Articles — Fr. Raymond J. de Souza

Pope Francis’ 10 Significant Trips — Including 3 That Didn’t Happen — in 10 Years

In the 10 years of his papacy, Francis has taken about four trips per year, which is what Pope St. John Paul II averaged. In his journeys, he brings the tender compassion of God to all he meets.

Newman House ManagerMarch 10, 2023National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

Pope Francis’ Cast of Consequential Characters: 10 Figures Who Have Been Prominent Over the Last 10 Years

During his reign as pope, the Holy Father has attracted a cast of characters quite unlike any recent pontificate. Who has come to define the Francis era?

Newman House ManagerMarch 8, 2023Church Affairs, National Catholic Register

China has been pulling Canada's strings for nearly four decades

A statue of a Canadian PM shaking the blood-soaked hand of a Chinese tyrant would be a fitting expression of Canadian policy

Newman House ManagerMarch 5, 2023National Post, Politics

Pope Francis’ Inexhaustible Font of Words: 10 Gems From the Heart Over 10 Years

These addresses and writings need to be brought out from the storehouse of treasures on Francis’ 10th anniversary, which the Catholic Church will mark March 13.

Newman House ManagerMarch 4, 2023Faith, National Catholic Register

Liturgical Dilemma for Diocesan Bishops

In forcing the hand of local bishops, Pope Francis has even undermined his own repeated calls for collegial and synodal administration.

Newman House ManagerMarch 1, 2023National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

Pope Benedict’s Resignation: Debate Continues 10 Years On

New information can help us to better understand Benedict’s decision.

Newman House ManagerMarch 1, 2023National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

Canada takes long-overdue steps to address injustices in the criminal justice system

Decades after it was first proposed, the government is looking to set up an independent commission to review wrongful convictions

Newman House ManagerMarch 1, 2023National Post, Politics

Ukraine War Anniversary Marks a Very Strange Year in the History of Papal Diplomacy

The first year of the war concludes with the Holy Father remaining absent from Ukraine, while President Joe Biden and a parade of other international political leaders were present.

Newman House ManagerMarch 1, 2023National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

What Canada can learn from the health crisis Down Under

Australia is predicting a nationwide shortage of approximately 11,000 family doctors by 2032

Newman House ManagerFebruary 22, 2023National Post, Politics

Archbishop Francis Leo’s Surprising Road to Toronto

Bishop Leo’s ascendancy from the Vatican diplomatic corps to archbishop of Toronto isn’t without precedent.

Newman House ManagerFebruary 22, 2023Church Affairs, National Catholic Register

Sydney's signature opera house sails into its 50th anniversary

Amidst all the designs that define a cityscape, the harbour landmark stands out as singular

Newman House ManagerFebruary 22, 2023National Post, Culture

Novak Djokovic ultimately overcame excessive COVID rules — not all did

Deported a year ago as a threat to public health, the tennis star was feted upon his return to the Australian Open

Newman House ManagerFebruary 22, 2023National Post, Politics

Cardinal George Pell’s Via Crucis in Sydney

What was present last week on College Street in Australia was a dramatic public witness of the cross of Christ not in life, but in death.

Newman House ManagerFebruary 21, 2023Faith, National Catholic Register

Australia bids farewell to Cardinal George Pell, who was made a martyr by a corrupt justice system

Cardinal Pell was buried with the honours of the church. And one of the highest honours that a corrupt state offers is the incarceration of the innocent

Newman House ManagerFebruary 21, 2023National Post, Faith

Cardinal George Pell’s Funeral, in 6 Magnificent Dimensions

In the heat of a summer Sydney morning, a singular funeral marked the end of a singular life.

Newman House ManagerFebruary 21, 2023National Catholic Register, Faith

Father James Martin Receives a Papal Clarification — and in Record Time

As Cardinal Pell, Bishop Bätzing and others would testify from different perspectives, papal interview controversies are not rare, but rarely corrected.

Newman House ManagerFebruary 21, 2023National Catholic Register, Church Affairs

Homosexuality and Hatred

Two prominent American priests recently made important statements that indicate an attempt to shift the Catholic discussion about homosexuality.

Newman House ManagerFebruary 20, 2023Church Affairs, First Things

Steady Stream of Mourners Throng Cardinal Pell’s Australia Vigil

St. Mary’s Cathedral was packed for midday Mass offered by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe of Perth, president of the Australian bishops’ conference. An evening Mass was offered by Archbishop Charles Balvo, apostolic nuncio in Australia.

Newman House ManagerFebruary 20, 2023National Catholic Register, Church Affairs