Michael Swan

Uncertainty, confusion reign for physicians over assisted suicide

June 8, 2016

With no law in place to govern assisted suicide, physicians and vulnerable patients face uncertainty, confusion and more opinions than facts.

Catholic groups believe conscience rights will be respected on assisted suicide

June 1, 2016

Despite Bill C-14 providing no conscience protection for institutions, Catholic health-care providers expect governments will respect their right to opt out of assisted suicide.

Spina bifida no obstacle to call to serve for St. Catharines’ priest

May 30, 2016

None of Fr. Trevor Plug’s seminary professors is quite willing to say Plug is the first man to be ordained a priest in a wheelchair, but then none of them could find any precedents either.

Nine men complete journey to permanent diaconate in Toronto

May 30, 2016

In Paul McCourt’s working world it’s all about effective, efficient solutions. He builds software applications for banks and insurance companies — applying technology to the tasks of moving, sharing and securing information.

Canadian Holocaust survivor tells story of his lucky escape in new memoir

May 27, 2016

AURORA, ONT. – When a gang of pretty high school girls spot 87-year-old Max Eisen they all shout “Max!” and shuffle over for a hug and a chat with the man who showed them the inside of Auschwitz last summer.

Newfoundland's Sisters of Mercy challenge Potash Corp in board room

May 25, 2016

The Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland lost a vote at the May 11 Annual General Meeting of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Inc., but they won attention from the mining giant’s management.

St. Mike’s Pontifical Institute honours Muslim leader

May 25, 2016

Muslims and Christians came together May 20 to acknowledge their common history and ancient bonds as Toronto’s Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies awarded His Highness the Aga Khan with its highest degree.

Drama, tears washed away at rededicated Toronto peace garden

May 25, 2016

TORONTO – The war over Toronto’s peace garden ended in sunshine, spring flowers and paper cranes from Hiroshima.

Call to study female deacons just one part of Pope’s review of role of women in Church

May 19, 2016

An exclusive focus on whether or not women might be ordained deacons misses the real point of the conversation Pope Francis had with leaders of 900 orders of nuns May 12 at the Vatican, said a Canadian sister who was present for the gathering.

Vanier shows us what it’s like to be more human

May 18, 2016

TORONTO – The inspiration and wisdom of L’Arche founder Jean Vanier teaches us not only how to become more human, but also how to be people of faith in a world wary of religion, author and academic Michael Higgins told about 100 people present for the Toronto launch of his new biography of the Canadian philosopher.