The Arctic cold on February 4 was not enough to prevent more than 250 people from gathering at the Sanctuaire Marie-Reine-des-Coeurs in celebration of this year’s Diocesan Day for Consecrated Life. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Christian Lépine, with Bishop Alain Faubert and several religious priests concelebrating. Those taking part were of all ages, representing various groups: men and women religious, members of Societies of Apostolic Life and the secular institutes, the Order of Consecrated Virgins, as well as consecrated laypersons and guests.

Ottawa — With time running out to find survivors of Monday’s devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey, Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has launched an emergency campaign to shelter survivors and provide bedding, food, medicines, nursing formula, diapers and clothing to more than 2,000 families for three months in northern Syria.