Pope Francis’ “wish for a happy Christmas” is a “wish for fraternity,” he said during his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message. To those physically present in St Peter’s Square and to all joining through the media, the Pope renewed the angel’s song: “Glory to God in the highest”… and invited all to “halt in wonder” as the shepherds did and to silently “fall to our knees and worship”.

In his message for the World Day of Peace, the Pope reflects on the role of “good politics at the service of peace.” Those who hold political office, he says, must exercise their office in service to others, basing their work on the foundation of charity and human virtues.

At the René Gagnon Day Centre in east end Montreal, former convicts overcome their first steps as they begin a new life after incarceration. Accompanied by Gérard Laverdure, coordinator of the organization since 2015, they learn to reconnect in social settings with their peers and members of the local community.

During a colourful celebration held on Sunday, December 9, Archbishop Christian Lépine joined the Latin American diaspora to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe.

On December 12, feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Church in Canada celebrates the National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples. This project, with the approval of the Bishops of Canada, has been coordinated since 2002 by the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council.