New norms for the whole Church against those who abuse or cover up
Pope Francis’ Motu proprio, "Vos estis lux mundi", just released new procedures for reporting abuse and violence, and ensuring that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. This includes the obligation for clerics and religious to report abuse. Every Diocese must have a system that allows the public to submit reports easily. Click here to read more.
A Canadian Jesuit Appointed Special Secretary for the Amazon synod
Father Michael Czerny, SJ, Undersecretary of the Migrant and Refugee Section of the Dicastery for the Integral Human Development Department, will be one of the two special secretaries of the Synod on the Amazon which will be held in October. While he was working with the Council for Justice and Peace, Fr. Czerny was involved in the "REPAM" pan-Amazonian network which serves as the official liaison with the Holy See and their advisor. To learn more, click here.
Mer et Monde is celebrating 20 years!
On June 14, the international cooperation organization, Mer et Monde, will celebrate 20 years at La Cenne Espace culturel (Montreal). This event will also be an opportunity to highlight the contributions made by Mireille Chilloux who is retiring this summer. To purchase your tickets ($20), click here.
Élisabeth Garant and Fr. Gilles Mongeau on the show Église en Sortie
Last week, on Église en Sortie, Élisabeth Garant spoke about the Centre justice et foi and its principle of Vivre ensemble (Living together), particularly in the context of new pluralism in Quebec. For example, the Centre "has developed a new resource on the subject of Islam, and of people of Muslim faith or culture, a travelling exhibition that has toured Quebec and is still on display."
Fr. Gilles Mongeau, SJ, presented the reflection document written by the Jesuits of Canada about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, a document that "is an instrument, an exercise even, of reflection to help our works and our communities resume an evangelical path to respond to this situation". To see the show (in French), click here.
Young professionals invited to an Ignatian retreat
From May 31 to June 2, young professionals (19-39 years old) are invited to Pickering to participate in a silent Ignatian retreat. Participants will learn to use tools of discernment to see more clearly in their lives. Through meditation of the Scriptures, young professionals will be invited to explore their interior life and to meet God within it. To register (suggested contribution $220), click here.
Martyrs' Shrine opens their doors to pilgrims
On May 4, 2019, Saturday, the Martyrs' Shrine in Midland, ON welcomes pilgrims for the season. To find out more details of the different pilgrimages, click here.
The Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops supports the 5-10-15 campaign
Last May 1, the Assembly of Quebec Catholic Bishops published a message supporting the 5-10-15 campaign: know your schedule 5 days in advance, have 10 days of paid leave in the event of absence due to illness or family responsibilities and receive a minimum wage of $15 an hour. The Assembly invites the Catholic institutions of Quebec to make sure that their personnel benefit from these conditions. To read the message, click here.