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May 2014

May 14

A pilgrimage through nature, desire and soul

May 14, 2014

Nature, desire and soul, we rarely integrate these well. Yet they are so inextricably linked that how we relate to one deeply colours the others; and, indeed, spirituality itself might be defined as what we each do in terms of integrating these three in our lives.

True followers have Jesus’ guidance

May 14, 2014

Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A) May 25 (Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21) The proclamation of the Gospel took hold in a very powerful way in Samaria. The Samaritans received the Word enthusiastically. Exorcisms, healings and miracles were the order of the day. This doesn’t make much of an impression on us now — we have heard it so many times, so what is the big deal?

Eliminate crisis, not pregnancy

May 14, 2014

OTTAWA - When Ottawa Auxiliary Bishop Christian Riesbeck became the pastor of a parish in Houston, he came face to face with a difficult pastoral challenge — the pregnancy of a young girl.

May 15

Day 3: Drawing attention to the occupation

May 15, 2014

The graffiti which has appeared on the walls of some Jerusalem churches in advance of Pope Francis' visit is nothing new. Which makes in no less ugly and no less crazy.

Pope Francis will take rabbi and Muslim leader with him to Holy Land

May 15, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis will be accompanied on his first visit to the Middle East by Argentine Rabbi Abraham Skorka and Muslim leader Omar Abboud — two friends from Buenos Aires.

Letters to Irish priest reveal Jackie Kennedy's struggles with faith

May 15, 2014

DUBLIN - Newly released letters between former U.S. first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and a Dublin-based priest reveal Kennedy's struggles to keep her faith after her husband's assassination.

Development and Peace continues to press for mining ombudsman

May 15, 2014

OTTAWA - The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace dropped 80,000 postcards off on Parliament Hill May 14, demanding an ombudsman for the mining industry.

Day 4: The Holy Land's status quo

May 15, 2014

In modern, democratic culture there's almost nothing worse than protecting the status quo. it is to be on the side of privilege; to stand against the excluded. There can be no doubt that's a bad thing.

Language of love

May 15, 2014

I tried to learn French in university once, only to scrape by with a C+. Languages are not my forte, linguistically speaking. After reading Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts, I discovered a kind of language I enjoy learning: love.

Focus on Christ rather than political fashion

May 15, 2014

Whoops, my cover has been blown. An e-mail is currently being sent around announcing that, “Michael Coren can no longer be considered a reliable source of Catholic opinion.” Golly, who knew? Actually, I’ve never claimed to be a reliable source of Catholic opinion, even though various cardinals and archbishops have affirmed and praised me, but I’m an excellent source of Michael Coren opinion. The line of accusation was originally posted on a particularly hysterical and angry web site by someone who, oddly enough, had me speak at a conference he’d organized a few months ago, at which I received a standing ovation. How quickly opinions can change!

Economic reform will be key to Vatican change under Francis

May 15, 2014

VATICAN CITY - Canonization week in Rome served as something of an informal annual general meeting. The universal Church was catching up with herself after a momentous year since Conclave 2013, and everyone was talking about our new Holy Father. Over these weeks, I hope to share with readers some of what I heard about Francis’ reforming papacy from those in Rome from around the world.

Auschwitz in spring remains a cry of despair

May 15, 2014

When I first went to Krakow I was overwhelmed by the expectation that I wanted to hear about the Holocaust. I now understand this was because most North American tourists know the city as the backdrop to the film Schindler’s List. But back then I walked through the “Jewish Quarter” with increasing unease as my guides cheerfully pointed out the Jewish secondary school (closed 1939, never reopened), the kosher restaurants, the “working” synagogue and the kosher ice-cream stand. They found this last amusing.

May 16

Power of faith could mean believing is seeing

May 16, 2014

WINDSOR, ONT. - Often during confrontations both sides scream at one another without hearing what the other side is saying.

Festival brings faith to sand and surf

May 16, 2014

Young people can head to the beach this spring for a festival of faith, justice and do-it-yourself activities. From May 29 to June 1, people of all ages will descend on the Silver Lake Mennonite Camp in Sauble Beach, Ont., for the Cahoots festival.

NDP backs off on abortion motion

May 16, 2014

The federal New Democrats have backed down, for now, in presenting its abortion-rights motion.

Federal Pope John Paul II Day one step closer to fruition

May 16, 2014

OTTAWA - Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon’s Bill C-266 to designate April 2 Pope John Paul II finally passed through a Senate committee May 12 and is expected to come to a vote in the fall.

Steubenville Toronto supports Catholic Missions

May 16, 2014

TORONTO - Steubenville Toronto has chosen Catholic Missions In Canada as the beneficiary of its Share the Glory campaign.

Lewis to spend less time in class with dean duties at Regis College

May 16, 2014

TORONTO - Fr. Scott Lewis has taken over duties as dean of Regis College.

Matercare names maternity hospital in Kenya after St. John Paul II

May 16, 2014

A Kenyan hospital specializing in maternal care that was co-founded by a Canadian doctor is being credited as the first health care facility in the world to be named after St. John Paul II.

Power of faith could mean believing is seeing

May 16, 2014

TORONTO - The adage that seeing is believing is being questioned by recent science that suggests the opposite may also be true: believing is seeing.