An initiative that began at a London, Ont., high school saw one Hail Mary prayed for each Canadian soldier who has died in service since the First World War. 

NEW YORK - Fr. Benedict Groeschel, a Franciscan priest whose long beard, gray robes, prolific writings and often controversial views made him a distinctive and popular presence in Catholic media, died Oct. 3 at St. JosephöÏÓãÊÓƵapp Home for the Elderly in Totowa, N.J.

Updated 08/26/14

Toronto - Deacon Daniel Patrick Murphy was a pioneer in the Archdiocese of Toronto. As a member of the inaugural class of deacons in the archdiocese, ordained a permanent deacon in 1974, he helped shape how the Catholic community perceived its first deacons. He died on Aug. 21, at age 86.

DETROIT - Cardinal Edmund C. Szoka, who rose from poor beginnings to reach the highest levels of service to the Church, died Aug. 20 at Providence Park Hospital in Novi. The cardinal, who was 86, died of natural causes.