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January 2016

January 6

Settlement agencies seek more government support

January 6, 2016

As thousands of Syrian refugees land in Toronto and Montreal, Catholic settlement agencies are asking governments for money and programs to help our newest neighbours build successful lives in Canada.

January 7

Works of mercy at heart of our faith

January 7, 2016

Pope Francis warned against false spirituality and worldliness saying many people appear to be spiritual but live in a way that is totally detached from the presence or needs of others. He stressed that works of mercy are at the heart of our faith in God and the visible sign of that faith. The Pope was speaking at his first Mass at the Santa Marta residence since the Christmas break.

Texas bishop rips U.S. ‘cowboy mentality’ against gun control

January 7, 2016

In a blistering critique of what he describes as congressional kowtowing to the gun lobby, the Roman Catholic bishop of Dallas is praising President Obama’s new actions on gun control and ripping the “cowboy mentality” that allows open-carry laws like one that just went into effect in Texas.

Pope prays for sincere dialogue among religions in video message

January 7, 2016

VATICAN CITY - In his first video prayer message of the year, Pope Francis asked people to join him in praying that interreligious dialogue lead to "peace and justice."

Getting rid of the bitterness

January 7, 2016

“I saw that everything within my view which ought to be white, had been white long ago, and had lost its lustre, and was faded and yellow. I saw that the bride within the bridal dress had withered like the dress, and like the flowers, and had no brightness left but the brightness of her sunken eyes.”

The hiddenness of God and the darkness of faith

January 7, 2016

When I first began teaching theology, I fantasized about writing a book about the hiddenness of God. Why does God remain hidden and invisible? Why doesn’t God just show Himself plainly in a way that nobody can dispute?

God’s love is unceasing; we could do likewise

January 7, 2016

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) Jan. 17 (Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 96; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-12) Not everyone is forgiving or patient in the face of human failure. There is often a tendency to write someone off or dismiss their plight as their own fault. There can even be a smug sense of satisfaction when the “victim” is a prominent figure, especially if there are aspects of that person we do not like.

To the point

January 7, 2016

At a recent ordination of a bishop, Pope Francis shared his secrets for success. He advised the bishop to be a disciple of mercy and patience — and short homilies.

Lebanon strains under weight of refugees, but keeps accepting them

January 7, 2016

BEIRUT - While the flow of migrants into Europe and the West has sparked controversy, Lebanon continues to bear the brunt of absorbing massive numbers of refugees. A commonly cited figure is that one in four people in Lebanon is displaced from Syria.

Peace is the only solution

January 7, 2016

During recent travels in Beirut I met Kamal and his family, Syrian-Armenian Christian refugees. They told a harrowing tale.

January 8

Old lessons for the new year

January 8, 2016

It was in my final year of religion class where I learned about Jesus’ sermon on the mount. The sermon, which begins in Matthew 5, is a good guide for self-reflection. What resonated with me the most from the sermon starts on Matthew 6:19 with Jesus’ lessons on treasure.

TOB is the ultimate life hack

January 8, 2016

Clarity, joy, relief, purpose, fire, blown minds, singing hearts. According to Sr. Helena Burns these are just some of the things that participants will be guaranteed to leave with after taking her Theology of the Body course.

Toronto musician will be featured at SteubieTO 2016

January 8, 2016

TORONTO - After importing talent in previous years, Canada’s largest Catholic youth conference will have a made-in-Canada label this summer.

The embrace of God’s love silences our sins

January 8, 2016

Pope Francis said on Friday that the embrace of God’s love has the power to silence all our sins, no matter how many. He stressed that not all love comes from God but He is the true love. The Pope’s words came during his homily at the morning Mass celebrated in the Santa Marta residence.

'Soap opera' love isn't true love, Pope says

January 8, 2016

VATICAN CITY - True love comes from God and is expressed through his mercy and forgiveness, not through sentimental expressions that can easily vanish, Pope Francis said.

Steubenville Atlantic marks 10 years of ministry

January 8, 2016

For a decade, Steubenville Atlantic has been a symbol of hope for youth ministry on the east coast. Hundreds of youth flock to the Halifax conference every year to encounter Christ together as one Church.

Syria Relief Fund deadline extended amid faltering donations

January 8, 2016

OTTAWA - Catholic oversees aid agencies welcomed news that the federal government has extended the deadline for the Syria Emergency Relief Fund to Feb. 29.

January 9

Gesù is a Montreal gem

January 9, 2016

MONTREAL - The Church of the Gesù is in the heart of Montreal, just east of Place Ville Marie. Hidden from view, in part by a high stone wall, its main doors are four metres above street level and the marquees between the ascending spiral staircases mean it is easily mistaken for a theatre. Which the Church of the Gesù also happens to be.

A masked warrior of God

January 9, 2016

Move over Batman and Daredevil. Here comes the Masked Saint.

Post-earthquake Haiti makes one forget their troubles in Canada

January 9, 2016

Jan. 12 marks the sixth anniversary of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010. The anniversary always takes me back to time spent in Haiti two years after the earthquake. It was a life- changing experience.