Beloved Montreal Canadiens centre dies at 83

Jean Beliveau grew up staunchly religious, met Pope Paul VI after 10th Stanley Cup championship

Jean Beliveau (right), seen in 2009, won 10 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. Away from the rink, he spent decades raising money for disabled youth. U.S. Embassy Canada.

On the ice, six-foot-three Jean Beliveau had an imposing presence, a gifted scorer's touch, and a competitive spirit. Off the ice, "Le Gros Bill," an ardent Catholic, inspired generations of hockey players with his countless handwritten letters to play honourably. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Just call me 'Father Benedict'

Retired Pope Benedict XVI greets Pope Francis. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Rather than being called by his papal name "Benedict XVI," the retired Pontiff revealed that since his retirement he has wanted to return to his original priestly title and be called simply "Father Benedict." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Draft policy would trample conscience rights, groups say

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, and other religious leaders urge the U.S. government to "expand conscience protections." The U.S. is having problems like Canada's with the issue. CNS photo / Tyler Orsburn.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) draft human rights policy would trample religious freedom and freedom of conscience, say groups defending those rights. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.