New Articles
In a "Letter to the People of God" marking the second anniversary of Pope Francis’s penitential pilgrimage to Canada in July 2022, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) provides an update on the steps that the Catholic Church in Canada has taken to respond to the Holy Father’s calls for a future of justice, healing, and reconciliation. The message encourages Catholics across the country to continue to listen to and support residential school survivors and Indigenous communities on this journey:
The Message of Pope Francis for the 4th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The Holy Father’s message underscores the theme “Do not cast me off in my old age” (Psalm 71:9) and invites the Catholic faithful to reflect on the loneliness of the elderly and the role of the Church in addressing it.
Pope Francis Message - English
Message du Pape - French
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In preparation for the celebration of the Fourth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, 28 July 2024, the General Secretariat informs you that the Holy Father's message and the pastoral toolkit prepared by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life are now available on the CCCB website.
In English
https://www.cccb.ca/faith-moral-issues/family-and-life/grandparents-and-the-elderly/
In French
https://www.cecc.ca/foi-et-questions-morales/famille-et-vie/grands-parents-et-personnes-ainees/
Please note that, this Thursday, 18 July 2024, the Holy See published a Decree granting a Plenary Indulgence for those who take part in the celebrations of the Day or who visit the elderly alone. To make this indulgence known, aPoster has been added to the Pastoral Toolkit developed by the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life.
Decree in English
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/07/18/240718b.html
Decree in French
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2024/07/18/0577/01185.html#fr
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This completes all the steps following the spring 2024 webinar series for the Year of Prayer 2024 in anticipation of the Jubilee Year 2025. You are now invited to register for the fall 2024 webinar series using the following the links:
Now available: The videos and reflection guide for the #YearOfPrayer webinar series titled "A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life” delivered by Dr. Josephine Lombardi (St. Augustine's Seminary of Toronto)
The first video of the series is featured below, and you can access all the resources at www.cccb.ca/ourfather
« Une grande symphonie de prière : Le Notre Père comme programme de vie », the French-language webinar is at the following link:
delivered by Sister Catherine Aubin, O.P.
"Unlocking Hope: Highlights from the International Interfaith Symposium on Palliative Care."
A message from His Holiness Pope Francis regarding the Symposium on Palliative Care organized by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Pontifical Academy for Life. This international interfaith symposium, titled "Towards a Narrative of Hope," takes place from May 21st to May 23rd, 2024, in Toronto.
In his message, Pope Francis encourages the participants in their endeavors to advance palliative care for the most vulnerable members of our global community. He expresses his hope that the discussions and deliberations during the symposium will strengthen a determination to persevere in love, provide hope to those at the end of life, and contribute to the creation of a more just and fraternal society.
Living as Catholics in the Public Square: Freedom of Religion and Conscience in Canada. A Pastoral Letter by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a message from the Permanent Council to the Catholic Faithful about MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) regarding euthanasia/assisted suicide.
The CCCB website has a Vatican Statement regarding the “Doctrine of Discovery” and a joint response from the bishops of Canada and USA.