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December 4, 2014
Third Sunday of Advent (Year B) Dec. 14 (Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11; Luke 1; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28) What would good news sound like in our world? A steady diet of negativity reported by the news media can leave one feeling depressed, fearful, hopeless and helpless. Often people turn to pain-numbing diversions of every variety to escape the darkness and confusion around them.
“Let’s go to Bethlehem,” we students agreed with one another. We were enrolled in a summer course in Jerusalem, through a program called Bat Kol which the Sisters of Sion generously invited me to attend. The final free Saturday was approaching. We wanted to make the trip before returning home.
Is it just by coincidence that at the beginning and the end of the Bible there appears a rainbow?
Nov. 24 marked the 25th anniversary of a trail paved with good intentions but marred by broken promises.
The beginning of a new liturgical year is a suitable time to think about the liturgy in a broader and deeper way. Two recent books from Ignatius Press help us to do so in a devout and scholarly way. They are not for the casual reader, but parishioners looking to challenge their priests with some serious reading this Christmas would do well to consider them as gifts.
In mid-November, Pope Francis gave an address to new communities and ecclesial movements in the Church that was, even by his high standards, utterly inspiring.
Pope Francis issued a wake-up call in a frank address (or was it a scolding?) he delivered Nov. 25 to the European Parliament. Good for him. But let’s not be smug about it. His knuckle-rap that a “self-absorbed” Europe needs to recover its soul applies with equal weight to North America.
OTTAWA - In a time of severe crisis around the world, Parliamentarians must show integrity and humility in public life, said Cardinal Thomas Collins.
December 5, 2014
NEW YORK - The day after a grand jury decided it would not indict a New York police officer in the chokehold death of Eric Garner on Staten Island, the New York City Commission of Religious Leaders asked that any protests arising from the matter be peaceful.
The world’s newest nation is in big trouble. Following more than 20 years of civil war between north and south Sudan, the independent nation of the Republic of South Sudan was born in 2011. But the birth of the new nation didn't come without pain. The many years of war brought not only much death, but also drained South Sudan of valuable resources, leaving it extremely poor.
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis said he was pleased that five of the 30 members of the International Theological Commission are women, but the body that advises the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as well as the Church in general, needs more women theologians.
MANILA, Philippines - Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle told churches to pray for safety and forgiveness for not taking care of the environment ahead of a powerful typhoon approaching the Philippines.
An Ottawa priest has been charged with two counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference involving a minor under 16.
TORONTO - Islamic student groups across Canada are joining forces to combat youth radicalization and the extremist influence of ISIS.
I have a confession: I am a film franchise nut, and I fully immerse myself in whatever fictional universe the franchise engages in.
OTTAWA - Two senators introduced a euthanasia and assisted suicide bill was introduced in the Senate Dec. 2 which may ensure debate on this controversial matter reaches the House of Commons before next year’s federal election.
December 6, 2014
Catholic Register columnist Robert Brehl teamed up with Hazel McCallion to write the life story of the remarkable woman who served Mississauga as mayor for 36 years. In this excerpt from Hurricane Hazel: A Life with Purpose, Brehl and McCallion delve into the important role faith played in her political life.
WASHINGTON - Sr. Lisa Maurer is a Benedictine nun who lives at the St. Scholastica Monastery on the campus of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. She works at the Benedictine Health Centre next to the monastery, serving senior members of the community. She prays, studies and ministers at local parishes. She also happens to coach a men's football team.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Since Somali militants killed 36 non-Muslim quarry workers in early December, Christians in Kenya "are living in fear, wondering where the next attack will be," said Bishop Emanuel Barbara of Malindi, Kenya.
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia - Ten years after a giant tsunami swept across South Asia, survivors across the region still wrestle with the trauma that lingers long after the water receded from thousands of seaside towns and villages.