Articles — Fr. Raymond J. de Souza

The promise of Holy Saturday

On Holy Saturday above all, the Christian is reminded to think about the tomb differently. It may be an enduring home, but not an eternal one

Newman House ManagerApril 16, 2022Faith, National Post

Toronto's Crossings invites a Holy Week contemplation

Politics, as it does everywhere today, intrudes on a few stations, but that too is not altogether unwelcome

Newman House ManagerApril 15, 2022National Post, Faith

Another Week of Intense Activity at the Holy See

The run-up to Pope Francis’ trip to Malta and Holy Week included ‘Canada week,’ ‘Poland week,’ a meeting with the head of the Syro-Malankara Church and the publication of a major instruction on Catholic education.

Newman House ManagerApril 12, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

Apologies are one thing, reconciliation is another

A new generation of Aboriginal leadership is not seeking reconciliation as much as redress

Newman House ManagerApril 8, 2022National Post, Culture

3 Key Aspects of Pope Francis’ Apology to Canadian Indigenous People

While the papal apology has historical, cultural, political and economic aspects, the Holy Father treated this primarily as a religious one at the service of healing and reconciliation as gifts from God.

Newman House ManagerApril 7, 2022National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

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