collins of Toronto was formally inducted into the College of Cardinals at a public consistory earlier today. Collins is now the 16th Cardinal in Canadian history. As you can see in the video above, Archbishop Collins was called forward by Pope Benedict ...read more

A prayer vigil was held at Rome’s St. Ignatius Church on Dec. 7 to show contrition for clerical sexual abuse. The service was led by Canada’s Cardinal Marc Ouellet, who currently serves as prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops. Below is the full text of his homily. My venerable brother bishops and priests and ...read more

In a tradition that is centuries old, the Apostleship of Prayer publishes the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions. We will now be posting these on our blog with the hope that you will unite with us in prayer for the intentions entrusted to us by Pope Benedict XVI. For February 2012, we join the Holy Father ...read more

It’s easy to take ecumenism for granted in Canada, even during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Of course, the full expression of visible unity has not been achieved, and won’t likely occur within our lifetime. But we have grown so accustomed to respectful relations and cooperative efforts on social issues that our prayers ...read more