Pope Francis on Tuesday urged Christians to serve other people, without delay or hesitation, saying if we learnt how to reach out in this way, the world would be a very different place. His remarks came during his homily at the morning Mass in the Santa Marta residence where he used the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary for his reflections on the concept of a Christian at the service of others.

VATICAN CITY – The Church needs the service of the many women who continue to follow Mary's example of courage and service despite the odds, Pope Francis said.

A long fought battle to save St. MaryöÏÓãÊÓƵapp Polish parish in Sydney, N.S., came to a fiery end on Nov. 29 as the church was reduced to ash, smouldering debris and charred remains.

MISSISSAUGA, ONT. - When St. Mary Star of the Sea parish was founded in 1913, it was a beacon of hope for Catholics in Port Credit, a then-active harbour and port west of Toronto where the Credit River meets Lake Ontario.