Articles — Fr. Raymond J. de Souza

The meaning of Pope Francis' apology to Indigenous people

Sins confessed and contrition expressed is at the heart of the Christian faith, meaning that what took place in Rome was a profoundly religious act

Newman House ManagerApril 4, 2022National Post, Church Affairs

First Nations bring painful stories to Pope Francis in hopes of a new beginning

Indigenous Canadians met with Pope Francis in Rome to share their stories and offer their shared memories about the painful experience of residential schools.

Newman House ManagerApril 1, 2022National Post, Culture

Further Fissures in Orthodox Communion Emerge

That Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople would travel to Warsaw to stand alongside a Catholic bishop to call out the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill is altogether remarkable.

Newman House ManagerMarch 31, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

The Pope’s Meetings With Canadian Indigenous Leaders: An Explainer

They are a continuation of the process of reconciliation that is underway because of the Catholic Church’s participation in Canada’s assimilationist residential-school policy for Indigenous children.

Newman House ManagerMarch 28, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

Signs of discord, but also of hope, as Indigenous leaders prepare to meet Pope

At an official level, there will be official disappointment. But there are also reasons to be hopeful

Newman House ManagerMarch 28, 2022National Post, Church Affairs

Pope Francis’ Consecration of Russia Is an Ecclesial Earthquake

Courtesy of Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill’s support for Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine, the religious landscape of the 21st century has shifted significantly.

Newman House ManagerMarch 24, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

Pope Francis’ 10th-Year Troubles Loom

On the ninth anniversary of Francis’ pontificate, here are nine issues to watch.

Newman House ManagerMarch 23, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

10 Highlights of ‘Praedicate Evangelium’

There’s much to admire in Pope Francis’ March 19 apostolic constitution, and many questions, too.

Newman House ManagerMarch 22, 2022Church Affairs, National Catholic Register

Ukraine's blood-soaked history has strengthened its people's resolve

They know from the past that even in the bleakest situations, hope and courage are possible

Newman House ManagerMarch 21, 2022National Post, Culture, Padre's Picks

Pope’s Consecration of Russia and Ukraine Is a Supreme Act of Trust in Our Lady

The consecration of the entire world and the human race to the Immaculate Heart of Mary was the manifest desire of the Roman Pontiffs in 1942, 1952, 1964, 1982, 1984, 2000 and 2013.

Newman House ManagerMarch 17, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

A renowned Canadian sculptor pays tribute to St. Patrick and other victims of slavery

A slave labourer for six years, Patrick became a missionary after his escape and conversion to Christianity

Newman House ManagerMarch 17, 2022National Post, Culture

The Saints of 1622: Holy People Have Holy Companions

Jesus founded a Church — an ecclesia, an assembly — so that we would not be disciples alone.

Newman House ManagerMarch 14, 2022Faith, National Catholic Register

Diplomacy's sometimes silver linings

It is not only Caesar’s wife who should be above suspicion, but Caesar’s ambassadors, too

Newman House ManagerMarch 14, 2022National Post, Politics

Jean Charest was the future of the Tories in 1984 — and he could be again

The former Quebec premier's most powerful advantage is not about policies. It is about geography

Newman House ManagerMarch 14, 2022National Post, Politics

The Saints of 1622: God’s Answer to Crises in the Church

This Saturday, the Vatican will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the recognition of the holiness of Sts. Teresa of Avila, Francis Xavier, Ignatius of Loyola, Philip Neri and Isidore of Madrid.

Newman House ManagerMarch 11, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs