Past News

On March 13, 2013, cardinals stunned the world when they elected Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope. But what did they see in the 76-year-old Jesuit? Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?

ROME REPORTS travels to Argentina to investigate and discover more about what shaped Pope Francis. From his only living sister, Maria Elena, to his successor as superior-general of the Jesuits in Argentina, we hear unedited testimonies from those who knew Bergoglio best. Hear from a priest who worked with Bergoglio in the country’s slums, and the corner vendor who sold Bergoglio the daily newspaper every day for years. Meet the young man who overcame his addictions with support from the man that the world now calls the Pope.

The documentary begins with the moment that the young Jorge Mario discovers his priestly vocation. After decades of service to the Church, a historic conclave would forever change his life and begin the extraordinary papacy of Francis.

A young woman willingly takes a stand of faith and challenges the Roman Empire.

Born to a noble Roman family, Perpetua converts to Christianity when she is irresistibly drawn to the example of unselfish love and service that she witnesses in the local believers. Along with slaves Felicity and Revocutus, she makes her way to a secret gathering of the Church, unaware that the Emperor Septimius Severus has issued a decree prohibiting new conversions to Christianity. Arrested and tried, Perpetua, Felicity, and their companions take a valiant stand that echoes down through the centuries.

Dr. Elizabeth Klein and Taylor Kemp discuss the life and impact of two female martyrs from the third century, Sts. Perpetua and Felicity. Both were beheaded for refusing to renounce their Christian faith. Their feast day is March 7.

Curious about Franciscan Spirituality and living as a Lay Franciscan?

Join us on Saturday, 15 March 2025 from 1pm to 3pm to learn more about the Secular (Lay) Franciscan Order and to meet those who are currently in our Formation Program and others who are Professed members.

La Verna Ministries – 820 Frank Street – Peterborough. Call 705-243-9131 to RSVP

Lent is a significant period in the Catholic liturgical calendar, representing a time of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal leading up to Easter. During Lent, Catholics engage in various practices such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a way to deepen their relationship with God and prepare themselves to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

One common practice during Lent is making a Lenten sacrifice. The Lenten sacrifice is a personal commitment that varies from individual to individual. Some may voluntarily giving up something meaningful or enjoyable and others may take up a spiritual practice as a form of penance and spiritual discipline. The sacrifice is intended to mirror Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert, serves as a reminder of his sacrifice for humanity and can also serve as a means of solidarity with the poor and suffering.

Of course, you can always choose to give up some screen time, sweets, alcohol, entertainment or your favourite food. Not sure what to give up? Looking for something different to take on as a Lenten Sacrifice? Here’s a few ideas:

Pope Francis’ health has noticeably declined recently. So, we pray for our Pope, that God may strengthen him, restore his health and continue guiding him as he shepherds the Universal Church.

Saint Peter, pray for him.

Have blessed palms from Palm Sunday’s past? Place them in the basket at the entrance of the church before March 4th. Fr. Craig needs them to make ashes for Ash Wednesday.

We know we can drift from God at times, in big and small ways. We see this whenever we turn on the news, notice the effects of climate change or even encounter conflicts with our loved ones. Catholics place ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday to mark a turning point. Through the works of the Saviour, we’re drawn back to God, the source of life and love.

Ash Wednesday is celebrated at our church on Wednesday, March 5th at 8am and 7pm.

On March 7th and 8th, answer the call of our Pope by prayerfully joining Catholics around the world in the presence of Our Saviour as a Church that proclaims, “You are my hope.” (Psalm 71:5)

Friday, March 7th

4:00pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
4:30pm – Confessions till 6:15pm
6:00pm – Rosary
6:30pm – Stations of the Cross (soup and bread dinner to follow)

Saturday, March 8th

12:00am – Chaplet of the seven sorrows of Mary
8:30am – Rosary
9:00am – Daily Mass
9:45am – Confessions till 11:45am
12:00pm – Angelus
2:45pm – Confessions till 3:45pm
3:00pm – Chaplet of Divine Mercy
4:00pm – Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Come for pancakes, sausages, juice, coffee and tea on Tuesday, March 4th, 5:30pm.

The cost: FREE! (donations are welcome though)

Dinner is hosted by the Knights of Columbus.