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Canadians scattered among the tens of thousands in and around St. Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis described the ceremony as profoundly beautiful. 

While dignitaries such as Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon were seated near the front of the square, members of the general public were positioned farther back or gathered in the streets of Rome to watch on large screens.

Falguni Debnath says being at the back of the square didn't dampen the effect of the familiar ritual.

Faith, pain, and healing: Katy Nichole gets vulnerable on new album

Platinum-selling, rising Christian music star Katy Nichole is gearing up as she prepares to release her highly anticipated sophomore album. 

The 12-track album, Honest Conversations, includes her latest single "When I Fall," which is already a top 10 and climbing Billboard radio hit. 

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It's been one year since "Overcomer" singer Mandisa died. 

Team Mandisa shared on her Facebook page to commemorate the late singer.

"A year has passed since we found her in her home, and yet her presence, her voice, and her faith still echo in the hearts of so many." 

Hebrews 7:25

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them."

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Manitoba is adding three new waterbombers to its firefighting fleet as part of efforts to better respond to wildfires across the province.

Premier Wab Kinew and Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie announced Wednesday that the province will purchase three DHC Canadair-515 Firefighter aircraft. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in time for the 2031 fire season, with the other two arriving in 2032.

2 Corinthians 7:1

I need to be very candid with you. If you are a "Sunday Christian," you will not stand alone when outnumbered. Apart from a personal and vital faith in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to wage a winning effort against the system called "the world."

Trying to overcome the powerful magnet of the majority without help from above would be a frustrating and counterproductive effort. Only God can give us such transforming power through our faith in His Son. 

Funeral For:  Wayne Franklin 
Funeral Date: None 
Wayne Franklin, 64, of Ste. Anne passed away Wednesday, April 16th at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Susan, their children Melyssa (Chris), Jesse (Paige), Samantha (Samuel) Ethan (Ry) Rebecca (Matthew), his granddaughter Maddie (Melyssa and Chris) and his siblings Sharon and Robert. 
Cremation has taken place.  
In lieu of flowers or donations, his family would like to encourage everyone to share meaningful time with their nearest and dearest. 

As temperatures in Winnipeg begin to rise, The Forks announced plans to gear up for spring with the opening of the outdoor Common on April 26. 

In a news release, The Forks said, "The hours and selection at the outdoor Common will be intermittent during the first few weeks. Visitors are welcome to purchase drinks at the indoor Common and bring them to the outdoor patio."

The Spring Loading fundraising campaign also launched this week. The campaign runs until the end of spring, June 20, to raise funds and awareness for The Forks Foundation. 

Funeral For:  Caroline Loewen 
Funeral Date: April 27, 2025 
Caroline Loewen, 92, of Winnipeg passed away Wednesday, April 23rd at Bethania Personal Care Home. She is survived by 2 daughters, 4 sons, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Peter. 
A memorial service for Caroline Loewen will be held Sunday, April 27th at 4pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with private family burial.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greater European Missions. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.  

Funeral For:  Gert Wiebe nee McDougall 
Funeral Date: April 28, 2025 
Gert Wiebe nee McDougall, 98, of Altona formerly of Winnipeg, passed away Wednesday, April 23rd at Altona Memorial Health Centre. She is survived by her children Debbie (Bill) Hildebrand, and Terry Wiebe, as well as 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Abram H. Wiebe, her son Ronald, and 1 grandson-in-law.