We are blessed on Wolfe Island with a magnificent church — more like a cathedral, visitors often say. Dedicated to our Lady under the title of the Sacred Heart of Mary, it was built in 1916-1917, and dedicated in June 1918. I had begun thinking a few years back how to mark the centennial.
A New Year’s party? Bah, humbug!
I’ve never had much enthusiasm for New Year’s celebrations. Partly this is because of the utterly perverse timing of the holiday.
The Church on the street: A gift of thanks on Christmas morn
Unless you have been homeless, as Mary and Joseph were on that first Christmas, it is difficult to understand the deep peace a roof over your head can bring.
Cathy Majtenyi: The story of Jesus’ birth filled with lessons for all
The scene in the movie The Nativity Story where Mary jumps off the cart after returning from Elizabeth’s house always chokes me up.
Robert Brehl: Christmas treasure found in Klondike gold rush
On Christmas Eve during the Klondike gold rush, three young miners found an unexpected treasure more valuable than gold dust, and their chivalry is worth remembering 120 Christmases later.
- By Robert Brehl
God's Word on Sunday: Good news found in God's blessings
3rd Sunday of Advent, Dec. 17 (Year B) Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11; Luke 1:46-54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
We would all welcome a bit of good news. This seems to be a very rare commodity these days, but it has probably almost always been the case.
We would all welcome a bit of good news. This seems to be a very rare commodity these days, but it has probably almost always been the case.
Peter Stockland: Don't blame social media for human bad behaviour
There is something seriously laughable, but also laughably serious, about former Facebook bosses bemoaning the global damage caused by social media giants.
Charles Lewis: It’s time Catholics put words into action
Over the past few weeks I’ve heard wonderful homilies about Advent. Each was about preparation for the coming of the Christ Child through prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.
The Mustard Seed: Beauty of the Church isn’t found in rules
Living a Christian life, too often seen as adherence to a list of “do’s” and “don’ts,” is better understood as creative participation in the artistry of the Holy Spirit. Each of us is given a mission in God’s eternal plan, a mission we are called to carry out with love, creativity and joy.
- By Glen Argan
Robert Brehl: Robert F. Kennedy's speech resonates in today's world
Recently while doing research, I stumbled upon a speech given by Bobby Kennedy the night Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. RFK’s message was simple and heartfelt: divisiveness leads to destruction and we must find ways to come together.
- By Robert Brehl
Charles Lewis: Pronouns are no big deal, right? Wrong
I have two groups I associate with socially: One group consists mainly of secular friends, many I’ve known for decades during my career in journalism; the other group is Catholic, the people I’m involved with in various pro-life causes or RCIA or those I see each week at Mass.