Prison volunteers bring mercy behind bars

Father Mako Watanabe, a prison chaplain, has seen convicts become converts

Father Mako Watanabe, a prison chaplain (right), stands with Archbishop Miller and ministry coordinators Maureen Donegan and Germaine Solaiman during the prison ministry's development day Nov. 7. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A visit to prison can be a deep encounter with mercy. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


Also newly posted:

Compassion vs. security: what should U.S. do with Syrian refugees?

Migrants from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan arrive at the transit and registration camp in the town of Presevo, southern Serbia, Nov. 24. They will undergo an extensive vetting process before being allowed into the United States. CNS photo / Djordje Savic, EPA.

As the U.S. plans to increase its intake of Syrian refugees to 10,000 next year, Americans, including Catholics, are trying to balance national security concerns with compassion for the refugees. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CWL/CNEWA Holy Land pilgrimage reveals challenges

The CWL group shown after praying for peace at Israel's separation wall where Pope Francis prayed on his way to Bethlehem in May 2014. Barbara Dowding is last on the right, in front of Archbishop Martin Currie. Photo courtesy CNEWA / (CCN).

A Catholic Women's League (CWL) pilgrimage to the Holy Land has revealed the challenges facing Holy Land Christians, but also great hope, says CWL president Barb Dowding. For full story
 see The B.C. Catholic website.