Latest news with #clergy
CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Alleged victim of Catholic priest in northern Ont. wins access to his personnel file
A judge has ordered an archdiocese in Manitoba to hand over a personnel file on a disgraced priest as part of a lawsuit by a man who says he was a victim of abuse by a priest when he was with the Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. A judge has ordered an archdiocese in Manitoba to hand over a personnel file on a disgraced priest as part of a lawsuit by a man who says he was a victim of abuse by a priest when he was with the Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. The personnel file on the priest, identified only as 'Father Roy,' covers the period from 1952-59, when Roy was with the Archdiocese of St.-Boniface in Manitoba. A key part of the lawsuit says that the Sault diocese knew or ought to have known that Roy had a history of sexual abuse involving at least three victims in St. Boniface when he was accepted for a pastoral placement in northern Ontario. In part, it relies on a deposition from Robert Zilliox, a U.S.-based expert on canon law. Misconduct allegations 'Mr. Zilliox has deposed that they provide for the archival retention of clergy personnel records, which are said to include complaints, misconduct allegations (sexual or otherwise) and their resolution, background checks and training in the protection of minors, among other things,' the court decision said. 'The plaintiff says he has been unable to obtain the file from Sault Ste. Marie through the usual discovery process. Sault Ste. Marie has delivered an 'Affidavit of Documents,' and the archdiocese's personnel file for Roy is not listed in Schedule A as being or having been in its possession, power or control.' 'The plaintiff submits … that there is a history of allegations that Roy sexually abused three other children over the course of several pastoral placements within the archdiocese." — Court decision Lawyer Jeffrey Preszler argued that the Schedule A shows that the Sault diocese was aware of 'at least one complaint of sexual misconduct made against Roy, prior to Roy's assignment to (Sault St. Marie).' 'The plaintiff submits … that there is a history of allegations that Roy sexually abused three other children over the course of several pastoral placements within the archdiocese. The issue for trial will be if and when such a propensity was known or ought to have been known by Sault Ste. Marie prior to Roy's assignment within its community.' No knowledge or suspicions In its statement of defence, the Sault diocese denies it had any knowledge of Roy committing abuse. 'At no time did it have any knowledge, actual or otherwise, or any suspicion of any alleged sexually inappropriate contact and/or of any propensity on the part of Roy as described in the statement of claim,' the court decision said. And the Boniface archdiocese said that the records in question don't contain any information relevant to the lawsuit. 'It suggests that the requested disclosure does not bear on Sault Ste. Marie's liability and would put the archdiocese to 'undue inconvenience, expense and exposure to liability,'' the decision said. 'The non-party suggests that the plaintiff is on a fishing expedition.' In her decision, Superior Court Justice H.A. Rady ruled in favour of the plaintiff and that the archdiocese must produce the personnel records. 'They bear on a central issue for trial, namely, what, if anything, did Sault Ste. Marie know of Roy's past?' Rady wrote. 'Was there information of concern in the archdiocese's file and if so, was it disclosed to Sault Ste. Marie? What steps did Sault Ste. Marie take to investigate Roy's employment history? Was it obliged to do so? These are all issues to be determined at trial, which makes the documents relevant.' It would be unfair to have the plaintiff go to trial without being able to review the documents first, she said. 'It would clearly be unfair to the plaintiff to proceed to trial without the opportunity to review the requested information,' Rady wrote.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Divinity Clergy Wear Opens Clergy Superstore, a One-Stop Shop for Clergy Robes and Vestments
05/26/2025, Ewing Township, NJ // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Divinity Clergy Wear is excited to announce the opening of its clergy superstore in Ewing Township, NJ. More than just a store, it is a dedicated destination for clergy members to find expertly crafted vestments that honor their sacred calling. The Clergy Superstore offers a hands-on shopping experience, allowing clergy to explore high-quality apparel, vestments, and accessories in person. Unlike online retailers, this physical store lets customers see, touch, and try on garments to ensure the perfect fit and comfort. The store features a comprehensive selection of bishop vestments, cassocks, clergy shirts, and sacred accessories like pectoral crosses and bishop rings—everything needed to serve with dignity and style. 'At Divinity Clergy Wear, we are committed to providing clergy members with vestments that uphold tradition, craftsmanship, and affordability,' said a company representative. 'Our superstore gives customers direct access to an extensive collection ofclergy robesand accessories, ensuring they find attire that reflects their sacred calling.' Beyond its vast selection, the Clergy Superstore provides a personalized shopping experience guided by a team of knowledgeable staff who understand the unique needs of clergy members. Customers receive expert advice on selecting the right fit, fabric, and style to suit their role and denomination. Whether seeking a tailored cassock, embroidered bishop vestment, apostle vestment, overseer vestment, surplice, or pectoral cross, shoppers benefit from personalized service that ensures they leave with attire that improves both their presence and purpose. Customers visiting the Clergy Superstore will also discover exclusive collections unavailable elsewhere, including limited-edition clergy robes, custom liturgical designs, and specialty accessories that add a distinctive touch to clergy attire. With a blend of time-honored tradition and modern elegance, this leading clergy apparel provider ensures faith leaders have access to exceptional craftsmanship that sets them apart. Divinity Clergy Wear has earned strong praise from clergy leaders for its wide selection, quality, and service. 'Finding well-made clergy attire that balances tradition and modern needs has never been easier,' said a longtime customer. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its collection of custom vestments and introduce new liturgical designs for clergy members. With this new retail experience, Divinity Clergy Wear sets a new standard in clergy attire by providing high-quality vestments, personalized service, and a seamless shopping experience. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience, the leading clergy apparel provider remains a trusted leader in clergy apparel, serving religious leaders both in-store and online. To learn more about the Clergy Superstore and explore Divinity Clergy Wear's full selection of clergy robes, cassocks, and accessories, visit About Divinity Clergy Wear Divinity Clergy Wear is a premier provider of clergy robes, cassocks, clergy apparel, and liturgical accessories, serving faith leaders across the country. With a commitment to craftsmanship, affordability, and superior customer service, the company has built a reputation for outfitting clergy members with vestments that honor both tradition and personal style. Based in Ewing Township, NJ, Divinity Clergy Wear offers both in-store and online shopping, ensuring religious leaders have access to the finest clergy attire for every sacred occasion. ### Media Contact Divinity Clergy Wear Address: 20 Arctic Pkwy, Ewing Township, NJ 08638 Phone: (609) 838-7154 Website: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Divinity Clergy Wear Opens Clergy Superstore, a One-Stop Shop for Clergy Robes and Vestments
ABC News
18-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
How the Catholic Church ended up with its own sovereign state
On Sunday May 18, world leaders and high-profile clergy attended the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City. Catholics around the world watched the proceedings, which were televised live. After a formal procession, the new pope was presented with the pallium — a special garment reserved for the highest clergy — and the papal ring to mark the beginning of his pontificate. There has been much speculation about how Pope Leo will lead the church and address pressing issues like climate change, global conflict and social politics. He has already spoken out about "lasting peace" in Gaza and Ukraine, and warned of the dangers of AI. But he isn't just the leader of the Catholic Church. He's also the head of the Holy See, the central governing body of Vatican City. The territory is home to almost 900 people and covers 0.5 square kilometres. But the world's tiniest sovereign state may have a significant role to play in years to come. According to Catholic belief, in the first century AD, the apostle Peter was martyred and buried at Vatican Hill, a small hill on the west bank of the Tiber river. After Christianity was legalised in the Roman Empire in 313 AD, a shrine and a church were built to honour Saint Peter and it became a site of worship and pilgrimage for early Christians. Following the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century, Christian clergy started to amass power and influence. This led to the formation of the Papal States, a group of territories on the Italian peninsula, which were governed by the pope of the day. "That situation lasted more or less from about 800 AD until about 1870, which is when Italy became a united nation for the first time," explains Shaun Blanchard, a lecturer in theology at the University of Notre Dame. In its quest for unification, the state of Italy wasn't too comfortable with an independent political nation in its midst. War ensued until the Kingdom of Italy prevailed and named Rome as its capital. "From about 1870 until 1929, the pope was known as 'the prisoner in the Vatican'," Dr Blanchard says. "This was a bit melodramatic because he wasn't really a prisoner, but he was very, very upset about this new political reality." In 1929, Pope Pius XI negotiated with the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, and Prime Minister Benito Mussolini to recognise the Vatican's independent sovereignty. The pope is the ruler of both the Vatican city state and the Holy See, the supreme body of government of the Catholic Church. Beneath him is the Secretary of State, who holds an important political and administrative role. Since 2013, this role has been held by Italian cardinal and a reported papal frontrunner Pietro Parolin. Day-to-day governance is handled by a central administrative body called the Roman Curia, divided into dicasteries, which are "kind of like the pope's cabinet". "[Dicasteries] are various offices that oversee different elements of the church's spiritual, humanitarian and political mission," explains Dr Blanchard. The pope's involvement in the Holy See has varied over the past century, depending on his interests and experience. Pope Francis, for example, prioritised evangelisation — spreading the message of Jesus around the world — whereas his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI was more interested in the traditional doctrines of the church. Upon the death or resignation of a pope, all heads of dicasteries must resign, with the exception of those essential to regular operations of the Vatican. It remains to be seen how Pope Leo will organise his cabinet and who he will appoint to key roles. The Vatican has its own telephone system, post office, gardens, astronomical observatory, radio station, banking system and pharmacy. Home to iconic architecture, museums and archives, it attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world, especially during jubilee years. In 2023, the Vatican Museums welcomed 6.8 million visitors. The state is defended by the world's smallest army: the Swiss Guard, an elite unit of Swiss soldiers responsible for the pope's safety. Famous for their Renaissance-era ceremonial garb, the guards are employed by the Roman Catholic Church and serve as escorts to the pope, watchmen for the city and protectors of the College of Cardinals during conclaves. Vatican City also has a police guard, charged with overall security of the state, and hosts Italian police to secure St Peter's Square. A tax haven, the Vatican's economy relies upon investments, tourism, and the voluntary contributions of Catholics worldwide. Almost all supplies, including food, water and electricity, must be imported into the tiny state. The Vatican's complex history makes it unique among sovereign nations. "[It's gone] from being a shrine to a church to a kingdom to a state to now a very small state," says Daniel Thompson, associate professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, USA. In the past two centuries, the separation of church and state has become a foundational principle of many nations – but not the Vatican. "Even though we have this clear distinction between church and state, between spiritual and political, it is actually very messy [within the Holy See]", Dr Thompson says. "Most of the people who serve in the Vatican's diplomatic service or who run the state are also officials, bishops, archbishops or cardinals in the Catholic Church, so there's an overlap of religious and political roles. "There's this unique relationship where the Vatican has not just religious influence, but it also has diplomats." Despite its diminutive size, the Holy See has a seat at the world's diplomatic tables. Its own envoys to other countries — usually archbishops — are called nuncios. More than 180 countries have formal diplomatic relationships with the Holy See, and of those, 89 maintain embassies in Rome. Australia first established diplomatic relations with the Holy See in 1973 and appointed its first resident ambassador in 2008. "It's just this little tourist-sized nation, but yet it has the diplomatic apparatus of a modern state," Dr Thompson says. "In some ways, it can actually function as a diplomatic and international broker, in ways that other states, which are larger and have different kinds of economic, political and military interests, cannot." The Holy See has held permanent observer status in the United Nations since 1964, meaning it can attend most meetings but cannot vote, object or introduce proposals. "The Vatican, because it has this sort of dual identity, can function as an intermediary — people recognise it as another diplomatic agent," Dr Thompson says. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican was vocal in calling for peace in South Sudan, and has attempted to address ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The late pontiff also made high-profile symbolic gestures to send political messages. Given his early appeal for "no more war", Pope Leo has indicated he will continue to broker peace in his role as head of state. Dr Blanchard says that for the Catholic faithful, the Vatican is "like the centre of the spoke of a wheel". "In an increasingly fragmented world, where people can feel adrift … it does feel a bit like an anchor," he says. "It feels like a tangible symbol that we all share, and that makes this massive, scary world feel a little bit safer and like we have a really powerful community."
CBC
13-05-2025
- General
- CBC
St. Francis Xavier community mourns Father Stan
Social Sharing St. Francis Xavier University is mourning the loss of Rev. Stanley MacDonald, a friendly presence on campus and an ardent supporter of varsity sports at the Antigonish, N.S., school. MacDonald, known affectionately as Father Stan, died on Sunday. He was 92. "St. FX lost a gentleman. St. FX lost a friend. We're going to miss him," Bob Hale, assistant vice-president of administration and ancillary services at St. FX, told CBC News on Monday. MacDonald was from Glace Bay, N.S., and attended St. FX. He played varsity rugby and hockey and graduated in 1954, later becoming a priest and returning to St. FX in 2008 to be a clergy-in-residence. He regularly attended varsity games for both men's and women's teams. Hale said MacDonald would often be the one to get the crowd chanting "Go X Go" at games. WATCH | Father Stan leads Go X Go chant in locker room: "The kids would gather around him and echo his 'Go X Go' until the entire arena got going with it. At the recent basketball championships in Halifax, Father Stan — they captured it on the big screen and had a 'Go X Go' chant in the Scotiabank Centre, so that was pretty exciting for him and his family." When he wasn't at games, Hale said, MacDonald made time for everyone and was genuinely interested in their stories. "He wanted to know where they were from, who their parents were and if they were enjoying their time at St. FX and if there was something he could do for them," Hale said. "Even when he had fallen ill, when the nurses and various other staff would come in, he always had time for them and made them feel like they were the most important thing happening at that time." In a letter to the campus community, St. FX president and vice-chancellor Andrew W. Hakin said MacDonald "always had a smile, a fist bump, and a cheery word for everyone he met." Hakin described MacDonald as "an unofficial guidance counsellor, book club guide, spiritual advisor, meal companion, and the ultimate StFX Super Fan." "He represented the very best of being Xaverian. May his noble spirit rest in peace," Hakin wrote.
Fox News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Agitators clash with police, arrests made as clergy members descend on Newark ICE facility
Dozens of clergy members protested outside an ICE facility in Newark, N.J., on Monday, saying they would continue to block the gates accessing the facility until they are arrested. The group is composed of roughly 50 clergy members from Faith in N.J. and Faith in Action. They linked arms outside the main gate of Delaney Hall Detention Center as they chanted and sang songs. Several speakers also said prayers for the inmates inside the facility and condemned their detention. The clergy members say they have "volunteered" to be arrested and that they will attempt to enter the ICE facility. An ambulance was turned away from entering a gated area that the protesters were blocking on Monday because authorities feared the protesters might rush in if the gate were opened. One protester told Fox News nobody called the ambulance, calling it a tactic to get them to move. "There was no danger there," he said. "We're not going to be moved. We'll be here as long as it takes until people start to realize this is not acceptable." By around 5 p.m., events began to flare up as employees of the facility attempted to drive out of the gated area. Police moved protesters out of the way, though the protesters would resist and oppose to being touched. At least two protesters were arrested by Newark police during the event. Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said the two individuals who were arrested face obstruction and resisting arrest charges. One officer suffered a minor laceration to the arm during the incident, though he will remain on duty. No other injuries were reported. In response to Fox News' reporting on the events on Monday, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin asked, "Who do they want released from Delaney Hall? The child rapists, murderers, drug traffickers, MS-13 gang members or known terrorists?" "This was a cheap political stunt by the Democrats and by these protesters," she said. "We're not having it. They put law enforcement officers at risk. They put our staff in the facility at risk and put the detainees at risk. You saw that they didn't even let an ambulance through. This is not something that this administration is going to put up with. And that's part of the reason that this mayor was arrested. You can't just storm a detention facility and assault law enforcement officers with impunity." McLaughlin's comments come after the ICE director told Fox that 75% of the detainees at the facility have either committed a crime, are convicted of a crime, or have pending criminal charges. Recent polling shows an overwhelming majority of Americans, 83%, support deporting at least some illegal immigrants, according to the Pew Research Center. Roughly 32% of Americans say they support deporting all illegal immigrants, and of those who only support deporting some, 97% are in favor of removing any who have committed violent crimes. A trio of Democratic lawmakers who participated in the "storming" of Delaney Hall last week doubled down on their actions this week, arguing the Trump administration is "weaponizing law enforcement." The protest comes days after Democratic lawmakers and protesters on Friday stormed the gate of the facility. Meanwhile, McLaughlin has said the detention center is housing "murderers, terrorists, child rapists and MS-13 gang members." The Department of Homeland Security posted on social media about the identities of several inmates. "The allegations by Newark politicians that Delaney does not have the proper permitting is false. Meet who the New Jersey lawmakers are fighting for," the DHS wrote. Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, all Democrats from New Jersey, made the comments during a joint appearance on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "Chaos ensued when someone on the phone above the leaders of ICE who were with us at that facility instructed them to go out of the facility, go to the private property and lock the mayor of the largest city in the state of New Jersey up," Coleman said. "That's absurd. That's un-American. That's scary. That's determination to intimidate people in this country," she added, claiming the administration is "lying at all levels." Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also present and was arrested and charged with trespassing. Authorities claim an ICE agent was assaulted in the confrontation, which was caught on camera.
