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December 2006

December 22

Response to terrorism can be taken from holy books

December 22, 2006

Fr. Bob Holmes and Shabir Ally [images/stories/toronto/holmes_sabir.jpg]TORONTO - Muslim cleric and scholar Shabir Ally's message to high school students with questions about terrorism is that theology matters. Ally took about 200 high school students from across the Greater Toronto Area through a quick tour of the history of Muslim thought about war and peace. The students were at the University of St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, for the annual Brebeuf Social Justice Symposium on Dec. 15. Students from half a dozen Catholic schools converged downtown to question a variety of speakers gathered to address the topic "When faith meets terror."

There are no limits to Christian joy

December 22, 2006

"JOY IS A NET OF LOVE BY WHICH YOU CAN CATCH SOULS." Mother Teresa of Calcutta As seasonal celebrations wind down, the decorations are packed away and people get back to their routines, it's not uncommon to feel disappointment — a symptom of what's known as "the post-holiday blues."

Cardinal Ambrozic

December 22, 2006

The announcement of who would be the next archbishop of Toronto has been much anticipated, not least by Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic himself. At almost 77, he gets a well-deserved rest after labouring 30 years as bishop in that Lord's vineyard we call the archdiocese of Toronto.

Church must show women are equal

December 22, 2006

ROME - Unless the Catholic Church can show the world concrete models of male-female co-operation in positions of responsibility and decision-making, the church will continue to struggle against charges that it is chauvinistic, said Mary Ann Glendon.

Archbishop Meagher devoted to his people 'til the end

December 22, 2006

His final wish. Several weeks ago when the doctor of palliative care visited Arcbishop Anthony Meagher, now in the later stages of cancer, he said: "I have three questions I would like to ask you." The archbishop nodded.

Canadian bishops express concern about marriage vote

December 22, 2006

OTTAWA - The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has written Prime Minister Stephen Harper, raising a number of concerns in the wake of a failed motion to restore the traditional definition of marriage.

The Human Person, the Heart of Peace

December 22, 2006

Editor's note: The following is excerpted from the message of Pope Benedict XVI issued for the World Day of Peace, Jan. 1. The statement is called The Human Person, the Heart of Peace. 1. At the beginning of the new year, I wish to extend prayerful good wishes for peace to governments, leaders of nations and all men and women of good will. In a special way, I invoke peace upon all those experiencing pain and suffering, those living under the threat of violence and armed aggression, and those who await their human and social emancipation, having had their dignity trampled upon. I invoke peace upon children, who by their innocence enrich humanity with goodness and hope, and by their sufferings compel us all to work for justice and peace. Out of concern for children, especially those whose future is compromised by exploitation and the malice of unscrupulous adults, I wish on this World Day of Peace to encourage everyone to reflect on the theme: The Human Person, the Heart of Peace. . . .